Le Patio Restaurant & Terrace: A Reinvented Paradise on the French Riviera
ast May 2023, La Pérouse Nice Hotel and its restaurant, Le Patio, reopened their doors after a complete renovation. This extraordinary project was brought to life through the talent of Studio Friedmann & Versace, marking their debut in the hospitality industry. The two creators, Virginie Friedmann and Delphine Versace, both hailing from Nice, found in La Pérouse a magical place to bring their vision to life. "Here, everything we love is present: incredible views, an ideal location, and plenty of surprises," they declare.
The duo’s renovation transformed this boutique hotel into a residence imbued with the spirit of the French Riviera. Drawing inspiration from icons such as Picasso, Matisse, Dufy, Cocteau, and Joséphine Baker, they reinterpreted the golden age of Vallauris with a contemporary touch, inviting travelers to escape the city for a true getaway. Located just a 5-minute walk from the bustling Cours Saleya, La Pérouse Nice Hotel offers a preserved haven of peace.
The Friedmann & Versace touch is evident from the moment visitors enter the hotel, where the decor encourages them to slow down and immerse themselves in the captivating atmosphere of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). The unique style draws from the creative workshops of the 1950s on the French Riviera, skillfully blending quotations and discoveries.
The city’s best-kept secret lies at the heart of La Pérouse Nice Hotel: the restaurant Le Patio and its elevated terrace. The locals have long made it a habit to choose this spot for their confidential or romantic rendezvous. The terrace, shaded by century-old lemon trees and infused with the intoxicating scent of jasmine, exudes an exceptional ambiance. A genuine vacation aroma fills the air, while the solar-inspired decor reflects the spirit of the French Riviera.
The mural, signed by Nicolas Balzicevic, and the enamel-coated table trays adorned with designs inspired by Cocteau’s work reflect the artistic soul of the French Riviera. The wrought-iron chairs, specially designed for the restaurant, combined with rattan models, evoke the nostalgia of a family home. Everything is designed to allow visitors to escape from the passage of time and forget the frenzy of the city.
Restaurant Le Patio owes its reputation to its enchanting setting and the refined cuisine of Chef Damien Andrews. A member of the disciples of Escoffier association since 2022, Chef Andrews was deeply influenced by his mentor, Chef Patrick Raingeard, with whom he earned two Michelin stars at Port Palace in Monaco and Cap Estel.
Chef Andrews’ menu is a true tribute to Niçoise cuisine, highlighting exceptional products from the region, such as fresh vegetables and high-quality fish. He aims to enhance flavors by emphasizing sharing, refinement, and culinary technique.
Chef Andrews’ signature dishes are the 1.5 kg tomahawk beef accompanied by homemade béarnaise, low-temperature-cooked monkfish with purple artichokes and Niçoise olives, and the daurade carpaccio with raspberry and ginger. To end on a sweet and light note, the “Cloud of Yogurt with Red Fruits” dessert perfectly complements the culinary experience.
At Restaurant Le Patio, the cuisine and setting blend harmoniously to offer guests an unforgettable gastronomic experience in this hidden gem overlooking the magnificent Baie des Anges.
By redefining the myth of the French Riviera with a contemporary touch, Studio Friedmann & Versace, along with Chef Damien Andrews, have turned Restaurant Le Patio into an exceptional venue on the French Riviera, where the sunny poetry of the region unfolds in full force.
