In Nice, good food awaits. Not just at the market or with socca in the old town, but in restaurants that each showcase the Côte d'Azur in their way. From a table with a view of the Mediterranean to a bistro you might almost miss.
Seeking the best restaurants in Nice? From simple bistros in Vieux Nice to Michelin-starred venues on the Côte d'Azur: these are the places I would personally reserve.
Where to Eat in Nice?
Nice has neighborhoods each offering a different evening vibe. Vieux Nice, the old town, is the most restaurant-dense area: narrow streets, terraces hugging the facades, and a mix of tourists and locals who know what to seek. The port is quieter, more local, perfect for uncomplicated fruits de mer. Around Place Masséna, you're central. Libération, slightly further from the center, lets you taste daily Nice. The Promenade des Anglais is for the view; the restaurants vary, but the location does not.
Nice: Les Bains du Castel for the View
Les Bains du Castel offers a special evening. With a sea view, excellent fish, and grilled langoustines, it's a dish that leaves you momentarily speechless. Bring a full wallet, as this is the priciest choice on the list. But for the view and the cuisine, it's justified.
Café des Musiciens: Good Food, Friendly Prices
Café des Musiciens contrasts Les Bains du Castel: a few outdoor tables, fair prices, and a 26-euro lunch menu that is worth every cent. We enjoyed the oeufs mayonnaise, classic and just right, as if dining in Paris. Perfect for those who want an enjoyable meal without breaking the bank.
Le Bistrot des Serruriers: On the Edge of the Old Town, Away from the Crowd
Le Bistrot des Serruriers is on the edge of the old town. It belongs to Hotel du Couvent, a 5-star hotel, yet the bistro feels accessible and relaxed. Open from lunch to dinner. Perfect for those wanting the old town without the hustle.
Tina Trattoria: One of the Best Italian Restaurants in Nice
Tina Trattoria is Italian, bustling and delicious. The homemade pasta is the main draw, the atmosphere is enjoyable, and it's busy in the best way. Note: closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Le Patio: Mediterranean Ambiance with Frescoes on the Wall
Le Patio is part of Hotel La Pérouse (also recommended if you're seeking a hotel) and has a stunning ambiance with a sea view (the hotel does). Frescoes on the wall, a Mediterranean feel, a terrace that feels perfect. Ideal for those who value atmosphere as much as food.
Le Plongeoir: Lunch on a Rock Above the Sea
Le Plongeoir (the dive board) is one of the most unique dining spots on the Côte d'Azur. The restaurant is literally perched on a rock above the water, six meters high, at the edge of Nice. Its history dates back to the Belle Époque, when dining here with a view of the Mediterranean was already a thing. The vibe remains. A great choice for both lunch and dinner, a unique setting found nowhere else.
Michelin Star Restaurant JAN: The Most Culinary Address on This List
Restaurant JAN in the old harbor of Nice is a different category altogether. Twenty covers, a Michelin star, and a kitchen that combines French and South African influences with local and seasonal ingredients from the Côte d'Azur. The chef grew up on a farm in South Africa, bringing that background to Nice. Dishes like melktert and bobotie in a European context, refined and distinctive. High on my list. Ideal for a special culinary evening for those willing to reserve in advance.
Le Petit Beefbar: Steak Frites as It Should Be
Le Petit Beefbar looks and feels like a true French brasserie. I enjoyed the steak frites with maître d'hôtel butter, just as it should be. Although they have locations in Paris and Monaco, the Nice venue feels local enough not to seem chain-like. Charming, reliable, and good.
Café de Turin: Famous for Oysters, and Rightly So
Café de Turin isn't trendy and doesn't aim to be. It's the go-to spot for the best seafood in Nice, particularly the oysters it's been known for decades. Don't come for the decor; come for what's on the table.
La Langouste: Truffle Risotto on a Hidden Patio
La Langouste features an outdoor patio that feels like an oasis, an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, and a kitchen that's taken seriously. I had the truffle risotto, highly recommended. Note: in summer, it can be warm outside.
Hotel Amour: Greek, Fresh, and Accessible
The restaurant of Hotel Amour in Nice serves Greek cuisine, inspired by a taverna, but with an ambiance more Parisian than Niçoise.
I've written extensively about the hotel and the beach club in my article about Hotel Amour Nice. Ideal for those staying at the hotel or wanting to soak up the vibe without staying overnight.
Café Marché: Brunch Until Three
Café Marché is the brunch spot on this list. Eggs Benedict, a good cup of coffee, a terrace. Note: the kitchen closes at 3 PM, so it's not a place for a long late lunch.
Twelve Restaurants in Nice Côte d'Azur: For Every Time of Day
Les Bains du Castel for a special evening with sea views. Café des Musiciens for an affordable, classy lunch. Le Bistrot des Serruriers for those avoiding the bustle. Tina Trattoria for homemade pasta in a bustling spot. Le Patio for Mediterranean vibes. Dining on a rock above the sea at Le Plongeoir to a Michelin star at Restaurant JAN. Le Petit Beefbar for the best steak frites in Nice. Café de Turin for oysters without fuss. La Langouste for an elegant evening on a hidden patio. Hotel Amour for Greek food in a Parisian ambiance. And Café Marché for starting the day right. Nice eats well, and it's no surprise once you know where to go. Prices are indicative and may vary.
Looking for a charming boutique hotel in Nice? Find my personal favorites here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in Nice
What are the best seafood restaurants in Nice?
Le Plongeoir for grilled langoustines on a six-meter-high rock above the sea, and Café de Turin for the best oysters in town in a laid-back atmosphere. Completely different but both excellent.
Is there a good brunch spot in Nice?
Café Marché is the brunch recommendation. Open until 3 PM, so don't arrive too late. Eggs Benedict and a good terrace are the reasons to visit.
