Where to Eat in Nice

About this guide

Marlynn and I have made several trips to France recently to experience various parts of this diverse country. During one visit, we spent a month traveling through southern France, starting in Bordeaux before making our way to Bergerac and Montpellier. We ended that trip with a week-long stop in Nice.

A few months later, we found ourselves back in Nice, eager to explore more of what this gorgeous city on the Mediterranean Sea has to offer. And a lot of that exploring, on both trips, had to do with food! We *did* do a lot of eating. A lot.

This guide features more than 15 of our favorite places to eat in Nice, from restaurants and cafes overlooking the Mediterranean to Michelin-recommended spots that are a bit more off-the-beaten path.

💰 For a budgeting reference, I’ve included the total cost of each of our meals.

As a bonus, I’ve also added a few of our favorite boulangeries in Nice, along with some insider tips on how to order like a local. Because there’s definitely some boulangerie etiquette!

🇫🇷👉🏼 Bonus: Get my Where to Eat in Bergerac and Where to Eat in Montpellier guides. They feature a range of restaurant recommendations from fine dining to casual, to help save you time planning your next trip.

Restaurant Nice Sunset

Vibe: The aptly-named restaurant Nice Sunset is located just off the Old Town along the Quai des États-Unis, which extends off the Promenade des Anglais. That means it also overlooks the Mediterranean, which isn’t a bad view!

We arrived about an hour before sunset. After getting a pre-dinner drink, we enjoyed some relaxing people-watching from our outdoor table before ordering dinner.

The timing was perfect. Our food arrived just as the sun was going down over the sea, creating picture-perfect pink skies by the time we were ready for a post-meal coffee.

What to order: Nice Sunset offers a range of dishes, from salads and burgers to pastas and seafood. We ordered the seared scallops topped with caviar over a bed of leeks (meant to mimic pasta). The scallops were cooked perfectly and the leeks added a fresh, veggie aspect and aroma to the dish. A good vegetarian option is the mushroom risotto. Rich and creamy and topped with fresh Parmesan shavings, it was thoroughly satisfying.

Total bill: $130 – For two entrees, one bottle of wine, two aperos, two after-dinner coffees.

Address:
69 Quai des États-Unis
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily: 8 am – 10 pm

Learn more at the Nice Sunset website.

Le Bistrot de JAN

Vibe: Atmosphere can make or break a dining experience. A place with a poor one can ruin a meal. One that has the vibe locked in can elevate it. Enter Le Bistrot de JAN.

Michelin-starred South African chef Jan Hendrik opened Le Bistrot de JAN in 2024 and it soon became one of the hottest reservations in town.

Situated in the city’s Old Port district, this upscale spot oozes charm. From its vibrant, green and gold interior (a nod to South Africa) to the elegant street-side dining, Le Bistrot de JAN is the ideal way to immerse yourself in one of Nice’s best culinary experiences.

The menu leverages Hendrik’s South African roots, while infusing classic French ingredients and techniques.

What to order: When we visited in September, so much on the menu looked amazing that we had a hard time deciding what to get. So we ordered a lot!

We started with sautéed prawns, which were prepared in a light and flavorful lemon garlic butter. We paired that with the salade croquante, a crispy, crunchy salad with bacon, croutons, and pine nuts. All of the textures together were the perfect bite. But we were just getting started.

For our main courses, we focused on a pair of the menu’s meat-forward dishes. Marlynn had the spiced duck breast, a quintessentially French ingredient, which came with carrot molasses, confit onions, and crunchy puffed quinoa.

I opted for the roasted veal chop with confit garlic, rosemary & rich veal jus. The veal was tender and the jus was rich and satisfying. To round out the entrees, we added a side of roasted potatoes (not pictured).

As for drinks, we each started with a cocktail, then ordered a bottle of wine for dinner.

Total bill: $320 – For two appetizers, two entrees, one side, two cocktails, one bottle of wine.

