The Mareluna, nestled on the Mediterranean coast, offers cuisine that blends Italian, French and Japanese influences, driven by the precision of chef Francesco Fezza. At Château de Théoule, the experience combines creativity, technical skill and attentive service, rewarded by a Michelin star just a few months after opening.
Seated on the terrace at Château de Théoule, we contemplate the Bay of Cannes bathed in the sunset. The mildness of this summer evening, the enchanted atmosphere, glasses of champagne, a few appetizers and the discreet ballet of service delightfully whet our appetite!
With its fortified silhouette of red sandstone, its ramparts and neo-medieval architecture, the 5* Château de Théoule cultivates a singular identity on the Côte d’Azur. A former soap factory dating from 1630, then a private residence of a Scottish lord in the 1930s, the estate lived several lives before being acquired in 2021 by the BMF hotel group.
After three years of transformation, the castle nestled between the red rocks of the Esterel and the azure blue of Cannes Bay reinvents the art of living of the Riviera. An enchanted address that houses 44 rooms and suites, a spa, a swimming pool, a private beach and a starred gastronomic experience by chef Francesco Fezza at Mareluna.
“Very early on, my passion turned towards haute cuisine: restaurants of excellence allow you to train at the highest level and grow faster!” Born in Italy, Francesco Fezza began his career in the kitchens of Trabe* and Hotel I Portici*. Armed with these two experiences, determined and with a wandering spirit, he fulfills his dream by joining for two years the prestigious brigade of Alain Ducasse*** at Meurice Paris**! “Alain Ducasse is the best chef in the world in my eyes! He passed on to me rigor, discipline, the taste for what is just and brigade management. Today, I make ‘treasure’ of his teachings with my team.” Also attracted by Japanese gastronomy and an undeniable desire to perfect his expertise, Francesco travels through various establishments in Japan to discover their subtleties: “It is a fascinating cuisine because of its precision and its different techniques.” Back in Paris, he confidently asserts his culinary identity at the restaurant Le Traboule, quickly attracting the attention of the magnificent and luxurious Château de Théoule.
Italy, his roots; France, his adopted land; Japan, his adolescent dream. “These three world cuisines are the best and combine wonderfully! I thus propose original and coherent cuisine, nourished by my memories, my experiences and my travels… Applying Japanese techniques – cooking, fermentation, garum… – with the richness of our local products.”
On the menu? Wasabi cuttlefish tagliatelle and Thai basil pesto, kombu seaweed amberjack with dashi velouté, fermented apricot lobster umeboshi lobster jus… “I want to offer customers an unprecedented taste experience, with a dish they won’t find anywhere else!”
Responsible, bold and coherent cuisine, where influences meet without ever blending and which was rewarded with a Michelin star just nine months after opening! “The Star, I have always dreamed of it… I sacrificed my personal life and invested myself in the establishment as if it belonged to me. I took the time to listen to customers, because they are the ones who lead you to the Star, not the other way around! And above all, the well-being of my team has always been my priority… without them I would not have achieved it. We have been working hand in hand for three years, I am ‘in love’ with my team…”
And it is in perfect partnership that Francesco Fezza and pastry chef Kevin Daraud create delicate creations: Lemongrass kalamansi, 75% chocolate, caviar bottarga, caramelized nori seaweed with sesame…, extending the six-sequence menu.
In perfect complicity, Francesco Fezza and pastry chef Kevin Daraud create delicate creations — Lemongrass Kalamansi, 75% chocolate, caviar bottarga, caramelized nori seaweed with sesame — thus concluding the experience beautifully.
At Mareluna, chef Francesco Fezza offers a dinner as curious as it is captivating. Unexpected combinations and creative plating meet on each plate to awaken the senses, accompanied by carefully matched food and wine pairings. All delivered with attentive table service.
MARELUNA – Château de Théoule
Address: 55 Avenue de Lérins, 06590 Théoule-sur-Mer
Phone: 04 81 09 50 99.
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