Valbonne Village’s Top 5 Hidden Restaurants

The main square in the beautiful village of Valbonne boasts many restaurants, but just off of it you will also find some hidden gems.

Valbonne is one of the most charming villages on the French Riviera. Built on a square, with tall townhouses guarding the centre, gleaming with bright colours and Provençal culture. During the summer, it is always bustling with tourists who enjoy having an evening apéro and a pizza at Place des Arcades, after having relaxed by the pool at their South of France holiday villas. However, if you decide to wander down the small cobbled side streets, you will find some excellent restaurants, and here are five of our favourites:

1. Lou Cigalon

If you are keen on Provençal cuisine, the head chef at Lou Cigalon cooks some of the finest local French dishes. Inspired by the seasons, chef Thierry Chambaud has an amazing ‘Menu Découverte’, filled with a stunning selection of seafood, lean meats accompanied by lightly seasoned vegetables, and traditional desserts. Run by chef Thierry and his wife Anne-Lise, you are welcomed in a very homely atmosphere.

Tel: 04 93 12 01 61
Address: 6 Boulevard Carnot, Valbonne

2. Le Bistrot du Sommelier

Another stunning restaurant inspired by Provencal seasonings and flavours, Le Bistrot du Sommelier, situated in the heart of Valbonne, welcomes you to their modern and elegant restaurant.

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Open for both lunch and dinner, the chef has a fine ‘Menu du Bistrot’ dinner menu with meat, fish, and vegetables, all locally sourced from the market. The sommelier, Eric, is very welcoming and will share his advice on which wine is best to accompany your meal.

Tel: 04 93 12 17 95
Address: 21 Rue Eugène Giraud, Valbonne

3. La Pigeot

Situated near the top end of the village, La Pigeot is beautifully decorated and the air is filled with delicious spicy aromas. Specialising in Moroccan cuisine, all dishes are served in a traditional manner, where diners can seat themselves on a carpet and tagines are served in cone-shaped cooking pots. If you enjoy an ambient atmosphere and have a spicy palette, we definitely recommend you visit La Pigeot.

Tel: 04 93 12 17 53
Address: 16 Rue Alexis Julien, Valbonne

4. Little Italy

A sweet, cosy restaurant, just off the square in Valbonne, Little Italy serves some of the finest Italian cuisine in the area. Enjoy a lunch or dinner in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, away from the chaotic square. As well as fresh pasta, Little Italy has some exquisite seafood dishes, including a ‘pulpo’ salad and lobster linguine, which you can accompany with a glass of fine Pinot Grigio. Fancy a dessert? Little Italy has a fantastic selection to choose from, and cannot be missed.

Tel: 04 93 12 03 66
Address: 7 Rue de la Mairie, Valbonne

5. Le Kashmir

Craving a curry fix? Le Kashmir in Valbonne definitely has an amazing selection of Indian food. Enjoy onion bhajis and poppadoms to start, spiced with some coriander and accompanied with a variety of sauces including a spicy pickle and a fresh mint sauce. For mains, choose from a selection of curries, spiced to the way you like it. If you are finding difficult to choose, we recommend that you share dishes. Fantastic place to stop for a meal after a couple of drinks at the wine bar.

Tel: 04 93 75 16 15
Address: 11 Rue de la Fontaine, Valbonne