The Mediterranean Insider

Nice, France

The tastiest street foods in Nice (and where to find them)

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • The tastiest street foods in Nice (and where to find them)

The guide to Nice’s top street food venues

Looking for the best street food in Nice? Look no further – we’ve done the hard work for you (i.e., the eating) and have compiled a list of the essential street food venues in town. The culinary scene in Nice is as vibrant and diverse as its history and stunning beaches. For a laid-back, dining experience, indulging in fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors are perfect for soaking up the local vibes. Street food dining options provide an informal, fun and more local culinary experience against the backdrop of the beautiful Mediterranean city scape.

Socca – what is it and where can I try it?

Socca is a traditional Niçois street food made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. This vegan and gluten-free pancake is cooked until crispy on the edges and slightly soft inside, typically in a wood-fired oven for an authentic flavour. Historically, socca was a staple for dockworkers and fishermen, reflecting the simple culinary traditions of Nice. For the best socca in Nice, head to Chez Thérésa at Cours Saleya market. Chez Pipo near the old port is another top spot, famous for its extra crispy socca cooked in a 300-year-old oven. Lastly, try Chez René Socca in old town Nice for a more traditional café experience.

Pan Bagnat – what is it and where can I try it?

Translating to “bathed bread,” Pan Bagnat is a classic Niçoise sandwich that features the ingredients of a Salade Niçoise packed into a round bread roll. The preparation involves rubbing the bread with garlic, soaking it with ripe tomato juice and filling it with tuna, anchovies, boiled eggs, tomatoes, radishes and olives, then drizzled with olive oil and vinegar. This sandwich embodies the essence of Nice’s culinary heritage and offers a taste of the Mediterranean in each bite, as well as providing sustenance on a budget. For the best Pan Bagnat in Nice, head to Boulangerie Maison Kayser at 10 Av. Malaussena. Another excellent spot is Le P’tit Resto at 2 Rue Pl. Vieille in Vieux Nice, to enjoy this flavourful sandwich amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the old town.

Pissaladière – what is it and where can I try it?

Pissaladière is a traditional Provençal flatbread originating from Nice, made with a dough base topped with caramelised onions, anchovies and black olives. The dough, similar to pizza but without cheese, is first prepared and left to rise. The topping is created by slowly cooking onions with garlic, thyme and bay leaves until soft and sweet, then spreading them over the dough. Anchovies are arranged in a crisscross pattern and olives are placed in the gaps. The tart is then baked until golden. The simple ingredients and preparation might not sound like much, but we can assure you that it is a delicious quick bite and perfect as a beach picnic! For the best Pissaladière in Nice, visit La Socca d’Or at 45 Rue Bonaparte renowned for its authentic taste and charming terrace. Another great spot is Chez Pipo.

Petits Farcis – what is it and where can I try it?

Petit Farcis is a traditional Niçoise dish consisting of various vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes, and aubergines, hollowed out and stuffed with a savoury mixture. The stuffing typically includes minced meat (often veal or pork), breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs and sometimes cheese. The vegetables are baked until tender, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully. This dish exemplifies the resourcefulness and creativity of Provençal cuisine, using fresh, local produce to create a hearty, flavourful meal. Head to La Merenda at 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, known for its authentic and homely preparation. Another excellent spot is Chez Acchiardo, located at 38 Rue Droite, in the heart of Old Town Nice.

Fougasse – what is it and where can I try it?

Fougasse is a traditional Provençal flatbread, similar to Italian focaccia, recognised by its distinctive leaf shape. It is typically made from flour, yeast, water, olive oil and salt, often enriched with herbs like rosemary and thyme and sometimes olives or other Mediterranean ingredients. The dough is kneaded, left to rise, then shaped into its characteristic pattern with slits before being baked until golden. Historically, fougasse was used by bakers to test oven temperature. For the best fougasse in Nice, visit Boulangerie Patisserie Jeannot at Cours Saleya, famous for its variety and authentic taste. Another top spot is Boulangerie Pâtisserie Lagache at 20 Rue Arson, or La Fougasserie, also right by Cours Saleya.