Luxury hospitality brand Zuma has revealed the design details for its upcoming Saint-Tropez property within the Hotel Byblos.

Scheduled to open its doors in May, the restaurant is a sibling to the brand’s Cannes outpost. Like all Zuma restaurants, the design will resonate with the cultural energy of its locale, embracing the understated spirit of Saint-Tropez and allure of the French Riviera itself.

Zuma’s Izakaya concept will bring a refined yet approachable dining experience to a fully outdoor restaurant, open for dinner every night throughout the summer. With three distinct kitchens – a main kitchen, sushi counter and robata grill – the restaurant combines traditional Japanese dishes with contemporary flavours. The elevated sharing-style menu is complemented by signature cocktails and selection of fine wines and premium sake.

The Robata serves as the heart of the interiors. A warm, illuminated hood contrasts with the textured granite. This design opens to the terrace, inviting guests to witness the chefs as they craft a range of dishes over an open flame.

Zuma’s design philosophy celebrates global craftsmanship, sourcing unique materials from around the world. Inspired by Japan’s rich nature and landscapes, the restaurant’s central bar area showcases bespoke glazed Japanese ceramics, textured Asian teak and carbonised bamboo, all illuminated by theatrical lighting. Other textures in the design include hand-carved teak blocks from Indonesia, bringing an earthy and tactile quality to the feature wall and garden backdrop.

The restaurant’s lighting features hand-cast resin and etched acrylic, creating a warm, ambient glow across the terrace in the evening. With an Asian touch, bamboo elements are woven throughout the space, including in the bar gantry and pergola roof, balancing Eastern influences with Mediterranean elegance, all sourced from skilled artisans in Greece. Plants from local suppliers in the South of France enhance the sense of place.

“We designed Zuma Saint-Tropez to celebrate exceptional craftsmanship from around the globe, collaborating with artisans and suppliers from Japan, Indonesia, France, and beyond,” say designers Cristina Saviotte and Lucy Robinson. “The result is a space that feels timeless and perfectly aligned with the Mediterranean setting. Our design philosophy centres on creating an environment that embodies enduring beauty and a profound connection to its surroundings.”

“The location, along with the hotel’s reputation as the most iconic and dynamic in the area, perfectly reflects Zuma’s ethos,” adds co-founder Rainer Becker. “Saint-Tropez was a natural choice for Zuma’s next outpost on the Riviera. It’s a destination with the lively spirit we’re drawn to, and we’re excited to bring our concept to a town that pays homage to our discerning clientele.”

It comes as Zuma announces a slew of upcoming hotel projects including a lobby bar and winterised terrace at Ultima Hotel Gstaad, to open in December. Later in the year, Zuma Vail will open within The Sebastian Hotel.