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Under the iconic seven-metre dome of Palm Beach Cannes, Il Grande makes its debut as a bold new dining destination inspired by the glamour and hedonism of 1960s Italy. Designed as a theatrical, late-night restaurant, Il Grande blends vintage allure with contemporary edge, redefining Riviera dining through its immersive design and Italian-inspired cuisine by renowned chef Yiannis Kioroglou, and an al fresco terrace perfect for dining under the Riviera sky.
Created by French-Mexican Artist-Architect Hugo Toro, the design pays homage to Palm Beach’s golden age of sultry soirées and midnight celebrations. Toro imagined Il Grande as a candlelit world of passion and shadow, shaped by a palette of deep reds, burnished golds, and a recurring motif of “poisoned flowers,” a poetic nod to Romeo and Juliet.
Live music alongside R’n’B and hip hop beats enhance the cinematic atmosphere, while the discreet, hidden bar Flash, open on weekends, extends the theatrical world of Il Grande into a secret, intimate space for cocktails, music, and late-night gatherings.
A Total Work of Art
Il Grande is conceived as a “Gesamtkunstwerk” – a complete, immersive work of art where every element contributes to a unified narrative. Within the towering rotunda, Toro balances grandeur with intimacy through retro jacquards, sculptural concrete columns, lacquered furniture, and hand-blown Murano chandeliers. Every piece, crafted in collaboration with French artisans, reflects meticulous attention to detail. “When something is made by hand, it carries a soul,” Toro notes.
The space unfolds like theatre, revealing itself in acts: a mezzanine inspired by opera balconies, a hidden lovers’ table tucked discreetly away, and restrooms designed as an integral part of the scenography. Even the terrace extends the vision, imagined beneath what Toro calls a “blood-red moon,” ensuring the entire venue immerses guests in a cinematic, emotionally charged experience.
An Italian Menu with Soul
Complementing the cinematic design, globally acclaimed Chef Yiannis Kioroglou crafts a warm and elegant Italian menu that celebrates both tradition and creativity. Signature dishes include delicate truffle arancini, al dente paccheri bathed in the Chef’s secret tomato sauce, and tender scaloppine al limone, each plate designed to balance flavor, texture, and visual impact.
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are elevated with precise technique, while Italian wines and inventive cocktails enhance every bite, creating a dining rhythm that mirrors the energy of Riviera nightlife. The presentation is as considered as the flavours where each course is a curated moment of theatre that engages all the senses, leaving guests fully immersed in the drama and indulgence of Il Grande.
A New Riviera Icon
Il Grande bridges Palm Beach’s storied past and its contemporary revival. “I wanted to create a place where food, music and architecture come together in a complete moment,” Toro says. “A place to fall in love, just for a night.”
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