20 Best Restaurants in Nice, France: 2024 Guide
Looking for the best restaurants in Nice, France? This is the guide for you!
You’ll have the best Bib Gourmand and Michelin-starred restaurants in Nice, the best Nice restaurants for cuisine Niçoise, cuisine Nissarde, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine—even the best fast food in Nice—all at your fingertips.
I’ll also give you my pick for the Number 1 best restaurant in Nice that you should not miss!
Best Restaurants in Nice
If you’re traveling to the south of France, and particularly the French Riviera, staying in the city of Nice is an excellent choice! What more could you want? You’ll be wowed by the pastel historic buildings of charming Vieux Nice (Old Nice), smack on the Côte d’Azur, with inviting beaches and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea—not to mention an abundance of amazing restaurants featuring fabulous food!
If you’re a foodie, I suggest sticking to the French restaurants in Nice for the majority of your meals. Learning about the traditional Nice specialties and famous French foods will be one of the highlights of your trip.
Indeed, Nice cuisine has some unique foods you will not find elsewhere! Sure, you can find good American or even Japanese restaurants in Nice, but nowadays you can get those types of dishes just about anywhere.
However, I have included a few Mediterranean and Italian restaurants on my list of the best restaurants in Nice. Due to the city’s location, both Italian and Mediterranean cuisines have greatly influenced the regional foods of Nice.
In fact, the culinary geography is so closely intertwined in certain dishes, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish which culture was the originator. This is especially true since Nice was long ruled by a kingdom that became part of Italy. It’s complicated . . .
Best Michelin-Star Restaurants in Nice
Like much of the Riviera, Nice has its fair share of high-glitz, high-priced restaurants. But spending lots of money is no guarantee of a memorable dining experience.
I find the Michelin Guide France reliable, but it can be overwhelming. So, I’m here to help. Among all the available choices, I can highly recommend the following Michelin star restaurants in Nice for a night of the unforgettable.
Pure & Vy
Best Sommelier
To say that this Nice restaurant is on a sizzling hot streak would be an understatement. In 2020, it was awarded its first Michelin star—it has retained it ever since. In 2021, owner Vanessa Massé was named Sommelier of the Year by the Michelin Guide.
Today, the restaurant continues to dazzle diners with inventively prepared seafood dishes complemented by an amazing selection of fine wine.
Pure & Vy serves only natural wine, that is, organic or biodynamic wine that adds no yeast and contains no sulfites. Massé has amassed a cellar of over 2,000 labels and 70,000 bottles, the largest collection of natural wine on the entire Riviera.
It’s no wonder that the restaurant’s 5- and 7-course tasting menus offer the perfect wine pairings.
Address: 7 Rue du Lycée, Nice, 06000
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday: 18:30–21:45; Sunday: 12:00–14:30, 18:30–22:30; Monday, Tuesday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 6 19 88 68 90
JAN
Best French Fusion
Restaurant JAN is the namesake restaurant of Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen. Jan Hendrick grew up on a farm in South Africa and spent much of his childhood there learning all he could from his mom and grandmoms about transforming the farm’s bounty into mouthwatering meals.
He now uses the freshest ingredients from the south of France to reinvent South African dishes for his adoring clientele.
Jan Hendrick’s culinary alchemy has made him South Africa’s first Michelin star chef.
His elegant restaurant in the somewhat scruffy, but revitalizing old port of Nice offers a seasonally selected 7-course menu that impresses with its beautiful artistry and sublime flavors. Indeed, a meal at Restaurant JAN in Nice’s port will transport you on a transcontinental epicurean trip of a lifetime.
Address: Rue 12 Lascaris, Nice, 06300
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 18:00–22:00; Sunday, Monday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 97 19 32 23
Le Chantecler
Best Fine Dining
This famous Nice restaurant makes its home within the equally famous Negresco Hotel. And like the hotel itself, this Michelin-starred restaurant blends the best of the old and the new.
Although much of the ornate woodwork of the dining room dates back to the 1700s, the terrace, décor, and menu have all recently been updated.
This beautiful place now offers amazing views both inside and out. Chef Virginie Basselot has overseen the transformation.
Her passion for scouring the region to ensure the best supply of local ingredients is reflected in every delightful dish. And in one of Nice’s best hotels known worldwide for its amazing art collection, it’s no surprise that every Chantecler creation is an elegant work of art in its own right.
Address: 37 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, 06000
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday: 19:00–22:00; Monday, Tuesday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 93 16 64 10
Best Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Nice
If you want to eat like a local in Nice, try some of the Michelin Bib Gourmands. While the gourmet food and high standards of Michelin star restaurants almost always come at a high price, Bib Gourmands are excellent values.
In the Michelin Guide’s own words, these recognized restaurants are “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.”
La Merenda
Best Bib for Cuisine Nissarde
The unassuming facade of La Merenda in Old Nice gives no hints about the excellent food you’ll find inside. Outside this small restaurant (20 seats), a chalk board hangs with a seasonal menu of traditional foods. And most likely, you’ll see an old bicycle leaning on the curb in front.
Why the bike? Committed to serving Nice specialties using only the freshest and finest ingredients, Chef Dominique Le Stanc rides to the Cours Saleya Market daily to purchase local produce and other food products. If it’s not fresh, it’s not on the menu at La Merenda.
As one of Nice’s most celebrated chefs, Le Stanc is no stranger to gastronomic excellence or Michelin stars. But at La Merenda, instead of focusing on the logistics needed to earn stars, he dedicates himself to cooking and preserving authentic traditional dishes.
The chef’s commitment to the excellent execution of such Nissarde classics as Pâtes au Pistou (a beloved Niçoise pesto pasta) and Ratatouille makes La Merenda one of the best places to get amazing local food in a real-deal, old-school setting. A meal here makes for a deliciously unique experience without a helping of high prices.
Address: 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, Nice, 06300
Hours: Monday through Friday: 12:00–13:45; 19:00–21:00; Saturday and Sunday: CLOSED
No Phone: Make your reservation through the Facebook or Instagram link on La Merenda’s site.
Olive et Artichaut
Best Bib Formule Menu
Chef Thomas Hubert creates unique Nice-inspired dishes in a bistro setting.
The chef has a talent for showcasing local fresh produce in risottos and creative dishes like Peaches Roasted a La Plancha. The house-made foie gras terrine is rustic yet elegant.
With a wide variety of tantalizing dessert items on the menu, you should plan to cap off your meal with a sweet treat.
As one of the top Nice restaurants, Olive et Artichaut is a local favorite for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. For an extra great value, choose a starter (entrée), main course (plat), and dessert combination with the Bib Gourmand symbol for a significant discount.
Address: 6 Rue Sainte-Reparate, Nice, 06300
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 13:00–14:30; 20:00–22:30; Sunday, Monday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 89 14 97 51
Bistrot d’Antoine
Most Popular Restaurant in Nice
The most popular Nice restaurant, Bistrot d’Antoine serves hearty portions of traditional French cuisine. It’s a true French bistro at heart, featuring great service, a lovely patio, an open kitchen, fabulous food, and an ample wine list.
The chalkboard menu changes constantly, but from seafood to traditional meat dishes, everything we ordered here was divine.
We especially loved an entrée of Scallops with Pureed Sun Chokes—it melted in our mouths. The Ox Cheek Pot au Feu and the Lentils with Perugine Sausages arrived in classic cast-iron dishes, and they were also wonderful.
You can’t go wrong with the house special Tiramisu. Yup an Italian dessert. But as I said earlier, extenuating circumstances allow this very French bistro a little leeway with Italian cuisine.
Address: 27 Rue de la Préfecture, Nice, 06300
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 12:00–13:45; 19:00–21:45; Sunday, Monday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 93 85 29 57
Restaurants in Nice for Cuisine Niçoise
The dominant regional French cuisine in Nice is, of course, cuisine Niçoise.
