Restaurant JAN — Restaurant in Nice

France is home to many incredible Michelin-starred restaurants, so during my trip to the South of France, I booked two—one of them being Restaurant JAN, which had an impressive 4.8 rating on Google. I had high expectations.

I made a reservation in advance and specifically noted that one of my friends is a vegetarian. To ensure they were prepared, I also sent an email before our visit confirming the availability of a vegetarian menu. However, when we arrived, there was no warm welcome—no acknowledgment of our dietary request, and no mention of a vegetarian menu. My friend was initially handed the standard menu, leaving us confused and uncertain.

One of the most bizarre parts of the experience was the "butter" served at the table. It remained there throughout the meal, slowly melting away—its nose, head, and other features falling apart. It was unplesant to look at and felt unnecessary, especially since no one could realistically consume that much butter. It seemed like an odd choice and, frankly, wasteful.

As for the meal itself, nothing particularly stood out. The flavors and presentation didn’t leave a lasting impression, making it an overall unmemorable dining experience. While the restaurant eventually accommodated my vegetarian friend, their approach was uninspired—all of the substitutions were replaced with artichoke. Using artichoke in one or two dishes is understandable, but having it in every course felt lazy and lacking in creativity. There are countless ways to craft thoughtful and exciting vegetarian dishes, and this lack of effort was disappointing.

For a Michelin-starred restaurant, I expected far more in terms of hospitality, attention to detail, and culinary innovation. Unfortunately, Restaurant JAN did not live up to the hype, and I...

From the moment I stepped in, JAN delivered more than just a fine dining experience - it offered a sense of ritual, warmth, and memory woven into each detail.

What stood out most: • The hand-washing ritual upon arrival; intimate, symbolic, and unexpectedly moving. It sets the tone: this isn’t just a meal, it’s a ceremony. • Generosity in the details: From the abundant bread and butter service to the charming takeaway gifts, every gesture felt deeply intentional - never flashy, just sincerely generous. • South African roots, French technique: The cuisine tells a story. Not just fusion for fusion’s sake, but a personal narrative - evident in the use of South African flavors and textures, seamlessly framed in French finesse. • The legendary cheese room (not a fridge, not a cart) - a candlelit altar to fermentation. It was reverent, sensory, and genuinely emotional. • Service that’s not just polished, but kind: The staff weren’t just well-trained - they were friendly, patient, and seemed to actually enjoy sharing the experience with the guest. • A perfectly balanced rhythm across the tasting menu: no dish felt like a filler. Each course was memorable in its own way, and there was never a dip in pacing or quality.

Final impression: Chef Jan Hendrik doesn’t just cook - he curates memory, hospitality, and a sense of place. This is one of those rare restaurants where emotional satisfaction meets technical excellence. And yes, even the chef’s presence has a bit of cinematic charisma - hard to ignore.

Would return? Absolutely - without hesitation. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why dining can be an art form, not...

Dining at JAN is not just a meal—it’s a sublime journey through flavor, art, and ambiance. Tucked away like a hidden gem, this Michelin-starred restaurant effortlessly marries elegance with warmth, offering an experience that lingers in your memory long after the final course.

From the moment you step through the door, you’re enveloped by an atmosphere that is both refined and inviting. The décor strikes a perfect balance between modern sophistication and timeless charm, with soft lighting, intimate tables, and carefully curated details that set the stage for something truly special.

The food at JAN is nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, blending classic French techniques with bold, imaginative flavors. The tasting menu is a revelation—every course flows seamlessly into the next, showcasing the chef's deep respect for seasonal ingredients and culinary artistry. Whether it’s a delicate amuse-bouche that awakens the palate or a decadent main that leaves you speechless, every bite is a testament to precision and passion.

Service is impeccable yet never intrusive, with a team that is both knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about the food they present. They guide you through the courses with a grace that enhances the experience without overshadowing it.

JAN is more than just a restaurant—it’s an expression of excellence. Perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply treating yourself to the finer things in life, it’s a destination that deserves every accolade and then some. A true triumph of taste, creativity, and...