Alright, let’s get one thing straight about Nice. You might be here for the incredible azure water, the pebbly beaches, and the famous Promenade des Anglais. But if you think the city’s charm is only skin-deep, you’ve got another think coming.
Nice has a culinary soul all its own—it’s not just French, it’s Niçoise. This is where the sun-drenched flavors of Provence meet the Italian influence right next door, creating a cuisine that’s rustic, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.
If you leave without tasting the real local dishes, you’ve only seen half the postcard.
Get ready to eat like you mean it. We’re steering clear of the overpriced tourist traps lining the beachfront to bring you the absolute best restaurants to visit in Nice, France.
This is your backstage pass to where the locals go for a bowl of perfect socca, a family-style feast of Niçoise classics, and creative cooking that’s putting the city on the modern food map.
Whether you’re craving a quick street-food bite or a white-tablecloth experience, Nice’s table is set. Let’s dive into the top Nice restaurants.
1. Le Safari
You can’t beat the location or the energy. Le Safari sits right at the entrance of the bustling Cours Saleya market, the heart of Old Nice. This place is an institution.
The terrace is prime real estate for watching the vibrant market life go by, from flower sellers in the morning to diners in the evening. The vibe is classic, bustling, and full of local character.
The menu is a love letter to Niçoise cuisine. You have to start with the socca, the iconic chickpea pancake that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. Their Petits Farcis (stuffed vegetables) and Daube Niçoise (a rich beef stew) are cooked to perfection.
It’s the perfect first-night spot to immerse yourself in the flavors and atmosphere of the old town. For a quintessential Niçoise dining experience in Nice, Le Safari is a must.
2. Jan
For a truly special occasion, Jan is where you go. Tucked away on a quiet street, this intimate, fine-dining restaurant is the creation of South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, who earned Nice its first Michelin star.
The space is elegant and serene, with just a handful of tables. The experience is a stunning tasting menu that tells a story, blending the precision of French technique with the bright, bold flavors of South Africa and the Mediterranean.
Each plate is a miniature work of art, using hyper-seasonal local produce in unexpected and delightful ways. The service is impeccable yet warm.
Dining at Jan is not just a meal; it’s a memorable journey for the senses. For Michelin-starred dining in Nice, this is the pinnacle. Reservations are essential, often months in advance.
3. Chez Pipo
For the true socca purist, the pilgrimage leads to Chez Pipo. This simple, no-frills spot in the port area has been serving arguably the best socca in Nice since 1923.
Don’t expect fancy decor or a long menu. You come here for one thing: a paper plate of hot, freshly baked socca, dusted with pepper and eaten with your fingers.
Watching the bakers slide the large copper pans in and out of the wood-fired oven is part of the show. The socca is perfectly blistered, smoky, and deliciously simple.
Grab a spot at a shared table, order a local drink, and soak in the authentic, working-class vibe. It’s cheap, quick, and unforgettable. Eating at Chez Pipo is a must-do food experience in Nice.
4. La Merenda
This is a legendary spot. La Merenda is so tiny it doesn’t even have a phone, and the legendary chef Dominique Le Stanc left the Michelin-starred world to run this humble bistro.
The result? Some of the most sought-after traditional Niçoise food in the city. With only a few tables, it’s incredibly popular, so be prepared to wait in line—cash only.
The handwritten menu features absolute classics: stuffed sardines, tripe, pasta with pistou (basil sauce), and a legendary stockfish (salt cod) dish.
The flavors are deep, honest, and profoundly satisfying. Getting a table here feels like winning the lottery. For authentic, home-style Niçoise cooking in Nice, La Merenda is the holy grail.
5. Le Bistrot d’Antoine
Looking for a modern twist on French bistro classics in a lively setting? Le Bistrot d’Antoine is your answer. Just off Place Garibaldi, this spot is always buzzing with a mix of locals and savvy visitors.
The chalkboard menu changes daily based on what’s best at the market, offering creative, seasonal dishes that are beautifully presented.
You might find a perfect tartare, a delicate fish dish, or a meltingly tender beef cheek. The vibe is chic but relaxed, the service is sharp, and the energy is infectious.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered the city’s cool secret. For a contemporary French bistro in Nice, this is a top-tier choice.
