FIVE GREAT EATERIES WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY THE BEST NICE SPECIALITIES

Chez Pipo

It’s impossible to talk about the Nice fine dining scene without mentioning the not-to-be-missed “Chez Pipo”. For almost 100 years now, from one generation to the next, this has been the place to come to eat authentic ‘socca’. In fact, the restaurant’s slogan is: “Aquì, si manja la socca!” (‘here we eat Socca’). This historic restaurant features wooden tables arranged around a central oven, which serves as a kind of focal point. On the menu we have, alongside socca, other unmissable specialities from the Nice region such as pissaladière (a kind of onion tart), farcis (stuffed Provençal vegetables) and mini pan bagnats (a local variation on the salad sandwich).

Chez Acchiardo

To try out some dishes that are inextricably associated with Nice, you absolutely must swing by Chez Acchiardo at 38 de la Rue Droite in the heart of the old town. It’s a mecca for seekers of local dishes served in generous portions. In tastefully decorated, bistro-style surroundings, enjoy a range of dishes from salade niçoise, stuffed Provençal vegetables, gnocchi, merda de can (Chard potato gnocchi) and panisses (chickpea chips). For dessert, why not indulge yourself and try the delicious tourte aux blettes (Chard tart)!

La Ratapignata

Located on Avenue du Ray, the authentic bistro vibes are strong in La Ratapignata, with its warm, friendly interiors. The menu showcases a range of Nice specialities, home-made with top-quality produce, all washed down with local wines! It’s an absolute must for fans of raviolis à la daube (ravioli with beef) and tripes à la niçoise (tripe stew).

Lu Fran Câlin

Below Place Rossetti, take a foodie time-out with Daniel and Elvira Silvetti in their restaurant, Lu Fran Câlin. Its rustic decor and attentive service imbues this venue with a warmth and a feeling of being amongst family. The menu reflects local culinary traditions: daube aux cèpes (beef stew with wild mushrooms), courgette tian, stuffed Provençal vegetables and more. Potato gnocchi and a variety of ravioli dishes add an extra splash of colour (and flavour!) to diners’ plates.

Lou Balico 

Lou Balico has been a pillar of the Nice food scene since 1979. What’s the secret to its longstanding success? Simply put, cuisine that has lovers of culinary traditions and good old “Nissart” dishes in raptures (salted cod, Chard potato gnocchi, stuffed Provençal vegetables, pan bagnat salad sandwiches, fried courgette flowers…) not to mention the history of a business which has been run by three generations of the same family!

The “Cuisine Nissarde” quality mark

Did you know that every year, the “Cuisine Nissarde” quality mark recognizes a number of restaurants on the basis of the quality of their food and their use of authentic, traditional Nice recipes? In 2023, a total of 30 restaurants were awarded this very prestigious honour by the Nice Tourist Office. There’s certainly no lack of great dining establishments where you can enjoy delicious, distinctly Niçois dishes!

To view the list of Cuisine Nissarde restaurants, not to mention some traditional local recipes, just click here