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Best Restaurants in Nice: What to Eat and Where to Find It
Visiting Nice and wondering what to eat? From traditional Niçoise cuisine to Michelin-star dining, Nice offers a mouthwatering culinary experience for travelers from the US, Europe, and beyond. This guide covers where to eat, what to try, local markets, and insider tips so you can savor the best of the French Riviera.
Pair this guide with Where to Stay in Nice, France, Best Things to Do in Nice, France, and Nice Beaches Guide for the ultimate Riviera itinerary.
Quick Overview: Best Restaurants in Nice
| Type of Dining | Recommended Spots | Specialty | Best For |
| Traditional Niçoise | La Merenda, Le Safari | Socca, Salade Niçoise | Authentic local experience |
| Fine Dining | Flaveur, Jan | Michelin-starred dishes | Couples, special occasions |
| Seafood | Café de Turin, Le Bistrot du Port | Fresh oysters, fish | Seafood lovers |
| Patisseries & Cafés | Fenocchio, Patisserie Cappa | Ice cream, pastries | Families, sweet tooth |
| Casual Bites | Olive & Artichaut, Pizza Napoli | Socca, pizza, sandwiches | Budget-friendly |
| Markets | Cours Saleya Market | Local produce, cheeses, flowers | Foodies, gift shopping |
Tip: Nice dining ranges from casual socca stands to Michelin-starred restaurants, plus vibrant markets and cafés for every traveler.
Table of Contents
The best meals in Nice often come with open air and ocean breezes.
1. Must-Try Niçoise Dishes
Niçoise cuisine is fresh, Mediterranean, and colorful. Don’t leave Nice without trying these signature dishes:
Traditional Dishes
- Socca
- Chickpea flour pancake, baked over a wood-fired oven
- Best at Cours Saleya Market or La Merenda
- Gluten-free and naturally vegan
- Salade Niçoise
- Tuna, anchovies, olives, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs
- Variations available, but keep it local!
- Pissaladière
- Onion tart with olives and anchovy paste
- Perfect appetizer or snack
- Pan Bagnat
- Niçoise sandwich in a round bread roll
- Ideal for picnics at the beach
- Ratatouille
- Roasted vegetable stew
- Great as a side or vegetarian main
Tip: Classic Niçoise dishes include socca, Salade Niçoise, pissaladière, pan bagnat, and ratatouille, reflecting the region’s Mediterranean flavors.
2. Best Restaurants in Nice
Traditional & Local Favorites
| Restaurant | Specialty | Location | Notes |
| La Merenda | Socca, Niçoise specialties | Old Town | Cash only, authentic local feel |
| Le Safari | Seafood & local cuisine | Cours Saleya | Outdoor terrace, great for people-watching |
| Chez Pipo | Socca | Central Nice | Famous for authentic socca |
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred
| Restaurant | Specialty | Location | Notes |
| Flaveur | Modern French cuisine | Central Nice | Two Michelin stars, book ahead |
| Jan | Contemporary French | Nice City Center | Michelin-starred, intimate setting |
Casual & Quick Bites
| Spot | Specialty | Notes |
| Olive & Artichaut | Vegetarian-friendly Niçoise dishes | Budget-friendly, casual |
| Pizza Napoli | Pizza & Italian classics | Great for families or a quick bite |
| Fenocchio | Ice cream & sorbet | Famous flavors, including exotic options |
Tip: Nice dining offers authentic Niçoise restaurants, Michelin-starred options, casual cafés, and markets, catering to all budgets and tastes.
3. Nice Markets: A Foodie’s Paradise
The Cours Saleya Market is a must-visit for food lovers. Open every day except Monday, it offers:
- Fresh produce: Tomatoes, zucchini, citrus fruits, and herbs
- Local cheeses & charcuterie
- Flowers & souvenirs
- Street food: Socca, pan bagnat, and fresh pastries
Other notable markets:
- Libération Market: For everyday grocery shopping and fresh fish
- Marché aux Fleurs: Flowers and local artisanal products
Tip: Cours Saleya Market is a top foodie destination in Nice, offering fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional street food.
