In the vibrant heart of Saint-Tropez, the Louis Vuitton restaurant nestled within the chic walls of the White 1921 Hotel is reinventing the art of fine dining.
The place has opened its doors this season to Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Donckele and renowned pastry chef Maxime Frédéric. It is a captivating blend of gastronomic delight and fashion-forward elegance, where the flavors are as refined as the French Riviera-inspired decor.
Before this exciting culinary partnership, the restaurant had already earned its star-status. In 2020 and 2021, it served up sensational dishes under the guidance of Pharrell Williams and Jean Imbert. In 2022, it took a leap of faith with the young Michelin-starred chef Mory Sacko, marking the inauguration of the very first Louis Vuitton-signed French restaurant. Now, as we step into summer 2023, the iconic French leather goods manufacturer once again graces the intimate Place Des Lices establishment with a breath of fresh air and a hint of exclusivity.
The terrace of the restaurant is a tranquil haven, cleverly concealed from prying eyes. Decorated with plant walls ornamented with white Fleurs de Monogram and furnished with cushions and banquettes echoing the blue and white check pattern of the “Louis Vuitton By The Pool” summer collection, it exudes a serene French Riviera aura. Illuminated by Zanellato/Bortotto’s Objets Nomades lighting fixtures, this secluded spot sets the perfect backdrop to savor the tantalizing menu crafted by the culinary masters, Donckele and Frédéric.
Both chefs hail from Normandy and share a long-standing affiliation with the LVMH group, which has owned the White 1921 Hotel for the past decade. Together, they have charmed the palates of the elite at the Plénitude gourmet restaurant and Le Tout-paris brasserie, both nestled within the luxurious Cheval Blanc Paris hotel.
Chef Donckele, voted the world’s best Michelin-starred chef by his peers in 2018, is a champion of a gastronomy that harmonizes craftsmanship and creativity. He first stepped into the limelight in 2004, when he took over the reins at the Vague d’Or restaurant, part of the Hôtel Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez.
The menu he has conjured for the Louis Vuitton restaurant at the White 1921 Hotel weaves a fine balance between the comfortable familiarity of a chic brasserie and the adventurous sophistication of a gourmet restaurant. Brimming with finesse and simplicity, the dishes draw inspiration from local produce, embarking the diner on a memorable culinary journey to the Mediterranean.
From multicolored tomato carpaccio with artichokes and wild herbs to warm waffles adorned with gamberoni and coral sorbets, each plate is a visual feast. And let’s not forget Chef Donckele’s signature dish, Zitone pasta, filled with Marmande tomatoes and black truffle, which elevates the humble macaroni to a gastronomic delight.
Adding a touch of sweetness, Chef Frédéric’s dessert menu weaves in the same elegance with a regressive twist. Miniature Tarte Tropézienne with orange blossom frosting and chocolate-glazed profiterole-style wafers, adorned with Fleur de Monogram and the LV logo, provide a pleasing finale to a refined feast.
This summer, the Louis Vuitton restaurant at the White 1921 Hotel redefines luxury dining, making it a destination not to be missed. And as the sun sets over Saint-Tropez, the table is set for an unforgettable gastronomic journey, where food and fashion blend seamlessly into a uniquely enticing experience.
White 1921 Louis Vuitton Restaurant
Place des Lices, 83990 Saint-Tropez
Monday to Sunday, 3 pm to 6 pm for afternoon tea, then 7.30 pm to 11 pm
Reservations required in the evening, no reservation required in the afternoon
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