When it comes to where to eat in Nice, this captivating French coastal city boasts an array of world-class restaurants that cater to diverse palates. From Michelin-starred establishments exuding elegance and sophistication to hidden gems tucked away in quaint alleyways, Nice is a haven for culinary connoisseurs seeking extraordinary dining experiences.
Prepare your taste buds before embarking on the journey of this article, through the best restaurants in Nice, where unforgettable memories are made bite by bite. Bon appétit!
French Cuisine in Nice: A Palate-Pleasing Overture of Flavors
Beyond its stunning beaches and picturesque sea views, Nice holds a distinct place in the heart of France’s vibrant culinary heritage. Renowned for its regional specialties and Mediterranean influences, the cuisine of Nice seduces your taste buds with a delightful symphony of flavours, drawing inspiration from the sun-soaked terroir and bountiful sea that surround this captivating city.
The city’s culinary landscape showcases a fusion of Provençal, Italian, and Niçoise influences, resulting in a harmonious medley of aromas, textures, and vibrant colours.
The world-famous Salade Niçoise captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Picture a vibrant plate adorned with plump tomatoes, crisp lettuce, tender green beans, briny anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, and delicate niçoise olives, all harmoniously dressed with fragrant olive oil. This salad encapsulates the essence of the region, celebrating the fresh, local ingredients.
For seafood enthusiasts, Nice offers an abundant selection of delights from the deep blue sea. Savoury delights like the classic Bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew brimming with the catch of the day, and the indulgent Pan-Bagnat, a delectable sandwich bursting with the flavours of tuna, olives, and capers, showcase the city’s profound love affair with seafood.
Socca, a thin pancake made from chickpea flour, stands as a beloved local specialty that boasts a satisfying crispness and an earthy flavor. Another must-try is Pissaladière, a scrumptious onion tart topped with black olives and anchovies.
Where to Eat in Nice – 11 Best Restaurants in Nice, France
Café de Turin
Located in the north of Old Nice, Café de Turin holds the title of Nice’s oldest restaurant. First opened in 1908, this legendary eatery is quite humble, offering both outdoor seating and take out. The menu offers classic seafood options, including fresh oysters, langoustines, and fish soup. Desserts are also available.
You can enjoy your meal on the restaurant’s spacious outdoor seating area after walking Old Town’s historic streets. Café de Turin has been a local favorite for over a century and is still frequented by devoted regulars.
This is a great option if you’re looking for an authentic atmosphere and local delicacies fresh from the sea.
Le Panier
Le Panier is located to the south of Old Nice, just steps from Plage des Ponchettes. Offering seating both outdoors and in a cozy, carefully curated indoor space, the restaurant is a great way to end a day out in Old Nice.
Under the guidance of chef Aurelien Martin, the five-course tasting menu offers a unique take on French cuisine. An open kitchen enhances the space even more. A cocktail menu is available to make sure you end our night memorably at Le Panier.
Restaurant JAN
Located slightly off the beaten path, Nice’s Restaurant Jan offers fine dining in unforgettable surroundings. Brought to life by chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, the restaurant is a Michelin- starred venue serving South African fare.
The restaurant serves both meals and picnic boxes. At JAN, presentation and engagement is just as important as the meal itself, so expect incredibly refined hospitality.
Diners can also indulge in cheese courses, which adds another layer to your meal. Eating at JAN is an experience, so be sure to devote an entire evening to the restaurant.
Restaurant Jan is located just east of Old Nice, and south of Rue Barla.
Chez Moi
Located a short walk from the Basilique Notre Dame de L’ Assomption, Chez Moi is an ideal dinner destination after viewing the church. The restaurant is removed from the tourist center of Old Nice, giving it a more laid back, local feel.
The Chez Moi menu offers traditional French delicacies, including escargot, duck confit, and more. The interior of the restaurant is cozy, rustic, and elegant all at the same time. Hospitable service and a welcoming atmosphere complete the picture.
Chez Moi is a great option if you’re craving French cooking without the pretense of Nice’s more crowded neighborhoods.