Utilizing the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea, the olives and lemons from the surrounding hills, and fresh local produce like eggplants, tomatoes, and zucchini blossoms, traditional cooking in Nice is fresh and flavorful.
Sauce bases are more often olive oil and/or tomatoes rather than cream and butter. In fact, much of the food in Nice resembles Italian, Mediterranean, and Provençal cuisines more than what is thought to be typical French cuisine.
Le Bar des Oiseaux
Best Lunch in Old Town Nice
There is nothing typical about Le Bar des Oiseaux. Hidden in the labyrinth of cobblestone streets in Nice’s old town lies this little gem with the hands-down best lunch deal.
In France, it is not uncommon to see restaurant menus offer a choice of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert for a discounted price. But not with this quality or this many choices for 20 Euros!
The engaging art that adorns the walls of this Armand Crespo restaurant takes second place to the artful presentation of the delectable dishes.
Standout starters include the Pureed Zucchini Soup with Mussels and the Charred Calamari with Parsley. Like the Chicken Supreme with Gnocchi, all of the main dishes I’ve had at this restaurant were gorgeous, with flavors to match.
Address: 5 Rue Saint-Vincent, Nice, 06300
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 12:00–14:00; 19:00–23:00; Sunday, Monday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 93 80 27 33
La Rossettisserie
Best Family Restaurant in Nice
Looking for straight forward simple dishes in Old Town Nice? La Rossettisserie will not disappoint.
This is a meat-lover’s heaven; vegetarians should venture elsewhere.
Large quantities of braised lamb, roasted pork, rotisserie chicken, veal, and roast beef are served with a choice of traditional side. The lamb is tender and juicy. Be warned, they may run out of chicken.
The almost cave-like basement room has an old-world ambience that somehow doesn’t feel touristy, but instead warm and cozy.
Address: 8 Rue Mascoinat, Nice, 06300
Hours: Monday through Saturday: 12:00–14:00; 19:00–22:00; Sunday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 93 76 18 80
Café de Turin
Best Oyster Bar in Nice
You’ll find Café de Turin, one of the oldest restaurants in Nice, located on Place Garibaldi, the oldest main square in Nice.
If you find yourself in the area, take a chance. We went without a reservation and were seated right away.
Since its opening in 1908, this family-run restaurant has been known as a great spot for fresh seafood. The selection of oysters is outstanding. Enjoy them solo or with prawns and mussels as part of one of the restaurant’s famous cold seafood towers.
On cold days, the fish soup hits the spot. In addition, the lunch special is usually a good value, especially when it includes one of my favorite French desserts: Tarte Tatin.
Address: 5 Place Garibaldi, Nice, 06300
Hours: Daily: 8:00–22:00
Phone: +33 4 93 62 29 52
Comptoir du Marché
Best Restaurant in Nice
Dare I call Le Comptoir du Marché the best restaurant in Nice, France? Yes!
But I’d rather call it my favorite, which is less arguable. The draw: an inviting atmosphere; warm, knowledgeable staff; and amazing food at reasonable prices. If I lived in Nice (yes, please!), this would be my go-to place.
With side dishes inspired by the fresh produce from the market, and the fish dishes based on the daily catch, to say the Comptoir du Marché uses only the freshest local ingredients doesn’t do it justice.
The biggest hits for me were the Saint Jacques Risotto (scallop risotto), Magret de Canard (duck with pureed celery root and artichokes), and Maigre Sauvage Mediterranean (a Mediterranean fish with white wine sauce).
Whether or not I get to move to Nice, I can’t wait to get back to this restaurant!
Address: 8 Rue du Marché, Nice, 06300
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 12:00–14:00; 19:00–22:00; Sunday, Monday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 93 13 45 01
Check Out Food Tours in Nice
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Check Out Food Tours in Nice *
Best Restaurants for Cuisine Nissarde
The Nissarde dialect is almost extinct, but the Nissarde cuisine continues to be preserved.
