A new dining address has arrived in the heart of Nice with the opening of Zenirō, introducing a contemporary restaurant and lifestyle destination shaped by Japanese technique and the produce of Provence.
Rooted in craftsmanship, simplicity and seasonality, Zenirō presents a refined yet immersive experience that draws from Japan while remaining grounded in the flavours and rhythms of the French Riviera. The concept reinterprets Japanese cuisine through a distinctly local lens, celebrating provenance and freshness by applying balance, restraint and technical precision to the region’s fish, seafood and seasonal vegetables.
Spanning three levels, Zenirō will initially open its main restaurant across the first two floors, offering 120 covers alongside an intimate private dining room. A rooftop cocktail bar is scheduled to follow in spring 2026. At its core is an open show kitchen, placing technique and ingredient-led cooking at the centre of the guest experience, alongside a considered mixology programme.
“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
The kitchen is led by Head Chef Ricardo Pérez, whose international background includes roles at Nobu London Shoreditch and Tapasake at One&Only Portonovi. At Zenirō, he applies Japanese culinary discipline to the ingredients of southern France.
The charcoal grill introduces depth and smokiness to dishes such as Cœurs d’artichauts grillés, tartare de saumon new style, pairing tender grilled artichoke hearts with delicately seasoned salmon. Filet de rouget, sauce sésame, salsa de riz highlights locally sourced red mullet, complemented by nutty sesame and fragrant rice.
Main courses include Toban de filet de bœuf Angus, showcasing premium Angus beef grilled with precision, while Ratatouille Zenirō offers a refined take on the classic Provençal vegetable medley, celebrating the region’s freshest produce through a Japanese sensibility.
Desserts maintain that balance, with Baba au limoncello, crème vanille, framboises bringing together zesty limoncello, silky vanilla and vibrant raspberries.
The drinks programme mirrors the kitchen’s philosophy. Classic Japanese cocktails are reinterpreted with Riviera nuance: the refreshing Raku blends Roku Gin with yuzu, saké pétillant and soda, while Yume combines Belvedere Vodka with shiso rouge, umeshu and grapefruit cordial. For those abstaining, Nami offers a non-alcoholic option, mixing kombucha with apple–quince, ginger and lemon.
A Layered Design Vision
The interiors and exteriors are designed by Cannes-based architect and designer Samy Chams, known for projects including La Guérite Cannes, Bagatelle Courchevel, Jimmy’z Monaco and Queen Miami Beach.
At Zenirō, the design unfolds across three distinct levels, moving from intimate dining spaces to a rooftop lounge with DJ-led evenings. Japanese minimalism is softened by Provençal warmth: tactile materials, softly backlit surfaces and an earthy palette create a cocooned atmosphere. Mid-century references appear in sculptural banquettes, textured upholstery and refined brass detailing, while low ambient lighting allows the mood to shift naturally as the evening progresses.
Still to Come
The rooftop cocktail bar, set to open in spring 2026, will offer Japanese-inspired mixology beneath the Riviera sky. At its centre will stand a 3-metre-wide olive tree shaped in the spirit of a bonsai, anchoring the space visually and symbolically.
Later in 2026, Zenirō will establish an exclusive farm in Provence dedicated to cultivating regional ingredients. The initiative forms part of the restaurant’s longer-term commitment to authenticity and sustainability, enabling the kitchen to work closely with the land and adapt menus in harmony with the seasons.
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand Zenirō’s Japanese–Provençal philosophy to other destinations across the Riviera and beyond.
To find out more about Zenirō and book, visit the links below:
Zenirō
64 bd risso
Nice, France
Web: zenirorestaurants.com
Tel: +33 (0) 493 192 138
Email: contact@zenirorestaurants.com
Instagram: @zenirorestaurants
Images © The Under Studio