The 10 best Nice restaurants

What is it? A little golden nugget of a bistro with Moleskine benches and a 100% natural wine list. It’s an ideal place to go for dinner on a hot date. 

Why go? There’s no menu here. Instead, you’ll find a changing spectrum of dishes that change with the seasons, according to whatever is delivered from local producers. The kitchen keeps things simple, letting the top drawer produce shine – think bold green asparagus and perfect tender lamb.

Price? Mid-range

What is it? A Michelin-starred restaurant with raw but refined decoration. Try the creative take on duck with cherries here. 

Why go? Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen, originally from South Africa, is an all-rounder: chef, award-winning author, and photographer. He awakens the taste buds of his diners with brave creations that take them on a journey between France and his home country. Dishes on the wide-ranging menu include scallops and green asparagus sprinkled with sesame and white chocolate.

What is it? One of the city's institutions! Dominique Le Stanc – former chef of Negresco – is the innkeeper here, highlighting Nice’s traditional cuisine in a comfortable retro space. 

Why go? Mad Men fans will love the decor, and everyone will love the food. Think menton pie (containing dandelion and anchovies), gorgonzola polenta and veal tripe. All are delicious, but the star of the show is the most perfect daube de boeuf à la Provençale (orange and beef tail).

Price? Mid-range

What is it? Lovers of gourmet cooking and freshly prepared preserves will find happiness in this small cellar located near Nice’s port. 

Why go? For salads and sandwiches ingeniously prepared with incredible local fermented, canned and preserved products. Think flavours like Jerusalem artichokes and hazelnuts, cauliflower pickles, fermented beetroot and black radish.

Price? Budget

What is it? If you want a lively dinner in a spot with a rowdy atmosphere, this bistro should be your go-to. It is a taste of what life used to be like in Nice, with a Michelin star.

Why go? Armand and Sophie Crespo's bistro is the real taste of Old Nice. It has got an almost convivial atmosphere. Dishes are cooked up in an open kitchen, and the food is a celebration of the dishes favoured by the old scoundrels of the city – salad with smoked tuna, moreish pork casserole with vegetables or sausage with lentils.

Price? Mid-range

What is it? Found in the centre of Nice, this is an izakaya – the Japanese equivalent of a wine bar. 

Why go? For authentic Japanese dishes from Kanoko, the expatriate cook. Okonomiyaki, silky tofu salad, duck breast tataki with yuzu-saké sauce, Japanese fried chicken and other wonders are served with traditional sake and with natural wines carefully selected. 

Price? Budget

What is it? Small cellar, big destiny! Since this Part des Anges opened in 1998, it has become an institution – known worldwide for its cellar of natural wines.

Why go? You can choose from more than 300 wines here. Plus, the generously-portioned food is not to be outdone. Opt for smoked andouille from Troyes, grenailles apples and mustard cream, and whole strawberries accompanied by homemade whipped cream with the scent of lemon-basil. 

Price? Mid-range

What is it? The Michelin-starred restaurant from Armand Crespo (the boss of the Bistrot d'Antoine) is a friendly bistro whose name is pronounced ‘pêche’. It is just two steps away from the Opera. 

Why go? The decoration here – white and blue tiles – has a Mediterranean vibe. The food? Trendy and modern seafood small plates. It is a dreamy spot to meet friends for ceviche.

What is it? An architectural feat, Le Plongeoir stands on the rocks facing the sea, offering breathtaking views of the water. It’s a place to spend an evening people-watching the in-crowd. 

Why go? It’s hard to outdo the carefully prepared food here. It makes many references to traditional cuisine, even going so far as to offer a super-local menu – with salad niçoise, cod with meat juice and ravioli with herbs and lemon meringue pie. 

Price? Mid-range

What is it? Innovative dishes (mostly seafood) and a wonderful wine collection await you at Michelin-starred Pure & V.

Why go? Vanessa Massé, an accomplished sommelier, is at the helm of this minimalist venue, which is the reason behind the excellent selection of wine. The intriguing flavours come courtesy of Danish chef Mathias Silberbauer, who uses the freshest seasonal ingredients to create his ever-evolving menu.

Price? High-end