Safety Score
6.3/10
Currency
EUR
Language
French
Timezone
UTC+1
About Nice
Nice is a Riviera city with beaches, markets, and pleasant weather. The city offers a relaxed French‑Mediterranean lifestyle. Colorful streets and sea views invite slow walks.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Nice is from May to September when the beaches and promenade are most enjoyable.
Best Restaurants in Nice, France
Where to Eat in Nice - Dining Guide
Le Chantecler
Langoustines with Citron de Menton
The 1-star Michelin crown jewel of Le Negresco. In 2026, it remains the ultimate intersection of 18th-century opulence and cutting-edge Mediterranean flair.
- +Palatial setting
- +Elite wine cellar
- +Artistic technique
- -Extremely formal
- -Very high price
JAN
Mosbolletjies with Truffle Butter
1-star Michelin. Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s romantic, moody masterpiece. It’s a sensory journey blending Cape Town soul with Riviera ingredients.
- +Ultra-romantic
- +Unique global fusion
- +Exquisite service
- -Very hard to book
- -Small space
Les Agitateurs
"Surprise" Seasonal Menu
1-star Michelin. Playful, high-energy, and boundary-pushing. This is where "fine dining" loses the stiffness but keeps the technical brilliance.
- +High energy
- +Creative storytelling
- +Vibrant neighborhood
- -Fixed menu only
- -Loud acoustics
Zenirō (2026 Breakout)
Charcoal Grilled Artichoke / Salmon New Style
The 2026 viral sensation. A three-story lifestyle hub blending Zen minimalism with Riviera sun. The rooftop bar is the city's current "it" spot.
- +Stunning design
- +Rooftop DJ sets
- +Fusion precision
- -Very sceney
- -Can feel commercial
Onice
Handmade Agnolotti / Local Fish
1-star Michelin. Run by a duo from Mirazur, this spot focuses on the "purity of the product." Minimalist, technical, and profoundly seasonal.
- +Pure flavor
- +Elegant simplicity
- +Rising stars
- -Very quiet vibe
- -Small portions
La Merenda
Pâtes au Piston / Daube de Boeuf
Legendary. No phone, no credit cards, just a tiny open kitchen where Chef Dominique Le Stanc (ex-Negresco) cooks the city's best soul food.
- +Pure authenticity
- +Chefs' favorite
- +Iconic status
- -No reservations (Walk-in only)
- -No CC
- -Cramped
Flaveur
Spiced Line-caught Fish
2-star Michelin. The Tourteaux brothers offer a technical voyage across the world’s spice routes using only local Niçois produce.
- +Exceptional complexity
- +Quiet luxury
- +2-star precision
- -Very expensive
- -Intellectual food
Peixes
Scallop Ceviche / Octopus Grill
A bright, white-and-blue temple of modern seafood. High-energy, casual, and serves the freshest ceviche and crudo in the South of France.
- +Vibrant vibe
- +Freshness is 10/10
- +Great value
- -No reservations
- -Loud/Hectic
Pure & V
Hyper-seasonal "Raw" Plates
1-star Michelin. A minimalist wine bar aesthetic with world-class food. Focuses on natural wines and sharp, acidic, clean flavors.
- +Elite natural wine list
- +Modern/Edgy
- +Clean flavors
- -Minimalist decor
- -Can feel stark
Café de Turin
Oyster Platters / Bulots
Since 1908. The definitive place for massive "Fruits de Mer" towers on the iconic Place Garibaldi. It is a quintessential Nice experience.
- +Best oysters
- +Historic square
- +Fast service
- -Very touristy
- -Hectic/Noisy
Lavomatique
Small Sharing Plates
Located in a former laundromat. It’s casual, hip, and serves flavor-packed small plates that define modern French bistronomy.
- +Hip local vibe
- +Excellent sharing
- +Great wine
- -Small tables
- -Busy/Noisy
Épicentre (2026)
Root Veg "Steak" / Botanical Jus
A 2026 1-star Michelin newcomer. It focuses on the "forgotten" vegetables of the Var region with a high-design, eco-conscious aesthetic.
- +Eco-friendly
- +Creative veg
- +Stunning design
- -Pricey for vegetables
- -New service
Bistrot d'Antoine
Duck Magret / Lentil Salad
The benchmark for the "modern bistro." It serves classic French comfort food but with a level of precision that earns it a Bib Gourmand.
- +Consistent quality
- +Cozy atmosphere
- +Excellent value
- -Hard to book
- -Loud/Tight seating
Le Plongeoir
Sea Bass / Mediterranean Cocktails
Literally perched on a rock over the sea. In 2026, it remains the most spectacular setting in Nice for a sunset drink or lunch.