Address:
12 Rue Lascaris
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily: 12 pm – 3 pm; 7pm – 12:30 am

Learn more at the Le Bistrot de JAN website.

Boca Nissa

Vibe: Smack in the heart of Nice’s old town, Boca Nissa is perfect if you like to eat in the hustle and bustle of the city. It has multiple dining areas, each with a laid-back feel. Definitely a place where it’s okay to wear shorts and not feel like you’re under-dressed.

👉🏼 Insider tip: If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the open-air terrace, rather than the main inside dining room. You’ll feel all the energy of eating in the middle of the city while taking advantage of the more tranquil rooftop setting.

We booked a table for mid-evening on the rooftop. By that time, the sun was about to set and some gentle breezes were rolling in, making the outdoor seating ideal.

The menu is made up mostly of smaller plates meant for sharing, sort of tapas style. We ordered about a half-dozen different dishes and that was plenty for the two of us.

What to order: Among the six or so dishes we tried, a few stood out. The tuna carpaccio was fresh, light, and the perfect way to get our meal started. The croquettas made with Iberian chorizo had a nice smokiness and a soft, creamy center. And if you like seafood, the grilled prawns will not disappoint. They came piping hot and also featured a nice smoky flavor.

We paired all of the dishes with a crisp Chenin Blanc, which was the perfect complement.

One dish missed the mark for us, however. We ordered some pork belly skewers, looking forward to the tender juiciness you typically find with pork belly. Instead, these bites were dry and on the tough side, as if they’d been sitting out for a while.

Total bill: $165 – For six small dishes, one bottle of wine.

Address:
3 Rue Saint-François de Paule
06000 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily – 12 pm – 2:30 pm; 6 pm – 10:30 pm

Learn more at the Bocca Nissa website.

Brut

Vibe: Brut is known for its cocktails, wine, and sharing plates. And as you’ll see throughout this guide, Marlynn and I love a few good sharing plates.

This open-air eatery has a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely meal that’s not too fussy. And the doors that open on to the street let you take advantage of one of Nice’s great pleasures: people watching.

The service was the ideal mix of friendly and attentive, not overbearing. We both started with a cocktail which arrived quickly and were, let’s just say, well-sized. The food portions were smaller, but no less tasty.

What to order: We’re suckers for Patatas Bravas, and the ones here were delicious. Crispy on the outside and served with a homemade brava sauce. The pan-seared prawns come with a “dynamite” sauce that sounds spicy, but actually was pretty mild. And the generous hummus plate is great for noshing throughout the meal. We’d heard that the chicken skewers were their signature dish and a must-order, so we did. We thought they were fine, but nothing noteworthy.

Total bill: $107 – For four dishes, two cocktails.

Address:
5 rue Meyerbeer
06000 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily: 4 pm – Midnight

Learn more at Brut Nice on Instagram.

Casa Leya

Vibe: Nice enjoys about 300 days of sunshine a year. So outdoor dining is the name of the game. Our next food stop was Casa Leya, also located in Old Town overlooking the Mediterranean. And it offers plenty of outdoor seating to soak up some rays.

👉🏼 Insider tip: Casa Leya has outdoor tables in the front and back of the restaurant. Ask to be seated outside in the back area that faces the Promenade des Anglais, in order to enjoy views of the Mediterranean.

A large outdoor market sets up nearly every day in old town Nice. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour or so while getting to know a bit of the local neighborhood. It also happens to be right next to a bunch of bars and restaurants, including Casa Leya.

We strolled in a little before noon, and before the crowds, so we could snag our choice of table in the back across from the sea. A few minutes later, we had a couple of spritzes in hand and our lunch was on the way.

What to order: It’s easy to eat a lot of rich meals in France, so for something a bit lighter, try the prosciutto and melon salad. Sure, it comes with a huge serving of burrata right in the middle, but I did say a *bit* lighter. This proved to be a popular dish as nearly everyone around us ordered the same thing. Another popular ingredient in this area is prawns, and Marlynn couldn’t resist the prawns over linguine. They were super fresh and the portion was just right for lunch.

