La Mère Germaine

This is probably the “fanciest” restaurant in Villefranche and I was skeptical because we saved this for our last night in town and we’d been having fantastic dinners every night of week. Well, I was not disappointed. We were seated right on the water with a beautiful view, and we were immediately served an amuse-bouche of extremely high-quality hummus. Our server was very kind and pleasant, and walked us through the menu in great detail. For an appetizer we got a raw tuna in coconut milk and lime (don’t remember the name). This may sound weird, but we were STUNNED. This was a fantastic fusion of flavor that we could not stop ranting about. Would definitely recommend. For the main courses my wife got the Gambas sauvages (garlic and prawn risotto) which was similar to paella. This was fantastic and one of the best meals we got all week. I got the Bouillabaisse, which they are known for, and if you don’t know what it is then strap in and look it up. Was also amazing. It was a memorable experience and I truly enjoyed it. We then shared a grand marnier souffle, which admittedly, we both thought was a little overrated, though, that didn’t overshadow the amazing dinner we had. Overall a great experience and I would love to go again.

One word: outstanding. From the very beginning, everything was seamless — starting with the ease of the reservation system. The restaurant is located in a charming seaside town, and it beautifully embraces its historical roots. Being right by the water adds a magical touch, but the interior is just as captivating. The atmosphere inside is warm and full of character. The vintage photographs hanging on the walls are simply beautiful — and after reading about the restaurant’s history in the menu, seeing those photos brings the whole story to life. It’s like stepping into a living memory, where past and present come together in the most elegant way. The menu is thoughtful and well-curated, and you can tell great care goes into how each dish is prepared and cooked. The flavors were absolutely on point — every bite was memorable. The service was equally impressive: attentive, friendly, and professional from start to finish. I’ve been thinking hard, but I genuinely can’t find a single flaw. It was simply perfect in every way.

I would like to highly recommend this restaurant as one of the best dining options in the surroundings. They have a nice quayside area overlooking the yachts and the opposite shores of the bay. The staff do their very best here and care about their customers. We visited as a couple to have a birthday dinner and they went to town with preparation, recommendations, and birthday cake. The waiter suggested we should try the local vintage of rosé wine, which was provided to the visitors of 2025 Cannes Festival - it was refined and exquisite on the palate. The soup, catch of the day and desserts were amazing! This is definitely a must-visit and good value for money to have an unforgettable meal in town.

We stopped by this restaurant for lunch after spending time at the beach. We chose it based on positive reviews, and it did not disappoint. The staff were friendly, and the ability to dine while overlooking the sea was a significant advantage. Although seafood options were available, we opted for pasta for lunch. The vongole pasta had a delightful combination of noodles and sauce, though there was some noticeable grit from sand. The recommended shrimp curry featured a pleasant coconut aroma and a moderate spiciness, which paired excellently with the chutney. Thanks to the setting and the meal, we enjoyed a peaceful dining experience by the sea.

One of the greatest restaurants on the Cote d'Azure to dine waterside watching the sunset while the boats gently move in this protected harbor. The waitstaff is attentive and professional with big personalities.The cuisine is excellent with lots of options including 3-course meal selections which we would highly recommend from the fish soup to meat/fish entree to the The grand array of dessert selections. Make reservations to sit directly on the waterfront.

I can say it was the best ceviche I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the wine selection was both wide and excellent. Perfect for a romantic evening.

Having spent my birthday dinner here it was exactly what I wanted in a restaurant. The atmosphere, the relaxation, the attentive service and the hospitality of the staff was outstanding. The fois gras was mesmerising, the fish cooked perfectly how fish should be cooked. First time to this place, but certainly won't be the last and will be forever in my list to visit everytime I'm in the French riviera. All in all a wonderful joyful evening. Bravo and kudos to all the staff and thank you for the nice birthday candle.

Service was good, but the food was average. Most importantly, they were serving very cheap and low-quality olive oil, which was surprising coming from a restaurant that prides itself on the quality of its ingredients. Also the desert was barely eatble we had a lemon pie and red fruit pastry.. Overall, very low value for the money.

The best seafood restaurant in Villefranche-sur-mer. Great location, ambiance, service and food. Highly recommended.

3 Weeks already! Wow! On our last evening in Nice, and we asked our driver to recommend a nice restaurant for dinner. He reccomend La Mere Germaine. Talk about saving the best for last! It was worth every penny. We were greeted so warmly by the owner. He greets all his customers nicely but somehow we felt special, a very charming host. The food was awesome, pictures say a thousand words. The view was spectacular! If ever in the South of France, ill definitely go again.

Beautiful restaurant with great service. Food is only okay and the price is high though you're really paying for the view. Fresh seafood prepared in classic way. White table cloth type spot. Bouillabaisse (3/5) - it was okay but very disappointing for the price not cause of quantity but just not very special Lobster salad (4/5) - nice balance and good chunks of lobsters Gambas and chorizo paella rice (4/5) - tasted good with a nice balance of flavors Come here for the ambiance/view and just expect to pay for it.

