Summary
There’s nothing more pleasurable than eating local dishes prepared by knowledgeable chefs, and Nice has plenty of both. As you will find out if you’re lucky enough to spend time in the Queen of the Riviera, Nice really is a food lover’s town.
Exploring Nice’s Local Cuisine
Start at the Cours Saleya market and the little streets of the Vieille Ville (Old Town) for authentic local dishes like socca (a thin pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil, baked and crisped in the oven and seasoned with black pepper, a little like a crepe), the best pizzas, pissaladière (pizza-like onion tart), petits farcis (delicious stuffed Provençal vegetables), salade Niçoise, pan bagnat (fresh baps or bread filled with salade Niçoise), tourte aux blettes (tart of Swiss chard, raisins and pine nuts) and beignets de fleurs de courgettes (deep fried fritters with vegetables like courgettes flowers).
Chez Pipo
Address: 13 Rue Bavastro, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 4 93 55 88 82
Chez Pipo is where the locals go for typical Nice dishes like socca. It is a small, well-established restaurant run by a young team who have expanded the repertoire to include other Niçois specialties like pissaladière and tourte aux blettes. However, it is not the place if you are in a hurry.
Chez Theresa
Address: 28 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 6 13 53 11 76
Better known to tourists and mentioned in many guides, Chez Theresa is her small, busy, fun restaurant where a socca snack hits the spot during the day. Moreover, for those on the run, Theresa also sells socca from her stall at the Cours Saleya market.
Chez René Socca
Address: 2 Rue Miralheti, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 4 93 92 05 73
At René Socca, you queue up (and it might be a long wait) to buy your socca or beignets, then grab an outdoor table and order drinks. Consequently, it’s relaxed, friendly, and communal.
La Pizza
Address: 3 Rue Aude, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
Phone: +33 4 42 26 22 17
Pizza is everywhere in Nice, and you’ll find your own particular favorite. To start, try the rich, wood-fired Italian pizzas at La Pizza, a big, bustling pizza restaurant that has delighted pizza fans since 1956. Moreover, try a sidewalk table for some excellent people-watching.
Fenocchio
Address: 2 Pl. Rossetti, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 4 93 80 72 52
Nice retains its Italian roots, having shifted between France and Italy for centuries. Therefore, when it gets warm, it’s time to visit one of the finest ice cream parlors, Fenocchio. This family-run establishment boasts 94 flavors, including 59 ice creams and 35 sorbets, allowing you to spend ample time sampling selections. There are two branches; both close from November to March.
La Rossettisserie
Address: 8 Rue Mascoinat, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 4 93 76 18 80
Don’t shorten this to the Rotisserie; it’s named for its location near Place Rossetti in the Old Town. However, all its meat dishes are indeed roasted. It’s a cozy place, typically bustling, featuring a dining room and a downstairs vaulted cellar. Opt for duck terrine with pickles to start; then enjoy roast meat with a choice of mashed potatoes or frites, accompanied by ratatouille or salad. Conclude your meal traditionally with tarte tatin, providing good, plain cooking in a friendly atmosphere.
Chez Palmyre
Address: 5 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 4 93 85 72 32
Clearly popular, this restaurant stands out among smaller establishments. Located in the heart of the old town, it’s the destination for meat lovers. Specialties include veal and pot-roasted chicken, served in a cozy, friendly environment. Menus start at 18 euros, offering great value. However, it is advisable to reserve in advance, as you may need to book weeks ahead.
