Nice, France
Nice’s 15 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)
The guide to Nice’s top restaurants
Nice‘s restaurant scene is a vibrant celebration of flavours and traditions, blending the culinary heritage of the French Riviera with contemporary twists. Wandering through the cobbled streets of Vieux Nice, along the Promenade des Anglais or in the affluent Carré d’Or you will be greeted by a variety of inviting eateries, from cosy bistros serving time-honoured Niçoise dishes to chic establishments offering innovative gastronomic experiences. The abundance of fresh, local produce from the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding countryside ensures that every meal is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re craving rustic, hearty fare or delicate, refined plates, the dining scene in Nice certainly delivers.
01
Restaurant Jan
Restaurant Jan is a culinary Nice destination that blends South African roots with French elegance. Established by Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, the first South African chef to earn a Michelin star, this intimate eatery is set in a former 20th-century motorcycle repair shop. The decor reflects a chic, rustic charm with a contemporary twist. Signature dishes like the biltong, a South African cured meat and the sublime truffle risotto showcase an exquisite fusion of flavours. Highlights include the seasonal tasting menu and the meticulously curated wine pairings.
Restaurant Jan
12 Rue Lascaris
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Restaurant Jan
02
Le Chantecler
Housed in the iconic Hotel Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, Le Chantecler exudes timeless elegance with its opulent decor, complete with Louis XVI-style furnishings, grand chandeliers and plush chairs. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a dining experience that feels like stepping back into the grandeur of early 20th-century Riviera life. Chef Virginie Basselot brings creativity and precision to each dish, using local ingredients such as fresh vegetables from the surrounding hinterland. Signature dishes include the delicate Giol oysters, known for their unique nutty taste.
Le Chantecler
Le Negresco
37 Prom. des Anglais
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Le Chantecler
03
Bistrot d’Antoine
Tucked away in the charming Vieux Nice, Bistro d’Antoine is a beloved local favourite, known for its bustling, intimate atmosphere that embodies the spirit of a classic French bistro. We appreciate the lively, convivial ambiance, but some are put off by the tightly placed tables. You will be greeted with the warm, personal touch of owner Armand Crespo, who ensures that you will feel like part of the family. The menu is a delightful celebration of Mediterranean flavours, with dishes such as squid with chorizo and tangerine dressing, or the decadent black sausage risotto, which offer a modern twist on traditional Niçoise cuisine. Don’t miss the white fish tartare!
Bistrot d’Antoine
27 Rue de la Préfectur
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Bistrot d’Antoine
04
Pure & V
Pure & V offers a refined dining experience that combines local Provençal ingredients with Scandinavian flair. The restaurant’s intimate setting is modern and minimalist, allowing the vibrant colours and textures of each dish to take centre stage. Led by Finnish chef Pinja Paakkonen, the menu is a creative exploration of local produce, featuring dishes such as raw local mullet with butternut squash and lemon verbena, along with innovative creations like onion tartlet with vermouth gel and fermented mushrooms. The combination of Scandinavian simplicity and Mediterranean freshness makes Pure & V a must-visit for food lovers looking for a unique twist on regional cuisine.
Pure & V
7 Rue du Lycée
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Pure & V
05
Chez Davia
We strongly recommend family run Chez Davia. As unassuming as it is from the outside, as warm, inviting and beautiful it is on the inside. Often packed to the brim, booking ahead is a must. The tables are packed in tightly, but the more the merrier! And the friendly staff is always making the most of the experience. The menu celebrates traditional Italian cuisine, with dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a French twist. Highlights include the handmade pasta, such as the tagliatelle al tartufo, rich with the earthy aroma of truffles, and the perfectly tender osso buco, simmered to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Chez Davia
11 Rue Grimaldi
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Chez Davia
06
Flaveur
Flaveur is a two-Michelin-starred gem run by the talented Tourteaux brothers, Gaël and Mickaël, whose culinary creations are a delightful fusion of local ingredients and exotic influences. The elegant mid-century inspired dining space is a canvas for their artistic dishes, which takes you on a gastronomic journey around the world. With their roots in tropical Guadeloupe and extensive experience in French Riviera kitchens, the brothers craft menus that balance the familiar and the adventurous. Notable dishes include scallops seasoned with Japanese gomasio and a unique risotto topped with lemongrass and lemon caviar bubbles. The tasting menus at Flaveur provide an immersive experience, blending bold flavours and delicate presentations.
Flaveur
25 Rue Gubernatis
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Flaveur
07
La Merenda
A tiny yet iconic eatery in the heart of Nice, La Merenda is renowned for its commitment to traditional Niçoise cuisine. Under the direction of chef Dominique Le Stanc, who left the prestigious Le Chantecler to create a more authentic, no-frills dining experience, La Merenda captures the essence of French culinary tradition. The restaurant, with its close-set tables and minimalist decor, focuses on simple yet delicious local dishes such as pissaladière (onion tart), tripe à la niçoise, and stockfish. The experience is authentically local, with a menu that changes daily and no phone or credit card bookings allowed. Drop by and see if a spot is available.
