Racines: Where Vegetables Steal the Spotlight in Fine Dining

Racines: Where Vegetables Steal the Spotlight in Fine Dining

If you think vegetarian cuisine can’t be indulgent, Racines will change your mind. This Michelin-starred gem celebrates vegetables in a way that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in the Mediterranean tradition. After eating at TIAN in Vienna last year, this has been my second visit to a vegetarian-only Michelin-starred place.

Ambience & Highlights

The warm, intimate atmosphere, with walls lined with fresh produce and wine bottles, adds to Racines’s charm. The attentive and knowledgeable service complements the relaxed yet refined dining experience. The comfortable seating and inviting decor make it an ideal spot for a leisurely dinner. As I settled in, I eagerly anticipated the culinary journey ahead, which promised to be as unique as the setting.

This restaurant is a refreshing departure from the traditional, seafood-heavy menus of the French Riviera. Tucked away in a central yet quieter neighborhood, Racines provides a delightful escape from the bustling Promenade des Anglais.

Standout Dishes

Chef Bruno Cirino’s focus on local, seasonal produce allows the natural flavors of the Mediterranean to shine. Each dish showcases the region’s rich terroir, proving that vegetarian cuisine can be both indulgent and sophisticated. The 10-course tasting menu began with a fermented strawberry drink followed by a complex raspberry and basil version. These drinks set the tone for the vibrant dishes to come.

• A highlight of the meal was the tomato water with confit tomatoes and celery leaf sorbet. The sorbet’s herbal notes perfectly balanced the dish’s acidity, creating a refreshing and unexpected combination.
• Another memorable dish was the Soup de Pistou, a vibrant showcase of local beans and green chickpeas, enhanced by the depth of vegetable jus and the crunch of pine nuts with a hint of parmesan—a true celebration of Provence in a bowl.
• The Mona Lisa mashed potato was a delightful surprise. Served with condiments like wilted spinach, roasted garlic croquette, red pepper, olives, and confit tomato, it felt like an invitation to create my own dish at the table.

A Sweet Finale

Dessert continued the theme of freshness and local flavors. The garden-fresh strawberries paired with lemon verbena ice cream and jasmine were the epitome of summer, while the cherry clafoutis with stracciatella ice cream provided a comforting, classic finish. The meal concluded beautifully. The ‘Beau Jardin’ infusion—a signature blend of bergamot mint, chamomile, fennel, and lemon verbena—was paired with delicate petits fours. Racine’s herbal infusion choice was one of the best I’ve encountered in a restaurant.

I was genuinely impressed by the menu’s creativity, particularly the outstanding first three courses. While a few dishes didn’t hit the same high note, they were still very enjoyable. The menu was thoughtfully crafted, though a few portions could have been smaller or excluded for a more streamlined experience.

Quick Take on Racines

Racines excels in elevating vegetarian dining through its inventive menu and dedication to local ingredients. Though the portions were generous and the dining room slightly warm, the overall experience was exceptional. The creative use of vegetables and attentive service made for a memorable meal celebrating the best of Mediterranean cuisine.

Final Thought

Racines by Bruno Cirino is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and inspiring vegetarian dining experience. With its creative, vegetable-centric dishes, the restaurant offers an enjoyable experience that appeals to vegetarians and food enthusiasts alike.

What’s the most memorable vegetarian dish you’ve ever had? Share your thoughts in the comments below!