10 Best Cafes in Nice For Brunch, Croissants and Coffee
Looking for the best cafes in Nice? You are in the right spot because I have gathered the best Nice places for brunch, croissants, coffee, and more.
Nice is located on the Mediterranean Sea and it is one of the most popular destinations in the South of France. Nice spoils its visitors with fantastic views, a charming old town, and an amazing cafe & restaurant scene.
This is why I have gathered a list of the best cafes in Nice. After spending more than a month in Nice, I tried it all – some popular cafes, some aesthetic places, and some famous bakeries.
And this Nice cafe guide will share only the best of the best. No matter if you are looking for fabulous brunch, traditional croissants, or delicious coffee, you will find something suitable for your next trip to Nice.
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10 amazing cafes in Nice for your next trip
Philippe Tayac Pâtisserie
If you are looking for high-quality pastries and cakes in Nice, don’t miss Philippe Tayac Pâtisserie. This is truly one of the best cafes in Nice and you need to stop by at least once during your time in Nice.
Once you pass by, you will be tempted with pastries exposed in the windows and once you enter, you will be overwhelmed by the choice of cakes. It is almost impossible to choose just one thing.
That’s why we ended up going back to Philippe Tayac Pâtisserie more than once and I have to say that I still dream about their Pain Suisse, flaky croissants, and rich chocolate cakes.
The place itself is very small, so can host only a few customers, but takeaway is a great alternative in case it is full. The staff deserves another mention because they are always happy to share the ingredients and serve you with a big smile.
I have to say that prices are above average, so this wouldn’t be my daily breakfast cafe in Nice, but it is the perfect place if you are craving a special treat. 100% worth the price!
Chef Philippe Tayac is the master behind this wonderful creation and you can find more of his cafes in Paris as well. And from what I heard, he is planning to extend his empire, so hopefully, there will be more cafes around the world.
Full Bloom Café
Perhaps you are a coffee geek and looking for the best coffee shop in Nice? Full Bloom Café is the place for you.
As you enter Full Bloom Café, you will fall in love with the cozy atmosphere, pastel tones, and plants on every corner. Yes, that’s right! The entire place is filled with plants which make it one of the most aesthetic cafes in Nice.
On the menu, you will find a wide variety of coffee drinks, mocha, and some healthy desserts as well. I personally loved their macchiato but I heard fantastic things about their mocha as well. Vegan snacks and drink options are available as well.
It is located just around the corner from Port Lympia, which means that you can easily add Full Bloom Café to your itinerary when exploring this part of Nice. You can enjoy the break before you head to Place Giuseppe Garibaldi or MAMAC (closed for construction until 2028!).
Garden Café
In case you are looking for a satisfying brunch in Nice, Garden Café won’t disappoint you. It is one of the top-rated cafes in Nice and for all the right reasons!
The menu offers 4 different types of brunch options and other popular dishes like eggs Benedict, avocado toast, smoothies, cakes, and different varieties of coffees.
The brunch menu is available all day long and includes various popular options. The price varies from 20 to 26 euros, however, be prepared for a lot of food. In fact, we couldn’t finish it so make sure you come hungry or choose something from a la carte options.
Despite its location further away from Nice Old Town, this place is always busy. We decided to visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid queues and we still had to wait to get a table. But that just confirms that this is one of the most popular cafes in Nice.
And can we talk about the cute aesthetic at the Garden Café? I loved the garden vibes and terrace on the street. If there wasn’t such a long waiting time, I would come daily until I try everything from their menu!
Are you a foodie visiting Nice? You will love these Nice food guides:
Bakery By Michel Fiori La Boulangerie Par Michel Fiori
Are you on a mission to find the best croissants in Nice? If so, Bakery By Michel Fiori La Boulangerie Par Michel Fiori serves award-winning croissants that will leave you coming back for more.
Unlike other bakeries in France, they serve croissants with different fillings as well. Matcha and pistachio were my favorites, but the choice is yours. Together with croissants, they serve a lot of other unique viennoiseries.
It is located a short walk away from the train station, so this is a perfect breakfast spot before you hop on one of the fun day trips from Nice.
While the prices are very budget-friendly, be prepared for a line. Plan some extra time, so you can truly enjoy this amazing cafe in Nice and savor each bite of your pastry of choice.
La popote d’Ondine Blacas
Another great brunch cafe in Nice is La Popote d’Ondine Blacas. It is located a short walk away from Place Masséna which makes it easier to add it to your Nice itinerary. They also have another cafe called La Popote D’Ondine closer to MAMAC, however, I didn’t try it.
While La Popote d’Ondine Blacas is a popular spot, you don’t have to wait a lot to get a table, especially on a weekday. Also, there are two separate cafes – one is for coffee and sweets while the other one is mostly for food.
The menu offers a wide choice of dishes including vegetarian and vegan options. We were sitting right next to the kitchen and I can tell you that every single dish looked worth ordering! I wish I could go back and try more.
Prices are very affordable but some options might leave you hungry for more. That is a good reason to try one of their desserts. Keep in mind that the kitchen is open until 3 pm.
I have to note that it takes a while to get your food, especially if the place is full, but that was never a problem for me. Just worth mentioning in case you are in a rush to tick off another Nice attraction or catch a flight.
Aux Delices de la Buffa
Aux Delices de la Buffa is a local pastry shop located behind the Prom. des Anglais. And while there are not many seats available, this place offers affordable prices.
If you are in doubt, make sure you try their quiche and tarte au citron. They serve many French specialties, so options are endless. But it is better to visit early in the morning once everything is still warm out of the oven.
