So many people from Monaco had told me about the Cap of Roquebrune Cap-Martin. Funnily, I only had the occasion to go to the Cap once for a fancy party in a villa. I knew it was one of the most luxurious area of the French Riviera, with amazing houses, most of them offering a sea view and a calm atmosphere.
I did not expect to confirm this fact so soon but I was invited to La Cigale Vista Beach and discovered in this restaurant a true paradise. Located by the sea between Monaco and Menton, not only the sound of the waves will instantly relax you. The night view and the lights of Menton will also stun you. I would recommend to have a cocktail at the sunset time in order to enjoy the amazing colors of the sky and sea flirting together. When you make your reservation, make sure to ask for a table in the middle and close to the sea. Trust me, this is where you want to be seated.
I was amazed by the architecture of the restaurant. Dated from the 70’s, it was recently renewed in a style that is unique on the French Riviera. At this point, I was even more excited to discover a new restaurant that I was already dreaming of from the few photos I saw. I sat with my friend and realized it was the perfect time to enjoy the sunset. Baby pink and blue colors were welcoming us. It was fantastic. The white decoration of the restaurant makes it very classy while keeping it simple thanks to the owners and the waiter’s expertise. La Cigale Vista Beach is the place that will turn your senses on even before you will start eating.
Headed by Chef Lucie Pichon, the restaurant and herself have been rewarded in 2016 by the Guide GaultMillau, placing it among the best of Roquebrune Cap-Martin. Her cuisine is above all a matter of sharing, joy and elegance: a desire to reveal the treasures of the sea by showcasing the flavors of the Mediterranean, highlighting the products while at the same time offering an inventive and delicate cuisine.
We started with a passion fruit mojito cocktail and oh my, I am still dreaming about it! As a passion fruit lover, I have to say it was delicious. My friend had a Spritz. Before officially starting to dine, we were teased with a fresh appetizer including pistachio and tuna.
As starters, I ordered cucumber, lobster and citrus salad, coco and combova sauce while my friend went for the smoked salmon marinated in passion fruit, ricotta and avocado mousseline. As beautifully served as delicious to the palate, both of us agreed to say it was fresh and tasty.
I continued with seared tuna marinated in a tomato, green vegetables and peanut crumble. It was wonderful, a triumph of indulgent ingredients and fine fish perfectly cooked. I also loved the mix of textures and tastes. My friend chose the wild grilled shrimps from the Mediterranean sea, Romanesco cabbage and tomatoes tabbouleh puffed quinoa, orange vanilla flavored warm vinaigrette. Even though a quite approachable meal, the attention given to the detailed preparation and the sauce was everything.
Comparable to paintings, all plates were served in perfect quantity and by the end of the diner we were almost full. Nonetheless, we could not resist a desert. I reasonably went for a fresh fruit salad which was very colorful and my friend concluded this fabulous experience with the magnificent and elegant chocolate desert. My spoon accidently happened to visit her plate. It was so good that I still remember it!
La Cigale was recently rewarded with a Qualité Tourism label conformity rate of 98.19%, the best rate ever given to French Riviera’s establishments.
You should know that La Cigale Vista Beach is also welcoming its guests for lunch, for cocktails but also there is a private beach that really worth spending a day. I am sure it is one of the most secret ones on the French Riviera. If you go, you will understand why it is only famous to the ones in the known. If I were to go again, I would easily spend a day at La Cigale Vista Beach. It’s the most romantic place I have been on the French Riviera but I loved it so much that I will for sure bring my friends and family for an experience they will certainly love.
