Wait for it with anticipation — it’s one of those kinda places. We left Old Town Nice by foot and headed over to the SEEN Restaurant & Bar. Mysterious, elegant, modern and chic are all words to describe this amazing food and wine gem set atop the iconic Anantara Plaza in Nice. You might say that SEEN by Olivier is a venue where sun, sea, and skyline flow into one bold, elevated experience. In their words, “Wrapped in French chic and Riviera charm, SEEN moves with the light, from luminous lunches to late-night rhythm.” I couldn’t agree more, although note that we only experience it by day. I can easily imagine its trendy and fun vibe by night however with its outdoor bar that boasts stunning views day or night.
Let’s start with what its natural and beautiful decor that engulfs you when you enter the restaurant and this is before you get to the breathtaking views of the city below.
SEEN by Olivier in the Riviera
Although it was a hot day, perhaps too sunny for an outside table, I couldn’t say no to the ambiance. After all, how could I? Alas, we started with an outdoor table overlooking the city. BTW, all the tables run along the side of the balcony, so there’s really not a bad outdoor table in the house.
Let me start by saying that it is NOT a sushi restaurant but there is an entire sushi menu and let’s just say that the addition is not an after thought. Sure, they have various creative sushi rolls, such as Unagi with Foie Gras and Apple Sunomono — have you ever seen that on a sushi menu in the states? Or how about this one: Yellowtail and Sweet Shrimp with Fried Sweet Potatoes.
But before we get to our sushi experience, let’s chat about their typical starters for lunch or brunch. For example, there’s a Carpaccio with multicolored beetroot, or Ceviche with Apples, Veggies and Lime, or Oysters, Duck Foie Gras on Brioche Toast and Fruit Chutney or Fried Eggs on Truffle Puree served with mushrooms and truffles. Or, or, or — I could go on. The menu is that good.
Above and below, the Carpaccio with Beetroot, Feta and Perigord Walnuts at SEEN
I had to try their Buffalo Burrata with Tomato and Basil salad (below).
Want Caviar on its own? They’ve got you covered with a few options, including Gunkan Wagyu Tartare and Caviar or straight Nigiri Toro Caviar. Next time, I’d love to try the Wagyu. Originally, I was thinking of a main course with a sushi roll or sashimi to start (tuna belly, bluefin tuna, yellowtail, seabass filet or sea scallops are some of the options), until I saw the 16 piece sushi selection (chef’s choice). They serve it with a bang is the best way to describe it. “Smart choice, Renee”, I said to myself after it arrived. This was no ordinary sushi platter as you can see from its gorgeous plating.
It was large enough not to warrant a main course and so we didn’t — between the appetizers and the sushi, it was more than enough, especially on a hot afternoon. I paired it all with the Chablis Billaud Simon (Chardonnay) and Anthony had a mocktail made with vanilla, martini vibrante and gingerade. It was a perfect day for one – oh so refreshing, especially with a twig of Rosemary. I noticed that many of the wines on the menu had a blend with the Rolle grape, often mixed with a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
For those who want something lighter, they have Veggie and Fish Bento Boxes: Veggie Bento and Bento de la Mer respectfully. Note that all of their fish and seafood are sustainable caught. You can also go for an entree (appetizer), main and dessert for 48€. The price fixe when we were there included a Sweet Cream Corn with Crispy Shrimp, followed by Chicken with Mushroom Risotto and Pearled Juice. Dessert was an Almond Streusel with Alpaco Chocolate Cream and Pomelo Sauce. Yum, right?
If you want to order straight from the menu, that’s also an option. In addition to freshly caught fish, you can order a Black Angus Rib Steak with Shallot Sauce, an Asian-Style Beef Fillet Tartar, a Breaded Lamb Cutlet Milanese Style, a Wagyu Beef with Ivory Sauce and Mushroom Linguini and several others options. None of these jumped on a warm fall day but would make great choices for a dinner one night under the stars.
Eventually we moved in to meet another journalist and to get a break from the sun, although quite frankly, I could have happily stayed there all afternoon. Inside, the vibe is equally lovely because of the glass doors that adorn the entire side of the restaurant. Like I said, there’s not a bad table in the house.
Okay, so we shared a dessert, but only because the waiter encouraged it. How can you say no to something this decadent?
Cappuccino anyone? All of it was utterly heavenly. The waiters were attentive and went out of their way to make us feel at home.
And the views of the city from the outdoor patio is breathtaking. Now you understand why it was so hard to leave.
Behind it all is chef-entrepreneur Olivier da Costa who is known for creating original gastronomic experiences. Other locations have the panoramic view and gastronomy blend, including Sao Paulo Brazil, Bangkok Thailand and Lisbon Portugal. It is also present in Rome, Tenerife and Koh Samui. Would we return? You betcha. Two thumbs up! For more information, including their hours, visit their website.
Also be sure to read our Nice Travel Guide for more information about the city, and what attractions and activities to see and do. Also be sure to check out our France section as well as our Food & Wine section.
DETAILS:
SEEN Restaurant & Bar
12 Avenue de Verdun
06000 Nice, France
+33.493.1611.75
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored over 90, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity. She is also the founder of the Magdalene Collection, a jewelry line dedicated to women’s unsung voices and stories, and the award-winning author of the bestselling book Magdalene’s Journey
She is founder of Blue Soul Media and co-founder of Blue Soul Earth as well as the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS podcast, that bridges science, technology and spirituality. Renee also founded Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