We stayed a 10-minute walk away from this cafe, so we would often stop by to get a baguette and try yet another local specialty. Absolutely everything was delicious and the ladies in the shop always served us with a big smile. 10/10!!
Another point for early opening time as they start baking at 7 am. If you are an early bird visiting Promenade des Anglais, it is a great place for a quick break. And in case you don’t find a free table, get a takeaway and enjoy it with a view of the Mediterranean Sea!
Les Petits Pains de Méditerranée
Les Petits Pains de Méditerranée is a little hidden gem where you won’t meet any tourists. It was recommended by a local and it didn’t disappoint.
It is a simple place with a wide choice of pastries, pies, and cakes. They use high-quality local ingredients which is the key to delicious products and satisfied customers.
If you see the line as you approach Les Petits Pains de Méditerranée, don’t get discouraged. Most of them are locals trying to snatch baguettes to bring home, so the queue moves pretty quickly.
Considering the lack of tourists and the remote location further away from the old town, the prices are very affordable. Just like the Aux Delices de la Buffa, this Nice cafe is located behind the Promenade des Anglais, so the takeaway option is great as well.
How about a local food tour in Nice?
- the best tour in Nice is the Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner with a constant 5-star rating.
- if you are on a budget, NO DIET CLUB – Unique Local Food in Nice is one of the best affordable food tours in Nice.
- Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice and French Breakfast Gastronomy offer unique food experiences in Nice where you get to visit locals’ home and savor your meal in an authentic environment.
Bakery Jean Marc Bordonnat
With more than 40 years of experience, Bakery Jean Marc Bordonnat serves a lot of happy customers daily. No matter if you are a local or a tourist visiting France, you will love this cafe in Nice.
I will start by saying that there is no seating area in this boulangerie, but I still wanted to include this place on the best Nice cafe list because that is how amazing it is. So if you are near Place Giuseppe Garibaldi, make sure you try some of their pastries.
Everything from croissant to baguette is delicious and endless positive reviews will only confirm that. If you are feeling hungry, try their quiche, pan bagnat, or pissaladière and thank me later. They really have mastered the recipes of traditional Niçoise food.
HUG Café Nice
HUG Café Nice is another great spot for coffee lovers. Their friendly barista is often praised in the reviews, so I had to try it myself, and let me tell you that it lived up to the hype.
Their lovely terrace is very spacious and a perfect place to sit down and enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Even better on a sunny day.
On the menu, you will find some coffee classics together with some unique creations like Beetroot Cacao Latte and Butterfly Latte. You will find pastries with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and plant-based milk.
It is located next to Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and not so far from the train station. If you are planning to arrive by train or visit other iconic places on the French Riviera, make sure to add a stop at the HUG Café Nice.
Boulangerie Jeannot
Looking for a cute cafe in Nice Old Town? Boulangerie Jeannot is a perfect spot for a quick break as you explore the heart of Nice.
While there are mixed reviews online, I loved their warm pastries with chocolate. I think it is a perfect place for Petit-Déjeuner, but I wouldn’t recommend trying anything else apart from their freshly baked pastries.
If you enjoy people-watching, you will love the seating area outside of Boulangerie Jeannot. Not an ideal place if the weather is bad but perfect for a warm sunny day.
When it comes to prices, it is not affordable but it certainly won’t break your budget either. Considering the central location, you get a good value for your money.
Are you still planning your trip to Nice?
If the answer is yes, I am here to help you out with some of the essentials, like tours, hotels, and other useful tips that will help you with the entire process.
🏆Are you looking for fun experiences in Nice? Don’t miss these top-rated tours in Nice:
- Experience the true craftsmanship of creating your custom-made perfume
- Get behind the 3-wheel car on the French Riviera
- If you enjoy water activities, check out this Snorkeling tour or book a private solar boat cruise
🔎 Want to see beyond Nice? Book a half-day trip to Monaco & Eze or discover the most beautiful villages near Nice.
⏰ Wondering how long to stay in Nice? You can cover the essentials of Nice in one day and you can easily find entertainment for a week. Nice is a great base if you want to explore the rest of the French Riviera.
🏠 When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of luxury hotels, yet not much for those seeking mid-range or affordable hotels. Here are some suggestions that can help you.
- Hotel Le Negresco: the best luxury hotel in Nice
- Villa Otero by Happyculture: great mid-range boutique hotel near the train station
- The Deck Hotel by Happyculture: amazing mid-range hotel in the heart of Nice
- Hôtel Esprit d’Azur: 3 star hotel with very affordable prices
- Holiday Nice Studio: affordable studio apartments in the heart of Old Town
🌊 Or check out these hotels in Nice with amazing sea views directly from your balcony.
✈️ From the airport of Nice, you can take the bus, a tram, or book a private transfer to reach your accommodation.
🚗 If you are planning a road trip around the French Riviera, you will love Rentalcars and all these beautiful places on the French Riviera that should be added to your itinerary.
Further reading for the best cafes in Nice
Here are some useful Nice travel guides:
- 20 Best Photo Spots in Nice, France + Photo Tips
- 23 Best Things to Do in Nice, France + Useful Travel Tips
- One Day Nice Itinerary: Make The Most of 24 Hours in Nice
- 10 Amazing Day Trips from Nice by Train or Bus
- 10 Best Hotels in Nice With a Sea View
Or read more about: Nice | Paris | Menton | Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Cannes | Eze | Villefranche-sur-Mer | France
In conclusion…
This is the end of the best cafes in Nice and I am sure you found one (or more) options for your next trip. I personally would love to go back and try them all again!
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.