NYKAT Plage has officially opened its doors in Old Antibes, offering a new dining and entertainment destination inspired by the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera.
Situated close to Port Vauban, the waterfront venue has been created as a social hub where guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, live music and vibrant evening experiences in a setting designed to reflect the spirit of Côte d’Azur living.
The venue spans two floors and has launched with an upper-level restaurant capable of accommodating up to 140 guests. A more intimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar is scheduled to open on the lower floor in September 2026, expanding the concept into a multi-layered hospitality destination.
Music forms a central part of the guest experience. Dinner service is accompanied by live piano performances before the atmosphere gradually evolves into a more energetic evening environment led by resident DJs.
Heading the kitchen is Chef Thomas Vado, who has strong family ties to the region and experience gained at several leading hospitality destinations, including W Verbier, Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne and La Table d’Hôte du 22. His menu celebrates Mediterranean ingredients and sharing-style dining, combining seasonal produce with contemporary techniques and international influences.
The dessert offering has been created by award-winning pastry chef Manon Gouin, whose accolades include the 2024 Lebey Prize for Best Chocolate Dessert and the 2025 Michelin x Valrhona Passion Dessert Award. Her creations bring a refined and creative conclusion to the dining experience.
A carefully selected wine programme highlights French producers, while the cocktail menu draws inspiration from the colours, flavours and landscapes of the Mediterranean coastline.
The venue’s design has been led by architect Steve Baldini, whose previous projects include hospitality concepts in Nice and Paris. The upper floor has been designed to evoke the atmosphere of a sophisticated beach house, featuring warm materials, natural textures and a spacious terrace overlooking Old Antibes.
A striking white piano serves as the centrepiece of the dining room, reinforcing the venue’s strong connection between food, music and social interaction.
The lower-level cocktail bar, due to open later this year, will offer a contrasting experience inspired by traditional speakeasies. Characterised by rich materials, subdued lighting and an intimate atmosphere, it will provide guests with a sophisticated setting for cocktails and late-night gatherings.
With its blend of Mediterranean cuisine, live entertainment and Riviera-inspired design, NYKAT Plage aims to establish itself as one of Old Antibes’ newest hospitality destinations, offering guests an experience that evolves naturally from daytime dining through to evening socialising.
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