Saint Tropez’s Hidden Gems: 7 Charming Restaurants Off The Beaten Path
Introduction
As the summer sun beats down on the French Riviera, hordes of tourists descend upon the glamorous coastal town of Saint Tropez. Drawn to the allure of celebrity sightings, luxury yachts, and champagne-soaked beach clubs, most visitors flock to the same crowded hotspots. Yet beyond the bustle, Saint Tropez harbors a collection of charming hideaways for those in the know. Tucked away on winding cobblestone streets and verdant hillsides sit family-run bistros, beach shacks, and candlelit patios waiting to be discovered. Explore Saint Tropez hidden gems with our concierge service.
This season, leave the crowds behind and embark on a culinary adventure to uncover Saint Tropez’s hidden gems. With the help of Table Elite’s expert concierge service, you’ll be dining on the freshest seafood and most decadent desserts the French countryside has to offer in no time. Escape the beaten path and dive into an authentic taste of the Côte d’Azur. Your private epicurean oasis awaits.
L'Acacia:
Our first hidden gem is L’Acacia, a quaint restaurant tucked away in the picturesque neighborhood of La Ponche. This family-owned establishment has been serving delectable Provençal cuisine for generations, and its warm ambiance reflects the true spirit of Saint Tropez’s culinary heritage.
Savor the traditional Bouillabaisse, a flavorful fish stew enriched with local herbs and spices, or indulge in the savory Fricassée de Saint Jacques, showcasing the freshest scallops from the nearby seas. L’Acacia’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes will transport you to the heart of authentic Provençal flavors.
Verde: Farm-to-Table in the Hills
Nestled in the hills above Saint Tropez, Verde offers a farm-to-table dining experience with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline. Chef Lucas Verde sources organic ingredients from local farmers to create Provençal-inspired dishes with an innovative twist.
Start your meal with the burrata, a creamy mozzarella cheese served with marinated vegetables, or the tomato and peach salad with burrata and basil sorbet. For your main course, the lamb shoulder with eggplant caviar and thyme jus is a standout, as is the sea bass with fennel and citrus butter sauce. An extensive wine list focuses on small producers from Provence and the southern Rhône valley.
Designed to highlight the natural surroundings, Verde’s airy, open-air space features wooden beams, stone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the sea vistas. Grab a seat on the terrace to soak in the panoramas over a leisurely multi-course meal. A perfect escape from the bustling port, Verde is a gourmet getaway where you can lose yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and savor the flavors of the Mediterranean.
Pablo: Intimate Fine Dining With Stunning Views
Nestled within the hills of Saint Tropez, Pablo offers an intimate fine dining experience with panoramic views of the bay. Opened in 2020, this modern Provençal restaurant sources the finest local ingredients to create artful dishes bursting with flavor.
Upon entering the sleek, minimalist space, floor-to-ceiling windows immediately captivate your attention, showcasing the stunning landscape. But once the tasting menu begins, Chef Paul Bergeron’s creations become the focal point. Delights such as lobster with fennel and citrus, or duck with cherries and almonds, are plated with an artist’s precision. Each course harmonizes flavors and textures in unexpected ways, celebrating the region’s natural bounty.
To complement the meal, Pablo’s sommelier has curated an extensive list emphasizing small producers and biodynamic wines of the Côtes de Provence. Savor a glass from the terrace as the sun dips behind the hills, bathing the sea in a golden light.
Le Sporting:
Escape to the lush greenery of Le Sporting, a charming restaurant situated away from the main tourist trails. This hidden gem offers a respite from the sun, surrounded by a tranquil garden and a serene poolside.
Le Sporting’s menu boasts a blend of French and Italian cuisines, featuring dishes like the creamy Risotto aux Truffes or the mouthwatering Magret de Canard. With its relaxing ambiance and delectable offerings, Le Sporting is the ideal spot to unwind and indulge in the culinary pleasures of Saint Tropez.
Playamigos: Beachfront Mediterranean Delights
Playamigos is a charming Mediterranean beachfront restaurant located just a short walk from Saint Tropez’s bustling Place des Lices. This hidden gem offers unparalleled views of the glistening Mediterranean sea and fresh, homemade cuisine in a laid-back setting.
As you dine al fresco under twinkling lights, friendly staff will serve you specialties like tomato and mozzarella salad, vegetable tarts, or fried calamari. For heartier fare, try their signature seafood pasta bursting with mussels, clams, and shrimp in a garlic and herb tomato sauce, or grilled catch of the day in lemon and olive oil. One of the finest in Saint Tropez hidden gems.
To accompany your meal, choose from an extensive list of rosés from nearby vineyards or an artisanal craft beer on tap. For dessert, end the evening on a sweet note with profiteroles, crème brûlée or regional cheeses.
L'Écurie:
For an unforgettable dining experience in an idyllic garden setting, L’Écurie is the place to be. Situated just a short stroll from the bustling port, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds, making it a favorite among locals.
The restaurant’s menu is an ode to Mediterranean simplicity, with dishes like the delicate Pissaladière, a savory onion tart, and the succulent Tarte Tropézienne, a regional dessert specialty. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of rosé, and bask in the tranquility of L’Écurie’s charming surroundings.
Opa: Upscale Greek Cuisine With a Sea View
Nestled on a hillside in Saint Tropez with panoramic views of the gulf, Opa offers an upscale Greek dining experience in an intimate setting. This hidden gem run by Greek owners provides an authentic taste of the Mediterranean away from the bustling port.
As you enter the terra cotta walls of Opa, the scent of garlic and fresh herbs envelop you. An extensive Greek wine list offers the perfect complement to your meal. For starters, the traditional meze platter with tzatziki, hummus, olives and pita bread is ideal for sharing. Grilled octopus and fried calamari are also popular options.
For your main dish, fresh fish caught daily are prominently featured. Whether red mullet, sea bass or john dory, the fish is simply grilled to perfection and drizzled with lemon and olive oil. Lamb souvlaki, moussaka and pastitsio provide hearty meat options. A must-try is the lamb kleftiko, slow-cooked for hours in a clay pot.
As a sweet ending, baklava, kataifi or yogurt with honey and walnuts will satisfy your craving. Complementary digestifs like mastika, ouzo or tsipouro are offered to complete your Greek feast.
Conclusion:
As you have discovered, Saint Tropez offers far more than glamor and luxury along its sunny shores. Verdant hills and winding cobblestone streets hold charming restaurants waiting to be explored. Whether seeking authentic Provençal fare, beachside cocktails, or simply solitude, Saint Tropez’s hidden gems offer reprieve from the crowds. Pablo, Playamigos, Verde and Opa are but a few of the secret spots sprinkled throughout this picturesque destination. Let us know what you think about our find on Saint Tropez hidden gems.
Should the usual tourist traps leave you longing for an escape, call upon Table Elite to curate an off-the-beaten-path culinary adventure. Let their local expertise guide you to discover Saint Tropez’s secret side – one delicious bite at a time.