Where to eat in Nice
Twelve addresses. Some we love. A few we love for one very specific reason. That’s more useful than pretending every restaurant is a must.
Tell us what you feel like eating and how much you want to spend. We’ll narrow it down. And please, no sad salad on the Promenade unless you really wanted the salad.
€ easy on the wallet · €€ mid-range · €€€ expensive / occasion · €€€€ big night. Relative positioning only.
If you want to decide in 20 seconds
Niçoise and simple: Chez Pipo (€), La Mérenda (€€), Chez Acchiardo (€€), Lou Balico (€€). Bistro / produce: Bistrot d’Antoine (€€), Olive & Artichaut (€€), Chez Davia (€€), Café des Musiciens (€€), Le Canon (€€). Fish / sea: Peixes (€€), Le Plongeoir (€€€). Big night: JAN (€€€€).
In Nice, a salade niçoise is a raw salad, hard-boiled egg aside: tomatoes, peppers, broad beans in season, tuna and anchovies, with no potatoes or green beans. The Cuisine Nissarde label in a window is the quickest sign of a kitchen that respects local recipes.
La Mérenda
We really like La Mérenda. Tiny room, serious Niçoise cooking, no circus. But: it fills up. Book.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Chez Pipo
Come for the socca. That’s the point. Eat it hot and don’t overthink it. But: this is quick, casual and popular.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Chez Acchiardo
We like it for a first proper Niçoise meal. Family-run, classic, no need to reinvent the wheel. But: if you want avant-garde, keep walking.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Le Bistrot d’Antoine
One of our favourites for a lively central dinner. But: it’s popular. Book. Optimism is not a reservation.
Michelin Guide ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Peixes
Ceviches, tartares, carpaccios and fish with a modern Mediterranean touch. But: more urban than romantic.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Lou Balico
Socca, petits farcis and Niçoise staples. But: tradition. Good.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎JAN
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen combines French and South African influences in a very small dining room. But: price and booking effort match the occasion.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Le Plongeoir
One of our favourite views in Nice. Yes, really. But: part of the bill is the setting, so come because you actually want the setting.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Olive & Artichaut
The restaurant works with regional produce and is listed by Michelin at €€. But: small place, so book.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Chez Davia
We like Chez Davia precisely because it feels like a neighbourhood table. Niçoise cooking, fresh produce, terrace. But: don’t come looking for spectacle. That’s the compliment.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Café des Musiciens
The menu follows seasons and local producers; the restaurant currently lists a lunch menu around €30. But: few seats and limited opening days.
Source ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Le Canon
Michelin lists it at €€ and highlights locally sourced, often organic produce and natural wines. But: less brochure Riviera, more insiders’ bistro.
Michelin Guide ↗︎Google Maps ↗︎Dinner chosen? Go back to the Nice guide, choose where to stay or build 5 days without a car.