Chabrol
Located west of Old Nice in the Port Quarter, Chabrol serves Mediterranean fare in an intimate, softly lit space. Chabrol’s menu is known for being small, but rich.
Meals are inventive yet based on traditional Mediterranean ingredients. Dessert is also served, and diners can choose from a carefully curated wine list.
Le Chantecler
If you’ve always dreamed of dining in palace-like surroundings, Le Сhantecler is your Nice go-to. This elegant restaurant is located just off the Promenade des Anglais, across from La Plage du Negresco. It is housed in the Hotel Le Negresco.
The interior of the restaurant is filled with 18th century furniture, complete with upholstered chairs and ornate wallpaper. Le Chantecler is Michelin-starred and guided by executive chef Virginie Basselot. Featuring French favorites, the menu emphasizes local products.
This is a great option for a special night out along the Promenade. The restaurant’s antique décor, coupled with impeccable service, transport diners to another era.
Bar des Oiseaux
Located steps from the Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate de Nice, La Bar des Oiseaux is a French restaurant that you just can’t go wrong with. Small and cozy, the restaurant serves traditional dishes in a tastefully decorated space.
Artisanal pasta elevates the menu if you’re looking for something a little more creative. The décor is inspired by pop art, adding an aesthetic twist to your dining experience.
Bar des Oiseaux is an Old Town staple, especially if you’ve spent all day wandering the neighborhood.
Le Millesime
Located to the north of the Old Port quarter, Le Millesime is a little further from Nice’s tourist centers. This gives it more of a local feel that is well worth the extra walk.
The restaurant has a limited number of tables, meaning diners can have a more private experience. The menu is known for including creative spins on truffles, and many meals are made with the specialty ingredient.
Dishes are artfully presented, and service is warm and welcoming. An expansive wine list is also available.
La Millesime is an inviting local eatery that just might blow you away with its sophisticated and delicious menu.
La Merenda
Run by chef Dominique Le Stanc, La Merenda offers regional dishes in cozy surroundings. Chef Le Stanc brings valuable experience from Le Negresco. The restaurant, located steps from Nice’s public beaches, offers high-end cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
Flaveur
Located on Rue Gubernatis east of Old Nice, Flaveur has earned two Michelin stars run by a team of brothers.
Diners have the option to choose from three, four, or seven-course tasting menus. Meals are presented with artistic flair and feature creative ingredient pairings.
Small touches of flavor and bursts of color enhance each meal- at Flaveur, it’s all about the details. Be sure to dedicate an entire evening to your Flaveur experience, as savoring every bit takes time.
Le Plongeoir
In terms of scenic views, Le Plongeoir is your go to when in Nice. Serving up fresh Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant offers multiple picturesque seating areas.
These include a lounge bar, cliffside seating, or under a gazebo. The menu features exquisite seafood dishes and an innovative cocktail list.
Bonus: Dining in Nearby Monaco
One of the best things about visiting Nice is that you’re not limited to one city- or even one country! The tiny nation of Monaco is only 30 minutes away by train, making for a no-stress day trip. You can easily hop on a train in the morning and spend the day sightseeing or arrive in Monaco in the afternoon just in time for dinner. Monaco’s Old Town and waterfront have a long list of gourmet dining options. Below are a few favorites.
La Note Bleue
Located on Princess Grace Avenue, La Note Blue overlooks Monaco’s Larvotto Beach. Dinner at the restaurant is a great way to wrap up a beach day in Monaco without straying too far from the sand.
The menu from chef Laurent Paya is diverse and expansive- main courses join appetizers, breakfast options and desserts. The menu is very international, with flavors from various global cuisines. This reflects Monaco’s international essence well.
The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, with sea views all around. If you’re staying into the night, the adjacent music bar has regular concerts to make sure you enjoy all Lavrotto Beach has to offer.
Le Blue Bay
Located just up the beach from Plage du Lavrotto, Le Blue Bay is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving a Creole and Mediterranean- inspired menu.
