With plenty of options — from elegant haunts with white tablecloths, fine wines and attentive service to rustic eateries where you can wiggle your toes in velvety white sand and sip local brews — the culinary experience of these beachside restaurants goes beyond just tasting regional dishes. Along with just-caught seafood and stunning pastel sunsets comes the simple pleasure of discovering great food in a timeless seaside setting under a starry sky.
Reserve a table by the window to enjoy the front-row sea view!
Llançà, Spain:
Miramar
Catalonia’s Costa Brava, situated in northeastern Spain, is a destination that captivates travelers with its pristine coves, towering cliffs and vibrant local culture. In its northernmost section, near the French border, lies Llançà — a charming village that combines 4 miles of coastline, 22 beaches and the rugged landscapes of two large parks, Cap de Creus and the Albera Natural Site, all bathed in a remarkable light.
Another compelling reason to visit this area is Miramar, which was awarded Two MICHELIN Stars. It serves as the creative hub for Chef Paco Pérez, who also leads Enoteca Paco Pérez in Barcelona (another Two-Starred restaurant), and is responsible for putting Llançà on the international culinary map.
Facing the sea on the lively boardwalk adjacent to Platja del Port, Miramar is housed in a former family inn that Pérez and his wife, Montse Serra, transformed into a top gastronomic destination. The restaurant offers two distinct menus featuring Pérez’s modern take on Mediterranean cuisine. The Mar menu highlights local seafood complemented by seaweed from the region and select Galician ingredients. Meanwhile, the Memory, Territory and Culture menu is a curated selection of flavors from the Empordà region, featuring iconic dishes and a seasonal dessert.
Santander, Spain:
El Serbal
Few cities balance a vibrant cultural scene with the serenity of a seafront promenade and stunning beaches like Santander, on Spain’s northern coast. Located in the heart of El Sardinero, a historic coastal enclave that was once a sardine fishing ground, in this port city human activity blends harmoniously with the natural landscape.
It is here, on the Segunda Beach, that El Serbal is located — a restaurant that since 1999 has proudly championed Cantabrian produce with the clear mission that each customer leaves happy and is eager to return. Situated on the first floor of the Cormorán building, its dining room is bright, understated and elegant, and from its windows, you can observe the ebb and flow of the Cantabrian Sea. On the other side, the semi-open kitchen allows diners to follow the rhythm of the service.
At the helm are maître d’ Rafael Prieto and Chef Ignacio Maese, whose modernized take on traditional Cantabrian cuisine showcases local meats and fresh fish straight from the docks.
Carvalhal, Portugal:
Sublime Comporta Beach Club
Situated about an hour and a half south of Lisbon, Comporta is quickly becoming one of Portugal’s most coveted coastal getaways — an idyllic retreat where untouched nature meets refined comfort. Picture boutique hotels tucked away among rice fields, beach bars with sandy floors and old fishermen’s huts transformed into charming summer homes. In this picturesque landscape, you’ll find the golden sands and azure waters of Carvalhal Beach.
At the end of a wooden boardwalk lies the Sublime Comporta Beach Club — the beachfront restaurant of the renowned Sublime Comporta Hotel, just a short drive away. Nestled directly on the sand, this venue boasts a thatched roof, light wood decor, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a boho-chic ambiance reminiscent of Ibiza but infused with a distinct Portuguese charm. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and elegance, making it the ideal spot for leisurely lunches or sunset cocktails while watching surfers ride the ocean’s powerful waves.
The menu features a selection of international dishes showcasing freshly caught fish and shellfish prepared with traditional techniques. A standout dish is the locally sourced sole, presented fresh from the catch to your table and then grilled to perfection — a celebration of well-executed simplicity that never fails to impress.
Ramatuelle, France:
Jardin Tropezina
The renowned Pampelonne Beach — nearly 3 miles of fine sand on the Saint-Tropez peninsula — was immortalized by Brigitte Bardot in the 1956 And God Created Woman. Roger Vadim’s cult film elevated Bardot to a global icon and cemented Pampelonne as a symbol of eternal glamour and the carefree spirit of the Riviera. Dining at the Jardin Tropezina gives you a taste of that vintage dolce vita.
Facing a turquoise sea, this elegantly integrated garden restaurant on the beach combines raw wood furnishings and lush vegetation. The dishes, orchestrated by Chef Jean-François Piège, feature Provençal cuisine with an Italian twist. Some highlights include zucchini enhanced with a subtle tonnato and parmesan sauce, grilled fish fillet served with a tangy sabayon and generous portions of verbena ice cream, made with herbs plucked from the garden. Between the attentive service and lively evenings hosted by a DJ, you can truly live the French Riviera myth, sitting beside the likes of Paris Hilton or Elton John.
