Le Rotonde, the restaurant at the Negresco in Nice, tops the ranking of the most impressive places for a business lunch in France according to a study. The establishment from Nice ranks ahead of La Romantica in Asnières-sur-Seine and Quai Ouest in Boulogne-Billancourt.
As the holiday season approaches, business lunches become an important part of the corporate agenda. They offer opportunities to close deals, thank clients, or prepare collaborations for the following year. Google searches for “end of year meal” have increased by 533% in three months. Searches for “Christmas meal” have skyrocketed by 4,800%. These figures are logical since the end-of-year holidays are rarely discussed in July, for example, but they reflect professionals’ early organization.
To meet this demand, SIXT Business studied hundreds of restaurants. The ranking is based on several criteria: online reviews, atmosphere, menu prices, distance from the city center, and popularity. The goal is to identify places that offer an experience suitable for business lunches.
Le Rotonde, a symbol of Nice
Le Rotonde, located in the Le Negresco hotel on the Promenade des Anglais, occupies the first place. The restaurant offers modern Mediterranean cuisine, adjusted to the seasons. The futuristic decor enhances the experience and impresses guests. The quality rating reaches 9.3 with nearly 4,000 reviews. The average price of a menu is €52. The establishment is eight minutes by car from the city center. It has 70,000 followers on Instagram and records about 480 monthly searches.
La Romantica, in Asnières-sur-Seine, ranks second. This Italian restaurant has a rating of 9.4 from over 3,000 reviews. The average price is €59. It enjoys 1,300 monthly searches. Its dishes are renowned for their presentation.
Quai Ouest, in Boulogne-Billancourt, comes in third. Located on the banks of the Seine, it offers a relaxed atmosphere. The average price is €51, the lowest of the trio. With nearly 6,000 reviews and 22,200 monthly searches, it is one of the most sought-after addresses.
A century-old history
Le Negresco is one of the last independent 5-star hotels in France. Its history begins in 1913 when Henri Negrescu opened the palace on the Promenade des Anglais. The establishment stood out with its individual bathrooms, a novelty at the time. Requisitioned as a military hospital in 1914, it faced difficulties after the war. Bought in 1920, it joined the consortium The Leading Hotels of the World in 1928. World War II hindered its development.
In 1957, Jean-Baptiste Mesnage acquired the hotel. His daughter Jeanne Augier managed it with her husband Paul Augier. She imposed a new vision. She introduced color into the decor and enriched the hotel with works of art. Le Negresco became an ambassador of the French art of living. The carpets by Raymond Moretti stand alongside Carrara marble. The hotel is distinguished by its audacity and refinement.
Today, Le Negresco belongs to the Mesnage-Augier-Negresco Endowment Fund. Jeanne Augier bequeathed her fortune to this structure. Nicole Spitz is the president and Lionel Servant is the general manager.
A place marked by personalities
Since the Belle Époque, Le Negresco has attracted artists and personalities. Josephine Baker expressed her attachment to the Côte d’Azur there in 1931. Louis Armstrong discovered “C’est si bon” there in 1948, which he adapted into English. In the 1960s and 1970s, the hotel became a party venue. Richard Burton forgot a necklace intended for Elizabeth Taylor there. Salvador Dalí strolled around with a cheetah. Paul McCartney sketched the lyrics to “Fool on the Hill” there. Michael Jackson had the floor of his suite redone to practice his choreography. Elton John filmed part of the “I’m Still Standing” video clip in the Royal Salon.
Le Negresco also appeals to filmmakers. More than 37 films have been shot there. From the New Wave to international productions, the hotel remains a favored setting. Even today, it hosts festivals and events.