Stunning ambiance and view of the Mediterranean Sea!! My boyfriend and I had gotten a recommendation to try Bouillabaisse in Nice from a local so we scoured the web and came across La Mere Germaine. We were not disappointed!! The seafood in the Bouillabaisse was so fresh and fragrant. We also got the Riz Pilaf to spice things up a bit and it was excellent. The pan fried pieces of pepperoni was to die for If you love your alcohol pairings like me - go for the Minuty Rose (by the half litre bottle) or Trienne (by the glass)

This is definitely a hidden gem in the South of France. On a recent visit with my wife we were personally greeted by the owner and his wife and treated to the gastronomic excellence that has been perfected over 80 years. Exceptional hospitality, ambience, food, service that is worth experiencing. Need to try the famed fish soup and magnificent fish dishes. Rich + Joan M

Dinner for 2. - Ambiance (4/5) Brilliant sea view marred only by stained tablecloth. - Service (3/5) Food took awhile to come out, but servers were eager to please. The owner/manager stopped by as well to say hello. - Bread (2/5) Worst bread I've had in France. A bit stale really. - Fish Soup, 29€ (3/5) Listed under hot starters, it's most definitely not a starter. Most would probably be frightened off by a 29€ soup- I was not because I had read many a blog raving about this original since 1938 recipe. Not only is it a huge portion, but you also get refills! It comes with a bowl of toasted bread and a spread of cheese, aioli, and raw garlic, which you rub on the bread, then drop in the soup. This whole bit was awkward, and frankly I didn't think they paired all that well together. The soup was extremely packed with flavor. You can tell the amount of ingredients and work that went into making that base. Presentation-wise, it's lacking. I understand a need to keep to the original recipe, but sometimes the best way to honor something old is to keep it relevant with little unobtrusive additions, such as a nicely seared scallop or fish in the center, with the soup poured around it. - Red Mullets a la Plancha, 36€ (3/5) These little buggers were exactly what I thought they were- baitfish in the US, and apparently in the south of France, fine fare. Surprised to say they tasted quite delicate! And fresh of course (I suspect they came not too far from the pier). 6 whole ones showed on my plate, along with some really good roasted root veggies. Little fish have little bones- which gave me quite the unexpected tongue workout just to avoid having those prickly needles down my throat. Good? Yes. Worth the effort? Mm not so sure. - Value (1/5) Probably the most upsetting part of this meal was the egregious pricing. 29€ for a soup most certainly justified some fresh physical pieces of fish, no? 6 little baitfish for 36€? There wasn't enough meat on those bones to make up one big piece of bass. - Final Word I read on some blogs and reviews that this was Michelin type food. Either the restaurant has slipped dramatically or those folks have never actually tasted Michelin starred food. Priced far lower, and I could see a reason to return, but as it is, I'm bummed to say I felt I may have fallen into a tourist trap.

On our trip to the Côte D'Azur we came across Villefranche-sur-Mer and fell in love with the area. This restaurant is directly on the water with incredible views. The service was great and the food was amazing! We'll be back for sure ....

What a lovely spot and friendly staff. Would highly recommend. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

Inviting staff, exquisite presentation and totally delicious. If you can afford it, do not miss this experience. Crab cake was so fresh and full of subtle flavors. Sea bass was presented so artfully and a pine nut infused salsa was a taste bud tantalizer. Desserts are full of buttery goodness. The best meal of our trip.

We had the braised local octopus with fried mushrooms and that was salty but good with the romaine spears it came with to cut the salt. Our main was the bouillabaisse, which was wildly rich and deep with the seafood essentialness of tomalley. It was presented to us in a mannered but charming way and, for me, it was quite good. The date wasn't thrilled with it. I rubbed raw garlic on crostini and also slathered the crostini with mustard and the grated parmesan it came with. The service was attentive in the old school manner one might expect. Not a spectacular meal but a sufficiently satisfying one. Plus view, 3.5 stars rounded up.

Recommended by friends and locals, we came to Villefranche by train from Cannes. On an easy stroll through this wonderful Medieval town we came upon the Sunday open air antiques market, making the trip even more delightful. Got to this terrific restaurant in time for an early (by French standards) lunch and had a fantastic meal. The classic loupe de mer did not disappoint and the special trio of three from the sea was exceptional. A large langoustine, and two lovely filets: John Dory and Branzino, were served with an assortment of garden-fresh vegetables and puffed potato fries. Sharing a fish soup to start and delicious baked bread with a cool, crisp bottle of St. Veran, The service was professional and pleasant, the owner stopped by the table to be sure all was well. Very classy. we couldn't be happier.

This place served some of the best seafood I've had. The sea bass is excellent and the rock fish soup is packed with flavor. The staff is super nice and knows enough English. They were all very kind and glad to serve myself and my family.

Disappointing and overpriced. The two of us had a small lunch for $100. We split a rock fish soup. It was pureed with no fish, no vegetables, only broth, so bad we didn't even finish it. Then we both had Niçois salads. They were very small and the vegetables were turning brown and not fresh (precut from days ago?). The dressing was like a mouthful of oil, no taste. The service took forever for a salad. The only good thing was the stunning view and the presentation of the plates. I guess that's why others are rating this decently. It was below mediocre.

Be prepared to wait 45 mins before anybody acknowledges you, but this is probably one of the best restaurants in the Cote D'Azur. There is a reason this place is famous and if you are in the atea I highly recommend it.... oh and make sure you have a reservation- place is packed!!!

Great Italian with sea food! Just by the port. Risotto with squib, mixed fish plate like Japanese sushi style, dolce also perfect! The best!

Pricey but excellent service, food and ambiance. All that the French Riviera should be but without the crowds. Boulibaisse is outstanding