A city that has so much to explore needs a culinary offer to match its endless list of activities. And the restaurants in Nice deliver with an array of exciting dining experiences and flavors that cater to every palate. With some many enticing options to choose from, you might wonder where to eat in Nice.
As a part-time local, I’ve eaten my way through the city for over a decade and I keep coming back for more. What I love about the local cuisine, is how it reflects the city’s natural setting. It’s a delicious ensemble of Mediterranean freshness and Provençal countryside warmth with a hint of Italian flair.
In this article, I share some amazing dining spots where I have dined myself and some of the Nice restaurants on my personal bucket list.
Whether you’re craving traditional “cuisine Nissarde” in the Old Town of Vieux Nice or a seafood platter on the beach, get ready to feast.
So, let’s discover where to eat in Nice.
This article presents some of the best places to eat in Nice, France, from family-run eateries in the Old Town to trendy restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean.
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Where to stay in Nice
My Top Picks
Restaurants in Nice you need to try
This list of suggestions is based on the dozens of Nice restaurants that I have tried and ones that I’d like to try out during my next visit to Nice. It’s always fun to have something new to look forward to which is why I keep a culinary bucket list.
I won’t claim that this selection features the best restaurants in Nice because that would imply that I’ve tried them all while I haven’t. I feel confident making this claim regarding places to stay in Nice (because I have stayed in every area over the years) and the beaches of Nice (because I have tried them all). However, regarding restaurants, that’s a mission impossible simply because the offer is so extensive and ever-changing. And I love it!
Of course, it’s sad to see a good eaterie close its doors or a chef move on to another challenge. But, at the same time, the dynamic nature of the culinary scene results in fresh and interesting food options.
There are 8 Michelin-star restaurants in Nice at the time of writing. I have to admit that, so far, I haven’t tried any of these since I’m mostly in town with my family. However, it’s something I look forward to.
Finally, my photos may not be super polished. Sorry-not-sorry! I just find it an absolute waste to let my food go cold. And, to be honest, I just can’t bring up the patience to wait before digging in. Haha! There, I said it.
Here’s an overview of some of my favorite restaurants in Nice.
1. Bocca Mar
If you’re looking for a trendy restaurant on the beach in Nice, then this is the club I’d recommend. It’s located pretty central and within walking distance from pretty much all neighborhoods in Nice (although maybe a bit further away from Port Lympia).
The atmosphere is casual and the menu allows for sharing, which is perfect when you’re traveling with teenagers. That’s exactly why it’s one of my family’s favorites for a beachside dinner on a summer evening.
The best dish we’ve had here, so far, was the caramelized pork ribs with baby potatoes and Basque-style Xipister sauce. It’s the same dish that you see my daughter enjoying in the picture. The meat is so tender!
2. Le Plongeoir
This is by far the most iconic place to eat in Nice thanks to its storybook setting. Perched on a rock connected to the shore via a bridge, it doesn’t get any more romantic than that. It also makes it one of the most-coveted restaurants in Nice – and on the French Riviera – which translates into months-long waiting lists.
Booking far in advance is crucial to secure a table here, especially from spring to early fall. And be aware that the exclusive setting is reflected in the prices. Menu options here are more expensive than similar options in the city center.
Since this is as close as you can get to the sea – and the Port – seafood was my preferred choice. Not only was the grilled octopus with feta and olives a most refreshing bite on that hot summer day, it was also the perfect dish to match the fabulous Mediterranean setting.
Be sure to take into account sundown if you plan on having dinner here. This place is most magical during the day and before sunset. Also, it’s located on the opposite side of the port. You can walk here or take a ride-share.
3. Peixes
Peixes features seafood with a twist and has become a very popular player in the Nice restaurant scene. So much so, that it has two locations. The original restaurant is located in the western part of Vieux Nice, steps from Place Masséna and the beach. The second branch can be found at Rue Bonaparte in the Port district.
It’s a bistro-style eatery with a very casual vibe and simple yet delicious seafood. That no-frills approach makes it a very tempting option for a quick meal without compromising on quality. And, I have to say, that both branches are also some of the more affordable restaurants in Nice for this level of quality.
Fish may be the hero on the plate, but the sides are just as alluring. How about butternut puree with bergamot and maple syrup caramel? Yum! Or octopus chili, one of my favorite dishes of all time?
Good to know: Unlike most places to eat in Nice, Peixes is open non-stop from noon to evening. So, if you lose track of time enjoying the many activities in Nice, you know where to go for a late lunch or early dinner.
4. Bocaccio
Located in the busy Rue Masséna is one of the most wonderful Mediterranean restaurants in Nice. The terrace may not be that appealing setting-wise – no sea view and no Old Town feel – but this place is an absolute favorite of mine – and my family – for the seafood.
I’ve eaten here several times and have always been blown away by the freshness and flavors of the food. I haven’t tried the meat dishes yet, I admit, but I’m a sucker for seafood. The portion sizes here are really generous too. And the paëlla… OMG, so delicious! I’ve eaten plenty of paëllas in Valencia, the home of paëlla, and throughout Spain but the best one I had was in this restaurant in Nice. Can you imagine?
