Are you looking for the top restaurants in Nice France? I’ve got you covered with some recent favourites that will have you coming back time and time again.
From the stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline to the rich cultural heritage, Nice is a destination that has something for everyone. And the cuisine is no different.
After visiting Nice in April, May of 2023 and then 2024, this place is being added to my never-ending list of ‘Places I want to move to and will dream about forever until I return.’
Alongside the activities, landscape, weather and friendly people, the restaurants in Nice provided ample choices for a range of palettes – with many providing super fresh food and high quality ingredients.
If you’re looking for a restaurant to visit after a long day of exploring, or maybe you’re doing a day trip to the beach and you need somewhere before your train, our list of the 6 Top Restaurants in Nice France for 2024 should help. Let’s get into it!
What’s the most common food cuisine in Nice?
Nice has a whole range of cuisine, so you’ll definitely find your favourites there, but the most common is Mediterranean. Think lots of delicious fresh seafood, aromatic herbs and olive oil.
And of course, there are some dishes that are local to the area. These include:
Socca: This is a crispy chickpea pancake that first became popular in the early 1990s. It’s made of chickpea flour, olive oil and water.
Ratatouille: This is a vegetable medley consisting of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes cooked together with herbs and olive oil.
Salad Niçoise: You’ll find this at most restaurants as it’s an absolute classic in Nice and perhaps the most famous dish in the area. It’s a refreshing salad that is perfect after a long day in the sun. It typically consists of tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, olives, green beans, olive oil, and tuna. Some restaurants may have different variations.
Pissaladière: This is my favourite to enjoy as a snack in mid-afternoon. It’s a savory tart with caramelizaed onions, black olives, and anchovies.
Bouillabaisse: This dish actually originates from Marseille, but it’s popular in Nice too. It’s a rich seafood stew and usually includes different fish, shellfish and aromatic herbs which have been simmered in a broth.
What are the typical dining customs in Nice?
In Nice, dining customs reflect a blend of French and Mediterranean traditions. Here are some traditional dining customs and etiquette to keep in mind when in Nice, France.
- Book in advance
With millions of people visiting the French Riveria every year, the more popular restaurants can get booked up quickly – especially in peak season. So it’s always advised to book a reservation as soon as you know your chosen date.
- Timings
There’s nothing worse than turning up to your evening meal at 5pm (the usual time I would eat dinner) and finding no one else in the restaurant – meaning no atmosphere at all!
In Nice, lunch is typically eaten between 12pm and 2pm and dinner is from 7:30pm onwards. Although I found the most popular time for dinner was 8:30pm.
- Tipping isn’t expected
Unlike America, most places in Europe don’t have a strong tipping culture. Tips are not expected or required in the South of France, but they are welcomed if you wish to do so.
To leave a tip, it’s best to leave money on your table as there may not be an option for tipping when paying by card.
‘Un pourboire’ means ‘a tip’ in French and ‘donner un pourboire/laisser un pourboire’ is ‘to leave a tip.’
- Don’t feel rushed!
There’s no need to feel rushed when dining at a restaurant in the French Riviera, the culture is all about engaging in conversations and enjoying your meal.
Recommendations for Top Restaurants in Nice France for 2024
- Le Plongeoir
- Club Nautique de Nice
- Mamma Mia
- Carmela
- The Fat Mermaid
- Panda Chine
Le Plongeoir
Looking for a stand-out restaurant in an exceptional setting? Something different from the same old? Le Plongeoir is the one to visit in this instance.
This restaurant is located on the iconic Rauba Capeù beach and it’s perched on a rocky outcrop above the turquoise water of the Meditterranean Sea. While it provides a great view at all times of the day, visit at night for the full experience.
And the culinary offerings are just as impressive as the panoramic views of the coastline. The menu is on the small side, but it prides itself on creating refined and creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
This restaurant really does capture the essence of the French Riviera in all the best ways. If you’re not looking to stay for a meal, don’t miss a drink or two at the bar.
If you’re looking to visit Le Plongeoir, definitely book in advance. We weren’t able to book for the bar alone, but tried our luck by just showing up and they managed to find us a table within record time.
Best for: The views and sophisticated cuisine.
Location: 60 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice France
Le Club Nautique de Nice
Le Club Nautique de Nice is Le Plongeoir’s neighbour, so you don’t have far to walk if you’re looking to split drinks and dinner between the two. As it’s just next door, the breathtaking views are available at this restaurant as well and the open air terrace makes for a fine view point.
This restaurant, however, is located within the premises of the prestigious yacht club in Nice. When walking into the building, it’ll look as though you’re about to go sailing, but just keep walking to the top and you’ll find the charming restaurant.
This is another Mediterranean-inspired restaurant where you’ll find the very best of the region’s fresh ingredients and traditions. The menu has a lot of seafood, including locally caught fish, and flavourful crustaceans and much more.
Best for: The views and drinking on the terrace.
Location: 50 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice France
Mamma Mia Saleya
Looking for an Italian restaurant that hits the spot? Mamma Mia is the one for you.
It’s also conveniently located right in the old town, by the farmers market, so you’ll have lots of bar options close by once you’re done with dinner. But back to Mamma Mia – I wanted to come back to this place every night, I absolutely loved it.
We shared two pasta dishes, with the vodka pasta being the one I’ve since re-made at home because I’ve been craving it ever since. The dishes are also huge, perfect if you’re in large groups…or if you just really like pasta (like me!)
The service was impeccable and the restaurant had a really nice atmosphere.
Best for: Large portions of good Italian food in a central area.
Location: 3 Place Charles Felix, 06300 Nice France
Carmela
This is another restaurant for the pasta and pizza lovers. It was very busy on the first night we arrived, and despite not having a reservation, they managed to squeeze us in (on what felt like one of the best tables!)
The food was fresh and of quality and we enjoyed the setting; it appeared more chilled at lunch and for the first half of our dinner meal and then a flurry of people created a more noisy but buzzing atmosphere.
Best for: Italian food in a prime people watching spot near the beach.
Location: 3 Place Charles Felix, 06300 Nice France
The Fat Mermaid
As someone who grew up by the sea in northern England, I often crave good fish and chips – and they’re hard to find when out of the country! But that all changed when I visited The Fat Mermaid.
Their fresh and homemade fish and chips are a real taste of home, in the south of France. And the best part of all? The portions are large which is definitely needed after a day of clocking up over 20,000 steps when exploring.
It’s always best to book this restaurant in advance, however, as it’s pretty small and popular.
Best for: Hitting those fish and chip cravings!
Location: 42 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice France
Panda Chine
Do you want to change it up from the traditional Mediterranean cuisine? Head to Panda Chine if you’re looking for authentic chinese food.
Once seated, you’ll be presented with an iPad to order. This makes it super easy to find what you’re looking for, while allowing time to have a browse through their extensive menu.
Also, if the waitress warns you about it being spicy – believe them! Still delicious though and this was a great meal to experience to change it up. It’s quite a casual restaurant and is perfect for ordering different meals and sharing with a group of friends.
Best for: Authentic Chinese food in the old town.Location: 4 Rue de l Abbaye, 06300 Nice France
Featured Image: Photo by Joachim Lesne on Unsplash