Total bill: $72 – For two entrees, two aperol spritzes.

Address:
36 Cr Saleya
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Sun – Thu: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Fri – Sat: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm

Learn more at the Casa Leya website.

La Chapa

Vibe: This won’t come as a surprise, but there is no shortage of seaside restaurants in Nice. Another one of our favorites was La Chapa. The cuisine is here broadly eastern Mediterranean-inspired. But the style of dining reminded me more of a Spanish tapas bar, with several small plates to choose from.

The atmosphere however, was all French Riviera, with beautiful views of the sea, laid-back vibes, and lovely late-summer sunshine.

👉🏼 Insider tip: Most places right along the Promenade des Anglais fill up at night. So it’s a good idea to make a reservation early in the day to snag a spot. Many restaurants in Nice accept online reservations, which makes it very easy. And you’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after.

What to order: We love being able to try a lot of small bites at restaurants. It provides a great feel for the menu and offers up some delicious variety. For starters, try the hummus with housemade crackers. It’s fresh, citrusy, and very tasty. The kebabs with a tangy yogurt sauce is another solid option. They come attached to cinnamon sticks, which is fun to look at, but, yeah, don’t eat those! And if you’d like a seafood option, the fried prawn ravioli are craveable, with a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Total bill: $119 – For four plates, two aperos, bottle of wine.

Address:
73 Quai des États-Unis
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily: 8:30 am – 2 am

Learn more at the La Chapa website.

L’Alchimie

Vibe: I don’t want to shock you here, but you can also find restaurants in Nice that aren’t right by the Mediterranean. And some excellent ones at that. L’Alchimie is one such place.

This Michelin-recommended spot is located about a 10-minute walk from the beach in Nice’s Jean-Medecin neighborhood. The dining room has an inviting, casual atmosphere and the service is friendly and excellent.

At L’Alchimie, the menu is fixed price, and it comes with an appetizer, entree, and dessert. You can choose from three options for each course.

What to order: For a light, fresh appetizer, start with the prawn ravioli. It comes in an aromatic Tom Kha Gai (Thai coconut chicken soup) foam broth and is perfect for sharing.

When we went, chanterelles mushrooms were in season, so we ordered the chanterelles mushroom risotto. Creamy and cheesy, it was made with saffron, which added some nice depth of flavor. And if you like fish, go for the seared sea bass with haricots verts in a creamy sauce. It was both tender and crispy — and tasty!

Total bill: $89 – For two appetizers, two entrees, two desserts, two glasses of wine.

Address:
14 Rue Maccarani
06000 Nice, France

Hours:
Tue – Wed: 11:30 am – 3 pm
Fri – Sat: 11:30 am – 3 pm; 7 pm – 10:30 pm (closed Sun, Mon)

Learn more at the L’Alchimie website.

Le Sejour

Vibe: About a block away from L’Alchimie, you’ll find another Michelin-recommended restaurant: Le Sejour Cafe. The vibe here is very similar. The space itself is small but warm and inviting. And the service is excellent.

The menu here isn’t prix fixe, but interestingly, many of the dishes were nearly identical to those at L’Alchimie. So we decided to do a little taste test to see if one was better than the other.

What to order: We started with the prawn ravioli. It’s served in nearly the same manner as the one at L’Alchimie, in a foam broth. But we found that the ravioli here were slightly better prepared and not as thick.

The mushroom risotti, also with chanterelles, was well-made and tasty. But the one at L’Alchimie was prepared with a bit of saffron, which added both color and flavor.

The dish that we got here that was different was the lobster linguine. The lobster was tender and juicy and the sauce for the dish was absolutely delicious.

Verdict: Both Le Sejour and L’Alchimie are fantastic and worth a visit. While we thought some of the dishes at Le Sejour were slightly better, L’Alchimie was an overall better value.

Total bill: $129 – For one appetizer, two entrees, two glasses of wine.