The only con I can think of is that the service can be a bit on the slow side in peak season. And, again, the setting of the terrace. Other than that, this is an excellent fine dining spot.
5. JAN
This gastronomic restaurant ranks high on my bucket list. It’s the artistic expression of well-traveled South African Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. The cozy interior creates a very intimate experience.
I love flavor-packed farm-to-table meals and JAN’s 7-course tasting menu looks very tempting. They’re a feast for the eyes and, as confirmed by the many glowing reviews, for the palate. As a non-drinker, I appreciate that the wine pairing is optional which is not the case at every restaurant in this category.
Note that the prices reflect the prestige of this restaurant. After all, this is not the kind of place for a quick dinner but rather for a special occasion or a well-deserved splurge.
6. Colita
I happened to stumble across this little gem on a winter evening. It was already pretty late when we returned from a day trip and my husband and I were looking to dine close to our hotel, the Palais Ségurane Boutique Hôtel. Colita is located right next door.
Indoor seating is limited but luckily, they had a table available when we walked in – one of the perks of visiting Nice in winter. There’s an open kitchen brimming with activity which I like a lot, it infuses the setting with creative energy.
I rarely eat red meat but the pork pluma intrigued me. And I’m so glad I went for it because it was exquisite: Cooked to perfection, juicy, and full of flavor. My husband had the grilled turbot and was very happy with his choice too but once he tasted my dish, he couldn’t get enough either. If it hadn’t been the last night of our 3-day Nice getaway, I’m sure that we’d have returned to both order the succulent pork. It was that good.
7. Bocca Nissa
You might recognize the name of the beach restaurant already mentioned in this list. Bocca Nissa is indeed the sister of Bocca Mar. This one is located in the heart of Vieux Nice, steps from Cours Saleya, and in the center of the action.
You’d walk right past it because the restaurant is located on the first floor of an unnoted building, in between souvenir shops. Although, in spring and summer, you might spot the queue before anything else.
This place has been a hotspot for years and that’s in part thanks to its amazing boho-chic rooftop. It’s a place to see and be seen. The girls sitting next to us photographed their food for a full 40 minutes – for real – before digging in and finishing just half of what they ordered.
The menu consists of dishes meant to be shared and brought one by one. There’s an open kitchen and plenty of activity. We ordered the Iberian ham croquetas, the duck breast, the grilled cauliflower, and the barbajuans (a dish originating in Monaco: fried pastry stuffed with cheese and Swiss chard). Portion sizes are decent and the food was certainly good and flavorful but not to the point that it blew me away.
8. Les Bains du Castel
This place certainly tops the list of restaurants in Nice with a view. Les Bains du Castel was carved into the cliff in the eastern corner of the Bay of Angels. Thanks to its lateral position, it overlooks the entire bay, all the beaches, and the elegant buildings of the palm-fringed promenade.
The menu is an ode to the sea. How could it not be at a location this idyllic, where you can feel the spray of the waves? Relish in fresh seafood dishes, from seabass fillet with champagne sauce to a refreshing ceviche with a touch of citrus, while enjoying front-row views over the Mediterranean.
9. Café Mademoiselle
In the heart of Cours Saleya, the location of Nice’s famous flower market, is this little gem. Café Mademoiselle has limited indoor seating but boasts two terraces, one on Cours Saleya and one on Cours Jacques Chirac.
Despite its location in the heart of the touristy area, it’s one of the most affordable restaurants in Nice. The staff is genuinely friendly and you can really see that they put their heart and soul into this place.
The sharing menu is a great solution for those with menu-fomo like myself. Everything was delicious and fresh. The comfort food was a blessing after being out and about the entire winter day. We had the Italian meatballs, the smashed potatoes, the buffle burratina, and more. I can’t wait to return next summer!
10. Le Patio
This intimate patio is one of Nice’s best-kept secrets. It may not boast endless sea views but instead offers the most quintessentially Mediterranean atmosphere with citrus trees and a colorful yet stylish table setting. It feels like an ode to the sun.
I discovered it when I was in Nice for the Christmas market. Of course, at that time of the year, the terrace was closed and I enjoyed my meal indoors. But I can’t wait to enjoy dinner on the patio next time! It’s hands-down one of the most inviting places to eat in Nice! And the staff are super-kind and accommodating.
The menu offers a mix of land and sea. Prices are a bit on the higher side but the dishes are refined and well-balanced. There’s a bar as well so you have every excuse to linger.
Tips for a smooth Nice restaurant experience
Here are some expert travel tips to make sure your dining experience runs smoothly.
FAQ about where to eat in Nice
Where will you eat in Nice?
As you can see, the Nice restaurant scene offers something for every palate and budget, from historic establishments serving traditional cuisine to modern venues pushing culinary boundaries.
While the touristy areas around Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais have their share of excellent eateries, I’d encourage you to venture beyond and explore the restaurants in the Port area as well.
I’ll be updating this guide regularly to ensure you have the most current recommendations.
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