The French Riviera’s culinary landscape is set to welcome a dazzling addition in May 2025 as Zuma, the globally acclaimed luxury dining brand, unveils its latest outpost at Saint-Tropez’s iconic Hotel Byblos.
Following its successful debut in Cannes in 2024, Zuma continues its Mediterranean expansion by embedding itself within one of the Riviera’s most storied hospitality destinations. This partnership merges Zuma’s contemporary Japanese ethos with Hotel Byblos’ legacy of timeless elegance, promising an unparalleled experience for discerning travellers and locals alike.
Co-Founder Rainer Becker emphasises the synergy between brand and location: “The hotel’s reputation as the most iconic and dynamic in the area perfectly reflects Zuma’s ethos. Saint-Tropez was a natural choice for our next Riviera venture. It’s a destination with the lively spirit we’re drawn to, and we’re excited to bring our concept to a town that pays homage to our discerning clientele.”
The collaboration underscores Zuma’s strategy of aligning with venues that embody luxury, authenticity, and cultural vibrancy.
Izakaya Reinvented: Where Japan Meets the Mediterranean
At the heart of Zuma St. Tropez lies its signature Izakaya concept,a modern interpretation of Japan’s casual gastro-pubs, reimagined through a lens of sophistication. The restaurant’s fully outdoor setting, nestled within Hotel Byblos’ lush gardens, will invite guests to dine beneath the stars, enveloped by the balmy Riviera air. Three open kitchens,a main kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill,will anchor the space, offering theatrical culinary craftsmanship.
Design plays a pivotal role in blending tradition with innovation. A sweeping curved bamboo bar takes centre stage, complemented by bespoke Japanese tiles and ambient lighting. The layout encourages conviviality, with communal tables and intimate nooks catering to both lively gatherings and private moments.
This harmonious fusion of aesthetic elements mirrors Zuma’s culinary philosophy: honouring Japanese techniques while embracing local influences.
Culinary Mastery: A Symphony of Flavours
Zuma St. Tropez’s menu promises an elevated take on sharing-style dining, featuring pristine seafood, premium cuts grilled over binchōtan charcoal, and delicately crafted sushi. Dishes such as miso-marinated black cod and wagyu tataki will sit alongside seasonal specialities inspired by Provençal ingredients.
The robata grill, a hallmark of Zuma’s kitchens, will impart smoky depth to vegetables, meats, and seafood, creating a dialogue between fire and flavour.
An award-winning beverage programme elevates the experience further. Mixologists will shake and stir signature 1 like the yuzu-infoured Zuma Martini, while sommeliers curate a list spanning boutique vineyards and prestigious champagne houses.
The sake selection, featuring rare junmai daiginjo varieties, underscores Zuma’s commitment to authenticity. As Becker notes, “Our menus are designed to surprise and delight,familiar yet unexpected, rooted in tradition but never bound by it.”
From London to Global Dominance: Zuma’s Journey
Since its 2002 launch in London, Zuma has redefined modern Japanese dining, expanding to 20 cities across five continents. Co-founders Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney envisioned a brand that transcends borders, blending culinary excellence with immersive design.
Flagship locations in Dubai, New York, and Hong Kong have become synonymous with cosmopolitan luxury, while seasonal pop-ups in Ibiza, Mykonos, and Capri cater to jet-setters seeking ephemeral indulgence.
The St. Tropez outpost marks Zuma’s second Riviera venture, reinforcing its affinity for coastal glamour. Each location adapts to its environment,whether Miami’s Art Deco flair or Rome’s historic grandeur,while maintaining a cohesive identity. This balance of global consistency and local nuance has cemented Zuma’s status as a hospitality titan, attracting a loyal following of gourmands and celebrities.
Awards and Accolades: Celebrating Excellence
Zuma’s relentless pursuit of perfection has garnered international acclaim. The brand’s London and Hong Kong branches earned spots in The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list, voted by over 800 industry experts. In 2022, Zuma Dubai claimed the #2 position on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, while its bar ranked #17 globally. Chef Becker’s accolades include Chef of the Year from Harper’s & Moët, a testament to his visionary leadership.
Such recognition reflects Zuma’s mastery of both cuisine and ambiance. As Condé Nast Traveller noted when honouring Zuma Hong Kong as ‘Most Exciting New Restaurant’, the brand excels in creating spaces that are “as much about atmosphere as they are about food.” This dual focus ensures each venue becomes a destination in its own right, transcending mere dining to offer cultural experiences.
Hotel Byblos: A Riviera Legend Reimagined
Since its 1967 inception, Hotel Byblos has epitomised Saint-Tropez’s allure,a sanctuary where bohemian chic meets aristocratic elegance. Owned by the Chevanne family under Groupe Floirat, the hotel spans 17,000 square metres of gardens, suites, and its legendary Caves du Roy nightclub.
Unlike ostentatious rivals, Byblos cultivates a discreet, residential charm, with staff,some serving for over 30 years,anticipating guests’ every whim.
Recent renovations have subtly infused modernity into its Provençal architecture, ensuring relevance for a new generation of luxury seekers. The partnership with Zuma aligns with Byblos’ ethos of curating exceptional experiences. As General Manager Jean-Luc Naret explains, “Zuma’s energy mirrors our own,timeless yet contemporary, always prioritising authenticity over trends.”
Anticipating 2025: A New Era for Saint-Tropez
As the 2025 opening approaches, anticipation builds among gastronomes and industry insiders. Zuma St. Tropez is poised to become a summer staple, drawing global tastemakers to its garden enclave. With reservations expected to book months in advance, the restaurant will further solidify Saint-Tropez’s reputation as a culinary epicentre.
For Hotel Byblos, this collaboration signals a bold step into gastronomic innovation, pairing its heritage with Zuma’s dynamic vision. As twilight descends over the Riviera, guests will savour robata-grilled delicacies amidst rustling palms,a testament to the enduring magic of Saint-Tropez, where tradition and modernity dance under the stars.