Address:
11 Rue Grimaldi
06000 Nice, France

Hours:
Tue – Sat: 12 pm – 1:30 pm; 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
(closed Sun, Mon)

Learn more at the Le Sejour website.

L’Antidote

Vibe: Nestled in the vibrant Carré d’Or neighborhood, L’Antidote is one of those unassuming local spots that invites you in and makes you not want to leave.

It has a casual vibe (no fancy dress code required here) and features both indoor and outdoor seating. Since Nice gets around 300 days of sunshine a year, we recommend the latter, which is what we did. It’s perfect on a mild evening.

The menu here is French-Mediterranean fusion, with several beautifully-presented and tasty seafood dishes, as well as hearty meat options.

What to order: We started with a gazpacho amuse-bouche (pictured above). It was refreshing and a great way to whet our appetites for the rest of the meal. Then we enjoyed an elevated take on a bread starter by ordering the bread with saffron aioli.

For main courses, try the tiradito de saumon, thinly-sliced salmon with Aji amarillo, passion fruit, and mango. It was super refreshing and delicious. We also had the rich roasted lamb shoulder. The cut was tender and served with a luxurious sauce, and the portion size was just right, so we didn’t feel stuffed afterwards. We chose a crisp bottle of Chablis to complement all the dishes (not pictured).

Total bill: $193 – For two appetizers, two entrees, one bottle of wine.

Address:
3 Rue Dalpozzo
06000 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily: 5 pm – 10 pm
Happy hour daily: 5 pm – 7 pm

Learn more at the L’Antidote website.

La Réserve

Vibe: One of the best things about visiting Nice is that there are several great places to eat with spectacular sea views. And La Réserve is one of them.

Located on the eastern side of the Port, La Réserve is perched at the water’s edge, offering panoramic views and an idyllic setting for lunch or dinner. Marlynn and I stopped in for lunch and had one of the most enjoyable meals of our trip.

The menu features both a prix fixe three-course option and a la carte selections. We opted for the prix fixe to keep things easy. It includes a starter, main course, and dessert. And since it’s right by the sea, the menu leans toward seafood.

👉🏼 Insider tip: La Réserve has both indoor and outdoor seating. To make the most of the awe-inspiring Mediterranean views, reserve a table outside on the terrace. You’re literally sitting right over the sea.

What to order: Our fixed menu meal began with a bright and flavorful yellowtail crudo. The thinly-sliced fish came with a fresh fig-infused herb oil. A pretty great way to start.

The main course was a delicately cooked wild cod filet with seasonal vegetables and a rockfish soup emulsion. The fish was perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious.

Dessert was a scoop of mango and passion fruit sorbet with a pistachio biscuit. It was light, refreshing, and pleasingly tart. Coupled with the amazing scenery, this meal was truly memorable.

👉🏼 Side note: La Réserve is located right next door to another famous Nice restaurant, Le Plongeoir. It features a picturesque dining room that extends into and above the sea. But we were warned that the seating can be cramped and the food itself may not be as good as some other places. So we chose La Réserve instead.

Total bill: $200 – For two three-course meals, one bottle of wine.

Address:
62 Bd Franck Pilatte
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Tue – Sat: 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm; 7:15 pm to 10 pm
(closed Sun, Mon)

Learn more at the La Reserve website.

Le Safari

Vibe: What do you do when it’s hot in Nice and you’ve just come from the crowded local market? Well, we headed to a nearby restaurant and reach for a couple of Aperol Spritzes. The restaurant in this case was Le Safari.

It’s one of several eateries located in Old Town (Vieux-Nice), directly on the famous Cours Saleya square. The vibe is bustling but laid back and, let’s be honest, a bit touristy. But for a quick lunch right in the center of the action, it’s a pretty good spot.

And it turned out to be one of the more affordable places to eat during our visit. See below for the total cost of our meals.

What to order: Le Safari has a large menu of salads, pizzas, seafood, and meaty dishes, so chances are you’ll find something you’ll like.

