Hôtel Martinez, the iconic Art-Deco hotel on La Croisette in Cannes, has reopened La Palme d’Or restaurant during the Cannes Film Festival 2024.
This long-awaited reopening is a big moment for the hotel which has a long history with the festival.
The redesigned restaurant, now a premier gourmet seafood establishment, is led by the distinguished Chef Jean Imbert, who took the culinary helm a year ago.
A Rich Cinematic History
Hôtel Martinez has a strong link with the film industry and has been at the heart of the Cannes Film Festival for many years. This year the hotel hosted the Jury Dinner, the most coveted dinner of the festival on 13th May at La Palme d’Or.
This year the dinner was a pink menu in honour of director Greta Gerwig inspired by the 2023 film ‘Barbie’. Dishes such as ‘Barbie Tuna’ with hibiscus and barbajuan and ‘Greta’s Soufflé’ with strawberry and raspberry were served to the guests, showing off the restaurant’s creativity.
Located on a terrasse with breathtaking views of the French Riviera, La Palme d’Or’s culinary theme is the Mediterranean Sea. The menu, crafted by Chef Imbert, features fish and seafood and other local specialities.
Highlights are John Dory, lobster, bonito and chocolate and berry soufflés. All ingredients are local, so the freshest and most genuine flavours.
A Cinematic Dining Experience
Chef Jean Imbert’s philosophy centres on simplicity and authenticity. “I want to serve gourmet, sea-sourced cuisine that is simple, relaxed, and straightforward,” says Imbert. “This is a way of paying tribute to the edible jewels of the Mediterranean – ingredients one would never find in Paris – and the specific skill and know-how of the region’s fishermen.” His approach reflects a deep respect for local traditions and ingredients, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to each dish.
Rémi Tessier, the designer of La Plage du Martinez beach club, has given La Palme d’Or a cinematic twist. The restaurant’s interior is inspired by vintage boats, with lacquered wood and nautical details.
The menu is designed like a film script, the dishes are presented like storyboards. The coat-check receipts are old movie tickets and the dessert menu is a call sheet. This is a nod to the hotel’s film heritage.
An Array of Cinematic Curiosities
To the restaurant’s already unique atmosphere, Tessier has added a collection of old movie posters, relics and scripts with handwritten notes from movie stars.
This collection transforms the restaurant into a living museum of cinema, offering diners a chance to step back in time and experience the glamour of vintage Hollywood.
Rémi Tessier’s vision for La Palme d’Or was to recreate the glamorous atmosphere of vintage yacht interiors from the 1930s to the 1960s. “The cuisine so wholly focused on seafood aligns perfectly with this vision,” says Tessier. “Jean and I have long shared a passion for boats, and the notion of timelessness is fundamental to our respective work, but always with an added twist that makes the place unique, just like the cuisine.” Tessier’s design seamlessly blends the elegance of the past with modern touches, creating a dining experience that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
Gourmet Seafood Delights
La Palme d’Or’s menu is a reflection of Chef Jean Imbert’s culinary artistry. His focus on gourmet seafood is evident in every dish, from the John Dory to the lobster.
Imbert’s dishes are not only beautiful but also full of flavour, a taste of the Mediterranean. Each plate is a celebration of the sea, a chance to taste the best of the region.
Imbert’s local sourcing goes beyond the ingredients. His dishes are a tribute to the Mediterranean fishermen, whose skills and know-how are reflected in the seafood. By highlighting these often invisible artisans, Imbert brings their stories to the surface and creates a connection between the diner and the plate.
Innovative Culinary Techniques
In addition to traditional methods, Imbert uses innovative techniques to create the dining experience. The hibiscus in ‘Barbie Tuna’ and the strawberry and raspberry in ‘Greta’s Soufflé’ show his ability to mix creativity with classic flavours. These combinations make each bite an adventure for the palate.
Sustainability is at the heart of La Palme d’Or’s philosophy. Imbert ensures all seafood is sustainably sourced, supporting local fisheries and sustainable practices. This is reflected in every aspect of the restaurant, from the ingredients to Tessier’s design.
La Palme d’Or’s reopening has put it at the top of the list of Cannes’ most luxurious restaurants. The combination of Imbert’s cuisine and Tessier’s design is a restaurant that is a treat for the taste buds and the eyes. Diners can expect a one-off experience that celebrates food and cinema.
A Celebration of Art and Culture
For the Cannes Film Festival attendees, La Palme d’Or is a must. The restaurant’s tie to the festival and the view is the icing on the cake.
Whether you’re at the Jury Dinner or just on the terrace, you’ll have an experience that’s Cannes in a nutshell.
La Palme d’Or is not just a restaurant, it’s an art, culture and history. From the cinematic elements in the design to Imbert’s dishes, every detail tells a story. This marriage of culinary and cinematic art is what makes La Palme d’Or a one-off, where every meal is a journey through time and taste.
*Images: Boby/ Design: Rémi Tessier Design
