Superyacht chefs can offer up some of the most lavish meals available to guests aboard a Moran Yacht & Ship charter, but yachting also opens the door to elite off-ship dining experiences that simply cannot be matched. Coastal cities and towns in regions like the French as well as the Spanish Rivieras boast numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and if you know the best spots to dock, your yacht charter can include unparalleled culinary experiences.
A Moran luxury yacht charter includes concierge services that can secure your reservations at prestigious Michelin-starred establishments, even those that are typically hard to book. If you’re planning a charter in the Mediterranean, we’ve put together a list of some of the top gastronomic spots you might want to visit. And stay tuned for next week, when we’ll be publishing part two of our series.
Dining along the French Riviera
The French Riviera is renowned for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, glamorous lifestyle, and, of course, its exceptional cuisine. The region is home to numerous world-class restaurants offering a range of culinary delights, from traditional French fare to innovative fusion dishes. Here are two gems to consider.
- Photo: Hotel De Paris
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, located in the Hôtel de Paris in Monte Carlo, Monaco, is widely regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. Several key elements contribute to its reputation as the perfect dining destination, including its culinary advances and its impeccable wine list.
This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by the legendary chef Alain Ducasse, whose name is synonymous with culinary innovation and excellence. Ducasse’s extensive experience and creativity are reflected in every dish.
Iconic dishes such as the Gamberoni from San Remo, rockfish gelée, and caviar, exemplify the restaurant’s dedication to flavor, presentation, and innovation.
The restaurant also boasts one of the most extensive and prestigious wine cellars in the world, with over 600,000 bottles. This selection includes rare vintages and exclusive labels, curated to complement the menu perfectly.
- La Palme d’Or
Le Palme d’Or, located in the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, is celebrated as one of the most prestigious dining establishments on the French Riviera. The restaurant is led by Chef Christian Sinicropi, who brings creativity, passion, and technical expertise to the kitchen. His innovative approach and dedication to excellence are evident in every dish.
- Photo: Le Palme d’Or
Le Palme d’Or has been awarded two Michelin stars, reflecting its high standards of culinary artistry and consistency. Chef Sinicropi crafts a menu that blends traditional French techniques with contemporary flair. The dishes are imaginative, often incorporating unexpected ingredients and combinations that surprise and delight.
A Superlative Seasonal Menu
The menu changes seasonally to highlight the freshest and finest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. This commitment to seasonality ensures vibrant flavors and exceptional quality.
Le Palme d’Or features a sophisticated and stylish interior, with attention to detail in every aspect of the design. The elegant decor creates a refined and comfortable atmosphere for diners.
The restaurant offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Croisette Boulevard, and the beautiful setting enhances the dining experience, making each meal memorable.
Dining along the Spanish Riviera
The Spanish Riviera, with its stunning coastlines and rich culinary traditions, serves as a natural rival to the Northern French options above. Home to some of the most exceptional Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain, from the avant-garde creations at El Celler de Can Roca in Costa Brava to the refined Mediterranean flavors at BonAmb in Costa Blanca, these restaurants offer unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you are a fan of traditional Spanish cuisine or innovative modern dishes, the Michelin-starred establishments along the Spanish Riviera provide a feast for the senses.
- Photo: El Celler de Can Roca
El Celler de Can Roca
El Celler de Can Roca, located in Girona, Spain, is widely celebrated as one of the best restaurants in the world. Run by the Roca brothers, El Celler de Can Roca is known for its innovative approach to traditional Catalan cuisine.
The three-Michelin-star restaurant offers avant-garde dishes that blend traditional Catalan cuisine with modern techniques and innovative presentations, and the tasting menus are a journey through creative and meticulously-crafted dishes.
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Photo: El Celler de Can Roca
The use of fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients ensures that each dish is of the highest quality. The menu changes regularly to reflect the best products available. Dishes like the “Oysters with Cava Granita,” “Green Olive Ice Cream,” and the “Perfume-inspired Desserts” showcase the creativity and skill of the Roca brothers.
Incredible Wines
Josep Roca, the sommelier, curates an impressive wine list that includes rare and exclusive labels from around the world. The cellar houses over 60,000 bottles. And expert wine pairings are designed to enhance the flavors of each dish, offering a harmonious dining experience.
- Photo: Miramar Restaurant
Miramar
Miramar, a two-Michelin-star restaurant, is located in the coastal town of Llançà in Catalonia, Spain, and is renowned as one of the finest dining establishments in the world. Chef Paco Pérez offers a creative menu that emphasizes local seafood and avant-garde techniques. His creative vision and technical mastery are the driving forces behind the restaurant’s success. The restaurant’s location by the sea enhances the dining experience.
- Photo: Miramar Restaurant
Innovative Cuisine
Chef Paco Pérez’s menus are known for their creativity and innovation. He combines traditional Catalan flavors with modern techniques, resulting in dishes that are both imaginative and deeply rooted in regional culinary traditions.
The menu is heavily influenced by the seasons and the local terroir. Ingredients are sourced from nearby markets, farms, and the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring freshness and quality.
Iconic dishes such as the “Liquid Squid” highlight the chef’s inventive approach and ability to surprise diners with unexpected combinations and presentations. The restaurant is known for its experimental and avant-garde cuisine. Dishes often feature unexpected textures, flavors, and presentations that challenge traditional culinary boundaries.
Situated on the Costa Brava, Miramar offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant’s location enhances the dining experience, providing a serene and beautiful backdrop, and the dining room is elegantly designed, combining modern aesthetics with comfortable and inviting elements. The ambiance is refined yet relaxed.
- Photo: Chef Paco Perez – Miramar
If you’re wondering how to charter a yacht that offers the full Mediterranean yachting experience, contact our charter brokers to plan a customized adventure for you and yours, complete with the finest meals the Mediterranean has to offer.
Bon apétit and happy yachting.