Welcome to Nice, France, a gastronomic paradise on the French Riviera. This guide covers 10 real, verified restaurants – every address checked against current listings – from a 130-year-old Niçois institution to four different Michelin-starred tables. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through traditional Niçois cuisine and innovative fusion dishes alike.
Exploring Niçois Cuisine
Niçois cuisine draws on the Mediterranean and Nice’s Italian-influenced history – think socca (chickpea flatbread), pissaladière (onion tart), salade niçoise, and bagna cauda (hot anchovy and garlic dip). Below, you’ll find both casual local institutions and some of the most decorated fine-dining tables on the Riviera.
The Best Restaurants in Nice
1. Le Safari – Classic Niçoise Brasserie on Cours Saleya
Right on the lively Cours Saleya market square, Le Safari is a long-running Nice institution for classic Niçoise dishes in a buzzing, sociable setting.
- Location – Cours Saleya, Vieux Nice.
- Must-Try – Bagna cauda (hot anchovy and garlic dip with raw vegetables) and spinach gnocchi.
- Good to Know – Great people-watching spot on the square; arrive early for outdoor seating at peak times.
2. Le Chantecler – Michelin-Starred Dining at Hôtel Le Negresco
Inside the iconic pink-domed Hôtel Le Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, Le Chantecler holds a Michelin star under Chef Virginie Basselot, Meilleure Ouvrière de France.
- Address – 37 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice.
- Setting – An 18th-century Regence dining room with original 1751 wood panelling.
- Good to Know – Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only; book well ahead, especially for a terrace table in summer.
3. Lou Pilha Leva – Old Town Socca Counter
A no-frills, counter-service institution in the heart of Vieux Nice, serving Nice specialties on wooden benches since long before “street food” was a trend.
- Address – 10 Rue du Collet, 06300 Nice.
- Must-Try – Socca (chickpea flatbread), pissaladière, and petits farcis (stuffed vegetables).
- Good to Know – Order at the counter, then grab a bench outside – cash and cards both accepted, no reservations.
4. L’Aromate – Chef Mickaël Gracieux’s Michelin-Starred Table
L’Aromate sits just behind Place Masséna, where Chef Mickaël Gracieux – who trained under Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon – has held a Michelin star since 2010.
- Address – 2 Rue Gustave Deloye, 06000 Nice.
- Concept – Three set menus (5 to 7 courses) built around fresh market produce, with a glazed kitchen visible from the dining room.
- Good to Know – More accessible pricing than most Michelin tables in Nice, given the format.
5. Jan – The First South African Chef to Earn a Michelin Star
Restaurant JAN, near the old port, is chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s intimate 20-seat dining room blending South African heritage with French technique.
- Location – Near Port Lympia, Nice.
- Signature Touch – A dedicated cheese room, “Maria,” named after the chef’s grandmother, with around 20 cheeses.
- Good to Know – Single tasting menu only, one seating per service – reserve well in advance.
6. Keisuke Matsushima – French Technique Meets Japanese Precision
Japanese chef Keisuke Matsushima moved to Nice from Fukuoka and earned a Michelin star within three years of opening his own restaurant in 2002.
- Address – 22 ter Rue de France, 06000 Nice.
- Must-Try – Seasonal tasting menus built around the Niçois market, with French dishes finished using Japanese technique.
- Good to Know – A discreet storefront a block back from the Promenade – easy to walk past if you’re not looking for it.
7. Le Bistrot d’Antoine – Bib Gourmand Cooking in the Old Town
A genuine neighbourhood bistro on Rue de la Préfecture, recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for serious cooking at fair prices.
- Address – 27 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice.
- Must-Try – Pork casserole with creamy polenta, and the grilled veal kidney.
- Good to Know – No fixed menu – it changes with the market, and reservations are essential.
8. Acchiardo – Four Generations of the Same Family Since 1927
Tucked into Rue Droite in the Old Town, Acchiardo has been run by the same family for nearly a century, making it one of the oldest continuously-run restaurants in Nice.
- Address – 38 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice.
- Must-Try – Calf’s liver, duck with fig sauce, and the daily blackboard specials.
- Good to Know – Closed weekends; arrive early or book, as it’s deservedly popular.
9. Le Haricot Magique – Vegetarian-Friendly Near Place Masséna
A bright, contemporary spot just off Place Masséna for travellers wanting a lighter, vegetarian-leaning meal without sacrificing flavour.
- Location – Rue Alberti, near Place Masséna, 06000 Nice.
- Must-Try – Daily soups, quiches, and a self-serve salad buffet of crudités.
- Good to Know – Lunch only – a good midday stop between sightseeing rather than a dinner plan.
10. La Reserve de Nice – Seafront Dining Since 1862
Perched at the entrance to the Port of Nice since 1862, La Réserve de Nice pairs Chef Jérôme Cotta’s Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views of the Baie des Anges.
- Address – 62 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice.
- Must-Try – Grilled octopus mille-feuille and the sea bass ceviche.
- Good to Know – The rooftop champagne bar runs May to October – worth a stop even if you’re not staying for dinner.
Conclusion
As our culinary voyage through Nice comes to an end, we hope you feel inspired to embark on your own gastronomic exploration of this enchanting city. From four Michelin-starred tables to a century-old family trattoria and an unpretentious socca counter, Nice’s dining scene has something to tantalize every palate and every budget. Nice has plenty more to offer beyond the table too – and if you’re continuing on through France, don’t miss our guide to the best restaurants in Bordeaux as well. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Which Nice restaurants have a Michelin star?
Le Chantecler, L’Aromate, Jan, and Keisuke Matsushima all currently hold a Michelin star, while Le Bistrot d’Antoine holds a Bib Gourmand.
What is bagna cauda?
A traditional Niçois dip of hot anchovies, garlic, and olive oil served with raw vegetables for dipping – Le Safari on Cours Saleya is a good place to try it.
Is Le Chantecler suitable for special occasions?
Yes, Le Chantecler is perfect for special occasions, with its Michelin-starred dining, 18th-century setting, and attentive service.
What type of cuisine does Lou Pilha Leva serve?
Lou Pilha Leva specializes in traditional Niçois street food, including socca and pissaladière, served counter-style with no reservations needed.
Does L’Aromate accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, L’Aromate can generally accommodate dietary restrictions if you inform them when booking – it’s worth mentioning given the fixed-menu format.
What makes Jan unique?
Jan was the first South African chef to earn a Michelin star, and his restaurant blends South African heritage with French technique – including a dedicated cheese room named after his grandmother.
Can Acchiardo accommodate large groups?
Acchiardo is a small, family-run space, so large groups should call ahead – it’s best suited to couples or small groups rather than big parties.
Is Le Haricot Magique suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Le Haricot Magique is a vegetarian-friendly lunch spot near Place Masséna, known for its soups, quiches, and salad buffet.
What makes La Reserve de Nice special?
La Réserve de Nice offers stunning seafront views of the Baie des Anges from an Art Deco building dating back to 1862, paired with Chef Jérôme Cotta’s modern Mediterranean cuisine.
