Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, offers a culinary landscape as vibrant and diverse as its famous azure coastline. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, this gastronomic paradise blends traditional Niçois cuisine with Italian influences and contemporary French cooking. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner overlooking the sea, an authentic local experience in the winding streets of Vieux Nice, or a Michelin-starred masterpiece, the restaurants in Nice deliver unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of Provence.
This guide takes you beyond the tourist traps to discover establishments beloved by both locals and discerning visitors. From the freshest seafood caught that morning to sun-ripened vegetables from nearby farms, Nice’s restaurants showcase the region’s exceptional ingredients with passion and precision. Join us as we explore the essential dining destinations that capture the true essence of Nice’s culinary soul.
Experience Nice's Culinary Treasures
Discover the authentic flavors of Nice with a guided food tour through the city’s most beloved culinary spots. Sample local specialties, meet passionate chefs, and learn about the rich food heritage of the French Riviera.
Exploring Nice's Diverse Dining Scene
Nice’s restaurant scene offers something for every palate and occasion. From seaside establishments serving the freshest catch to hidden gems tucked away in the Old Town, the city’s dining options reflect its unique position at the crossroads of French and Mediterranean cuisines. Here’s our curated selection of the best restaurants in Nice, organized to help you find the perfect spot for your next memorable meal.
Fine Dining
Experience culinary excellence at Nice’s most prestigious establishments, where innovative chefs transform local ingredients into works of art.
Authentic Bistros
Discover the heart of Niçois cuisine at these beloved local bistros serving time-honored recipes in warm, inviting settings.
Seaside Gems
Savor exceptional cuisine while taking in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean at these prime waterfront locations.
Michelin-Starred Excellence in Nice
Nice boasts several restaurants that have earned the coveted Michelin recognition, offering extraordinary dining experiences that showcase the finest ingredients of the French Riviera prepared with masterful technique and creativity.
Restaurant JAN
South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen brings his unique perspective to French cuisine at this intimate Michelin-starred establishment. The restaurant offers an innovative tasting menu that blends South African influences with local Provençal ingredients.
Signature Dish: The menu changes seasonally, but look for the spectacular cheese room experience and dishes that creatively incorporate South African elements.
Price Range: €€€€ (Tasting menu from €124)
Address: 12 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice
La Merenda
Though not Michelin-starred, this tiny restaurant run by former Michelin chef Dominique Le Stanc deserves special mention. With no phone or website, this cash-only establishment serves some of the most authentic Niçois cuisine in the city. The small space fills quickly with locals and in-the-know visitors.
Signature Dish: Daube Niçoise (beef stew) and fresh handmade pasta with pistou
Price Range: €€ (Excellent value for the quality)
Address: 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice
Insider Tip: Arrive early (before noon for lunch or 7pm for dinner) to secure a table, as they don’t take reservations.
Authentic Bistros in Vieux Nice
The narrow, winding streets of Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice) hide some of the city’s most beloved bistros, where generations of families have been serving traditional Niçois specialties. These establishments offer an authentic taste of local cuisine in charming, historic settings.
Restaurant Acchiardo
Family-owned since 1927, Acchiardo embodies the warm hospitality and rich culinary traditions of Nice. This beloved institution serves classic Niçois dishes prepared with recipes passed down through generations, attracting a loyal following of locals and visitors alike.
Signature Dishes: Petits farcis (stuffed vegetables), fresh Mediterranean fish, and homemade gnocchi
Price Range: €€ (Excellent value)
Address: 38 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice
Insider Tip: Closed on weekends and during part of August, so plan accordingly.
Lou Pistou
Named after the famous Provençal basil sauce, Lou Pistou offers a genuine taste of regional cuisine in a cozy setting. The restaurant specializes in traditional dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets.
Signature Dishes: Pissaladière (onion tart), ratatouille, and fresh seafood
Price Range: €€
Address: 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice
Seaside Dining with Mediterranean Views
Nice’s privileged location on the Mediterranean coast offers numerous opportunities to dine with spectacular sea views. These restaurants combine the freshest seafood with breathtaking panoramas for a truly memorable dining experience.
La Réserve
Perched on the rocky coastline with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, La Réserve offers refined cuisine in an elegant setting. The restaurant specializes in seafood and Mediterranean flavors, with dishes that highlight the bounty of the sea.
Signature Dishes: Bouillabaisse, fresh oysters, and seasonal fish
Price Range: €€€€
Address: 60 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice
Best Time to Visit: Reserve a table for sunset to enjoy the spectacular changing colors over the Mediterranean.
Plage Beau Rivage
For the ultimate beachfront dining experience, Plage Beau Rivage offers tables right on the pebble beach with your toes just steps from the Mediterranean. The restaurant serves a mix of French and Italian-influenced cuisine in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Signature Dishes: Fresh seafood platters, Niçoise salad, and Mediterranean-inspired pasta
Price Range: €€€
Address: 107 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice
Hidden Gems for Food Connoisseurs
Beyond the well-known establishments, Nice harbors exceptional restaurants that fly under the tourist radar. These hidden gems offer outstanding cuisine in intimate settings, often frequented by locals and food enthusiasts in the know.