There is even an official “Cuisine Nissarde” label awarded to restaurants dedicated to cooking the Nissarde dishes according to authentic methods using traditional ingredients.
All of the restaurants discussed in this section carry the official Cuisine Nissarde label. Go to at least one!
Le Safari
Best Cuisine Nissarde on Cours Saleya
If after strolling the Cours Saleya Fresh Flower and Produce Market, you have a hankering for authentic Nice food, make a beeline for Le Safari.
They will start you with some complimentary Niçoise olives and Pissaladiére. Don’t wait until you’ve made your food selection, order a bottle of wine while you look over the extensive menu at one of the outdoor tables.
The menu has many parts, including a wide assortment of Niçoise appetizers and then pizzas, pastas, and main courses featuring either meats or seafood.
The absolute best Nice dish we ate at Le Safari was the Daube Niçoise Ravioli in the meat section. It was also the best Daube we had in the entire city of Nice!
Address: 1 Cours Saleya, Nice, 06300
Hours: Daily: Noon–Midnight
Phone: +33 4 93 80 18 44
Restaurant Acchiardo
Best House Wine
A beloved family establishment that has been passed down through multiple generations for more than 90 years, Restaurant Acchiardo is a very popular Nice, France, restaurant.
The winning formula? Friendly staff serving a tasty array of typical foods from Nice and local wines at a fair price. It’s a small place with copper pots hanging from the ceiling—cute but not kitschy.
In addition to the excellent versions of the classic Nissarde cuisine, try the Tuna with Green Sauce or the Magret Duck with Fig Sauce. Also, opt for the house wine: It’s a great value!
Address: 38 Rue Droite, Nice, 06300
Hours: Monday through Friday: 12:00–14:00; 19:00–22:00; Saturday, Sunday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 93 85 51 16
Lu Fran Calin
Best Restaurant Cooking Classes
A stone’s throw from Place Rossetti, Lu Fran Calin serves up authentic cuisine in a warm friendly atmosphere.
Specialties of the house include La Barigoule d’Artichaut (artichoke stew), Tourte de Blettes (Swiss chard tarts), Panisse (chickpea fries), and Raviolis Niçoise (beef raviolis with gorgonzola sauce).
Are you interested in learning how to cook the traditional dishes of Nice? What better way than to be instructed by one of the premier Cuisine Nissarde label holders! As in reserving a table, call for availability and pricing for the cooking classes.
Address: 5 Rue Francis Gallo, Nice, 06300
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 12:00–14:00; 19:30–22:30; Sunday, Monday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 4 93 80 81 81
Lou Balico
Best Pan Bagnat
Friendly service, good food, and affordable prices make Lou Balico a great place to learn about the Nissarde specialties.
Order L’Assiette Niçoise du Balico and you’ll have at least 8 regional specialties on one plate. It’s perfect for 2 people to share.
After the large appetizer platter, go with the beautiful Salade Niçoise or share their award-winning Pan Bagnat, basically a Niçoise Salad on a humongous roll.
Another criteria to receive the coveted Cuisine Nissarde label is to share information about the traditional Nissarde foods and culture, and the staff at Lou Balico does so with genuine enthusiasm and a heartfelt smile.
Address: 20 Avenue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Nice, 06000
Hours: Sunday, Monday 11:00–14:30; Tuesday through Saturday 11:00–14:30; 19:00–22:30
Phone: +33 4 93 85 93 71
Mediterranean & Italian Restaurants in Nice
As I said earlier, many of the menu items of Nice, France, restaurants have Mediterranean and Italian roots. Not surprisingly, there are some restaurants that specialize in these local cuisines.
Le Galet
Best Restaurant on the Beach
You can’t get a more relaxed atmosphere than the beach. And I don’t mean a restaurant with a view of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea—although Le Galet does provide that. I mean on the sand of the beach, literally on the coast of Nice.
