What could be more enjoyable than savoring an exceptional meal while admiring the changing reflections of the Mediterranean? In Saint-Aygulf and Les Issambres, several refined addresses combine quality cuisine, enchanting surroundings and attentive service. These restaurants embody the French art of living, combining the generosity of the South, discreet elegance and culinary pleasures. Ideal for a family lunch by the sea or a romantic dinner at sunset.
Le Maiva Plage – Elegant dining with your feet in the sand in Saint-Aygulf
Located directly on the beach at Les Esclamandes, Maiva Plage offers a privileged setting: teak terrace, immaculate parasols, and an unobstructed view of the Côte d’Azur horizon. This chic beach restaurant offers a Mediterranean cuisine revisited, where fresh produce takes center stage.
On the menu: sea bream ceviche with lime, linguine with clams, prawn risotto, and homemade desserts like panna cotta with raspberry coulis. Service is smooth, professional and always smiling. Children are welcome, with simple, healthy dishes à la carte, and direct access to the sand to play in between courses.
Reservations highly recommended in high season, especially for waterfront tables.
Le Bistrot Côté Plage – Conviviality and local cuisine in Les Issambres
On the seafront in San Peire, this family-run restaurant combines Mediterranean charm with culinary authenticity. Le Bistrot Côté Plage focuses on local produce, with a menu that evolves according to market arrivals and local fishing.
Enjoy generous dishes such as Aïoli Provençal, beef cheek stew with red wine, or grilled red mullet fillets with wild fennel. All accompanied by a chilled Côtes de Provence rosé. The shaded terrace overlooks the beach, and the proximity of the port adds to the unostentatious summer ambience.
The place is perfect for a family lunch, or a dinner in the golden light at the end of the day.
Le Prao Plage – Chic relaxation and seasonal cuisine in Les Issambres
Also located on La Gaillarde beach, Le Prao is a lounge restaurant renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and creative cuisine. The menu is inspired by the flavors of the world, with an emphasis on Mediterranean products.
Tuna tataki, creamy burrata on a bed of crisp vegetables, fish burgers or mixed salads with fresh herbs: each plate is carefully prepared, colorful and tasty. The lounge area, with its soft sofas and chill music, lets you extend the experience after your meal with a signature cocktail.
A deckchair service is also available, so you can combine idleness with a chic lunch without leaving the beach.
Le Petit Belge – Bistronomic cuisine made easy
Just a stone’s throw from the center of Saint-Aygulf, this discreet address seduces with its inventive menu and relaxed atmosphere. The chef offers seasonal bistronomic cuisine, with southern inspirations and Belgian touches (croquettes de crevettes grises, carbonnade flamande… revisited).
The tree-lined terrace makes for a peaceful setting, and children are catered for with specially adapted portions and a few games available on site. The service is attentive and the value for money remarkable for such a well-kept address.
La Réserve Gayrard – Intimate setting and home cooking on La Gaillarde beach
Located on the peaceful Gaillarde beach in Les Issambres, La Réserve Gayrard (formerly Réserve Gaillarde) offers an elegant, relaxed atmosphere with its feet in the sand. This family-run restaurant features simple yet refined Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local produce.
The menu changes regularly according to arrivals and the chef’s inspiration: grilled fish of the day, mixed salads with southern flavors, homemade tartars and sweet treats made on the spot. The welcome is warm, the service attentive without being stuffy, and the sea view quite simply splendid. It’s an ideal address for an extended lunch or a quiet dinner, far from the hustle and bustle of summer.
Michelin-starred restaurants and made-to-measure experiences nearby
For the most discerning gourmet, the region’s Michelin-starred establishments are just a short drive away. In less than 30 minutes, you can reach :
- La Villa Belrose in Gassin – one Michelin star, panoramic views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez and gourmet cuisine by Patrick Raingeard.
- La Palmeraie in Sainte-Maxime – also Michelin-starred, offers marine-inspired cuisine in an enchanting green setting.
- Le Relais des Moines in Les Arcs – one star, with a refined, locavore approach to Provencal terroir.
For an even more exclusive experience, some local concierges can arrange private in-home dinners with a Michelin-starred chef or gourmet caterer, right in your villa.
Tips for a successful culinary experience
- Book in advance: the best seaside restaurants are often fully booked several days in advance, especially between mid-July and the end of August.
- Ask for “sea view” tables: some terraces have privileged locations. It’s often enough to specify this when booking.
- To avoid peak times, opt for lunch at 12pm or dinner at 7:30pm.
- Children’s menu: don’t hesitate to ask for lighter or tailor-made options for younger guests.
Conclusion
At Saint-Aygulf, as at Les Issambres, gastronomy is an essential part of your stay. Every meal can become a sensory and emotional experience, enhanced by exceptional surroundings and attentive service. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cuisine, modern Mediterranean dishes or Michelin-starred creations, you’ll find a culinary palette to match your expectations, to be enjoyed with friends, family or just alone by the sea.
