10 Local Nice Foods to Try: What to Eat in Nice, France
Let me guess, you are a foodie and you are planning to visit Nice soon, right? You have found the right food guide because I am about to share the best local Nice foods, so you know what to eat in Nice.
Nice is known for its delicious cuisine, blending Mediterranean flavors with French influence. Whether you’re exploring the local markets, dining in a cozy bistro, or enjoying a fine dining scene, Nice offers a wide variety of foods that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
This is why I have gathered a list of specialty foods in Nice, France. Nice gastronomy has a life of its own – some local dishes you won’t find elsewhere in France, at least not in their authentic form.
So let’s dive in and discover the best local Nice foods to try and what to eat in Nice. I will also add restaurant recommendations so you know where to savor the best of Nice cuisine. This Nice food guide is a must for every foodie visiting Nice.
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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 or get behind the 3-wheel car on the French Riviera
- Foodies will love this Culture, Wine & Food walking tour
- 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. Or discover the best day trips from Nice on your own.
⏰ 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.
10 local Nice dishes to try
Socca: best street food in Nice


At its core, Socca is a simple yet satisfying pancake-like creation crafted from a handful of humble ingredients. Chickpea flour, water, olive oil, salt, and pepper are expertly combined to form a batter that’s then baked in a hot oven until golden and crispy.
The origins of Socca are believed to date back to the time when Nice was under the influence of Italian culinary traditions. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and celebrate the tradition of Socca-making in Nice.
To make Socca, the batter is poured onto a large, round griddle or baking sheet and spread into a thin, even layer. It’s then baked at a high temperature until crisp around the edges and tender in the center.
The result? A golden-brown disc of deliciousness that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Socca is typically served hot, straight from the oven, and enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Where to find the best Socca in Nice?
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.
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. You can thank me later!
Pissaladière: another must-try Nice street food

Pissaladière is a satisfying dish crafted from a handful of basic ingredients. A base of flaky pastry or dough serves as the foundation, topped with a generous layer of caramelized onions. Anchovies and black olives are then artfully arranged on top, adding a burst of briny flavor to each bite.
The magic of Pissaladière lies in the harmonious blend of its ingredients. Sweet, caramelized onions contrast beautifully with the salty tang of anchovies and the earthy richness of black olives while the pastry base adds a satisfying crunch.
To make this delectable dish, onions are slowly cooked until golden and caramelized, infusing them with a sweet, savory flavor. Meanwhile, the pastry dough is rolled out and shaped, ready to be adorned with rich toppings.
Pissaladière is versatile, making it a perfect choice for casual gatherings, picnics, or as an appetizer before a main meal. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, Pissaladière is an essence of Niçoise cuisine.
This Nice street food will transport you to the sun-drenched Promenade des Anglais even on the most gloomy day. And the flavors of anchovies will remind you about Mediterranean cuisine forever.
Where to find the best Pissaladière in Nice?
For the best Pissaladière in Nice, look no further than Chez Pipo. This famous establishment has been delighting locals and visitors with its delicious rendition of this classic Niçoise dish for decades.
They offer the best of Nice cuisine, so you will find other local items on their menu. If you have just one food stop in Nice, make sure you visit Chez Pipo. This restaurant was recommended by many and it didn’t disappoint.
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.
Salad Nicoise: the world-famous salad from Nice

Salad Nicoise, originating from Nice, France, is a classic dish beloved for its fresh flavors and simplicity. It typically includes ingredients like fresh tomatoes, anchovies, black olives, capers, beans, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Nowadays, there are multiple discussions about the authentic recipe of Salad Nicoise. Most of people suggest that it shouldn’t consist of boiled vegetables, but some restaurants still serve it with boiled green beans and potatoes.
Another question mark is the seafood in Salad Nicoise. Even locals in Nice mix anchovies and tuna in the same salad, although traditionally, this wasn’t the case. Tuna used to be a luxury item, saved for special occasions, so anchovies were used as a more affordable substitute.
Once Salad Nicoise gained popularity, various new versions were created. While I strongly believe in trying authentic recipes, you can easily recreate your version with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients.
It is a highlight of local food in Nice and it is a perfect lunch option during hot summer days. It embodies the essence of simplicity and freshness, reflecting the region’s coastal charm and Mediterranean flavors.
Where to find the best Salad Nicoise in Nice?
This is a dish that you will find on almost any menu in Nice. It is popular in the rest of France and recreated all around the world, but if you want to try the authentic version, head to Chez Acchiardo.
Pan bagnat: sandwich from the shores of Nice