4. Seafood in Nice
Nice is a coastal city, so seafood is fresh and abundant. Top seafood restaurants:
- Café de Turin: Known for oysters and shellfish
- Le Bistrot du Port: Fresh fish daily, casual atmosphere
- La Petite Maison: Mediterranean seafood, upscale dining
Tips for seafood:
- Ask for catch of the day for freshest options
- Pair with local white wines or rosé
Tip: Nice is ideal for seafood lovers, offering fresh oysters, grilled fish, and Mediterranean shellfish at top restaurants.
5. Cafés, Patisseries & Sweet Treats
Must-Visit Spots
- Fenocchio Ice Cream: Famous flavors including lavender, violet, and exotic sorbets
- Patisserie Cappa: Traditional French pastries
- Café de Turin (for coffee & pastries): Popular for local ambiance
Tips:
- Try local desserts like tourte de blettes (Swiss chard pastry)
- Best enjoyed with a coffee or afternoon rosé
Tip: Nice cafés and patisseries offer ice cream, pastries, and local desserts, perfect for a sweet break after sightseeing.
6. Budget-Friendly Dining in Nice
| Type | Location | What to Try |
| Casual cafés | Old Town, Promenade des Anglais | Socca, pan bagnat |
| Street food | Cours Saleya | Local sandwiches, crepes |
| Pizza & pasta | Pizza Napoli | Quick, affordable meals |
Tip: Budget travelers can enjoy socca, pan bagnat, and street food at Cours Saleya, without breaking the bank.
7. Insider Tips for Dining in Nice
- Book in advance for fine dining and popular restaurants
- Try local wines & rosé to complement your meals
- Eat at markets for authentic, budget-friendly meals
- Avoid tourist traps along the Promenade; explore Old Town streets for authentic cuisine
- Timing: Dinner in France often starts around 7:30–8:00 PM
Combine your food experiences with our Nice Beaches Guide or Day Trips from Nice for a complete itinerary.
8. Sample Day of Eating in Nice
- Breakfast: Croissant & coffee at a local café
- Mid-Morning Snack: Socca at Cours Saleya Market
- Lunch: Pan Bagnat picnic at the beach
- Afternoon Treat: Gelato at Fenocchio
- Dinner: Michelin-starred dinner at Flaveur or Jan
Tip: A perfect foodie day in Nice combines markets, beach picnics, cafés, and fine dining.
Tasting the Best Restaurants in Nice
Nice is a food lover’s paradise, offering fresh Mediterranean flavors, local markets, Michelin-star dining, and charming cafés. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly snack or a gourmet feast, this guide helps you eat your way through the French Riviera.
FAQ – Nice Food & Restaurants
1. What is the traditional cuisine of Nice?
Traditional Niçoise cuisine includes socca, Salade Niçoise, pissaladière, ratatouille, and pan bagnat, emphasizing fresh Mediterranean ingredients.
2. Where can I find the best socca in Nice?
La Merenda, Chez Pipo, and Cours Saleya Market are top spots for authentic socca.
3. Are there Michelin-starred restaurants in Nice?
Yes! Flaveur and Jan are Michelin-starred restaurants offering fine dining experiences.
4. Can I eat vegan or vegetarian in Nice?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian/vegan options. Olive & Artichaut is a top choice.
5. What are the best markets in Nice?
Cours Saleya Market is the most famous, with fresh produce, street food, and flowers. Libération Market and Marché aux Fleurs are also recommended.
6. Is tipping expected in Nice restaurants?
Service is usually included (10–15%), but leaving a small tip for excellent service is appreciated.
7. Are Nice restaurants family-friendly?
Many restaurants and casual cafés welcome families, especially in Old Town and near the beach.
8. What desserts are unique to Nice?
Try tourte de blettes, local ice cream flavors, and French pastries at Fenocchio or local patisseries.
Pages That Support This Guide
To help with deeper planning, this page connects to detailed guides such as:
