Our best picks in the Côte d’Azur capital for grabbing a bite to eat, idling away the time, engaging your senses, culture and discovery.
Where to have lunch?
- A must-try fusion of Italianand Niçois cuisine: Gepetto, 9 rue Chauvain, in the heart of the town centre. Do you love Italian cuisine with a warm generous atmosphere? This has always been Gepetto’s recipe for success in Nice, with the owner’s enthusiasm as a bonus! Try the fresh pasta vongole: an unforgettable delicacy!
- La Socca d’Or , 45, Rue Bonaparte: for a change of style at a place with a soul that is niçoise through and through, based around the divine socca (a chickpea flour pancake), pans bagnats (traditional salad niçoise sandwich) and pissaladières (a local flatbread topped with anchovies, olives and onions). Here everything is steeped in tradition but with a modern touch, olive oil and tourte aux blettes (chard tart).
- Les Agitateurs: 24, rue Bonaparte. The height of hip and invention. Near the Nice port, at the corner of la Rue Bonaparte, don’t hesitate to try this restaurant where the refined cuisine is the creation of local producers. Local fish, herbs and Mediterranean flavours: dishes offering a daily fiesta of flavours. (Booking recommended.)
- Fine Gueule, 2, rue de l’Hotel de Ville: a fine-dining restaurant (recommended in the Michelin guide). At lunch, try the delicious set menu at €17.50 or be tempted by a refined “brasserie” style cuisine including sea bream ceviche, scallop carpaccio, duck breast fillet with black garlic aioli… This is our pick of the year and offers excellent value for money.
- On the beach: Le Galet , 3, Promenade des Anglais: chic and with a seaside atmosphere, this hip new wave beach restaurant is the place to be for all of those who like fresh, light food including colourful, low-calorie poke bowls, Italian dishes with exquisite flavours (ah, the delicious gnocchi with salmon and asparagus…). When it’s time for dessert, you can let yourself go with the strawberry/raspberry and pistachio tart…
Where to go for culture?
- Without a doubt to the Librairie Masséna, 55, rue Gioffredo, a space dedicated to all books, from beautiful books in the children’s section and comic books through to literature. An old-style book shop where the assistants offer you advice based on your tastes and don’t just promote the best-sellers…
Where to idle away the time?
- * the whole old quarter is a huge Ali Baba’s Cave where small creative businesses pop up at every street corner. Provençal linen, hats, summer dresses, artisan jewellery, old-fashioned bakeries, art galleries, you will find anything you are looking for…and a lot that you aren’t! A real delight!
- The Nice flea market: on the edge of the Port, it awaits you with stands where you can wonder at the old linen of Provence, the bric-a-brac, art objects and historical artefacts that will come back to life under your gaze. A must-see.
Where to take in the scents of the South?
- Rivae, 23 Rue Massena, This French Parfumery (local production) presents its olfactory creations encapsulating the emotions of the Côte d’Azur: scents of the beach, of the Festival de Cannes, and the Mediterranean gardens in bloom. A great find.
- * Fragonard , cours Saleya: a Grasse perfumery that is in the perfect spot in a southern-style house near Nice’s flower market. Floral eau de parfum, perfumes and scented soap take centre stage with cheerful displays and immaculate packaging.
Where to give in to temptation?
- Fenocchio ice creams, on place Rossetti, a must in the old town, on the beautiful place Rossetti. This reputable ice-cream maker since 1966 feeds your eyes before tingling your taste buds: stracciatella, chocolate, salted caramel, fig, avocado, Bounty, grapefruit, tomato, lavender, basil… all of the flavours await you. Give in to temptation with no regrets!
- Les merveilleux chocolats et gâteaux Lac , 49 rue Gioffredo or 18, rue Barla. This is heaven for any chocolate-lover: the finesse of its chocolate delicacies and their unforgettable flavours give this place a mythical quality.
Where to check out women’s fashion that is 100% made in Nice?
- Eloab, 1, rue Maccarani, a collection of women’s clothes that is free-flowing and glamorous, designed by Elodie and made in a workshop in the city. Its backless dresses, suits and tunics are exported worldwide. A personal vision of fashion with deep roots in the Côte d’Azur. To idle away the day and sparkle at night.
Where to do try Bellet de Nice AOC wines?
- le Domaine de la Source, 303 Chemin. de Saquier. Did you know? In the heart of Nice, a very ancient reputable vineyard with AOC designation is located in the heights of the city. It is one of the oldest vineyards in France and has many rare characterful grapes. There, the Dalmasso family will offer you its white, rosé and red wines to try, all of astonishing quality. Of course, everything is organic here. A very enjoyable experience in the company of these warm and genuine local wine-growers.
Nice reveals treasures of all kinds: after all, it’s France’s fifth biggest city! Immerse yourself in its streets and check out all of the local talent. Nice derives its reputation in France and overseas not just from the prestigious Promenade des Anglais, but from its hotspots.
Read also > What is the Côte d’Azur?