Where to Eat in Nice? 10 Amazing Local Restaurants in Nice Old Town

10 best French restaurants in Nice Old Town

La Cave du Fromager

The former French president Charles de Gaulle once said ‘How can anyone govern a country with 246 varieties of cheese?’. This makes you understand that cheese is a big part of French cuisine.

If you want to try the essence of French food and cheese is your passion, you need to have dinner at La Cave du Fromager. The place excels in preparing specialties with cheese like Fondue, Baked Camembert, Tartiflette, or Raclette.

There are other dishes on the menu that don’t involve cheese that are equally good but every cheese lover should focus on the specialty dishes at La Cave du Fromager.

When it’s about pairing with a good bottle of wine, it’s unbelievable to see the amount of National and foreign labels at the Cave du Fromager. There is a sommelier that is ready to help you to pick the perfect wine to pair with your dish.

I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering as I write this and I would love to teleport back to Nice to have one more meal here. It is truly one of the best French restaurants in Nice.

Depending on the wine you choose, dinner will cost you between 50 and 150 euros. A reservation is strongly recommended.

La Rossettisserie

If you are looking for a traditional, rustic French bistro, La Rossettisserie should be at the top of your Nice restaurant list. As you can tell by the name, roasted meat is their specialty and it didn’t disappoint! 

Roasted chicken truly beats anything else that I have tried before and other meat cuts were top-notch as well. I read raving reviews about mashed potatoes, so I had to try it as well and now I understand the hype.

Service is another reason that makes La Rossettisserie one of the best restaurants in Nice. In comparison to other restaurants in Nice, La Rossettisserie offers very competitive prices considering that the meals always involve meat.

We didn’t try any appetizers because I saw the photos of generous portions, but if you are with a bigger group, make sure you share some plates from their starters.

You will find some tables directly on the street that are perfect for summer dinner and even more seats inside for a cozy dinner during the cold season.

A Buteghinna

A Buteghinna is a place that holds a special place in my heart as I tried delicious local specialties for a very reasonable price. You will find this restaurant in many Nice guides and for all the right reasons.

Their menu is very limited and constantly changing, but that just shows that they serve fresh seasonal products. I got to try their braised meat with panisse which was simply unbelievable, but they alternate it with grilled octopus.

There are other traditional staple pieces on the menu like Salad Nicoise and Ratatouille. You can even get a tasting menu which offers a dish filled with everything available on the menu. And they serve some of the best Pan bagnat: sandwiches from the shores of Nice. 

If you are on a tight budget, you can buy Pan bagnat to go and enjoy it somewhere on the French Riviera. A delicious lunch with a view doesn’t have to be expensive. And it doesn’t get more local than this.

Chez Palmyre

Located in the heart and soul of old Nice lies Chez Palmyre, a restaurant where the Nice traditions blend with wonderful hospitality and fair price for the quality of the food.

The restaurant showcases a vintage yet stylish vibe that will take you back in time. If you prefer, you can also sit in the alley outside, especially if you are visiting Nice in summer.

The food is genuine and prepared according to the local traditions. However, you will still enjoy a beautiful plating with some unique twists. I would recommend the beef cheek with potato pure and one of their delicious sweets.

Like many other places in France, the wine choice here is worth mentioning, with hundreds of different labels to pair with your delicious food.

If you want to enjoy a dinner at Chez Palmyre I strongly recommend you book a table in advance, otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy their delicious food. Lunchtime is usually less busy and it offers a set menu for 22 euros, but I still recommend you book your table.

Chez Theresa

Chez Thérésa is a popular spot in Nice where you can savor authentic Socca. Located in the heart of the city, Chez Thérésa is known for serving up delicious and freshly made Socca, cooked to perfection in a traditional wood-fired oven.

This eatery in Nice offers other street food specialties as well, so if you are on a mission to discover local Nice street food, this should be your number one spot. Also, prices are very budget-friendly and portions are generous & filling.