6. Oliviera
This charming restaurant is a celebration of one ingredient: olive oil. Oliviera is run by a passionate owner who sources exceptional oils from small producers across the Mediterranean.
The menu is built around showcasing these oils, paired with simple, stunning dishes that let the quality shine.
You can sample different oils with fresh bread, enjoy a tasting menu, or order à la carte dishes like slow-cooked lamb or fresh pasta. The owner is a font of knowledge and his enthusiasm is contagious.
Dining here is both educational and delicious. For a unique and flavorful experience in Nice, Oliviera is a true gem.
7. La Rossettisserie
Sometimes you just want a simple, perfectly cooked meal. La Rossettisserie specializes in just that: succulent meat roasted on a vertical spit.
You choose your meat—chicken, lamb, pork, or beef—and it’s carved right in front of you, served with a selection of delicious, creamy gratin potatoes and a fresh salad.
The concept is straightforward, the prices are reasonable, and the food is incredibly satisfying. The casual, rustic setting in the old town makes it a great spot for a hearty lunch or a low-key dinner.
It’s a favorite for families and anyone craving comfort food. For great rotisserie chicken and meat in Nice, this spot hits the spot every time.
8. Acchiardo
Hidden down a narrow alley in Vieux Nice, Acchiardo is a family-run institution that has been serving loyal locals for decades.
The atmosphere is warm, cramped, and wonderfully authentic, with checkered tablecloths and photos covering the walls. The menu is a short list of Niçoise staples, executed with care and consistency.
Their Pasta au Pistou is legendary, and their beef daube is rich and comforting. Don’t expect frills or innovation—expect generous portions of delicious, traditional food served with genuine hospitality.
Finding this place feels like stepping back in time. For a classic, family-run Niçoise restaurant, Acchiardo is a treasure.
9. Vegan Gorilla
Proving that Nice’s food scene is diverse and modern, Vegan Gorilla is a haven for plant-based eaters. This bright, casual cafe serves creative, 100% vegan dishes that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Their bowls, burgers, and fresh juices are packed with flavor and color.
Even committed carnivores will be impressed by the inventiveness here. The “Nice Burger” and the daily changing bowls are standout choices.
It’s a refreshing, healthy option in a city known for its hearty cuisine. For excellent vegan food in Nice, Vegan Gorilla is a must-visit oasis.
10. La Voglia
If you’re craving Italian food—and let’s face it, you’re very close to Italy—La Voglia is the place. This bustling, two-story restaurant near Place Garibaldi is famous for its massive portions of pasta, pizza, and antipasti. The atmosphere is lively and informal, perfect for a fun, group dinner.
The pizzas are wood-fired, the pasta is fresh, and the tiramisu is served in a giant bowl meant for sharing. It’s not subtle, but it’s incredibly satisfying and great value. For a lively Italian feast in Nice, La Voglia delivers every time.
11. Fenocchio Glacier
You haven’t truly experienced Nice until you’ve made a decision at Fenocchio Glacier. This legendary ice cream parlor, a stone’s throw from the Cathedral in Place Rossetti, is a rite of passage.
Since 1966, they’ve been churning out some of the most imaginative and delicious flavors you’ll ever taste. We’re talking about over 100 flavors, split between classic dairy-based glaces and refreshing fruit sorbets.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your guide to the delicious, layered food world of Nice. You’ve gone from Michelin-starred artistry to rustic socca eaten with your hands, from a temple of olive oil to a vegan paradise.
Nice teaches you that great food is about passion, whether it’s in a sleek dining room or a cramped alleyway bistro.
Now, the delicious task is yours. Will you queue for legendary socca or book that impossible fine-dining table? Will you explore the vibrant market or find a family-run spot serving daube just like nonna made? The best plan is to try a little of everything.
Don’t just read about these incredible restaurants to visit in Nice, France—start planning your edible adventure.
Book those essential reservations, map your route through the old town, and get ready to taste why the French Riviera is a feast for all the senses. Bon appétit! What’s the first taste on your list?