Jean Imbert’s La Plage du Martinez in Cannes

Published: May 22, 2023 by Gill Harris 2455

Jean Imbert takes the helm at legendary Cannes hotel

All eyes are on Cannes right now as the world-famous film festival celebrates the best of cinema – but over on the Croisette, Hôtel Martinez is stealing its share of the limelight.

Chef Jean Imbert, who has been at the helm of the Plaza Athénée in Paris since famously taking over from Alain Ducasse in 2021, is lending his culinary flair to the historic Art Deco gem, which first opened its glamorous doors in 1929.

Announcing his new role on Instagram, Imbert (who rose to fame when he won the TV show Top Chef in 2012) said La Plage du Martinez would open to guests on May 16, the opening day of the 2023 festival.

Taking over the running of all the 5-star hotel’s restaurants from his predecessor Christian Sinicropi, Michelin-starred Imbert plans to focus on Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce.

See their lunch menu below:

Hôtel Martinez’s lunch menu — Lunch menu (c) Hôtel Martinez

He was 22 when he opened his first restaurant, a bistro in the 16^th arrondissement of Paris. Since then he has attracted worldwide attention, working with the likes of LVMH and American music star Pharrell Williams, as well as creating the menu for the Monsieur Dior café at the fashion house’s new Paris HQ.