Since 1969...
This concept is a bold, vibrant & unique culinary destination born in the South of France.
Since 1969, African Queen invites guests to celebrate life, live unforgettable moments, meet and share traditional Mediterranean cuisine with an exotic twist.
The place offers the perfect balance between the French culture and the African flavours in a mythical & mystical atmosphere. A colourful escape, like an invitation to an inner journey echoing the hues of an embodied Elsewhere.
On the emblematic Port of Beaulieu-sur-mer, African Queen has served Sylvester Stallone, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Bono to name a few became regulars. For over 60 years, we welcome the whole world and at the end each customer pushing the door is a legend.
The name and the architecture of the concept are inspired from the mythic movie “African Queen” a British-American adventure film produced in 1951 with the movie stars Humphrey Bogart (who won the Academy Award for Best Actor, his only Oscar) and Katharine Hepburn.
(Re)Born in 2022...
Earlier in the summer, Riccardo Giraudi & associates acquired the brand African Queen. Their goal is to keep the spirit of the place with a modern & creative vision. Reflection of a cosmopolitan culture, Riccardo Giraudi, his Executive chef & his 8 consulting chefs, magnify the signature recipes of the concept & sublimate the concept with international & local new food & beverage recipes. The concept breaks with classic & stiff codes. Through its glamorous & exotic architectural lines signed by Humbert&Poyet, African Queen includes the modern luxury feels and offers a complete and more accessible experience. Here, luxury is more felt and savored than it is seen.
The menu smells of the Mediterranean Sea, starting with grilled peppers & fried garlic, pissaladière, eggplant caviar and sardines in oil. Otherwise, zucchini fritters stuffed with goat cheese, artichoke salad, nissart salad, warm prawns with African vibes.
To follow, soft ricotta & truffle wook fired pizza, or rigatoni with Pastis, a tender grenadin of milk-fed veal with Parmesan.. Beautiful delights in perspective.
Nothing else than a friendly place, smiley staff, passion and rigor, share the small portions, mix and match, and discover a variety of new flavours.
Owner of over 5 companies, graduate of London’s European Business School in 1999, Riccardo Giraudi started by giving Giraudi a new impulse in the 2000’s by electing to work with exclusive meats.
Whilst becoming a leader in the import of American Black Angus beef, he expanded into Australian meat before becoming the first European importer of certified Japanese Kobe beef in Europe, in 2014. Riccardo Giraudi contributes in the discovery of unattainable high quality meat, by educating the client. Through working with rigorous producers, his goal is to make of meat, that is often criticized, a sexy and essential product.
For 17 years, Riccardo Giraudi has explored a whole new universe, the restaurant sector. He generates emotions, plays with contrasts and the element of surprise in his numerous concepts.
With over 32 restaurants between Monaco, Mexico and Hong Kong (including Michelin- starred establishments), he finds inspiration by travelling the world. Indeed, Riccardo Giraudi is an adventurous and hyperactive creator, a visionary who easily decrypts new trends during his travels and experiences.
His motto, “food is the new fashion”, inspires him daily to bring strong, innovative and trendy solutions to professionals.
His goal is to reach the final customer and to educate them on what they are consuming.
Concept & Cuisine
African Queen is a unique culinary destination located on the French Riviera since 1969, which has been re-opened by Riccardo Giraudi in 2022. Our menu combines the bold flavors of spices with the fresh ingredients of the French Riviera, offering dishes from seafood to grilled meats that bring tradition and elegance together
Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or a celebration, African Queen promises to transport you through a journey of taste, color, and culture.
UAE Facts
Dubai has become a global leader in luxury hospitality and dining, offering a blend of innovative concepts and world-class experiences. The city is renowned for its high-end hotels and diverse restaurant scene, featuring top international chefs and Michelin-starred establishments.
A new highlight is J1 Beach, a premium beachfront district in Jumeirah, set to offer chic beach clubs and upscale dining, enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a culinary and hospitality destination. With its blend of traditional and modern influences, Dubai continues to push the boundaries of luxury, attracting travelers from around the world.
But let's discover the Dubai History and how it started...