Where to eat on the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera is not only one of the world's great seaside destinations, but also happens to be one of my favorite places in the world. The region is home to some of the most spectacular coastal trails, beaches, hilltop villages and vineyards.

Here is everything you need to know about eating on the Côte d'Azur:

1. The Côte d'Azur has a great variety of restaurants, including wonderful seaside properties where one can enjoy freshly caught seafood on the beach while drinking rosé. Some of these properties are beach clubs, which are one of the reasons why the French Riviera is such an iconic destination. These tend to be a little overpriced but are worth the fun once in a while.

2. The local bistros serve a mixture of hearty meat dishes and specialties made of products found in the Provence region, such as olives and truffle.

3. There are many Italian restaurants to choose from due to the region's proximity to Italy. Make sure to try as many of them as possible, including pizzerias and ice cream shops.

4. Last but not least, apéro, short for apéritif, is sacred in France, but especially on the Côte d'Azur. Everyone gathers in the late afternoon and unwinds after a stressful day of laying on the beach, over a cocktail or a glass of wine, and a few snacks. Make sure to have as many apéros as possible if you want to experience the local lifestyle.

Here are best restaurants on the Côte d'Azur (the ones marked * are a my absolute favorites).

Nice

* Peixes - Modern seafood restaurant serving excellent ceviche.

* Bar des Oiseaux - A classic 'Niçois' restaurant serving local specialties and pasta dishes.

* Pizzeria les amoureux - One of the best pizzerias outside of Italy. They don't take reservations, so just show up and be prepared to wait in line.

* Franchin - One of the the oldest restaurants in Nice, serving seafood since 1905.

* Olive et artichaut - This semi gastronomic restaurant uses only local products and has an excellent Sunday brunch.

* Bistro d’Antoine - Classic convivial French bistro with a cozy atmosphere. Book in advance.

Comptoir du marche - Local bistro with a small and affordable menu, owned by the same chef as Bistro d'Antoine and Bar des Oiseaux.

La Merenda - A real institution in Nice, serving traditional cuisine from the area. They do not take reservations or credit cards.

La cave du fromager - The name of this restaurant translates to "The cheesemaker's cellar". Here you can enjoy any dish made out of cheese, such as fondue, melted brie with mushrooms or warm camembert with nuts and calvados.

Chez Palmyre - Unlike many restaurants in Nice specializing in seafood, this authentic 'Niçois' establishment has a menu that will delight any meat lover.

Cafe de Turin - The place to go for fresh oysters and abundant seafood platters.

Cafe Paulette - This cafe serves healthy lunch bowls during the day and turns into a cozy wine bar at night.

La femme du boulanger - Great breakfast and brunch spot in Nice.

Vegan Gorilla - Vegan cafe for the healthier ones, with lots of gluten free options.

* Arlequin - Delicious ice cream shop run by Italians.

Fenocchio - Ice cream shop with original local flavors such as olive, tomato, fig, beer, lavender and violet.

Gelateria Azzurro - In this ice cream shop, they make the warm waffle cones in front of you.

Cannes

* Cheer mamma - My favorite Italian restaurant in the area, with a beautiful view on the old port. Every dish is delicious, especially their wood-fired pizzas and pasta carbonara.

* Bobo bistro - A Mediterranean restaurant with an Italian touch, serving seasonal and organic food, including pizza.

L'Assiette provençale - This restaurant on the old port of Cannes serves traditional and refined 'provençale' cuisine.

La Môme - An upscale Mediterranean restaurant with a fantastic cocktail bar.

La Meissounière - A local family restaurant with simple and generous dishes.

Mougins

* L'Amandier de Mougins - French gastronomic restaurant with a stunning view of the hills of Provence.

* Le Petit Fouet - A small traditional restaurant, serving meat dishes from the southwest of France. Each dish is delicious and made with love.

La Gaudinade - Another warm and cozy traditional 'Provençal' restaurant in Mougins.

Antibes

* La tour antique - Italian gastronomic restaurant with a mix of traditional and more contemporary dishes. All of the products used are imported from Italy.

* Le p'tit cageot - Delicious local cuisine made with market-sourced ingredients.

Chez lulu - A small convivial restaurant serving homemade dishes. The menu is mainly made up of daily specials. There are not many options, so it is not ideal for picky eaters.

Côté terroir - A local producers' restaurant with a seasonal menu and fresh products.

L'Arazur - This restaurant was opened by Lucas Marini, after working with renowned chefs such as Yannick Alleno, Guy Martin and Mauro Colagreco. The restaurant serves a mix of traditional and semi gastronomic cuisine.

Nacional - Beef & Wine bar, ideal for apéro.

Mamalu - Small outdoor restaurant serving light Italian dishes such as seafood linguine.

Eden Roc Hotel - One of the most luxurious and iconic hotels on the Côte d'Azur. Come here for a drink in their outdoor bar, with a breathtaking view on the sea.

Théoule-sur-Mer

L'air du temps - Don't come for the food but for the amazing sea view. Just sit back and enjoy a glass of local rosé at sunset.

La Marea - An exotic restaurant with a tropical design, serving fish and seafood dishes.

Chez Philippe - A beachside restaurant with sun beds that you can rent for the day.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat & Èze

* Chateau Eza - This restaurant is in a luxury boutique hotel that was built 400 years ago. It serves gourmet French and Mediterranean food with a stunning view of the coast.

Paloma beach - Rent a beach lounger at this iconic beachside restaurant and bar. It's been an institution since the 1950s and took its name from Paloma Picasso.

Le pacha du sloop - Good seafood dishes with a view on the port.

La taverne d'Antan - Italian restaurant in the old town of Èze.

Other areas

* Chez Bruno - One of my favorite restaurants in the South of France. This is the place to eat truffle. It is a family run hotel and restaurant. They only have tasting menus where you choose which type of truffle you want. The quality of the products is excellent, it is a truly magical place. The town, Lorgues, is a little far but you can stay in one of their rooms for the night.

Verde - Dance, drink and eat at this St Tropez beach club, serving great seafood dishes.

La Guérite - The Île Sainte-Marguerite is one of the most beautiful places on the Côte d'Azur. It's a great spot for a day trip, but there aren't many food options, so I usually end up bringing a picnic. If you want a more luxurious experience, this beach club recently opened and is ideal if you want to have a loud and fun lunch with friends.