"L'Escalinada, suitably named due to its climbing terrace, is a definite must for any tourist interested in traditional French gourmet. Situated at the very back of the old town, this quaint and typically French restaurant serves some strange alternatives, yet curiously enticing dishes that will seldom fail to disappoint even the harshest critic.
As a resident of Vieux Nice, I find it difficult to break away from the uniform 'pizza-pasta' menu that is available in the majority of venues offered to the tourist in Nice. The Italian influence in the old town is undeniable, yet, l'Escalinada stands stoically by its' firm French roots, offering only a French menu while contradicting itself by offering a friendly and accommodating staff (the latter being a unique point in itself, especially within Nice).
The menu is predominantly meat-based, serving a surprising amount of red meat, rabbit and other heavy dishes. However, the vegetarian shall not be neglected, as most of the best meals on the menu are based on vegetables of the Mediterranean variety, most notably, the fleurs de courgettes starters (also served as a main), a light yet very tasty introduction to what can be consumed as the experience continues. My personal choice of dish was rabbit served with a garlic and olive oil coating and the chef did not spare on the portion offered. My partner in crime chose veal with a heavy mushroom sauce, accompanied by tagliatelle and fresh warm bread. The dessert menu was recited to us by a very personable waiter, and I chose a strawberry tart that was light and deliciously summery.
And the food did not need to compensate for the small yet carefully chosen wine menu, which varied from light to medium white's and rose's to the heavier red's that fitted the beef dishes perfectly. The meal was also accompanied by aperitifs and small nibbles to tempt the palette, as well as subtle candle and flower arrangements so as to help the diner to relax and enjoy the soft atmosphere.
Overall, a very pleasurable experience that would satisfy any appetite. For me, the presence of genuine Nicois punters settled my questioning on whether it was definitely the real thing, or just a money-spinner to pull in the tourists. In short, a must-do if visiting Nice. "
"Really excellent food is now available at the Snug and Cellar bar just beside Place Rosetti on Rue Droite in Old Nice. They only use fresh ingredients with no refridgeration and a new menu every singly day. If you want to know where the international locals go to eat, this is the place. "
"We had an amazing meal in Matsushima on Rue de France. It's so easy to walk by, you hardly notice it on the street but it is one of the most stunning meals I've ever eaten. I don't know if he has Michelin stars but it is a gastronomique experience. We had the degustation menu with the sommeliers choice, unforgettable. A really creative menu with amazing flavours and combinations that wasn't pretentious or overwhelming. It's expensive but I thought it was worth it."
"There are so many restaurants in Nice that it's really hard to choose a good one. The Cour de Saleya is the main tourist area so you kind of feel that you won't be able to find the best or the most authentic Nicoise food here. The competition is so hot though that actually the standard of the food and the quality of the service in Nice is pushing up and up all the time. Le Voglia arrived and with queues out the door each night they have set a new standard of service and dining experience.
Nice is getting chic. The French Riviera has always been known as being 'fabulous' but Nice has always been a little bit rough and ready, not so glamourous and definitely not as 'dressy' but there are some news places opening up that mean you can now actually get dressed up and go out for that 'South of France' experience.
If the queue at Le Voglia is too long then you could try Karré Noir on the Promenade instead. It is quieter but décor is similar in style, clean, modern and chic. The English and French speaking staff are very friendly and the food is modern Mediterranean with an emphasis on presentation.
Karré Noir has the complete night out experience with the new nightclub 'base' operating on Friday and Saturday nights. Music is international hits, R&B, pop and a little bit of disco on occasion. It's a bit different from the usual dark and dingy French clubs which are hard to find and, if you do, you often regret it. It's great to have the choice."
"We tried BienVenue in old Nice and found it to be very modestly priced with very good quality meals. We got to know John the owner who was very helpful an gave us lots of advice on things we should see while we are there. The restaurant is entirely English speaking."
"I like La Favola a lot. It's really cheap and extremely high quality. It's really an Italian Restaurant and feels like that with really professional Italian waiters buzzing about. My favourite. La Favola is on the extreme Western end of the Cours Saleya on the right as you look west away from the hill and with the sea on your left."
"I know you don't really come to Nice to eat Japanese food but we had the most wonderful meal at Kamogawa on Rue de la Buffa. It's very quiet and refined but the food was just stunning."
"La Bistro Antoine is a fantastic, tiny restaurant in the Old Town in Nice. We realised that we were extremely lucky to get an impromptu table when we tried to go back several times during our two week stay in Nice. The food was just what we had been looking for in Nice and it all felt a bit more 'real' than all the flower market restaurants. Next time we will be reserving our table in advance."
This section, Where to eat in Nice has been reviewed 9 times. These reviews have an average rating of
2 out of 5 based on 6 votes. You can rate a review by clicking on the appropriate star to indicate how helpful it has been.