We opted for the tuna tataki and the prawn pasta. The tuna was perfectly seared on the outside and raw on the inside, and served over a bed of greens. The pasta came in a generous portion and features a rich tomato-based sauce.

Both dishes were satisfying and the service was very good, especially for such a busy place. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you find yourself in Old Town and ready to stop for a bite to eat.

Total bill: $85 – For two entrees, two cocktails.

Address:
1 Cr Saleya
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily: 12 pm – 10:50 pm

Learn more at the Le Safari website.

Plage Beau Rivage

Vibe: In Nice, there are restaurants across the promenade from the sea. Then there are places right on the beach. Plage Beau Rivage is one of the latter. Meaning “beautiful shore,” Beau Rivage offers a seaside dining experience that is simply hard to beat.

All of the tables are outside and within just a few yards from the water. It’s an idyllic place to watch the sun go down while enjoying dinner. And while this wasn’t one of the least expensive spots we ate at while in Nice, you’re paying in part for the view. And the view here was pretty dang good.

What to order: Nice is famous for the Nicoise salad, and the version here is very classic. It includes a variety of vegetables along with Nicoise olives and hard-boiled eggs, topped with tuna.

If you’re in the mood to splurge a bit, go for the tagliatelle with a half lobster. The lobster was cooked very well and the dish came in a delicious homemade bisque.

Complete the surf and turf with the steak frites. It’s made with tender Piedmont rib-eye.

👉🏼 Insider tip: You’ll want to make reservations for Plage Beau Rivage as spaces can fill up fast. We saw a lot of walk-ins get turned away at reception.

Total bill: $169 – For one salad, two entrees, bottle of wine.

Address:
107 Quai des États-Unis
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Vary by season, so check on their website before making a reservation.

Learn more at the Plage Beau Rivage website.

Le Panier

Vibe: Some of the best places to eat no matter the city are often hidden gems, tucked away from busy thoroughfares. Enter Le Panier.

Located in a small alley in Nice’s Old Town, Le Panier appears unassuming. But the food here is anything but. Of all the spots we ate at during our trip here, this was the most “fine dining,” but without any stuffy atmosphere.

👉🏼 Insider tip: Le Panier essentially faces onto a small alley, so the outside tables can appear a bit makeshift. But when the weather is nice, ask for one of them. We briefly ventured inside and the spaces felt cramped and a bit stuffier. While the little alley was somewhat busy, it still felt good to enjoy the late summer air.

Our meal was made up of several courses, each one meticulously plated. And the service felt effortless. If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience away from the crowds in Nice, Le Panier should be on your list.

What to order: Le Panier offers several different tasting menus. The lunch menu includes 4 courses (about $60), while for dinner you can choose between a 5 or 7 course meal (about $80/$95).

It’s a blind tasting, so there’s no menu here, at least not one you can peruse. Instead, your server explains each course as it comes out. Essentially, you’re here to enjoy the ride and see where the meal takes you.

Each course is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, made in sometimes surprising ways, such as a mozzarella-smoked olive scramble with a sort of avocado ice cream on top. Or pork belly and broccolini with Corsican Lonzo (a type of cured pork). Not every course was a home run, but some definitely were. And that’s part of the fun.

Total bill: $245 – For two 5 course meals, two aperos, a bottle of wine, and two coffees.

Address:
5 Rue Barillerie
06300 Nice, France

Hours:
Vary by season, so check on their website before making a reservation.

Learn more at the Le Panier website.

Brasserie Magenta

Vibe: If you like being in the center of the action, then you might consider a visit to Magenta. Located in a beautiful, bustling square off the Rue Massena in the heart of Nice, Magenta is the ideal spot for a midday drink and satisfying lunch.

And you don’t need a reservation. This part of Rue Massena is lined with restaurants, so come lunch or dinner time, you simply choose a spot and wait for a table to open up. We went here on our last day and there was no problem getting a table.

