As the French Riviera gears up to welcome a slate of celebrities, actors, and directors for the 79th edition of the annual Cannes Film Festival from May 12 to 23, another, less expected guest is making its way to the French Riviera: Dubai’s cult-favorite Kokoro Handroll Bar.
A staple of Alserkal Avenue, the eatery is now setting its sights on the South of France with a new outpost along La Croisette. Bringing its signature handrolls, crudos, and sashimi to new ground, this move marks a bold expansion for the homegrown spot, especially after recently ranking 15 on the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Set to open in July, the Cannes location will mirror the stripped-back, counter-style experience that made Kokoro a mainstay in Dubai, with a focus on freshness, precision, and front-row interaction between chefs and diners. The format remains simple: a tight menu, high-quality ingredients, and a pace dictated by the chef’s hand rather than the rush of a dining room. It’s this exact approach that built Kokoro’s reputation in the UAE, where consistency and attention to detail turned a niche concept into a destination in its own right.
Positioned just steps away from La Croisette’s constant flow of festival-goers and summer crowds, the new address places the brand at the center of one of Europe’s busiest seasonal circuits. The timing is deliberate, landing just after the festival frenzy but ahead of peak summer traffic, when Cannes shifts from industry hub to holiday hotspot.
For Kokoro, the move signals more than just a geographical shift. It marks a transition from local favorite to global contender, exporting a format rooted in intimacy and discipline into a market where expectations—and competition—run exceptionally high.
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