Vico Equense (Sorrento Peninsula), Italy:
Il Bikini
Vico Equense, a charming town on the Sorrento Peninsula, offers a combination of natural beauty, history and culture. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Scrajo Thermal Baths or Monte Faito, a peak in the Monti Lattari range that is perfect for hiking and taking in panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Il Bikini is a renowned tourist complex located in Vico Equense — and its name feels particularly appropriate: Its perch slightly above the beach club provides stunning views of the sea. Whether you dine during the day or in the evening, the panoramic vistas add a magical touch to the experience. The menu features refined Mediterranean cuisine, from high-quality meat to seafood dishes. Our Inspectors recommend the risotto with mixed fried fish scented with lemons or the seared tuna topped with roasted tomato cream and served with classic caponata, olive pesto and onion mayonnaise. Be sure to save room for the Caprese dessert, a traditional flourless chocolate cake originating from the Isle of Capri. Given the popularity of the venue, it is highly recommended to make a reservation well in advance.
Rantum, Germany:
Sansibar
Sylt is Germany’s northernmost island and one of the most popular in the North Sea. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, dunes and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea, as well as for its mix of nature, luxury and leisure activities ranging from cycling to windsurfing.
The Sansibar, with its beach hut vibe and breathtaking views of the North Sea, has achieved cult status among both vacationers and locals alike. To reach it, you can walk five minutes through the dunes or use the shuttle service.
The daily menu changes depending on market availability. The evening menu features North Sea sole or turbot, as well as caviar and a wide selection of steaks including Australian Black Angus, Dan Morgan Wagyu and B\bison. The wine list is extensive and leaves nothing to be desired.
Tips: Reservations are not possible at lunchtime. If you’re visiting with children, there’s a playground next door.
Ko Samui, Thailand:
Jun Hom
Long before The White Lotus zoomed in on Ko Samui for its third season, Thailand’s third-largest island was already attracting travelers with its soft sands, jungle-fringed beaches, well-known full-moon parties and come-as-you-are charm. It’s fitting, then, that Jun Hom — a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand pick — is located along its sun-drenched shores. This open-air eatery offers a casual setting that combines the feel of a beach shack with the quality of a culinary insider spot, serving exceptional Thai seafood at reasonable prices.
Locals swear by the crisp-fried silver sillago and the tender stir-fried squid in sweet sauce and lemongrass aroma, often enjoyed family-style at rustic wooden tables. Come at golden hour, crack open a cold Singha and let the sound of crashing waves accompany a long, lazy meal after a day out in the sun. This is an unpretentious, relaxing spot for authentic Thai cuisine with a view to match. Grab a table closer to the beach so you can dip your toes in the sand — and sea — during or after your meal.
Da Nang, Vietnam:
My Hanh Seafood
Da Nang has shaken off its sleepy-town past to become one of Vietnam’s most vibrant coastal cities. Travelers come for its golden beaches, buzzing café culture and a calendar packed with colorful festivals. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby mountains and lush jungle trails, but many come specifically for the seafood — fresh, abundant and renowned for its quality.
My Hanh Seafood, established in 1991, remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Located right on the beachfront, the restaurant offers sweeping ocean views and features a lively fish tank that hints at delicious dishes to come. Mantis shrimp and Hoi An mud crab are among the top picks, prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors. Prices are reasonable, portions are generous and the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious. Ask for a table on the breezy terrace — it’s the best seat in the house, especially as the sun sinks into the sea and the glowing moonrise begins. It’s advisable to book in advance via their website, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.
Dubai, UAE:
French Riviera
Dubai’s diverse international dining scene offers a wide variety of cuisine, so you won’t have to look far to find something that suits your palate. While the city is renowned for its world-class shopping and ultraluxe hotels, its restaurants are equally impressive. For a taste of the Côte d’Azur, head to French Riviera at Jumeirah Al Qasr, set on a private beach with sweeping views of the Persian Gulf. It’s recommended to arrive via the hotel’s entrance and stroll through the lush gardens.
Helmed by Chef Kim Joinié-Maurin, the restaurant offers refined French-Mediterranean flavors in a breezy beachfront setting. Highlights include lobster, king crab and tender steak, all presented with elegant flair. Service is impeccable, and dining on the sand is a must. For a more intimate setting, reserve a Dôme at French Riviera Beach — atmospheric glass structures for private under-the-stars dinners that create a truly immersive experience.
Hero Image: © French Riviera
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