On Boulevard de la Croisette, where Cannes moves to the rhythm of the Mediterranean, film premieres and late lunches that stretch into the afternoon, Mr. Nakamoto offers a different kind of Riviera experience. Set within Mondrian Cannes, just steps from the sea and minutes from the Palais des Festivals, the restaurant brings together the spirit of contemporary Asia and the easy elegance of the French Riviera.
With its Art Deco-inspired interiors, polished atmosphere and garden terrace, Mr. Nakamoto feels equally suited to a leisurely lunch, a dinner with friends or an evening that begins with cocktails. At the heart of the restaurant is chef Pierrick Cizeron, a graduate of the Institut Paul Bocuse, whose approach draws on Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese culinary traditions. Rather than adhering to a single national cuisine, the menu moves between influences, pairing familiar Asian techniques and flavours with carefully selected ingredients, including seasonal produce and local specialities.
The result is a menu designed for curiosity. The sushi bar is a natural place to begin, with red-label salmon, bluefin tuna akami, seabass and red prawns from Mazara del Vallo. For something more distinctive, the signature selections introduce combinations such as wagyu beef nigiri with wasabi root and ponzu, or tuna with smoked avocado and black sesame. The omakase platters offer a chance to explore several creations in one sitting, making them particularly appealing for sharing.
Beyond sushi, the kitchen explores a broader range of Asian comfort food and contemporary interpretations. Steamed bao arrives filled with confit beef and hoisin or black cod with miso-yuzu sauce, while the dim sum selection includes combinations of prawns, chicken, beef and vegetables. Among the more substantial dishes, black cod marinated with miso and yuzu stands out as a signature, served with grilled baby gem lettuce and lime-infused potato purée. Elsewhere, Thai-inspired spices bring depth to the braised beef chuck with red curry, coconut and egg noodles.
Vegetarian diners are not an afterthought. A vegetable ramen in rich miso broth, Japanese vegetable curry with homemade pickles and a selection of vegetable-based sushi offer satisfying alternatives without sacrificing the menu's distinctive character.
Dessert continues the dialogue between Asian ingredients and familiar indulgences. Matcha crème brûlée with sweet red bean paste offers a subtle bitterness against its creamy sweetness, while the dark chocolate soufflé with vanilla cream and miso ice cream takes a more unexpected route. For a lighter finish, tapioca pearls with coconut milk, mango and passion fruit bring a tropical note to the table.
The experience extends beyond the kitchen. At Mr. Nakamoto Bar, mixologists work with ingredients such as sake, shiso and umeshu to create cocktails with an Asian sensibility. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the bar makes an inviting stop at almost any hour, whether for an early drink or an aperitif before dinner. For those looking for something more hands-on, a collaboration with Fragonard pairs perfume-making with cocktail creation, inviting guests to craft a fragrance and a drink inspired by their individual scent.
Sundays bring another reason to visit. The restaurant's brunch combines pastries, pancakes and French toast with charcuterie, cheeses, ceviche, sushi and seasonal desserts. A live band adds a relaxed, celebratory note, while younger guests can enjoy activities in the gardens.
At Mr. Nakamoto, the appeal lies in the contrast: the energy of the Croisette outside, a contemporary Asian-inspired menu at the table and a setting that encourages guests to linger. In a city known for its grand occasions, it is a place where the pleasure of a meal can become the occasion itself.
Address: 45 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
Phone: 04 93 38 15 45