Bessem

The story

Bessem Restaurant – Michelin-Starred French Mediterranean Cuisine in Cannes

A Green Haven in the Heart of Town

Bessem Restaurant occupies a quiet corner of Mandelieu-La Napoule, just a few minutes from Cannes. Behind its unassuming frontage lies a tree-shaded terrace where the song of cicadas and the splash of a stone fountain create an atmosphere of genuine calm. It is a peaceful retreat from the Riviera’s busier shores.

Chef Bessem Ben Abdallah

The man behind the stove is Bessem Ben Abdallah, a chef whose career has taken him from his native Tunisia to the kitchens of Pierre Gagnaire at Courchevel, the Hôtel Le Lana, and the Michelin-starred Spondi in Athens. Now, at the head of his own restaurant, he brings the same instinct and rigour to his cooking. A member of the Collège Culinaire de France, he describes his approach as “market and seasonal, simple and efficient.”

A Cuisine of Instinct and Precision

Ben Abdallah’s cooking is creative and savoury, rooted in the best seasonal produce. His menus change with the market and his inspiration, always aiming for clarity and depth. This French Mediterranean cuisine has earned him a Michelin star for high-quality cooking. As he says, quoting Paul Gauguin, “Cooking supposes a light head, a generous spirit and a large heart.”

The Experience

The setting is cosy and verdant, with an interior that seats 35 and an exterior terrace that holds another 35. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, and the mood is relaxed and welcoming. Whether for a quiet meal or a private celebration, Bessem offers a taste of the French Riviera that feels both personal and authentic.