L'Alchimie
This Michelin-recommended bistro located away from the tourist areas offers creative, seasonal cuisine in an intimate setting. Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland crafts innovative dishes that blend traditional French techniques with modern sensibilities.
Signature Dishes: Seasonal tasting menu that changes regularly, often featuring chanterelle mushroom risotto and innovative seafood preparations
Price Range: €€€ (Fixed price menu approximately €60 for lunch)
Address: 14 Rue Maccarani, 06000 Nice
Le Bistrot de JAN
The more casual sibling to the Michelin-starred Restaurant JAN, this bistro offers the same exceptional quality and creativity but in a more relaxed setting and at a more accessible price point. Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen infuses South African influences into French cuisine with remarkable results.
Signature Dishes: Three-course menu featuring seasonal ingredients with South African touches
Price Range: €€€
Address: 12 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice
Insider Tip: Book well in advance as tables are limited and in high demand.
Must-Try Niçois Specialties
No culinary exploration of Nice would be complete without sampling the iconic local dishes that define the region’s gastronomic identity. These specialties reflect Nice’s unique position between the mountains and the sea, as well as its historical connections to Italy.
Salade Niçoise
This world-famous salad originated in Nice and features tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, and tuna, dressed with olive oil. For the most authentic version, visit Lou Balico (7 Rue Saint-François de Paule), where they prepare it according to traditional recipes without modern additions like potatoes or green beans.
Price Range: €€
Socca
This savory chickpea pancake is a street food staple in Nice. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s best enjoyed hot from the pan with a sprinkle of black pepper. For the most authentic experience, head to Chez Pipo (13 Rue Bavastro), a local institution serving socca since 1923.
Price Range: €
Pissaladière
This savory tart features a bread dough base topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. For an excellent version, visit Boulangerie Jeannot (8 Rue Saint-François de Paule) in the morning when they’re freshly baked.
Price Range: €
Practical Dining Tips for Nice
When is the best time to dine in Nice?
Locals typically eat lunch between 12:30-2:00 PM and dinner from 7:30-10:00 PM. Many restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner service. For the most authentic experience, follow the local dining schedule rather than eating at typical tourist hours.
Do I need to make reservations?
For fine dining restaurants and popular establishments, especially during high season (May-September), reservations are essential and should be made several weeks in advance. For casual bistros, calling a day or two ahead is usually sufficient. Some local spots don’t take reservations at all and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What about tipping in Nice restaurants?
Service is typically included in the bill (look for “service compris”). While tipping is not obligatory, it’s customary to leave small change or round up the bill for good service. For exceptional service at upscale restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated but not expected.
Are there good options for vegetarians and vegans?
While traditional Niçois cuisine features seafood and meat, the restaurant scene has evolved to accommodate plant-based diets. Paper Plane (14 Rue Alberti) offers excellent vegetarian and vegan options, while many traditional restaurants can modify dishes upon request. Mediterranean cuisine naturally features many vegetable-forward dishes like ratatouille.
Seasonal Dining Recommendations
Nice’s culinary scene changes with the seasons, with restaurants adapting their menus to showcase the freshest local ingredients. Here are some recommendations based on when you plan to visit:
Spring (March-May)
- Look for dishes featuring asparagus, artichokes, and early strawberries
- Try the seasonal fish menu at Flaveur (25 Rue Gubernatis)
- Enjoy outdoor dining as terraces begin to open
Summer (June-August)
- Seafood is at its peak – don’t miss the bouillabaisse
- Book beachfront restaurants like Plage Beau Rivage well in advance
- Try chilled dishes like Pan Bagnat and fresh salads
Autumn/Winter (Sept-Feb)
- Seek out hearty Niçois stews like daube
- Try truffle-focused menus at Le Chantecler (37 Promenade des Anglais)
- Enjoy game dishes and seasonal mushrooms
Master the Art of Niçois Cuisine
Take home more than just memories from your visit to Nice. Join a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare authentic local specialties under the guidance of experienced chefs. From socca to pissaladière, discover the secrets of traditional Niçois cooking.
Embracing the Culinary Spirit of Nice
The restaurants in Nice offer far more than just sustenance—they provide a window into the soul of this enchanting Mediterranean city. From the historic recipes passed down through generations to innovative interpretations of local ingredients, Nice’s dining scene celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage while embracing contemporary influences.
Whether you’re savoring a simple socca at a street-side stand, enjoying fresh seafood with your feet in the sand, or indulging in a multi-course gastronomic journey at a Michelin-starred establishment, each meal becomes part of your Nice story. The true essence of dining in Nice lies in embracing the unhurried Mediterranean approach to food—taking time to appreciate quality ingredients, engaging with passionate chefs and servers, and sharing memorable meals with good company.
As you explore the culinary treasures of this beautiful coastal city, remember that the best dining experiences often come from venturing beyond the tourist paths and embracing the authentic rhythms of local life. Bon appétit and enjoy your gastronomic adventures in Nice!
