10 restaurants on the Mediterranean that you should visit this August
Heading to the Med? Unfold your napkin, unfurl your map and chart a course to these picturesque coastal spots
Words: Jonathan Wells
There’s nowhere quite like the Med. From cities such as the cultural hub of Barcelona to the traditional, sleepy Croatian port towns, the land is diverse, the societies varied and the people unique. They’re more stylish and the weather’s always better should you want a splash in the sea. And the food — well that’s another thing altogether…
"There’s nowhere quite like the Med..."
From Greece, and their cream spanakopita pie, or a spicy Sicilian prawn linguine, to a Spanish baked chorizo rice dish and Tuscan beef with chianti, there’s an ocean of food to choose from. But, much of your gastronomic enjoyment comes from your surroundings; your company and comfort. As such, we’ve rounded up the ten restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean most likely to elevate your meal to the next level.
For Italian simplicity: La Sponda, La Sireneuse, Positano
In the center of the village of Positano, hotel Le Sirenuse opened in 1951, when four Neapolitan brothers turned their summer house into a charming hotel. La Sponda, the on-site, Michelin-starred restaurant, offers light Mediterranean cuisine based on fresh local ingredients and inspired by the great culinary traditions of the region. And, illuminated in the evening by four hundred candles, expect an unforgettable atmosphere.
What to order? We’d recommend the Poached John Dory with citrus from the Amalfi Coast and new potatoes.
For Greek elegance: Petra Restaurant, Santorini
Perched on the picturesque Greek island of Santorini, the Petra Restaurant is a haven of refined taste and tasteful decor. Dinner offers sophisticated culinary experience with a choice of fresh fish or lobster in a romantic, candlelit ambience under the veil of stars — perfect if you’re planning a summer proposal.
What to order? Light, bright and innovative, we’d suggest the Santorinian Salad, a medley of vegetables minded in a strip of cucumber.
For award-winning dining: La Palme d’Or, Cannes
When Gentleman’s Journal headed to Cannes to interview current cover star James Norton, we dined at the only 2 Michelin-starred restaurant in the Riviera town. Passionate chef and artist, Christian Sinicropi takes inspiration from art, literature and philosophy to transform the best local and seasonal produce into true works of art — he even made the plates.
What to order? The Mediterranean Red Tuna. It may set you €78, but it’s tenderly cooked and intriguingly-described as being ‘secretly seasoned’.
For rustic seafood: Amante Ibiza
Amante is arguably Ibiza’s most beautiful rural restaurant. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sol Den Serra bay, the restaurant is surrounded by dramatic rocks and lush greenery, providing an idyllic backdrop for long daytime lunches and fine dining in the evening breeze.
What to order? We’re by the sea, so it’s got to be the Chargrilled Formentera squid served with mashed potatoes, Ibiza’s sobrasada (traditional spiced meat) and salicornia seaweed.
For an alternative dining experience: Le Plongeoir, Nice
Hovering above the sea, on the famous pillar of rock and the base of Nice’s iconic diving boards, Le Plongeoir’s most unusual setting is the big sell here. Expect friendly and convivial cuisine with a modern Mediterranean influence, prepared with fresh, seasonal market produce every day. And seriously, look at that view.
Photography: Courtesy of Sylvain Santoro Photographer © 2017
What to order? Once again, it’s got to be the seafood. Plump for the Creamy Carnaroli Risotto and Fricassee of Squid, with Sunblushed Tomatoes, Olives and Aged Parmesan Shavings.
For local Italian cuisine: Zass, Il San Pietro, Positano
Overlooking Praiano and the coast, Il San Pietro’s Michelin starred restaurant is surrounded by a bright, Mediterranean atmosphere. Many of the products used by the team of 32 cooks come from the hotel, Il San Pietro’s vegetable garden or from local growers. And, as with most of the eateries on the list, the view is so stunning, it’ll have you missing your mouth.
What to order? For a hint of decadence, go for the John Dory with White Truffle.
For a taste of Eastern Europe: Nautika, Dubrovnik
Nautika lies on the very edge of the sea at Pile, alongside the western entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old City. From its unique terraces, diners can enjoy a truly one of a kind view of the sea, and some one of a kind dishes — including lobster from the Dalmatian island of Vis and delicacies from the local waters of the Adriatic.
What to order? Not the seafood this time. The Lobster is great, but try the Veal Fillet and Dubrovnik Malvasija Sauce, with truffle essence and mint pea mousse.
For those avoiding seafood: Restaurant Château de la Chèvre d’or
Count those two Michelin stars. They belong to head chef Arnaud Faye and, at La Chèvre d’Or, he celebrates the authenticity of an exceptional terroir, which stretches from the rocky foothills of the Mercantour to the intense blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The menu, inspired from these contrasts, magnifies the products of the Riviera and the up-country.
What to order? The Lamb from Sisteron, a Melilot roasted saddle with courgette flowers and bergamot. Simply divine.
For the best nibbles on the Med: Sa Punta, Ibiza
Located at the furthest point of Talamanca bay, only five minutes from bustling Ibiza town, is Sa Punta. A unique Ibiza restaurant, this is a place stuffed with beautiful locals, clued-up visitors and the international jet-set, where all rendezvous for fabulous food. We’d recommend you get yourself there too…
What to order? It’s got to be a selection of starters here. From the Chicken & Truffle Croquettes and Wild Sea Bass Ceviche, to the Crispy Tiger Prawns, it’s all to die for.
For unrivalled Surf & Turf: The Lighthouse, Limassol, Cyprus
The Lighthouse Surf & Turf restaurant is a whirlwind of meat and seafood, salt and oregano, mushrooms and seaweed. It’s where cuisines clash, and it’s all the better for it. Dive straight in — after a dip in the nearby sea — to refuel with the best surf & turf you’re ever likely to try.
What to order? Definitely something from the Surf & Turf menu. Our pick? Strangely, a Portuguese stew — boasting chunks of beef fillet and the finest mussels.
Looking for a place to stay also? These are the best 5 hotels along the Amalfi Coast…
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