This summer, Lilly’s unveils IZA, a new Japanese restaurant poised to become one of Saint-Tropez’s most coveted addresses. Bringing together Michelin-starred culinary talent, exceptional ingredients, and a distinctly contemporary approach to Japanese hospitality, IZA introduces a new destination where gastronomy, music, and nightlife converge.
Following acclaimed activations at iconic venues including Fairmont Monte-Carlo during the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Pavillon Ledoyen during Paris Fashion Week, Lilly’s continues its evolution with a landmark opening on the Saint-Tropez waterfront. Conceived as an immersive summer residency, IZA embodies the brand’s signature blend of exclusivity, creativity and cultural relevance, reimagined through the lens of modern Japanese dining.
Occupying a prime location on the port, IZA has been designed as a natural extension of Lilly’s Club. Connected by an expansive terrace overlooking the harbour, the two venues form a seamless lifestyle destination where guests can move effortlessly from sunset aperitifs to dinner, cocktails and late-night celebrations.
“We wanted to create a restaurant that existed in perfect harmony with the club,” explain Lilly’s co-founders Adam Demarle and Hugo Dutheil. “The vision was to bring together the convivial spirit of an izakaya, the generosity of a Japanese steakhouse and the excellence of Michelin-level cuisine, while remaining true to Lilly’s DNA: eclectic, energetic and deeply rooted in experience.”
To lead the culinary programme, Lilly’s has partnered with Chef Takuya Watanabe, whose omakase at Cheval Blanc Paris was recently awarded a second Michelin star. His vision for IZA explores the intersection of elevated street food and exceptional produce, celebrating the richness of Japanese culinary culture through a menu designed for sharing.
The beverage programme has been entrusted to Grégory Hazak, renowned for creating the legendary cocktail offering at Hôtel Costes and whose career includes Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, Annabel’s London and Hôtel Lutetia. Alongside an extensive wine cellar and curated selection of premium sake, guests can discover a sophisticated collection of Japanese whiskies, the result of extensive research and sourcing.
The interiors, conceived by Olivier Demarle in collaboration with Patrice Elman, reinterpret traditional Japanese aesthetics through Lilly’s distinctive visual language. Weathered wood, deep crimson walls and works by celebrated Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki evoke the intimacy of Tokyo’s legendary dining scene, while a minimalist Japanese garden featuring immaculate gravel and black bamboo introduces a sense of calm and contemplation.
These references are layered with Lilly’s unmistakable design signature: stainless-steel banquettes inspired by the Los Angeles residence of visionary collector James Goldstein, smoked-glass tables, mirrored surfaces and subtle LED lighting, all anchored by the deep violet hues that have become synonymous with the brand.
At the heart of the restaurant, a traditional robatayaki grill anchors a menu that moves beyond the expected. Rather than focusing solely on sushi and nigiri, IZA celebrates the diversity and depth of Japanese cuisine through dishes that balance technical precision with playful indulgence.
Guests can expect Wagyu tartare with caviar, salmon carpaccio with shiso, sea urchin with bottarga, decadent sandos and perfectly grilled yakitori, alongside inventive interpretations of street-food classics including Japanese tacos, baos, fried chicken and a signature burger. Luxury ingredients appear throughout, while subtle Mediterranean influences create a dialogue between Japan and the Côte d’Azur. Ōtoro tuna is served in the style of fine charcuterie, while tomato carpaccio is elevated with yuzu and caviar.
As day transitions into night, IZA reveals its full personality. A vibrant central bar and resident DJ soundtrack create a gradual shift from dining destination to social gathering place, setting the tone for an evening that continues seamlessly into Lilly’s Club. For late-night guests, an exclusive comfort-food menu developed with Beau is available throughout the night, while a dedicated wellness offering—including restorative shots and nutrient-rich smoothies—adds a contemporary touch to the experience.
More than a restaurant, IZA represents a new expression of luxury hospitality in Saint-Tropez: sophisticated yet playful, immersive yet effortless, and designed for a new generation of global tastemakers. With its unique blend of world-class dining, design and nightlife, IZA is set to become one of the defining destinations of the summer season.
Image courtesy of IZA
