La Passagère – Hôtel Belles Rives

I dined at the restaurant situated on the terrace, where the sunset view was truly spectacular, complemented by the charm of the historic building. The staff demonstrated a high level of attentiveness and provided detailed explanations of the menu items in English. The culinary offerings were commendable; however, the desserts were somewhat a bit too sweet for our preferences. The presentation of the dishes was exceptional. Unfortunately, a big wedding event occurred on the same evening, resulting in elevated noise levels that detracted from the serenity of the outdoor dining experience.

My husband and I have dined at many Michelin Star restaurants around the world from Napa to Florida to Italy and France…you get the idea. I would place this bottom 3 experiences we have ever had and I am not that picky to be fair. See there is a delicate balance of trust when you are experiencing fine dining. In the right hands, you are taken on a journey, a dance of pleasure if you will. This experience was anything but that; and more like a feeding trough for animals. Let me continue to set the stage. This was our last meal after a 12 day trip all around the French Riviera. We had the BEST Michelin experience in Nice at Flaveur on night 4. We walked in at 7:30 pm and left at 12:30am. Please note this was a 5hr time frame for 7-9 courses with wine pairing. We also ate at very basic restaurants during our trip. None EVER went less than 2 hrs with drinks and an entree. At La Passagerde, we were finished with a 7 course meal in under 2hrs, including the bill paid. Let me explain why this is an important detail to my 1 star review. Upon arrival we were offered champagne and poured a full glass. We were then given bread and 2 “starter” dishes within 15mins. Have you ever drank a an entire glass of Rosa Champagne and basically half a meal in 15mins? I haven’t!? I was sort of confused and still trusting in the staff and experience since this is a Michelin Star experience. After 30 more mins I had wine glasses stacking up that were half finished and when I excused myself from dish 3; 35 mins later to use the restroom because now I am not feeling so well, my plate was cleared!? No one can enjoy rich and complex dishes with wine pairings at a rapid pace that the staff was setting. It felt like they wanted to turn the table over to hurry and get more people through. It was extremely fake and impersonal with the staff. I lost all trust in the process. Eating here was a race and my husband finished one of my plates because I felt so sick and couldn’t eat another bite of white fish drenched in sauce. I sat there moody and unresponsive to the staff and literally NO ONE ever bothered to ask how anything was or if I was ok…like I was lucky to even be there!? All the plates were fish and so basic. Literally nothing stood out and I was so full by the 3rd course because I ate 5 dishes in 45 mins that everything started to taste bitter. This was like a hotdog eating contest that I never entered… This place reminds me of the Michelin star restaurants where the head chef used to be there but doesn’t go back anymore and the whole place is going down hill. It is a tourist trap at best. If you are accustomed to fine dining and Michelin Star then do yourself a BIG favor and go into Nice and eat at Flaveur where the main chefs are still there and care about the experience. If you have never had a Michelin meal and enjoy eating and drinking like some is going to take your food from you during a 7 course meal that is done in 2hrs (check paid at 2 hrs) then this is your place.

Spectacular meal in a stunning environment. We had the “surprise” menu, 8 courses which was simply stunning. One of the best meals I’ve ever had. That with a view over the bay as the sun was setting. Worth every penny.

Excellent food service and atmosphere. Three set menus each over €200 with the surprise menu being rhetorical most expensive. Worth the expense but must reserve in advance.

Had a drink at the Fitzgerald piano bar and it was really lovely. Cocktails are creative, art deco furnitures, decorations and architecture impressive. The portraits of all the great people (Fitzgerald, Sting, Catherine Deneuve, Woody Allen..) staying in this legendary hotel welcome you warmly. The pianist playing a few classical french songs takes you back in time. The price is exaggerated, in my opinion, but oh well )