NYKAT Plage now open in Old Antibes

Where Mediterranean Dining, Live Music and Riviera Sunsets Come Together

Now open in the heart of Old Antibes, NYKAT Plage is a new waterfront destination celebrating Mediterranean flavours, live music and the effortless spirit of Riviera living.

Located moments from Port Vauban, NYKAT Plage is a new gathering place for dining, music and socialising. From leisurely lunches and sunset aperitifs to vibrant evenings accompanied by live performances, the venue captures the relaxed sophistication and effortless energy of the Côte d’Azur.

Spanning two floors, NYKAT Plage will launch initially with its upper-level restaurant, accommodating up to 140 guests, while a more intimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar is set to open on the lower floor in September 2026. Music forms an integral part of the experience, with a live pianist providing the soundtrack to dinner before the atmosphere gradually transitions into a more energetic late-night rhythm led by resident DJs.

MENU DESIGNED FOR SHARING

At the heart of NYKAT Plage lies a convivial approach to dining inspired by Mediterranean traditions, where food is designed to be shared and enjoyed together.

Originally from Saint-Paul and with family roots in the region spanning three generations, Head Chef Thomas Vado brings a deeply personal connection to the Côte d’Azur. Drawing on experience gained at W Verbier, Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne and La Table d’Hôte du 22, he has created a refined, ingredient-led menu that celebrates seasonal produce, vibrant flavours and the generosity of coastal cuisine. Inspired by both the Mediterranean basin and wider international influences, Vado’s cooking combines local ingredients with contemporary techniques, reflecting his long-held passion for bringing people together and creating moments of pleasure through food.

Signature dishes include Sea Bass Ceviche with strawberry-guajillo leche de tigre, grilled avocado and choclo corn, and Kampot Pepper Duck glazed with honey, blackberries and carrot-coconut purée, each showcasing a contemporary interpretation of classic Mediterranean cooking. A passionate music lover as well as a chef, Vado occasionally steps behind the DJ booth, bringing guests a surprise that transforms the energy of the room and makes the moment even more memorable.

Award-winning pastry chef Manon Gouin, recipient of the 2024 Lebey Prize for Best Chocolate Dessert and the 2025 Michelin x Valrhona Passion Dessert Award, brings her signature approach to the dessert offering. Combining technical precision with creativity and emotion, her creations provide an elegant finale to the dining experience, with highlights including the Warm Chocolate Mousse with a frozen peanut centre, the Smoked Île Flottante with Tahitian vanilla and smoked almond praline, and the Mara des Bois Strawberry Bar with almond and meringue.

Complementing the menu is a carefully curated wine list celebrating French producers, alongside signature cocktails inspired by the colours, flavours and landscapes of the Mediterranean coastline.

DESIGN INSPIRED BY THE RIVIERA

Designed by local architect Steve Baldini, whose portfolio includes Nuances and One Love Café in Nice as well as Sophomore in Paris, NYKAT Plage has been envisioned as a layered dining and lifestyle destination where atmosphere shifts naturally across the course of the evening, reflecting the rhythm and duality of Riviera living.

The upper floor draws inspiration from the Mediterranean shoreline, with sand underfoot creating an immediate sense of escapism, while warm walnut panelling, soft lighting and natural textures evoke the relaxed elegance of a refined beach house. At the centre sits a striking white piano, serving as both a visual focal point and the heart of the evening’s entertainment. A spacious terrace extends the experience outdoors, offering views across Old Antibes in a setting designed for long lunches, sundowners and convivial dinners.

Baldini comments: “The idea was to create a rupture without ever breaking the harmony of the place. To offer two distinct yet complementary atmospheres, allowing guests to experience an evolution throughout the evening.”

Opening later this year, the lower level introduces a contrasting atmosphere inspired by classic speakeasies. More intimate and discreet, the space is characterised by subdued lighting, rich materials and a cocooning ambiance. Hidden beneath the restaurant, it offers a sophisticated setting for expertly crafted cocktails and late-night conversations, creating a seamless continuation of the NYKAT Plage experience.

RESERVATIONS 

NYKAT Plage is now open daily for dinner with lunch soon to follow. Reservations can be made at nykat.com or on +33 646 459 149.