In recent years, the Mediterranean has made firm its reputation as one of the best regions for fine dining in the world. Several new Michelin star restaurants have opened up throughout the region, capturing the excitement of diners and critics like never before. A few new restaurants have even had a second star bestowed upon them. This is truly an exciting time for the Mediterranean, which boasts a cuisine befitting of its fine weather and stunning vistas. The best way to tour the array of fine dining establishments is by a yacht charter in the Mediterranean, with many of the best restaurants located in picturesque seaside ports.
Le Chantecler
France is home of some of the finest cuisine in the world and it is also where Michelin began their prestigious review system. A number of the country’s best restaurants can be found on the Cote d’Azur in sophisticated Nice whose upmarket eateries reflect its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Le Chantecler is a two-star Michelin restaurant in Hotel Negresco, which impresses its patrons with its focus on customer service and attention to detail. Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland creates his tantalising Provencal cuisine in the beautiful surroundings of 18th century wood panelling, resplendent with period furniture and chandeliers overhead.
Flaveur
Nice is also home to the one-star Michelin restaurant Flaveur, which more than lives up to its name by using the freshest ingredients available at the market that day. The establishment is elegant but simple and the innovative and artfully-presented food prepared by brothers Michaël and Gaël Tourteaux rarely disappoints its loyal customers. Other notable one-star restaurants in Nice include the stylish L’Aromate and romantic Jan near the port.
Zaranda
Mallorca, a traditional Balearic Island, is one of the destinations leading the way: at the forefront is Fernando P Arellano’s restaurant, Zaranda, which is one of only two restaurants within Spain to have been awarded a second Michelin Star in 2016. Located within the 5-star luxury hotel, Castell son claret, Arellano is serving up unique flavours, aromas and textures – all based on traditional recipes from the Balearic Archipelago. What’s more, he’s plating everything up on traditionally made dishes from the island, helping keep valuable craft skills alive. If, as is often the case, Zaranda is fully booked then the island boasts another six Michelin-starred restaurants, including the renowned Simply Fosh and Es Fum, the latter of which offers magnificent views across the Mediterranean.
Can Dani
Ibiza is following her bigger sister’s lead with Can Dani, based in San Ferran on the tiny island of Formentera, earning a Michelin star in 2014. The head chef Ana Jimenez creates traditional dishes from locally sourced products and isn’t afraid to take risks by giving them an interesting modern twist. The degustation menu is recommended along with its wine pairing and speciality fish dishes, all to be enjoyed in the lovely outside seating area. This charming restaurant is open all year round and even offers take aways, so day-trippers and sailors are also well catered for. So far Can Dani is the only restaurant in the Pitiusas (Ibiza and Formentera) that has obtained a Michelin star and entered this exclusive culinary club of distinction.
Casadelmar
Just a few hours to the east by yacht, Corsica also boasts several world-class restaurants of its own, including its own double-starred establishment, Casadelmar. Even though famed head chef Davide Bisetto recently left the establishment, newcomer Fabio Bragagnolo has continued his stellar work with his creative approach to seafood as well as Corsican and Italian cuisine. Vissani is another two-starred Corsican favourite with a captivating approach to seafood and a very interesting wine list that just has to be explored.
Alla Locanda dell Angelo
Onwards to Italy’s mainland and the delightful port of La Spezia. Mauro Ricciardi’s restaurant, Alla Locanda dell Angelo is serving up innovative Mediterranean cuisine artistically crafted with only the finest produce that Italy has to offer. On the country’s Amalfi coast, La Caravella is an Italian institution with skilful and imaginative chefs that are continuing the restaurant’s proud 50-year tradition. An unassuming interior is the backdrop for a fantastic menu that combines historic recipes with impressive invention.
A crewed yacht charter combines luxury, style and the liberty to cruise from one exotic Mediterranean destination to the next. While many of Europe’s finest chefs work in the galleys of superyachts, charterers often enjoy venturing onto land to sample fine, authentic cuisine in an atmospheric restaurant. The majority of Michelin reviewed restaurants don’t receive any stars at all, so when you stumble across one of these Mediterranean treasures be sure to take full advantage of the culinary opportunity that presents itself.