With this locale, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great time. So, what about the food? Great tasting salads, seafood, pizzas, and pasta. Don’t leave without the biggest profiterole in Nice. Does that make it good? You betcha!
Address: 3 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, 06200
Hours: Daily: 12:00–15:00; 19:00–23:00
Phone: +33 4 93 88 17 23
Le Plongeoir
Most Stunning Mediterranean Views
One of the most iconic restaurants in Nice traces its roots back to the late 1800s. That’s when the original owner decided to mount a stylish boat on a rock jutting out of the Mediterranean and serve fine fare 20 feet above the surf below.
Renovated and reimagined, Le Plongeoir (The Diving Board) remains one of Nice’s favorite restaurants, perched in its original spot and still offering an incomparable sea view and great food.
When you go, fresh fish from the same waters you’re being mesmerized by team up with prize produce from local markets to star in delicious dishes that reflect the pride of the Mediterranean. You couldn’t hope for a more dazzling setting in which to enjoy them.
Address: 60 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, Nice, 06300
Hours: Closed for the winter; reopens March 14, 2024
Phone: +33 4 93 26 53 02
Oliviera
Best Vegetarian Options
Alain Ducasse called this tiny treasure a “Garden Restaurant,” and I think he hit the nail on the head.
With a menu of more vegetarian selections than meats, it’s one of the most popular Nice restaurants for vegetarians.
It’s hard to tell if Oliviera is a specialty olive oil shop with a great lunch restaurant, or vice versa.
Even if you can’t make it in for lunch, pop into the old city shop for some French olive oils made from hand-picked olives. They make a great French gift or souvenir from Nice!
Address: 8 Bis Rue du Collet, Nice, 06300
Hours: Lunch: Tuesday through Saturday: 12:00–15:00; Shop: Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00–18:00
Phone: +33 4 93 13 06 45
Casa Leya
Best Pizza in Nice
With a terrace on Cours Saleya and another on the Promenade des Anglais, I don’t have to tell you to sit outside at this restaurant. You just have to choose which beautiful view you prefer: an amazing view of the colorful market stalls or the tantalizing vista taking in the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
In addition to being a great place to eat, Casa Leya is also an ideal place to people watch. I also like to check out the meals of my fellow patrons, and that’s how I knew I needed to order the pizza.
You can find lots of pizza in Nice, but one bite here will tell you Casa Leya’s is homemade Neapolitan-style pizza. This Italian restaurant also has delicious pastas and salads, and it does some French dishes like steak tartare and Moules Frites extremely well.
To kick up the fun factor, there’s a wide selection of adult beverages to choose from. Besides a bevy of tasty cocktails, there’s a nicely curated set of beer options and an extensive list of French regional wines with a smattering of Italian wines too.
Address: 36 Cours Saleya, Nice, 06300
Hours: Monday through Friday: 11:30–14:30; 18:30–22:00; Saturday, Sunday: 11:30–15:00; 18:30–22:30
Phone: +33 4 92 47 80 90
Best Fast Food in Nice, France
There’s a myriad of things to see and do in Nice, but everyone’s time and money is limited. So, when you need to quench your hunger in a hurry or at a price point that won’t blow your vacation budget, it’s good to know Nice gives you options. You can still enjoy genuine local cuisine at these places to eat in Nice without burning through your stash of cash or ticking through a ton of time.
Chez Theresa
Best Nice Street Food
Socca in Nice is the quintessential street food, the savory, pancake-like snack made from chickpea flour and grilled on a cast-iron pan. And some of the best Socca in town can be found at the most iconic Socca vendor in Nice, Chez Theresa.
The Chez Theresa stand in the Cours Saleya Market is as much a landmark as a magnet for those searching for the classic version of this most authentic street treat.
