Restaurant Zenirō has opened its doors in the heart of Nice, unveiling a contemporary dining and lifestyle destination where Japanese precision meets the spirit of Provence
Rooted in craftsmanship, simplicity, and seasonality, Zenirō offers a refined yet immersive experience inspired by Japan and shaped by the flavours, rhythms, and produce of Provence and the French Riviera.
Reimagining Japanese cuisine through a distinctly local lens, Zenirō celebrates provenance and freshness, interpreting the region’s exceptional fish, seafood, and seasonal produce with balance, restraint, and technical finesse.
Spanning three distinctive levels, Zenirō will initially open its main restaurant across the first two floors, offering 120 covers alongside an intimate private dining room. The rooftop cocktail bar is scheduled to open in spring 2026. Guests can expect a multi-sensory journey centred around an open show kitchen, ingredient-driven mixology, and a menu that seamlessly blends Japanese technique with Provençal soul.
“Our focus for this opening is to showcase the essence of Zenirō, where Japanese craftsmanship meets Provençal produce, and to immerse guests in an experience that celebrates seasonality, purity of ingredients, and meticulous technique. We’re excited to welcome diners from January, with the rooftop bar opening in spring to complement the full Zenirō experience,” says Thomas Barazer, General Manager of Zenirō.
Japan Meets Provence
At Zenirō, the kitchen celebrates the purity and seasonality of Provençal ingredients through the precise lens of Japanese technique, led by Head Chef Ricardo Pérez, whose global experience includes roles at Nobu London Shoreditch and Tapasake at One&Only Portonovi.
The charcoal grill brings depth and smokiness to dishes like Cœurs d’artichauts grillés, tartare de saumon new style, where tender artichoke hearts meet delicately seasoned salmon, and Filet de rouget, sauce sésame, salsa de riz, highlighting locally sourced red mullet with nutty sesame and fragrant rice.
Main courses such as Toban de filet de bœuf Angus showcase premium Angus beef grilled to perfection, while Ratatouille Zenirō offers a refined interpretation of the classic Provençal vegetable medley, celebrating the region’s freshest produce.
Desserts such as Baba au limoncello, crème vanille, framboises provide a decadent finish, balancing zesty limoncello, silky vanilla, and vibrant raspberries in perfect harmony.
Mixology reflects the same sense of balance and precision found in the kitchen with classic Japanese cocktails reimagined with a touch of French Riviera magic.
Sips include the refreshing Raku – Roku Gin brightened with yuzu, saké pétillant, and soda, and the more expressive Yume, blending Belvedere Vodka with shiso rouge, umeshu, and grapefruit cordial. For a non-alcoholic option, the signature mocktail Nami combines kombucha with apple–quince, ginger, and lemon for a crisp, invigorating finish.
Blended design
The interiors and exteriors are by award-winning Cannes-based architect and designer, Samy Chams, famed for his emotionally resonant, globally inspired spaces including the iconic La Guérite Cannes, Bagatelle Courchevel, Jimmy’z Monaco and Queen Miami Beach.
Unfolding across three thoughtfully designed levels, Zenirō offers a layered experience, from intimate dining spaces to a rooftop bar and DJ-led lounge. Blending Japanese minimalism with Provençal warmth, the interiors are defined by rich, tactile materials, softly backlit surfaces and a warm, earthy palette that creates an intimate, cocooning atmosphere. Subtle mid-century influences emerge through sculptural banquettes, textured upholstery and refined brass detailing, while low, ambient lighting enhances the space’s quietly sensual mood, allowing the environment to evolve seamlessly throughout the evening.
More to come
The rooftop cocktail bar will open in spring 2026, offering an elevated escape for Japanese-inspired mixology beneath the Riviera sky, complete with a 3m wide showstopping olive tree shaped as a bonsai.
As part of its long-term commitment to authenticity and sustainability, Zenirō will also establish an exclusive farm in Provence later in 2026, dedicated to cultivating the finest regional ingredients. This close relationship with the land allows the kitchen to work in harmony with the seasons, showcasing produce grown with care and elevated through Japanese culinary artistry.
With plans for future expansion, Zenirō aims to bring its unique Japanese–Provençal philosophy to other destinations across the Riviera and beyond, sharing this quietly expressive approach to dining with a wider audience.
Make it happen
When: Zenirō will open for lunch and dinner from 20 January 2026 in central Nice, following a soft opening weekend. Reservations are now open and can be made at zenirorestaurants.com.
