African Queen Restaurant

The origins of African Queen

african queen restaurant french riviera southern food

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, African Queen is a cult, mythical, and iconic place that needs almost no introduction since 1969.
Created by Lila and Pierre Brizio, the restaurant draws its name from the timeless British-American film “African Queen” by John Huston, a tribute born from their deep admiration for the legendary Humphrey Bogart, who once graced their establishment with his presence.

In the years that followed, Gilbert Vissian, a former waiter at African Queen, assumed the helm alongside his wife and daughter. With a passion for culinary artistry ingrained in his soul and a profound connection to the South of France, Vissian transformed African Queen into an epitome of gastronomic excellence on the French Riviera. As time marched on, the menu evolved, yet staples like wood-fired pizzas, tableside mixed Niçoise salad, and exotic fruit-infused curries remained signature dishes.

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, African Queen is a cult, mythical, and iconic place that needs almost no introduction since 1969.
Created by Lila and Pierre Brizio, the restaurant draws its name from the timeless British-American film “African Queen” by John Huston, a tribute born from their deep admiration for the legendary Humphrey Bogart, who once graced their establishment with his presence.

In the years that followed, Gilbert Vissian, a former waiter at African Queen, assumed the helm alongside his wife and daughter. With a passion for culinary artistry ingrained in his soul and a profound connection to the South of France, Vissian transformed African Queen into an epitome of gastronomic excellence on the French Riviera. As time marched on, the menu evolved, yet staples like wood-fired pizzas, tableside mixed Niçoise salad, and exotic fruit-infused curries remained signature dishes.

African Queen

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

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African Queen

Dubai

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African Queen

Montenegro

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A Renewed Culinary Tradition

An Unforgettable Experience

african queen restaurant french riviera southern food

In summer, and even all year long, guests flock to African Queen to dine with friends, basking in the sight of yachts swaying on the docks, enveloped by the warmth of the season and the alluring aromas of Southern cuisine. Yet, it’s more than just a meal ; it’s a celebration of life and epicurean delights, a moment to gather around the table and indulge in dishes infused with an exotic flair.
The secret to African Queen’s enduring success comes from a seemingly simple equation : unwavering commitment to quality, an insatiable appetite for Mediterranean flavors, and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Not to mention its international reputation built through celebrities – Sylvester Stallone, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Bono, to name a few – who made the restaurant their perennial dining destination.
In 2023, African Queen embarked on a new journey thanks to a trio of friends from the restaurant industry, including Riccardo Giraudi. Together, they aimed to pay homage to their youth memories and revive the African Queen concept once again.

In summer, and even all year long, guests flock to African Queen to dine with friends, basking in the sight of yachts swaying on the docks, enveloped by the warmth of the season and the alluring aromas of Southern cuisine. Yet, it’s more than just a meal ; it’s a celebration of life and epicurean delights, a moment to gather around the table and indulge in dishes infused with an exotic flair.
The secret to African Queen’s enduring success comes from a seemingly simple equation : unwavering commitment to quality, an insatiable appetite for Mediterranean flavors, and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Not to mention its international reputation built through celebrities – Sylvester Stallone, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Bono, to name a few – who made the restaurant their perennial dining destination.
In 2023, African Queen embarked on a new journey thanks to a trio of friends from the restaurant industry, including Riccardo Giraudi. Together, they aimed to pay homage to their youth memories and revive the African Queen concept once again.

hubert poyet design architecture african queen
african queen restaurant design
humbert poyet architecture concept

Unmissable on the African Queen

A menu infused with Mediterranean flavors

african queen restaurant french riviera southern food

Food enthusiasts and regulars settle into a space that is both exotic and timeless, to savor the more-than-signature dishes that have built African Queen’s reputation. To name just a few, there’s wood-fired truffle pizza, traditional Niçoise salad with tuna ventresca prepared right before your eyes, African salad with hearts of palm & peanuts, a beautiful selection of simply grilled fishes, etc.

The new menu first pays homage to these authentic dishes by preserving their original taste and product identity. Then, new, fresh, and colorful recipes with refined techniques are added. These include a warm goat cheese tart in filo pastry, warm shrimps with olive oil and Menton lemon, tender Black Angus ribeye, and many others.
For those with a sweet tooth, the desserts crafted by the pastry chef delicately and indulgently conclude the experience. The rum-soaked baba, the soft Tropézienne tart filled with vanilla cream, and the signature raspberry tart surely delight.

Food enthusiasts and regulars settle into a space that is both exotic and timeless, to savor the more-than-signature dishes that have built African Queen’s reputation. To name just a few, there’s wood-fired truffle pizza, traditional Niçoise salad with tuna ventresca prepared right before your eyes, African salad with hearts of palm & peanuts, a beautiful selection of simply grilled fishes, etc.

The new menu first pays homage to these authentic dishes by preserving their original taste and product identity. Then, new, fresh, and colorful recipes with refined techniques are added. These include a warm goat cheese tart in filo pastry, warm shrimps with olive oil and Menton lemon, tender Black Angus ribeye, and many others.
For those with a sweet tooth, the desserts crafted by the pastry chef delicately and indulgently conclude the experience. The rum-soaked baba, the soft Tropézienne tart filled with vanilla cream, and the signature raspberry tart surely delight.