What to order: Brasserie Magenta is known for its seafood, particularly the oysters. But they have a selection of lobster, prawns, mussels, and crab to choose from as well. They also offer a range of salads, as well as traditional French dishes like roasted duck breast and steak frites.

We arrived during happy hour and decided to split a burger with bacon, cheddar, and an onion confit. We also added a couple Aperol Spritzes (of course) to take advantage of the happy hour pricing. While the drinks weren’t the best that we’d had in Nice, the simple burger was just what we were looking for after a week of rich, hearty dishes.

Total bill: $47 – For one burger, two cocktails.

Address:
1 Pl. Magenta
06000 Nice, France

Hours:
Daily: 8 am – 11 pm

Learn more at the Magenta website.

Soho

Vibe: Having a leisurely coffee and croissant for breakfast is practically a national pastime in France. The key is to find a spot that has the ideal mix of charm, location, and menu.

Soho, in the central Jean-Medecin district, has all three. Just a couple of blocks from the sea, this quaint cafe oozes charm, with cozy sidewalk tables and classic French architecture. It also sits right in the middle of a busy pedestrian thoroughfare, offering no shortage of people-watching opportunities.

And the menu goes beyond simple pastries to include heartier brunch items like eggs benedict, omelettes, and gourmet pancakes.

We dropped by for a couple of croissants and coffees before a busy schedule of exploring. It was a great way to relax and set the mood for the rest of the day.

Address:
90 Rue de France
06000 Nice, France

Maison Armand Patisserie

Vibe: You’ll find no shortage of boulangeries and patisseries in Nice. This is France after all! But one that we really liked was Maison Armand.

One reason this made our list was the wide range of tasty pastries they have, like chocolate and coffee eclairs, and several different kinds of baguettes.

But another reason was the outdoor seating option, which you won’t find at all patisseries. It’s a nice way to grab some pastries and coffee and enjoy them without having to walk and eat at the same time. Or worse, wait until you get to wherever you’re staying!

👉🏼 Insider tip: If you decide to eat in here, order at the front, then head on over to your table. No need to wait at the counter for your items to be ready. That can be seen as rude and can slow down the line behind you. Your food and coffee (if you ordered some) will be prepared, then brought to you.

Address:
90 Rue de France
06000 Nice, France

Boulangerie Jeannot

Vibe: Another boulangerie/patisserie that we visited frequently in Nice was Jeannot. Located a few minutes from Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, this popular bakery always had a line outside when we went. Which we took as a good sign.

Not only do they offer a large selection of breads and pastries, you can also get full sandwiches for lunch, which they’ll warm up for you as you wait.

The overall vibe here is like organized chaos (and kinda like that famous Seinfeld episode about soup). When you get in line, you just gotta keep moving with the flow. Once you’re at the display case, flag down someone behind the counter (like at a bar) and order with confidence. Then keep shuffling to the checkout register, where your order will be waiting for you.

Address:
8 Rue Saint-François de Paule
06300 Nice, France

La Maison de Celine

Vibe: We spent a lot of quality time exploring Nice’s patisserie scene. And one we kept walking by was La Maison de Celine. This was partly because it was on the way back to our apartment. But mostly, it was that all the pastries looked so amazing.

So we decided to stop in. And sample a few (several) of the pastries on display. Basically, if you like chocolate, cream, fruit, macarons, etc., you’re going to find something to tempt your taste buds here.

And while there’s often a line, the atmosphere is a bit quieter here than at some other boulangeries and patisseries in town, as it sits a bit off the main tourist areas. So take a moment here to grab a pastry and coffee. It’s a great way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

👉🏼 Insider tip: In the mornings, there’s typically a line outside. And the etiquette is well defined. Do not try to enter without being waved in first by one of the employees behind the counter. Or you’ll be met with some stern looks. Also, pay attention while in line so you don’t miss the cue. This keeps everything moving efficiently.

Address:
24 Rue de la Liberté
06000 Nice, France