Perched between the turquoise sweep of the Baie des Anges and the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, Nice offers a vertical dimension that many visitors overlook. While the pebbled beaches and the Promenade des Anglais command attention at sea level, the true magic of this Riviera capital often unfolds several stories above the bustling streets.
A rooftop café in Nice is not merely a place to grab a coffee; it is a front-row seat to a living postcard where Italianate architecture meets the Mediterranean horizon. The city’s unique topography, defined by the surrounding hills of the Préalpes and the sprawling urban grid, creates a layered landscape of panoramic potential.
From historic buildings repurposed into boutique hotels to modern architectural statements, the elevated terraces of Nice provide a sanctuary from the summer heat and the moped traffic below. Here, the salt-tinged breeze is often punctuated by the distant chime of the tram or the call of seagulls circling the Colline du Château.
For the discerning traveler, the choice of a rooftop venue dictates the tone of the entire evening. Whether you are seeking a quiet morning espresso with a view of the sunrise hitting the Alps, or a vibrant evening aperitif as the sky turns shades of burnt orange and violet, Nice has a vertical venue to match your mood.
The city has seen a renaissance in its hospitality scene, with mixologists and baristas elevating their craft to match the altitude of their venues. This guide curates the most exceptional elevated experiences the city has to offer, focusing on quality of beverage, ambiance, and the quality of the vista.
We have traversed the winding staircases and glass elevators to bring you a list that prioritizes both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. You will find that the best terraces are often those that balance exclusivity with the warm, unpretentious welcome that defines the Niçoise spirit.
It is important to note that the definition of a “café” on the Riviera is fluid. In Nice, the line between a coffee shop, a wine bar, and a cocktail lounge blurs beautifully as the day progresses. The venues listed below represent this hybrid culture, offering excellent daytime coffee and patisserie options that seamlessly transition into sophisticated evening drinks.
Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a reflective moment above the chaos, or a couple seeking the most romantic backdrop for a toast, the view from the top never disappoints. Prepare to discover the city from a new perspective, where the noise fades into a gentle hum and the Mediterranean stretches endlessly toward Corsica.
Bella Ciela Nice Bar & Rooftop
| Address | 28 Avenue Notre Dame, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 13 36 35 |
I visited Bella Ciela in Nice and the rooftop atmosphere is definitely a highlight. It’s a great spot to unwind after a long day of work or to spend time with family and friends. The food is fine — not outstanding but decent for the setting.
The service, however, could use some improvement. Staff should be more attentive and proactive, especially when the place isn’t busy. At times it felt like they weren’t paying much attention, which takes away from the experience.
Right now, it’s a bit noisy due to the street works happening downstairs, which affects the otherwise relaxing vibe. Hopefully those will be finished by spring 2026. Overall, it’s a pleasant rooftop bar with potential, but better service would make it much more enjoyable.
View is so amazing and fantastic! If you visit Nice, you must come to here.
Lovely rooftop in the centre of Nice with great views, however very slow service. Staff were completely uninterested in serving us and some of our group waited almost an hour for a drink.
What a view!!!! We discovered this gem through the French Riviera Passes we purchased (which is an excellent way to do a lot of sightseeing and events while saving $$$). Using the pass, it allowed for 1 complimentary beverage (with alcohol or not) and either a snack of pretzels or olives. The cocktails were wonderful, large and strong! An excellent crowd, good music and good atmosphere. Very limited menu, not made fresh on site. Excellent service. Such a beautiful spot.
Small rooftop bar that has a great view of the city. We stopped in for a couple small beers. 6.50 euro per beer. Good music and chill for a starter before going out.
Rooftop Le Méridien
| Address | 1 Prom. des Anglais, 06046 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
From being refused a dessert and coffee at an almost empty restaurant to spending 3 lovely hours at your rooftop with only a hot chocolate ☕️✨
The difference in hospitality was night and day.
Warm welcome, professional staff, beautiful atmosphere, and genuine kindness despite the place being busy.