- +Unbeatable sea view
- +Unique location
- +Romantic
- -Food is pricey for quality
- -Windy
Racines
Organic Garden Tasting
Chef Bruno Cirino’s love letter to the gardens of the Riviera. 1-star Michelin and hyper-focused on the daily harvest.
- +Pristine produce
- +Quiet/Intimate
- +Zen vibe
- -Limited menu
- -Off-center location
Chez Davia
Poutine (Seasonal Fish) / Socca
A second-generation family bistro that has gained cult status (and a Bib Gourmand) for preserving the "true" recipes of Nice.
- +Authentic soul
- +Warm service
- +Great value
- -Traditional decor
- -Busy
Olive & Artichaut
Stuffed Vegetables / Roast Lamb
A small, charming spot near the Cathedral. It offers a contemporary, light take on the classic flavors of the South.
- +Very friendly
- +Central but quiet
- +Fresh
- -Limited seating
- -Small menu
Babel Babel
Hummus / Small Plates / Natural Wine
Overlooking the sea, this is the center of Nice's youth culture. Middle Eastern-inspired small plates and a killer natural wine list.
- +Best sunset patio
- +Hip energy
- +Excellent cocktails
- -No reservations
- -Sceney
La Rotonde
Classic Niçoise Salad / Burger
The Negresco’s more casual, carousel-themed sister. A 2026 "must-visit" for high-end hotel breakfast or a chic, breezy lunch.
- +Stunning carousel decor
- +All-day service
- +Iconic
- -Hotel prices
- -Tourist-heavy
Le Bar des Oiseaux
Fresh Linguine with Clams
A former cabaret. It’s quirky, artsy, and serves some of the best fresh pasta in the city with a distinct Mediterranean touch.
- +Charming/Quirky
- +Best pasta
- +Good value
- -Hard to find
- -Tight seating
Café des Musiciens (2026)
Catch of the Day / Natural Wine
The 2026 Bib Gourmand winner. Australian-French fusion focusing on what’s fresh at the Libération market that morning.
- +Creative/Fresh
- +Friendly
- +Neighborhood feel
- -Limited menu
- -Busy lunch
René Socca
Socca / Pissaladière
The soul of Old Nice. Grab a plate of hot chickpea pancakes (socca), find a wooden bench, and eat like a local.
- +Fast
- +Very cheap
- +Legendary socca
- -Long queues
- -Self-service
- -Basic
Sentimi
Pizza Napoletana / Aperitivo
A vibrant, stylish Italian spot on the sunniest corner of Place Garibaldi. Excellent for people-watching and thin-crust pizza.
- +Perfect location
- +Great for groups
- +Modern design
- -Service can be slow
- -Sceney
Le Canon
"No Menu" Daily Specials
A pioneer in the natural wine and zero-waste movement. There is no set menu; the kitchen cooks exactly what the farmers deliver.
- +Sustainable focus
- +Surprising flavors
- +Elite wine
- -No choice
- -Very minimalist
Marinette Kitchen
French Toast / Benedict
The city's most beloved spot for brunch. Located in a storybook alleyway with white-and-pastel decor and massive pastries.
- +Beautiful setting
- +Great brunch
- +Famous pastries
- -Always a queue
- -No reservations
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Best Restaurants in Nice - Where to Eat Guide
Discover the best restaurants in Nice with our guide to the top 25 dining spots in Nice, France. Whether you're after authentic local cuisine, international flavours, street food, or fine dining, Nice's food scene caters to every palate and budget.
Top-rated restaurants in Nice include Le Chantecler, JAN, Les Agitateurs, each known for standout dishes and memorable dining experiences that capture the flavours of France.
The best restaurants in Nice span everything from neighbourhood eateries and rooftop bars to upscale tasting menus. Eating well in Nice is part of the experience — take your time exploring different areas and cuisine styles rather than sticking to tourist hotspots.
Use our Nice restaurant guide below to filter by cuisine type, price range, and location. Whether you're searching for the best France food or international options, you'll find the right place to eat in Nice for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nice
Nice is known for its unique culinary scene. Explore local specialties and regional dishes at our recommended restaurants above. From street food to fine dining, there's something for every taste.
For popular restaurants, especially for dinner, reservations are recommended. Many restaurants now accept online bookings. Casual spots and lunch service typically don't require reservations.
Meal costs vary widely in Nice. Budget options range from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. Check our restaurant recommendations for options at different price points.
Explore More of Nice
About Nice, France
Nice is known for Beaches, Markets, Riviera, Food, Art, making it one of the most visited destinations in France. When planning your Nice trip, note that the local language is French, the currency is EUR, the best time to visit is The best time to visit Nice is from May to September when the beaches and promenade are most enjoyable.. Our free Nice guide covers 25 things to do and must-see attractions, 25 top-rated restaurants, 25 recommended hotels and places to stay, all handpicked to help you travel smarter and make the most of every day.
