The best restaurants in Nice for 2025

What is it? A small restaurant tucked away by the port of Nice, Les Agitateurs is a cosy but luminous Michelin-starred spot with some of the most creative cooking on the Riviera. 

Why go? Head chef Samuel Victori weaves flavours, textures, and even visuals into a serious feast for all the senses. He’s poetic about his cooking; menus are called things like ‘the beautiful escape’ and ‘eyes closed,’ and dishes are named ‘what the sea has graciously given us.’ And you should expect a touch of whimsy with every bite: think melty, sweet leeks with pot-au-feu vinaigrette, truffle and bone marrow, or a char-y tomato stuffed with veal in a contemporary take on Niçois farcies. 

Time Out tip: It will come as no surprise, but you should book in advance here. If you can, booking a table in the wine cellar downstairs is pretty special. 

Address: 24 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Thursday-Monday 7.30pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday also open 12pm-2pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Expect to pay: Dinner menu €155, weekend lunch menu €95, tasting menu €105

What is it? A chilled-out bistrot serving up a fusion of French and South African fair.

Why go? This spot is for fine dining, but it’s far from poncy. Le Bistrot de Jan is the sibling restaurant of Jan, a Michelin-starred spot next door, and it’s small, calm and welcoming. Dine by candlelight and get chatting to the waiters – they’re all delightful. 

Time Out tip: Outdoor seating is limited but lovely on a warm evening. Request it when booking. 

Address: 12 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Tuesday‑Saturday 12pm‑2.30pm and 6pm‑10.30pm, Sunday 11am‑3pm. Closed Mondays

What is it? A cosy bistro in the heart of Nice’s Old Town serving seasonal, market-fresh fare.

Why go? Some of the best meals are the unpretentious ones. Le Bistrot des Serruriers delivers classic bistro cooking with a Niçois touch. Expect warm service, unfussy dishes, and at atmosphere that feels like home.

Time Out tip: They close between lunch and dinner – so don’t plan a late lunch. The kitchen usually wraps up service around 2pm. 

Address: 16 Rue des Serruriers, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11am-11pm (kitchen 12-2pm, 7-10.30pm), closed Monday and Tuesday

Expect to pay: Around €35 a head, without drinks

What is it? Michelin-starred Le Chantecler is the main restaurant of Le Negresco hotel, that most iconic of Niçois institutions on the Promenade des Anglais.

Why go? Freshness, proximity and seasonality guide chef Virginie Basselot’s hand at Le Chantecler, where – true to its name – the ingredients sing. While menu items often change depending on what’s available, expect two set menus (one of which, named ‘Les Secrets de Virginie,’ is simply listed as a ‘surprise’), or go à la carte. Dishes are plated more artfully than most other high-end restaurants, as much a delight for the eyes as the tastebuds. 

Time Out tip: Book a window table for lunch to catch the light filtering in from the Promenade; it’s pure Belle Epoque glamour.

Address: 37 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 7pm-10pm, closed Monday and Tuesday

Expect to pay: €190-290 a head (set menus, excluding drinks)

What is it? A neo-bistro near Place Garibaldi, where seasonal cooking and left-field flavour combinations are the norm, not the exception.

Why go? Because it’s refreshing to be surprised. At Pirouette, the menu isn’t afraid to get weird – in a good way, like the cheese naan sobrasada, or the lamb and taco salad. Dishes are experimental, but grounded, and there’s always something to raise the brow (and satisfy the palate). Add a smart natural wine list, a cool, minimalist dining room, and a rotating blackboard menu, and you’ve got one of the most original spots in Nice. 

Time Out tip: Ask the staff to walk you through the menu – they’re great at explaining the unexpected pairings.

Address: 34 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Daily from 12-1.30pm (weekends only) and 7.15‑9.30pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Expect to pay: Around €50 a head, without drinks

What is it? One of the city’s institutions! Dominique Le Stanc – former chef of Negresco – is the innkeeper at La Merenda, highlighting Nice’s traditional cuisine in a comfortable retro space. 

Why go? Mad Men fans will love the decor, and everyone will love the food. Think menton pie (containing dandelion and anchovies), gorgonzola polenta and veal tripe. All are delicious, but the star of the show is the most perfect daube de boeuf à la Provençale (orange and beef tail).

Time Out tip: Arrive early or be prepared to wait – La Merenda doesn’t take reservations, but the lively atmosphere makes it worth it

Address: 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Tuesday‑Friday 12pm‑1.45pm, 7pm‑9pm. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays

Expect to pay: Around €25-€35 a head, without drinks

What is it? A friendly bistro whose name, Peixes, is pronounced ‘pêche’. Thanks to stunning success, there are now two in town: one just steps away from Opéra, the other on Rue Bonaparte. 

