Restaurants in Nice

This Michelin-starred restaurant is arguably the city's finest dining experience in one of its finest hotels. The Regency-style space is as spectacular as the food, which is plated up like artwork. Try one of chef Jean-Denis Rieubland’s signature dishes such as langoustine roasted with sweet Espelette chillies and served with crispy calf’s head.

A lot of fuss was made when this restaurant opened in 2009. That’s because its chef is Mickaël Gracieux, who has cooked for French royalty and a host of A-list stars. He continues to wow diners with his modern take on traditional French fare, which has won him a Michelin star.

Once owned by Chagall’s redheaded mistress, whom he nicknamed the Red Donkey, today the restaurant that takes this name turns out fresh fish and fashionable cuisine. The emphasis is on regional foods and good preparation, and the excellent wine list helps the presentation along. Sit outside on the terrace for warm air and a wonderful view of the harbour.

This excellent Old Town bistro serves inventive French cooking that the locals would actually be seen eating. With paintings of past French presidents hanging from the walls, it offers daily specials, friendly service and a great terrace for watching the world go by. Reservations are recommended as it fills up quickly.

Though the name may be misleading, this bistro is not in fact a cheese shop -rather, every dish it serves is simply inspired by cheese. The setting is a stone-lined cellar and the permeating aroma is one of bread and cheese. The fondue, fish, charcuterie, and wine all come highly recommended. Book in advance to ensure seating.

This upmarket restaurant is a favourite with the local business community, which comes to enjoy Provençale and Italian classics. The food is fresh and light, and the restaurant has an impressive array of wine and champagne. Elton John is rumoured to have dined here on more than one occasion as well.

A restaurant with history, this little shop has been open since 1926, offering simple and delicious three course meals from a prix fixe menu for 18 euros. The communal seating and warm atmosphere means it’s easy to befriend those seated nearby. The restaurant is frequented by locals and tourists alike—book well in advance if you’re hoping to get seats. 

It’s hard to find a more atmospheric wine bar in the Old Town – and the delicious plates of charcuterie and cheeses match the carefully chosen bottles beautifully. Under the stone vaulted ceiling of this cosy caviste (wine shop), be sure to try the truffled sausage and ask the sommelier what to drink.

This seafood institution on the edge of the Old Town serves some of the best and the freshest shellfish in Nice. Grab a seat by the busy street and take the pulse of the city while battling through giant platters of mussels, oysters, clams and large glasses of flavourful wine.