A new dining destination has arrived in Nice that’s already drawing crowds – and deserves to. Zenirō, which opened just two weeks ago, presents a sophisticated fusion of Japanese precision and Provençal soul that feels both luxurious and remarkably accessible.
The restaurant was packed on a Wednesday night – unusual for an establishment barely out of its soft launch. Word has clearly spread that Nice has a serious new player in its dining scene, and the early verdict suggests the hype is justified.
Zenirō occupies three levels in central Nice – opposite the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum – though currently only the main restaurant across the first two floors is operating, offering 120 covers alongside an intimate private dining room. The rooftop cocktail bar, complete with a three-metre bonsai-shaped olive tree, is scheduled to open in spring 2026.
Japanese technique meets Riviera ingredients
Head Chef Ricardo Pérez, whose experience includes stints at Nobu London Shoreditch and Tapasake at One&Only Portonovi, leads a kitchen that celebrates Provençal seasonality through Japanese technique. The charcoal grill features prominently, bringing smoky depth to dishes like grilled artichoke hearts with salmon tartare and locally sourced red mullet with sesame sauce and rice salsa.
Main courses include Angus beef grilled on toban and a refined interpretation of ratatouille that elevates the classic Provençal vegetable medley.
The grilled lamb chops deserve particular mention – worth returning for even if they don’t exactly scream Japan.
Desserts like baba au limoncello with vanilla cream and raspberries, and a perfectly executed chocolate soufflé topped with black sesame ice cream also prove you can successfully bridge two cuisines without leaving anyone at the table disappointed.
Luxe without the luxury pricing – for now
The stunning interior, designed by Cannes-based architect Samy Chams (known for La Guérite Cannes, Bagatelle Courchevel and Jimmy’z Monaco), blends Japanese minimalism with Provençal warmth. Rich, tactile materials, softly backlit surfaces and an earthy palette create an intimate, cocooning atmosphere. Sculptural banquettes, textured upholstery and refined brass detailing nod to mid-century design, while low ambient lighting allows the space to evolve throughout the evening.
The level of finish and service feels decidedly luxurious, yet prices remain surprisingly reasonable – though one suspects this accessibility may not last as Zenirō establishes itself and word continues to spread.
Cocktails with precision
The bar programme reflects the same balance and precision found in the kitchen. Classic Japanese cocktails receive French Riviera reinterpretation: Raku combines Roku Gin with yuzu, sparkling sake and soda, while Yume blends Belvedere Vodka with red shiso, umeshu and grapefruit cordial. The signature mocktail Nami offers a non-alcoholic option with kombucha, apple-quince, ginger and lemon.
Ambitious plans ahead
“We wanted to showcase what Zenirō is really about – bringing Japanese technique together with the incredible produce we have here in Provence,” says Thomas Barazer, the restaurant’s General Manager. With multiple restaurant openings in Paris under his belt, Barazer brings both expertise and an approachable professionalism that immediately puts diners at ease.
“Right now we’re focusing on getting the restaurant experience perfect, and then the rooftop bar opens in spring – that’s when you’ll get the complete Zenirō experience.”
Later in 2026, Zenirō will establish an exclusive farm in Provence dedicated to cultivating regional ingredients, allowing the kitchen to work in harmony with the seasons. Future expansion plans aim to bring the Japanese-Provençal philosophy to other Riviera destinations and beyond.
Verdict
This is the kind of restaurant worthy of drawing you out of Monaco for dinner, worth seeking out if you’re already in Nice, or simply worth trying if you want something new and genuinely good. The combination of sophisticated execution, beautiful design and accessible pricing makes Zenirō an early contender for one of the Riviera’s most exciting restaurant openings this year.
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All photos courtesy of Zeniro