Simplicity is the key to Niçoise cuisine and Chez Theresa is the perfect representation of that. I spent more than a month in Nice, so I tried many different places in Nice and I can safely say that Chez Thérésa is the best place to try Socca in Nice.

It is included in most top-rated food tours in Nice and for all the right reasons.

Bar des Oiseaux

For a little more formal experience, head to the Michelin-awarded Le Bar des Oiseaux. This restaurant is added to every Nice itinerary and for all the right reasons. Here, the local specialties are prepared with a global twist and presented aesthetically.

I have to say that prices are very reasonable at the Le Bar des Oiseaux and there are lunch deals available during weekdays. So if you are looking for a little treat during your time in Nice, don’t miss this restaurant in Nice Old Town.

Considering its popularity, the tables fill up quickly so reservation is highly recommended. Even on a working day. When we first stopped by, we didn’t get a table but that’s how we knew that we needed to come back and see what’s so special about it.

Chez Rene Socca

When it comes to Niçoise cuisine, sometimes less is more and Chez Rene Socca is a perfect example of that. Located just a gasp away from Garibaldi Square, Chez Rene Socca specializes in street food.

While this might not be the fanciest restaurant in Nice, the food here is stealing the scene. Fried and marinated fish, pissaladiere, stuffed vegetables, pizza, and the famous socca are a must-try here.

Don’t forget to add a refreshing glass of white local wine to make your meal even more pleasant! And if you are overwhelmed or in doubt about your order, the friendly staff is always there to help you.

When it’s time to pay, I dare you to find a cheaper place in the city for the quality of the food!

Le Café de Turin

Le Café de Turin is one of the most famous restaurants in Nice which specializes in seafood and oysters. Located near Garibaldi Square it has a strategic location and a picturesque facade that makes it an iconic eatery in the city.

As soon as you arrive at the restaurant you will be welcomed by a triumph of delicious crustaceans, oysters, and other mouth-watering crudités. The restaurant serves all the best that the Mediterranean Sea has to offer.

The vibes of the restaurant are classic and sober, it’s elegant without showing off. I think it sums up the French style pretty well. You can enjoy your meal in the restaurant or sit in the porticos of Garibaldi Square and enjoy the lively scene in front of you.

A meal at the Café de Turin comes with a price that usually starts from 60 euros, however, if you are into seafood, this is a real paradise for you. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Chez Acchiardo

Chez Acchiardo serves the classics of Nice cuisine in an informal yet delightful setting. This place became one of the most popular restaurants in Nice thanks to its convenient location, delicious dishes, and high-quality ingredients.

The restaurant takes great pride in the freshness of its products and the skillful preparation of the dishes. The plating is eye-pleasing and yet the portions are satisfying leaving you coming back for more. Well, at least that’s what locals do.

My recommendation is to try their ravioli cooked with daube sauce, very rich and filling. The stuffed vegetables also known as Les Petits Farcis Niçois are also worth mentioning.The wonderful staff will be happy to recommend you some wine to pair with your choice.

A dinner at Chez Acchiardo will cost you around 30 euros per person depending on your hunger and choice of drink. Reservations are mandatory to find a seat.

Les Distilleries Idéales

If you are wandering around the Old Town later in the afternoon and you feel like sitting down with a glass of wine, don’t miss Les Distilleries Idéales. This bar is a great spot for a little break and people-watching.

The bar has a lot of tables on the street and gets filled up with locals pretty quickly, however, the most beautiful place is located inside the building. It looks like a historical palace even though it was built in the last decade.

It opens at 9 am, so you can have breakfast at the Les Distilleries Idéales as well, however, I recommend coming later in the day and enjoying their drinks instead. Compared to some other bars in the area, prices are very affordable as well.

In case you want to explore places like this one, don’t miss these amazing cafes in Nice!

Further reading for best local restaurants in Nice Old Town

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In conclusion…

This is the end of the best local restaurants in Nice Old Town and I am sure you are impatient to tick off most of them as you eat your way through Nicoise cuisine.

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.

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