La Merenda
4 Rue Raoul Bosio
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of La Merenda
08
Les Agitateurs
Near the port of Nice, Les Agitateurs offers a contemporary fine dining experience that creatively balances French tradition with modern culinary techniques. The restaurant is a small, intimate space that exudes a casual elegance, providing a perfect setting for the inventive and artfully presented dishes crafted by the talented team. The menu changes regularly and highlights seasonal ingredients with bold and imaginative combinations, such as seabass paired with unexpected flavours like pigeon. Each dish reflects the restaurant’s dedication to quality and innovation, earning it a Michelin star. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot in this popular dining destination.
Les Agitateurs
24 Rue Bonaparte
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Les Agitateurs
09
Comptoir du Marché
Comptoir du Marché offers a delightful blend of traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine in a charming, retro-inspired setting. The warm atmosphere is accentuated by vintage decor, including wooden counters and nostalgic lighting, which gives the restaurant a cosy, welcoming feel. The menu is concise yet varied, featuring seasonal and market-fresh ingredients. Signature dishes include grilled calamari with artichokes, beef cheeks with polenta and an ever-popular pâté en croûte. The outdoor terrace provides a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal while soaking in the vibrant street life of Nice. A reason as good as any, to enjoy a meal!
Comptoir du Marché
8 Rue du Marché
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Comptoir du Marché
10
L’Alchimie
Located in the heart of Nice’s Carré d’Or district, L’Alchimie offers a modern and refined take on Mediterranean cuisine, blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. We enjoy the elegant yet relaxed ambiance that makes it a perfect spot for both business lunches and intimate dinners. Chef Arnaud Collin brings his passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients to every dish, with a menu that changes weekly. Signature dishes might include salmon gravlax or succulent meat dishes, all prepared with a focus on quality and taste. The warm and attentive service adds to the overall dining experience.
L’Alchimie
14 Rue Maccarani
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of L’Alchimie
11
Rouge
Rouge, located near Nice’s port, is a vibrant wine bar and restaurant that captures the essence of Mediterranean dining. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting and the service is friendly and chatty. It is perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with friends. The interior boasts a bistro-style setting, with impressive wine fridges displaying an extensive selection of over a hundred bottles. Known for its Bib Gourmand rating, Rouge offers good quality, and fantastic value-for-money cooking. The menu features a variety of small plates designed for sharing, such as puffed cheese ravioli and spinach pastries, making it an ideal spot for sampling and pairing with wines. In the summer season, seating is only available outside.
Rouge
2 Rue de Foresta
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Rouge
12
L’Aromate
Located near Place Masséna, L’Aromate is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its sophisticated modern cuisine. The ambiance is elegant, with a decor that features a sleek combination of black, white and gold elements. Chef Michaël Fulci brings a creative flair to classic French dishes, using the finest local ingredients to craft innovative, seasonal menus. You can expect meticulously prepared dishes like foie gras with exotic fruit and delicate sea bass, reflecting the chef’s commitment to high-quality cooking. L’Aromate is perfect for those seeking a refined dining experience in the heart of Nice.
L’Aromate
2 Rue Gustave Deloye
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of L’Aromate
13
Hely
Hely is a stylish, contemporary spot just behind the harbor in Nice, offering a relaxed vibe. Run by former Parisian bistro owner François Robin, Hely combines the charm of a wine bar with the culinary delights of a modern eatery. The interior is both chic and casual, with art-adorned walls and a well-stocked wine and fine foods corner. The menu emphasises local, seasonal and often organic ingredients, showcasing dishes like silky leeks vinaigrette, stuffed peppers and savoury pâté en croûte. With a focus on natural wines, Hely is a haven for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Hely
1 Av. du Mont Alban
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Hely
14
Onice
Onice is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the antiques district of Nice, known for its creative and refined modern cuisine. The culinary focus is on high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques executed by a duo of chefs, one Argentine and the other Italian, both with experience in prestigious kitchens, including the renowned Mirazur. Signature dishes often highlight seasonal produce with a sophisticated twist.
Onice
5 Rue Antoine Gautier
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Onice
15
Le Bar des Oiseaux
Located in Nice’s Old Town, Le Bar des Oiseaux will charm you with a warm and lively atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of a traditional Niçois bistro. Despite its name, this venue is more of a restaurant than a bar, renowned for its open kitchen where you can watch the chefs in action. The menu showcases classic Mediterranean and Niçoise dishes, such as brandade (a creamy salt cod dish) and handmade ravioli, highlighting the restaurant’s dedication to fresh, local ingredients. It’s a popular spot so it’s best to book ahead to secure a table!
Le Bar des Oiseaux
5 Rue Saint-Vincent
Nice
France
Photography courtesy of Le Bar des Oiseaux
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