The best restaurants right now
Traditional sit-down restaurant: La Merenda
Our favourite by far, run by former two-Michelin-starred chef Dominique Le Stanc. It’s a tiny counter with no phone (bookings can only be made in person or through their website) where you eat legendary dishes like Niçoise daube or pasta with pistou, perched on stools.
Traditional sit-down restaurant: Chez Acchiardo
Run by the same family since 1927, this restaurant serves generous, home-style cooking. It’s the perfect place to try aïoli, stockfish (a dried cod stew) or homemade gnocchi. Be sure to book, as it’s often full.
Authentic street food: Chez Pipo
A genuine century-old institution (founded in 1923). It’s one of the most famous places to enjoy socca that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, cooked over a wood fire. The atmosphere is very friendly.
Authentic street food: La Socca d’Or
An excellent neighbourhood spot, very popular with locals. Besides impeccable socca, their pan bagnat and their Swiss chard tourte (sweet or savoury) are wonderfully fresh.
Authentic street food: Chez René Socca
An essential stop in the heart of Vieux-Nice. Queue at the counter to order courgette flower fritters, pissaladière or farcis, before settling in at the big wooden tables out in the street. Rustic and full of character.
MY TIP
To discover authentic Niçoise cuisine, head for the small addresses labelled « Cuisine Nissarde », in Vieux-Nice or around the port. There you’ll find more authentic cooking, including the famous farcis niçois.