Pan bagnat is a traditional Niçoise sandwich packed with a mouthwatering array of ingredients. A crusty round loaf of bread serves as the vessel for a delectable combination of tuna, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives, and olive oil.
The tuna is flaky and flavorful, the eggs are tender and creamy, and the vegetables are crisp and bursting with flavor. The olive oil adds a touch of richness and ties everything together. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, the quality is the key.
Pan Bagnat, meaning “wet bread” in English, was originally a variation of Salad Niçoise. The old bread was added to the salad a couple of hours before the serving to make it moist and soft again.
In the past, bread was baked once every few weeks, so the locals had to get creative and that is how pan bagnat was created. Nowadays, restaurants don’t use 2-week-old bread, but back in the day, it was a food for the poor and rarely included tuna or anchovies.
I have to say that nowadays, it is a great option if you are looking for affordable meals in Nice. You can use the takeaway option and savor it on a sunny bench on the promenade. Talk about lunch with a view, right?
It is an easy dish to recreate once you are back home, but you might notice that the flavors are not the same. Unless you carefully pick out the freshest ingredients with exceptional quality. In Nice, it is not a hard task, but it gets more complicated in other places around the world.
Where to find the best pan bagnat in Nice?
Choosing between the best Pan Bagnat spots is tough for me; I’m torn between Chez Tintin and A Buteghinna. Chez Tintin boasts a stellar reputation with consistent 5-star reviews, while A Buteghinna holds a special place in my heart as one of my top local favorites in Nice.
It’s a real dilemma! Perhaps the best solution is for you to try both and share your preference with me. After all, what better way to settle the debate than with a taste test?
Are you looking for a dreamy hotel in Nice with sea views?
- Best hotel in Nice with a sea view for first-time visitors: Hôtel Le Royal Promenade des Anglais
- 5-star luxury hotel in Nice with a sea view: Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel
- Best romantic hotel in Nice with a sea view for couples: Hotel Suisse
- Top villa in Nice with a sea view for big groups: Villa de Charme
- Top-rated hotel in Nice with a sea view for families: Hôtel West End Nice
Ratatouille: colors of Nice cuisine

If you have been to France before, chances are you’ve come across Ratatouille on the menus of many restaurants. However, what you might not know is that this delicious dish originates from the city of Nice. It’s a delightful revelation that I discovered just before my trip to Nice.
Ratatouille is a hearty vegetable stew bursting with the vibrant colors and flavors of the Mediterranean. The key ingredients include eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil.
Crafting Ratatouille is a labor of love that begins with the careful selection and preparation of the ingredients. The vegetables are chopped into uniform pieces and sautéed in olive oil until tender, allowing their natural flavors to shine through.
As the Ratatouille simmers away on the stove, the flavors meld together, creating a rich and comforting stew that’s perfect for any occasion.
These days, you can enjoy Ratatouille all across France, but when you’re in Nice, it’s a must-try addition to your culinary agenda. This is a perfect meal option if you are a vegetarian or vegan.
Where to find the best Ratatouille in Nice?
I’ve heard that La Rossettisserie comes highly recommended for Ratatouille. I’ve always believed that if a restaurant excels at Ratatouille, its other dishes are likely to be equally delicious, and I was right. La Rossettisserie offers some of the best dishes in Nice.
Les Petits Farcis Niçois: a beloved staple of Niçoise cuisine