Thank you for showing what real hospitality actually looks like.
Awesome place by the sea. The rooftop view is perfect.! Enjoy the food and cocktails.
The service was impeccable and fast. I ll be back!
Excellent service! The views are spectacular! Great people watching on the beach & watching the airplanes arrive or aborting their landing in Nice! Thank you for a great experience!
We had a great dinner here! We were lucky enough to make it in without a reservation and had a great table overlooking the beach and the planes landing and taking off at the airport. They definitely lean into the olive theme!
Had a great last dinner in Nice. We decided to stay in the hotel and go to the rooftop for drinks mostly but ended up having great drinks and food. The views were amazing and fit the vibes we were looking for. Had great food as well, we got the Sea Bass with Broccoli purée and it was amazing! The octopus starter was also great! I recommend calling them ahead of time if you’re staying in the hotel like us as there might be a wait but we got lucky.
Zest Sky Bar
| Address | 480 Prom. des Anglais, 06200 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 89 03 87 56 |
Too long of a wait both to order anything and to receive it. Restaurant not even half full. My red wine received halfway into my main. Ordered steak to be cooked rare/blue but came out well done.
Unorganized service and just average airport hotel food. Not impressed, had higher expectations.
We had the best time here!! Gorgeous views from the rooftop and the food here is amazing. Our server, Paulina, was truly the BEST and went above and beyond for us - fabulous👌🫶
We had a wonderful experience at Zest Sky Bar. The atmosphere is beautiful, the food was delicious, and the service was excellent. A special thank you to Pauline, who was incredibly kind, friendly and attentive and made our visit even more enjoyable. We really appreciated her warm and professional service. Thank you, Pauline! We will definitely come back next time we are in Nice. Highly recommended!
I had an outstanding experience with Julianna and Hicham at Zest Sky Bar in the Sheraton Nice. They went above and beyond to accommodate a special catering request for my flight crew. Although the restaurant was only serving its Sunday brunch menu, they worked with the kitchen to prepare exactly what we needed and ensured everything was ready at the precise time requested.
Their professionalism, flexibility, and genuine willingness to help made all the difference. In aviation, timing is critical, and they understood the importance of delivering exceptional service under unique circumstances. Their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction exceeded my expectations.
Thank you, Julianna and Hicham, for your outstanding hospitality. You turned what could have been a challenging situation into a seamless experience. I highly recommend Zest Sky Bar because of team members like you!
Absolutely one of the best cocktail bars I’ve visited. The cocktails recommended by the bar manager were outstanding and perfectly matched my taste. You can really tell that she knows her craft and puts a lot of passion into what she does. The entire staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive, which made the whole experience even better. Great atmosphere, excellent drinks, and exceptional service. I would definitely come back and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for amazing cocktails and genuinely kind hospitality.
Boscolo - BClub Rooftop Nice
| Address | 12 Bd Victor Hugo, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 97 03 89 89 |
Beautiful views, food and drinks were fantastic and exceptional staff! Shoutout to our server, Alina!
We asked for two different starters and two identical main dishes, basically two turbot. We however got one single dish to share among the two of us. The waiter did not understand when I said “Turbot for the two of us”. She did not bring two dishes, but one to split among two. I only understood this was a single dish, when we got the bill. In fact we found the main course very little and we were still hungry
We enjoyed our dinner and our drinks at Bclub, the service was pretty good as well (although we had to ask multiple times for some things). However, there was a live singer which is normally fine. But the volume was extremely loud, the speaker was right behind our table and we couldn’t even speak to each other. Moreover, the singer kept coming to the tables, getting in their face, and disturbing their dining experience. I would advise Bclub to not book another live singer as it ruined the atmosphere of the venue and annoyed us a lot.
Fabulous experience that we will always remember as a special time in our lives. Very romantic with great music. The timing of the eclipse with our visit made it a perfect ending to our time in Nice.
