Discover delicious Nice and the best places to eat in the city that won’t break the bank. These are the places the locals go to, authentic, delicious and downright luscious. You really don’t have to break the bank to eat like a millionaire here.
Nice is the second most popular city for visitors for France and there are hundreds of restaurants and bars to while away an hour or several, soaking up the sun, taking in the sights and enjoying the local cuisine.
Food and wine are important to the Nicois and you’re going to be spoiled for choice but here are some truly outstanding, not to be missed eateries you’ll thank me for sharing with you!
Best hot chocolate in Nice
Place Rossetti is a great place to sit in the sun. Head to Antonia’s café for real Italian hot chocolate like mama used to make. Beware – it’s addictively delicious sitting here people watching and sipping the decadent chocolate drink.
For fromage fans
Cheese-heads will not want to miss Le Bistro du fromager (29 rue Benoit Bunico). You’ll get a cool meal and great wine at a very reasonable price.
Food with a theatrical flourish
La Rotonde bistro at the Negresco hotel is kitsch, fun and utterly gorgeous. Decked out like an 18th century carousel complete with horses that rise and fall. A surprisingly affordable menu for such an iconic establishment.
Pizza Perfect
For a taste of Italy, La Voglia near Cours Saleya has fantastic food. Beware, they’re huge portions – ask for ‘un emporter’ a doggy bag and take what you can’t eat home (2, rue Saint François de Paule).
Meaty marvels
Le Comptoir du Marché (8 Rue du Marché) will leave you feeling content. The owners have three restaurants in Nice. The blackboard menu is limited but super good food – it’s very French and very meaty!
A fishy dishy
Nice is not really a fishy place despite being on the Med, but if you fancy a fishy fling then Le Boccaccio rue Massena (7 Rue Massena) is the seafood place to go to. You won’t find any restaurants on the beach but this one is just a street away from the sea.
Head to the far side of the old port if you want more fish restaurants. It’s a picturesque setting against Nice harbour with its boats and the view of the hill opposite.
Not naughty and very Nice
Bella Socca (13 Rue du Collet) is very popular with locals for typical Nicoise specialities. The chefs grew up in Nice and they run a non-stop service so whatever time you want a snack this one’s very very good.
At the end of a big meal I’m told the locals enjoy a spoonful of oil to aid digestion. There are some lovely olive oil shops like Olio Donato (5 Rue de la Boucherie). It’s been in the same family for several generations, each passing down the methods for pressing oil and producing beautiful hand made pasta. They also make amazing truffle salt (ask to try it, you’ll be amazed by how lush it is).
Note many cafes and restaurants don’t stay open all day and if you can, try to book in advance particularly when it’s peak season.
Ten things to do in Nice
Fabulous food and wine tours of Nice
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