Les Petits Farcis Niçois, or “stuffed vegetables” in English, is a delightful dish that celebrates the bounty of fresh produce and Mediterranean flavors. And it definitely deserves to be on the list of the best local Nice foods to try!
Les Petits Farcis Niçois is a dish comprised of various vegetables, such as tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, that are hollowed out and filled with savory stuffing. The stuffing typically consists of a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and spices.
Once filled, the vegetables are gently baked or simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and infused with the delicious flavors of the stuffing. My mouth is watering as I write this because this is truly one of the best specialty foods in Nice, France.
Where to find the best Les Petits Farcis Niçois in Nice?
I will have to go with A Buteghinna again, however, Les Petits Farcis Niçois is usually part of the daily menu, so it is not always available.
It is the same with other restaurants as well, so in case you are lucky enough to spot Les Petits Farcis Niçois on the menu of any Nice restaurants, don’t miss your opportunity.
Panisse: perfect side dish for every meal in Nice

Panisse is a culinary gem cherished in Nice, France. This traditional treat is essentially a chickpea fritter, crafted from a blend of chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and a dash of salt.
Creating Panisse is a straightforward process. One simply combines chickpea flour with water, olive oil, and salt to form a thick batter. After cooking to achieve a dense consistency, the mixture is allowed to cool before being cut into squares and fried until golden and crispy.
Despite its unpretentious ingredients, Panisse offers a delightful taste experience. Locals often enjoy Panisse as a snack or as an accompaniment to their main dishes, appreciating its rustic charm and satisfying flavor.
If you are visiting Nice, Panisse is an absolute must for every foodie experience in Nice. Most of the restaurants serve it as a side dish, so I can’t recommend a partial restaurant in Nice, but I am sure you will find it in every local eatery.
Are you a foodie visiting Nice? You will love these Nice food guides:
Soupe au pistou
This soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and a vibrant pistou sauce. The addition of white beans and pasta adds heartiness to the dish, making it both satisfying and nourishing.
Now, let’s focus on the star of the show: the pistou sauce. It’s similar to pesto but without the pine nuts. Instead, it’s made with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
This aromatic sauce is stirred into the soup just before serving, adding a burst of flavor and a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to every spoonful.
In Provence, Soupe au Pistou is often served at local festivals and gatherings, where people come together to celebrate the joys of good food and good company.
So, the next time you’re craving something wholesome and delicious, why not give Soupe au Pistou a try? With its flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Tourte aux blettes: best local sweet in Nice

Tourte aux blettes is a type of sweet tart or pie filled with a mixture of Swiss chard, raisins, pine nuts, and sometimes apples or other fruits. The filling is sweetened with sugar and flavored with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is a popular dessert originating from Nice.
Crafting begins with the careful preparation of the filling. The Swiss chard is blanched and finely chopped, while the raisins are plumped in warm water to intensify their sweetness. The pine nuts are toasted to perfection, and the apples are peeled, cored, and sliced with precision.
Once the filling is prepared, it’s combined with sugar, spices, and perhaps a splash of rum or brandy for added depth. This flavorful mixture is then nestled into a pastry crust, topped with another layer of pastry, and baked until golden and fragrant.
The result is a mouthwatering dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. The flaky pastry envelops the rich and aromatic filling, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that delight the senses with each bite.
Bellet: local Nice wine for every wine enthusiast

Bellet, a popular wine from the picturesque region of Nice, holds a place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. Its roots trace back to the Middle Ages, with a lineage steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.
Crafted from a blend of indigenous and international grape varieties, Bellet Blanc exemplifies the artistry of winemaking in the region. Central to its composition is Rolle, constituting at least 60% of the blend, alongside a harmonious fusion of Chardonnay and other local varietals.
Known for its citrus notes and vibrant acidity, Rolle lends a refreshing quality to the wine, making it an ideal companion for sunny days. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Chardonnay enhances the wine’s texture and contributes nuanced flavors to the palate.
Nestled amidst the sun-kissed hills of Nice, the vineyards of Bellet benefit from a unique microclimate characterized by ample sunshine, cool sea breezes, and mineral-rich soils.
If you are a wine lover, you simply have to try this local product of Nice under the Mediterranean sun.
Further reading for the best local Nice foods
Here are some useful Nice travel guides to help you with the preparation process:
- 20 Best Photo Spots in Nice, France + Photo Tips
- 23 Best Things to Do in Nice, France + Useful Travel Tips
- 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 local Nice foods to try and I am sure that this article helped you to discover specialty food in Nice, France.
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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This article made me definitely hungry 😂