The staff were exceptionally thoughtful , kind, delightful and helpful. The food was so delicious and they set a table especially for us which was so beautiful overlooking Nice at night. The most wonderful memorable evening and could not have wished for more for the two days we were there.
Calade Rooftop Restaurant
| Address | 223 Prom. des Anglais, 06200 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 97 17 72 79 |
Fantastic dining experience at Calade in Radisson Blu Nice! The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. The service was equally impressive—friendly, attentive, and professional. Highly recommend Sea Bass for your meal.
Read the reviews which hinted at service issues, but thought we would give it a try. After quite a wait we ordered two drinks, white wine came for my wife despite ordering rose but it was changed. Food ordered (again after a wait) and my wife’s dish wasn’t as ordered. On receiving the bill a mystery item appeared at €13, after questioning,it was removed. On the plus side my food was okay and there are great views.
Good restaurant. The evening we went there was some problem in the kitchen and the service was extremely slow. 3.5 hours for having the suggested 5 course meal. Our assigned waitress seemed some kind lost and at some point stopped talking to us and just brought the food. Fortunately the waiters and the older waitress were way more attentive and they managed the slow situation better.
Nevertheless, the ambient in the restaurant is really nice, it has a really nice view of the Nice shore. Music is perfect which creates a really good chill environment. Food was also really nice with great flavors. If I can say something positive from the delay in the food is that we got to be dining under the moon in a really nice environment. I hope the delay is not always, as the waiters and the older waitress apologized for the situation at the end. Drinks were on the house recognizing their mistake. Would like to try it again without delays in the food.
Loved the view, GREAT service and the food was delicious! Our waiter was exceptionally attentive and made adjustments to the cocktail - St. Germaine Spritz by adding lime; Apologies for forgetting her name… (Andrea?!) hiring staff like her makes a huge difference on the experience and making it unforgettable!
It was just a terrible experience. We have been spending the summer in Nice for 10 years in a row and visit this establishment every year. Every year it gets worse and worse. But today's experience exceeded any expectations. Let me start with the fact that for 6 days we tried to book a table - unfortunately, and on 21/07 we managed to do so, when we arrived at the restaurant they said they didn't see our reservation but they seated us. There were a lot of free seats. There are no half of the menu. We ordered salmon carpaccio, they brought smoked, dried fish around the edges, which was probably leftover from breakfast. All the dishes were simply tasteless. The only good thing is the view from the restaurant. And it can't even be called a restaurant - a dining room with an unpleasant smell inside. How could such an establishment be considered a sports establishment. The food is terrible, the service is zero. If you don't want to waste your evening - don't visit this establishment
Farago on the roof
| Address | Rue Honoré Sauvan, Entrée, Rooftop de l'AC Hotel by Marriott Nice, 59 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 97 90 90 |
Great vibes and good food. The love music was great with the sunset and the spectacular view. The ribs were delicious but could have been more tender. The lamb kebobs were ok. Great guacamole and cocktails.
The view is amazing and the servers were nice (although service was a biy slow), food was fine but it's very overpriced in my opinion.
I visited this rooftop restaurant earlier this week with my boyfriend and we had such a wonderful time. The atmosphere was amazing and the views beautiful. A special thanks to our waitress Julia, who was super attentive, very smiley and gave us great recommendations! We'll definitely be back!!
Nice view (see what I did there) overlooking the water. Serenaded by melodic live acoustics of guitar and the sultry singers voice as she displayed her range and array of American and French music. The ceviche was very fresh, light a touch of sea salt and olive oil takes this over the top. The zucchini was puffed and fried lightly golden to compliment and do recommend. Waited for the shareable duck (honestly think they forgot). It was prepared as it should medium rare- medium not sliced with a bit of fat marbleizing the meat. The drunken brownie had a bit of vanilla rum drizzled on it and was a good touch against the nutty sweetness.
Guest staying here. was told there were no tables available even though basically the entire dining area was empty and I was already seated at a table. I said I was looking to eat dinner and could do that in the small lounge area but was never serviced despite being surrounded by 6+ unoccupied workers. Killer views though if you manage to get a spot at one of the many free seats.