Why go? The decoration here – white and blue tiles – has a Mediterranean vibe. The food? Trendy and modern seafood small plates. It is a dreamy spot to meet friends for ceviche. 

Time Out tip: Stop by early for a casual lunch to avoid the dinner rush – you’ll still get the lively atmosphere. 

Address: 4 Rue Jacques-Médecin, 06000 Nice, France

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 6.30pm-10pm

Expect to pay: Around €40-€60 a head, without drinks

What is it? An old laundromat converted into an open kitchen, Lavomatique is a passion project by two brothers – Hugo self-taught and in the kitchen, and Grégoire, the sommelier. 

Why go? Sharing plates, natural wines, and a location right in the heart of Nice’s labyrinthine old town make Lavomatique a perfect restaurant to visit with a small group. There aren’t many tables so booking is strongly recommended, but should you manage, there are a few unmissable menu items: the crispy panisse (Niçois chickpea fries), and sweet-smoky pork ribs with a spicy ketchup are to die for. 

Time Out tip: The small plates are perfect for sharing; order a bit of everything.

Address: 11 Rue du Pont Vieux, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Tuesday‑Friday 12pm‑1.45pm, 7pm‑10pm. Closed Mondays Saturdays and Sundays

Expect to pay: Around €15-€25 a head, without drinks

What is it? A rooftop oasis in the heart of old town: Bocca is one of the trendiest spots in town. 

Why go? With one of the largest rosé menus in the south of France, Bocca is a summer vibe, no matter the time of year. The menu is influenced by the Balearics, with a lot of seafood –though there are plenty of options for carnivores and vegetarians – with everything designed to be shared, including two paellas full of flavour and flair. Just remember to save room for some equally exceptional desserts. 

Time Out tip: Book ahead – this spot is popular. 

Address: 3 Rue Saint‑François de Paule, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Daily 12pm-2.30pm and 6.30pm-11pm

Expect to pay: Around €30-€40 a head, without drinks

What is it? A beach-side restaurant by Nice’s old town, Babel Babel is the trendy new kid in town, inspired by New York’s dining scene. With craft coffee and a menu celebrating the cultures and cuisines that border the Mediterranean, you’ll find an unpredictable melange of flavours.

Why go? If the proximity to both old town and the Promenade isn’t enough, the pretty interiors and sun-dappled terrace are the perfect antidote to days spent exploring. Coupled with an enviable natural wine menu, fresh seafood hand-picked each morning, and dishes ranging from pickled veg and crispy arayes to grilled asparagus with halloumi and honey, Babel Babel offers a perfect Mediterranean dining experience.

Time Out tip: Just a short stroll from the beach, Babel Babel is perfect for a pre- or post-swim meal with vibrant small plates and creative cocktails.

Address: 2 Cité du Parc (Cours Jacques Chirac), 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Monday 10am-12am, Thursday 10am-12am, Friday-Saturday 10 am-2am, Sunday 10am-12am (food served 12 pm-10 pm). Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Expect to pay: Around €30-€40 a head, without drinks

What is it? A cool wine bar tucked behind the Port, serving natural and biodynamic wines with a short menu designed to be shared.

Why go? Because Rouge is where you go when you want to drink like a local. The menu leans into simple, seasonal plates – think locally caught squid, smoky and chargrilled; a big, heaping bowl of sweet, fat strawberries and cream for dessert – but the real star is the wine. Expect curious bottles from France and abroad, poured by people who are passionate (but never pretentious). The vibe? Effortlessly cool, with the low hum of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses spilling onto the pavement.

Time Out tip: Ask the server for their recommendations; they know their wine

Address: 2 Rue de Foresta, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-12am, Monday 12pm-10.30pm

Expect to pay: Around €30-35 a head, without the wine

What is it? Found in the centre of Nice, Maïdo is an izakaya – the Japanese equivalent of a wine bar. 

Why go? For authentic Japanese dishes from Kanoko, the expatriate cook. Okonomiyaki, silky tofu salad, duck breast tataki with yuzu-saké sauce, Japanese fried chicken and other wonders are served with traditional sake and with natural wines carefully selected. 

Time Out tip: Not far from Maïdo is Nice’s Promenade du Paillon – the perfect way to walk off a big meal.

Address: 29 Rue Tonduti de l’Escarène, 06000 Nice, France

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 12pm-2pm and 7pm-9.30pm, closed Monday, Saturday and Sunday

Expect to pay: Around €30-€45 a head, without drinks

Why go? For salads and sandwiches ingeniously prepared with incredible local fermented, canned and preserved products. Think flavours like Jerusalem artichokes and hazelnuts, cauliflower pickles, fermented beetroot and black radish.

Time Out tip: Perfect for a casual lunch – try their fresh salads or house-made charcuterie. 

Address: 13 Rue Cassini, 06300 Nice, France

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 12pm-10pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Expect to pay: Around €25 a head, without drinks