Chef Marcel Ravin pairs ingredients from his home island of Martinique with local produce, infusing his dishes with his memories.
From customized plates to a glimpse of the open kitchen, the interior details of Le Blue Bay match the spirit of the menu.
COYA Monte Carlo
Also located on Princess Grace Avenue, COYA Monte Сarlo is another intriguing dining option with views of the Mediterranean. This Peruvian restaurant uses presentation, music, and décor to treat you to a fully immersive dining experience.
Art-filled and cozy, COYA offers an innovative menu featuring Peruvian staples. Cooking approaches from China, Japan, and Spain bring a global twist to the Peruvian menu.
The restaurant blends interior and exterior seating. If you’ve spent most of your trip sampling French dishes, COYA is a great way to change up your palette.
La Montgolfiere
Led by Monaco-born chef Henri Geraci, La Montgolfiere is a lauded local restaurant. The eatery is a short walk from the Prince’s Palace, meaning you can easily combine both in one afternoon.
The small menu is focused on regional French and Mediterranean cuisine. A curated wine list offers plenty of options to choose from. Fresh ingredients, clear passion and an intimate atmosphere make this unassuming restaurant feel like a hidden gem.
Conclusion
The French Riviera is a well known culinary destination, and Nice lives up to the standard. You will never be short of finding great places to eat in Nice. The restaurants in Nice range from popular, waterfront venues to local, offbeat eateries.
All serve delicious meals that embody Mediterranean cuisine and lifestyle. Once you feel like you’ve sampled most of Nice, Monaco’s restaurants are a great alternative.
For more articles about travelling to the South of France check out my recommendations below:
- The most beautiful villages in the South of France
- The best things to do in Provence
- The best things to do in Languedoc-Roussillon
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Wow I would love any of these, so much choice in nice. I feel like this is the perfect place for a foodie holiday (something I’m yet to do).
I’d probably head for seafood as my first choice at the cafe de Turin. Or the quant Bar des Oiseaux would appeal to me because it’s tucked away.
I love the idea of a Michelin star restaurant especially one that looks like a palace too but usually outside of my budget.
I have not been to Nice or Monaco yet – but your restaurant recommendation look fantastic. The fresh seafood must be delicious there! As I am vegetarian I would give La Merenda a try – it seems they do good pasta dishes too!
It is nice to know that there are many excellent restaurant options in Nice. I just checked the menu of Cafe de Turin and they have a great selection. We’ll make sure to try their oysters and their King Prawn. Le Blue Bay is equally a nice choice too. Thank you for sharing this list.
This is a list I would have needed when I visited both Nice and Monaco years ago. This gets me thinking to once again put this region on my list. Starting with Salade Niçoise and followed by Bouillabaisse (seafood is my favourite) and ending with Socca sounds like a heavenly meal. I would love to dine in Café de Turin – they must be doing something right to have been around for so long!
I have not been to Nice yet. It looks like the perfect foodie’s city with influences of Provençal, Italian, and Niçoise. Salade Niçoise with its hint of Meditteranean touch is nutritious and filling and is one of my favorites. It is interesting that every one of the restaurants you have listed has its own unique flavor and style. I would love to try the simple restaurant like La Montgolfiere and taste their selected wines and local food with fresh ingredients. Le Milessime is perfect when we want to have a private environment for family gatherings. Must plan a trip to Nice soon. 🙂
We do have some great memories of food in Nice. And food with a great view was always the choice! I love the idea of doing the tasting menu at Le Panier. Or picking up a picnic lunch at Restaurant JAN. And for a special treat we would try eating at Le Сhantecler with its palace-like setting. Le Plongeoir sounds just perfect for us with seafood and a view! Can’t wait to plan a return visit to the French Riviera. My mouth is watering as I read.
What I like about these restaurants, is they serve daily fresh catch from the sea. Also, it looks like they meticulously prepare the menu as if they already know their customers before they arrive. I was surprised that there is a Michellin-starred restaurant, JAN, that also serves picnic boxes. Le Milessime sounds private with its limited seating. I think it is for people who don’t want to be seen.