Best Places to Eat in Nice France

Discovering the Flavors of Nice, France: A Guide to the Best Places to Eat

Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, is a culinary haven that offers a diverse range of delicious cuisine. From traditional Niçois dishes to fresh seafood and mouthwatering street food, Nice has something for every palate and budget. Here are the best places to eat in Nice, with a focus on popular street food options:

Street Food Delights

1. Socca (Fougasse)

  • Address: Cours Saleya Market or various street vendors
  • Price: €2-€5

Socca is a thin, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil. It’s typically served hot with a sprinkle of pepper and a dash of olive oil. You can find socca vendors at the Cours Saleya Market or throughout the city.

2. Pissaladière (Caramelized Onion Tart)

  • Address: Various bakeries and cafes
  • Price: €5-€10

This sweet and savory tart is a specialty of Nice. Made with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives on a flaky pastry crust, it’s perfect as a snack or light meal.

3. Farinata (Chickpea Flour Pancake)

  • Address: Various street vendors
  • Price: €2-€5

Similar to socca, farinata is a thick, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour and water. It’s often served with a variety of toppings such as cheese, ham, or eggs.

Markets and Food Halls

1. Cours Saleya Market

  • Address: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6 am - 1 pm

This bustling market offers a wide range of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and prepared foods like socca and farinata.

2. Marché de la Libération

  • Address: Place de la Libération, 06300 Nice
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6 am - 1 pm

This covered market offers a variety of food stalls serving everything from fresh seafood to Niçois specialties like daube (a hearty beef stew).

3. Gare du Sud Food Hall

  • Address: 12 Rue de l’Armée d’Afrique, 06300 Nice
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 am - 8 pm

This food hall is located in the old train station and features a variety of vendors serving everything from coffee and pastries to salads and sandwiches.

Restaurants

1. Lou Pistou

  • Address: 10 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice
  • Price Range: €15-€30

This cozy restaurant serves traditional Niçois cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Try their famous daube or vegetable tart.

2. Le Comptoir du Marché

  • Address: 8 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice
  • Price Range: €15-€30

Located in the heart of the old town, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with fresh market ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally.

3. Bistrot d’Antoine

  • Address: 27 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice
  • Price Range: €20-€40

This bistro serves creative, farm-to-table cuisine using local and organic ingredients. Their menu features a variety of small plates and dishes to share.

Desserts

1. Fenocchio Glacier

  • Address: 10 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice
  • Price Range: €5-€10

This artisanal ice cream shop offers unique flavors like lavender and honey, as well as traditional favorites.

2. Patisserie Auer

  • Address: 7 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice
  • Price Range: €5-€15

This historic patisserie has been serving up delicious pastries, cakes, and chocolates since 1860. Try their famous Niçois specialty, the gâteau Basque.

With its rich culinary history and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, Nice is a food lover’s paradise. From street food delights to traditional restaurants and markets, there’s something for every taste and budget in this beautiful French Riviera city. Bon appétit!