There's something inherently magical about southern France. Those who've spent summers there know that every town tells a tale. Take into account the balmy afternoon breeze as you wander through the narrow lanes of Antibes; the cheerful mornings spent scouring Cours Saleya, Nice’s oldest market, where the scent of fresh viennoiserie mingles with the sound of church bells; the dazzling blue of Côte d’Azur as viewed from Villefranche-sur-Mer; the long, lazy lunches in Saint-Tropez and the aching feet after nights filled with laughter. The French Riviera isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. And when that longing to return is all-consuming with a kind of nostalgia that feels almost tangible, Maison Mer Dubai answers the call. The newest restaurant by Nikki Beach Hospitality Group on Pearl Jumeira island, opening this November, invites guests to experience the quintessential rhythm of southern French life without having to leave Dubai.
Inspired by the area’s coastal charm and countryside allure, Maison Mer captures the spirit of long, leisurely lunches, the sound of laughter echoing over shared plates and the effortless charm of coastal living. “For many years, the south of France has felt like a second home, and I’ve always dreamt of sharing that way of life with the world. The ease of mornings at the market, long afternoons with a cold beverage and evenings surrounded by friends have shaped the spirit of Maison Mer. I’m thrilled to bring this lifestyle to Dubai, where guests can experience the French Riviera life,” explains Lucia Penrod, cofounder of Nikki Beach Hospitality Group. Continuing in the same vein, she says that every element – from the ingredients to the décor – is a love letter to the region.
Designed as a modern seaside home, Maison Mer seamlessly blends Mediterranean sophistication with old-world charm. Guests arrive through a limestone archway and follow a garden path framed by native plants. Inside, arched portals and hand-tiled tables in shades of thyme and basil set a fresh yet relaxed mood. Antique pieces sourced from boutiques in Provence add a homely touch, while outdoors, scalloped parasols and unobstructed views of the sea create a setting that feels worlds away from the city.
The menu, overseen by France-based corporate executive chef Alessandro Pizza and head chef Kavish Chimajee in Dubai, highlights the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. The menu celebrates the joy of sharing, and ingredients such as anchovies, goat cheese, artichokes and figs tell their own stories from Southern France. Highlights include linguini aux tomates cerises et poisson frais du jour – a generous serving of homemade pasta tossed in tomato coulis and paired with the day’s fresh catch.. Not to be missed is the fougasse with anchovy butter or baby artichokes braised à la barigoule – both of which echo the warmth of a regional coastal kitchen.
Each plate is meant to be enjoyed slowly, much like a long summer afternoon. Nothing ends a meal better than a tarte tropézienne filled with crème pâtissière and buttercream. As the sun sets, the mood shifts. Soft lighting and lively music take over – think of a curated playlist of French tunes, live music and a piano performance. Guests can linger over drinks infused with fig, hibiscus and thyme – flavours that balance freshness and depth, while reflecting the Mediterranean essence.
With its French Riviera soul and Dubai’s glitz and glamour, Maison Mer beautifully captures the spirit of summer on the Côte d’Azur, no matter what the season is.
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