Best restaurants in Nice: where a local eats and drinks in France's chic southern city

Looking for the best gourmet spots in Nice? Insider Alexane says: “I grew up in Nice and still live here, so I know the city’s food scene inside out. Nice isn’t just about the views, it’s about the bites! Now working as a food and travel content creator, I spend most of my time discovering new spots, but these are the places I always come back to and the ones I recommend to friends without hesitation. These hidden gems are my favourites and, trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked, too.”

For more travel inspiration, check out our guides to the best French food trips and the best hotels in Paris.

A local’s best restaurants in Nice

Grab breakfast at La 36eme Chambre

La 36eme Chambre is one of my favourite brunch spots in Nice when I want something a little different. Tucked away near Libération, it’s a small coffee shop that blends French brunch dishes with Japanese and Korean influences – think fluffy pancakes, onigiri and more. I love coming here when I’m craving something comforting but unexpected. @la_36eme_chambre

Enjoy a sunny lunch at Le Local

Le Local is the kind of place you almost wish you lived next to. It’s relaxed, seasonal and always buzzing with regulars. The menu features Italian-Mediterranean fare and changes often depending on what’s fresh, with simple, generous plates done really well. The pasta is always incredible! I love coming here for a long lunch with a glass of wine on the terrace. @le_local_nice

Have a date night at Le Bistrot de Jan

If you want classic French bistro vibes with a twist, this is the spot. Just next door to its Michelin-starred big brother, Restaurant JAN, Le Bistrot de Jan feels like dinner at a chic friend’s house. The menu mixes beloved French favourites (tournedos Rossini, sole meunière) with playful nods to chef Jan Hendrik’s South African roots. janonline.com

Get French wine at Au Coeur des Terroirs

Forget basic wine nights! Au Coeur des Terroirs is one of my favourite places in Nice to actually learn about, taste and geek out over wine. The cute wine bar and shop doubles as a tasting room, where knowledgeable hosts guide you through French terroirs with flights, rare bottles and perfect food pairings. aucoeurdesterroirs.com

Head to Pistache for delicious pastries

If you think all pastries in France are the same, think again! Pistache proves that neighbourhood bakeries can still surprise you. Everything here is beautifully made, from classic croissants to its signature pistachio-laden delights (hence the name). I usually grab a flaky pastry, then wander toward the port and sit watching the pointus – the colourful, pointed wooden fishing boats that have been a staple of the Côte d’Azur for generations. nicepistache.com

Locals’ best-kept secret for pan bagnat

If you’re after a real taste of Nice while on the go, Chez Félix is the place. This local favourite is known for some of the city’s best pan bagnat – the classic 'sandwich niçois' of moist bread filled with fresh veg, tuna, eggs and lots of olive oil, all prepared to order. I like to swing by for a lunch that I can grab and take to the park in front to watch the world go by. It’s the closest thing to a local rite of passage in Nice.

The cutest coffee shop in Nice

Caffè Orso is a charming, Italian-inspired coffee shop and pasticceria that brings a touch of dolce vita to the Riviera. Serving coffee roasted using Italian beans alongside an ever-changing selection of handmade pastries, it’s the perfect spot to relax. Don’t miss the homemade focaccia and baci. caffeorso.com

Enjoy fine dining at Le Patio

Tucked inside La Pérouse hotel, Le Patio is a gorgeous spot with a terrace set beneath century-old lemon trees, and with sweeping views over the bay. It feels like your very own Riviera hideaway. The menu, crafted by chef Damien Andrews, focuses on refined Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal, sun-soaked flavours. It’s perfect for a special occasion. hotel-la-perouse.com/restaurant-bar-terrasse

Italian flair at Apulia

Italian food in Nice is not just pizza and gelato – this restaurant truly celebrates the flavours of Puglia, with dishes that are simple, sun-kissed and absolutely delicious. Think: fresh burrata with ripe tomatoes, orecchiette with greens and olive oil and delicious limoncello spritzes. apuliabistro.fr

The best French classics at Le Napoléon

This old-school brasserie serves hearty favourites like boeuf bourguignon, duck confit and perfectly seared fish, all paired with a great wine list and warm service. It’s the kind of place I bring friends to when they want to try proper French cooking.
lenapoleon-nice.fr