Playa Baggia

Is there anything more magical than sitting with your feet in the sand, nursing a pre-lunch aperitif, eaves-dropping on the neighboring table (a touch too close to your own, but in this breezy setting, no matter) and waiting for your fish of the day that will come with its own tableside pan of roasted potatoes and steamed seasonal veggies? Playa Baggia is one of Palombaggia beach's most famous restaurants—and to be sure, they churn out a lot of plates in the course of a season.

A wait staff that seems to have escaped central casting for a South of France telenovela, take orders on mini iPads (perhaps not the most charming but extremely efficient), and the food arrives fast but expertly prepared. There's a touch of a party vibe but all très français (instead of très Montauk), and despite the large menu, the dishes are all very good. Order a bottle of wine and settle in for the afternoon. After (or during lunch), don't miss the complex's cute shop stocked with beachy fashion and accessories.