Le Petit Nice

Descended from a family of artists, Gérald Passédat was practically born in his restaurant a few metres from the sea, which "nourishes and inspires [him]". The Mediterranean, its fish and shellfish are the backbone of his culinary identity. The chef crafts precise and pared-back seafood-forward cuisine that is personal to him; absolute freshness and the use of ingredients in their entirety are key. Highlights from the menu include the yellowtail and black sea bream duo, raw and smoked in-house, accompanied by cauliflower, Oscietra caviar and bottarga, and the remarkable red mullet prepared in a variety of ways: cooked au naturel, matured and raw, or charcuterie-style, with a star anise consommé. Many of the robust and carefully crafted sauces and broths are made using heads, livers and cooking juices. The "Ma Bouille Abaisse" set menu unfolds in a fascinating sequence of flavours. Over 65 species, caught with longlines and with consideration for the marine ecosystem, are featured over the course of the seasons. The breathtaking view of the Mediterranean adds to the feeling of abundance. The attentive yet discreet service is pitch perfect.