Located a short walk away from the Place des Lice near the St. Tropez port in the middle of Old Town, a regal hotel façade has laid mostly in designer decay for the last half-century until in 2009 a slow-and-stylish overhaul began to maintain the old but recruit in new stylish following that includes Kate Moss, Lily Allen and Lou Doiloon that bring with them a boho-artists vibe akin to a French-version of the Chateau Marmont on the sea. Its revamped eatery, that expands onto a dramatic candlelit terrace during summer months, is contained within an old world dining room of black ebonized floors and wooden bar surrounded in black-and-white photographs from Irina Ionesco amongst a retro décor or '50s modern Italian and French lounge furnishings.
The Food
There are two things ubiquitous to St. Tropez summer in the past years, namely a star chef and some sort of glittery brand sponsorship by leading French beverage labels. Ermitage Restaurant checks both boxes via a casual French bistro with feel-good all day menu created by 3 Michelin star awarded chef Michel Del Burgos. The menu utilized the majestic produce and meat purveyors of the surrounding Provence region to orchestrate an appetizer menu of delicate carpaccios, seafood arrangements and fresh salads that are a supermodel’s delight. Dressing on the side of course. Main course is a collection of oh-so-French grilled meats and rotisserie chicken as well as homemade cakes or pastries from nearby patisseries. The bar is sponsored by Veuve Clicquot but in a down played glamour bar with hip terrace or garden area for a game of pétanque (think bocce ball) or impromptu game of celebrity as long as none are present.
Last Word
Hotel Ermitage has been a work in progress for its new owners that include Andra Saraiva who is a familiar Parisian name behind such institutions as Le Baron, Montana’s and Regine’s as well as a co-owner of the NY’s Beatrice Inn.
