Where to Eat in Nice: A Foodie’s Favourites (2022 Edition)
Nice has become a regular escape for us — a city where the light bounces off the sea, and the days seem to stretch just that little bit longer. We’ve been coming here for years, often staying at the Negresco, and food is always high on the agenda. This guide, first published in 2022, offers a snapshot of our favourite spots to eat in Nice, from breakfast through to dinner.
Dining scenes inevitably evolve, and some places may have changed since our last visit — but many, like Pizza Cresci, Le Plongeoir, and the bars along the Promenade, remain perennial favourites. We’ve chosen to leave this article online because readers often ask for a starting point, and this still reflects our genuine experiences of eating well in the city.
We’re always on the lookout for new places to try in Nice and across the Cote D’Azur and welcome any suggestions in the comments.
Breakfast in Nice
Fancy Breakfast – Try La Rotonde at the Negresco Hotel. It’s not the cheapest option, but you’ll be sitting beneath a carousel of antique horses that come to life every so often while you tuck into a continental spread. The food is classic (croissants, jams, coffee), but the setting is unforgettable. https://www.lenegresco.com/restaurants
Frugal Breakfast – Round the back of the Negresco are two small boulangeries offering fresh pastries and French coffee (yes, from a vending machine, but still miles ahead of UK equivalents). A few tables might be available, but balancing your coffee on a bin while watching the world go by is equally charming. See also any number of boulangeries across the city.
Something in Between – We’ve also grabbed breakfast at Pain&Cie (3 Rue Louis Gassin), previously a Le Pain Quotidien. The location is ideal for people-watching, especially as the flower market sets up. Service can be hit and miss, and croissant-lovers might be disappointed by the bread-and-jam platters on offer.
Where to Have Lunch in Nice
Lunch depends on the day—are you on the beach, or wandering the Old Town?
Beachside – In high summer, we often end up at Neptune Plage (now the Negresco beach) or Blue Beach, opposite the Negresco and West End hotels. You don’t need to be a paying beach guest to eat at their restaurants, though you might need to book ahead. Expect fresh fruit, salads, and the occasional plate of frites.
Old Town – When in the Vieille Ville, we wander through the lanes and squares looking for somewhere with shade and a seat. Place Rossetti is a favourite spot — the fountain, the buzz of passers-by, and a nearby glacier for dessert. Menus range from fresh seafood and pasta to more touristy fare like pizza and moules-frites.
A Regular Favourite – Di Piu, just off the market and overlooking the Promenade, has earned a spot in our regular rotation. Big portions, decent fish and pasta dishes, and a Crème Caramel that could feed four. We’ve returned many times.
Dinner Restaurants in Nice
Pizza Cresci (34 Rue Massena) is always our first-night dinner. It’s part of the Maison Cresci group and serves enormous, excellent pizzas in a lively setting. If you ask nicely, they’ll split toppings so two people can share and still get variety.
Le Québec (across the way) is another Cresci-owned option — more international with steaks, seafood, and fries, and a good fallback if you want something familiar.
La Maison de Marie – Tucked down a small alley near Place Massena, this courtyard restaurant is best enjoyed in the evening as the sun sets. Mediterranean dishes, generous portions, and a romantic setting. We usually book in person to nab one of the flower-lined gazebo tables.
Le Chantecler – If you want the full Michelin-starred experience, book here. Located inside the Hotel Negresco, this is as formal and indulgent as it gets. The Champagne trolley alone is worth the reservation. Be prepared for a rich, ceremonial meal.
Le Plongeoir – Perhaps the most striking location, perched on old diving platforms above the sea. A vegetarian-led menu, good service, and a setting that feels like dining on a yacht, minus the motion.
Le Plongeoir Restaurant in Nice
La Réserve – Our favourite. Set over three floors by the harbour, it offers a stylish bar, an elegant dining room, and a rooftop terrace ideal for summer sunsets. Food is elevated but not pretentious. Service can vary, but the views and atmosphere always deliver. If it’s your last night in Nice, this is the place.
Dining Tips for Nice
Booking a Table – Many restaurants now offer online booking, often via TheFork. Don’t be shy about calling—most speak better English than we speak French.
Veggie-Friendly – Between the three of us, I’m the carnivore. My wife and daughter stick mostly to vegetarian or pescatarian dishes, and we’ve found ample options at every place mentioned.
Note: This list was compiled in 2022 and reflects our experiences at the time. Some venues may have changed, but these remain fond memories and a solid place to begin your own culinary journey in Nice.
