Nykat Plage has opened its doors on the waterfront in Old Antibes, steps from Port Vauban, adding a new dining and entertainment option to the French Riviera. The venue combines a Mediterranean restaurant on the upper level with a planned speakeasy-style cocktail bar on the lower floor, set to launch in September 2026.
Culinary Leadership and Menu
The kitchen is helmed by Head Chef Thomas Vado, whose resume includes stints at W Verbier and Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne. His menu focuses on seasonal sharing plates, with dishes such as Sea Bass Ceviche with strawberry-guajillo leche de tigre and Kampot Pepper Duck glazed with honey. Pastry Chef Manon Gouin, winner of the 2024 Lebey Prize for Best Chocolate Dessert, oversees desserts like Warm Chocolate Mousse with a frozen peanut center.
Architect Steve Baldini designed the space to reflect the duality of Riviera living. The upper floor draws inspiration from the Mediterranean shoreline, featuring a spacious terrace and a white piano as a focal point. Baldini noted, “The idea was to create a rupture without ever breaking the harmony of the place.”
Nykat Plage is currently open for dinner daily, with lunch service expected to follow soon. Reservations are available via the venue’s website. The opening adds to the region’s hospitality landscape, which includes recent developments such as the Red Sea Global Opens First AMAALA Resort: Four Seasons at Triple Bay and the MGallery Collection Opens First Maldives Property: V Villas at Mirihi.
For travel professionals, Nykat Plage represents a new option for clients seeking upscale dining and entertainment on the Riviera. The venue’s combination of live music, seasonal cuisine, and a planned speakeasy bar may appeal to luxury travelers and those exploring the Côte d’Azur. The opening also underscores the ongoing investment in experiential hospitality along the Mediterranean coast.
As the travel industry continues to recover, destinations like Antibes are seeing new openings that blend dining, music, and atmosphere. Nykat Plage aims to capture the convivial spirit of the region while offering a distinct experience for both locals and visitors.