A five-minute walk from Cours Saleya Market is the original Chez Theresa Restaurant, going strong since 1925. In addition to its most popular main dish, Socca, the restaurant offers such other go-to Nice street foods as Pissaladière, Pan Bagnat, and Tourte de Blettes.
All of this wonderful traditional cuisine is available to pick up on the fly from a window in the restaurant, or you can enjoy your selections at one of the indoor or outdoor tables.
Address: Stand: Cours Saleya Market; Restaurant: 28 Rue Droite, Nice, 06300
Hours: Stand: Tuesday through Sunday: 9:00–14:00; Monday: CLOSED; Restaurant: Tuesday through Sunday: 9:00–15:00; Monday: CLOSED
Phone: +33 6 13 53 11 76
Lou Pilha Leva
Best Fast Food Selection
For a quick yet tasty Nice food experience, order at the outdoor counter of this Vieux Nice institution. Lou Pilha Leva makes getting acquainted with a wide selection of old-school Nice favorites quick and easy.
You can also get acquainted with your fellow travelers and locals at the outdoor communal tables.
Our first night in Nice, we arrived tired and late after a long day’s trip. So, it was a good thing that Lou Pilha Leva’s was still open and required no reservations.
We filled up on some local traditional dishes: Socca, Salade Niçoise, and an assortment of Petits Farcis—stuffed vegetables. We also scored some good tips about the city from some locals getting a late-night bite of their own at this restaurant Nice can rely on at virtually any time of day.
Address: 10 Rue du Collet, Nice, 06300
Hours: Daily: 10:00–22:00
Phone: +33 4 93 13 99 08
Fenocchio
Best Gelato in Nice
The Fenocchio family opened their ice cream parlor on Place Rossetti in Vieux Nice in 1966. People have been lining up for their refreshing, delicious treats ever since.
I’ve been in Nice in the heat of the summer sun and the chill of late November rains, and one thing remains constant: A lot of people in Old Town are licking their Fenocchio ice cream as they pass you by.
Among the many reasons why: more than 90 flavors of gelati and sorbets, from classics like Coffee and Pistachio to such new hits as Pecan & Maple Syrup, Avocado, and Vanilla & Pink Pepper.
The only downside? Fenocchio is no hidden gem, and especially in summer, lines can be long. But even with a wait, it’s still a spot definitely worth visiting: I’m a gelato and ice cream lover, and I’ve never had a flavor here I didn’t thoroughly enjoy!
And, yes, I realize Fenocchio isn’t a restaurant, but I had to sneak it onto this list of the best restaurants Nice has to offer as a bonus pick for one of my favorite local treats. After all, even the best meal in one of the great restaurants of Nice can be topped off with a lovely walk and a satisfying gelato.
Address: Original Location: 2 Place Rossetti, Nice, 06300; Location #2: 6 Rue de la Poissonnerie, Nice, 06300
Hours: Original Location: Daily: 9:00 am–Midnight; Location #2: Wednesday through Monday: 9:00 am–Midnight; Tuesday: CLOSED
Phone: Original Location: +33 4 93 80 72 52; Location #2: +33 4 93 62 88 80
Restaurants in Nice, France
Now that you know where to eat in Nice, France, there’s a few things you should know about Nice restaurants in general.
Some of the best places to eat in Nice don’t even have a website, let alone an online reservation system, but you should make a reservation whenever possible, even for lunch. Just call ahead, or drop in and talk to the host.
Many of these eateries are small and they fill up quickly. Going early gives you the best chance of securing a table without a reservation.
Lunch is for lingering. Restaurants that are open for just a couple of hours at midday do not plan on turning the table. So, if every table is full when you get there, the likelihood of getting in is slim. On the plus side, once you’re seated, that table is yours until closing.
Most restaurants close between lunch and dinner. If you like to eat a late lunch, you most likely will need to choose a place with uninterrupted service, most likely a café or brasserie.
Nice is a wonderful place for delicious food, but some additional great foodie experiences await just a short distance away. Check them out in my article about the Best Foodie Day Trips from Nice.