Taulissa — Restaurant & Rooftop
| Address | 6 Av. de Suède, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 22 70 08 04 |
My boyfriend and I knew we wanted to go to a rooftop restaurant for our first time in Nice and Taulissa was on our list. From the moment we arrived, we were amazed by the beautiful views, the delicious food, and the wonderful staff. Rita was one of our servers and shares my name. She was awesome and encouraged me when I ordered in French and also helped build my confidence. First, we ordered drinks that included an espresso martini and the banana bread cocktail. We then ordered the crab and beef carpaccio appetizer, shared the lamb entree, and had the strawberry themed dessert. The lamb is slow cooked and melts in your mouth. We thoroughly enjoyed our first real dining experience in Nice at Taulissa and hope to return again someday. Merci bien ^_^
We had one of the best dining experience.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and based on the previous reviews, we decided to give it a shot. We had a good vibe from the time we entered the building and throughout.
The staff were professional, welcoming and friendly. We are beginner French speakers but gave it a shot. The staff were respectful and politely engaged with us in both English and French. Jesse waited on us and he gave us just the right amount of time to place our order and assisted us in a timely manner. He was a
pleasure to speak to and we enjoyed interacting with him. The ladies at the reception made our departure pleasant. One of them called the elevator as soon as I got my coat on.
We ordered the Artichoke, Fish of the day, Vanilla, a bottle of the Joseph Perrier champagne which perfectly paired with our meal and ended it with espresso and a mini cookie.
Artichoke and Fish is not something my husband will order but he raved about them, especially the fish. And the sauce just elevated the flavors. All dishes were delicious and the presentation was excellent. I’d also like to mention that the lady who carved the fish was very careful and deboned the fish perfectly.
We are definitely returning and taking our friends and family here. We highly recommend Taulissa for your dining experience.
Update :
Wéve returned to the restaurant a few more times for casual lunches and my husband’s bday dinner with family from abroad and most recently for my bday lunch with friends. It was a very hot day and we had a table for 8 nicely prepared on the terrace upon our arrival. Although we were offered to dine inside with an air conditioned space we opted to stay on the terrace where we still had very pleasant and comfortable dining celebration. Each guest had a folding fan if needed and an additional umbrella was provided for those exposed to the sun as we continued our celebration. Our guests were pleased to experience the ambiance but most importantly our meals.
From the Joseph Perrier champagne (was the star as usual & our friend’s new favorite ) to the weekly menu and the catch of the day, we had a very pleasant dining experience.
And to the team that made a memorable 65th bday celebration ( lunch on 9 Juillet) my deepest gratitude. Everyone worked as a team and spoke English well.
I didn’t have a chance to learn everyone’s name but I’d like to recognize our hostess ( she was very gracious), Joshua and two other gentlemen, one who served our drinks and carved the fish and the other who made things moving at our table and listened well to my husband’s requests.
Merci beaucoup tout le monde !
Our server Joshua was wonderful. The food was beautifully prepared and presented. The views of the sunset and the Mediterranean were spectacular.
We had an excellent experience at the restaurant. We were very well welcomed and looked after by the Italian head waitress, who was professional, smiling and attentive throughout the meal.
The dishes were delicious, with a special mention for the cocotte chicken, which was particularly tasty.
We also noticed that the bar team had changed since our last visit. We had very fond memories of the previous Canadian head bartender, who was always very welcoming, friendly and genuinely kind with guests.
We were a little less drawn to the new cocktail menu, which did not completely match our tastes compared to our previous experience.
Despite this change, we still had a wonderful time thanks to the quality of the food and the excellent service at the restaurant.
My mom and I had our last lunch in France Thursday and the rooftop was stunning, the food, all though over priced in my mind was amazing and the service was spectacular! Our waitress Marine was personable, friendly and so welcoming, she is the model for what a server should be! If you dine here ask for her!!! A special thank you to her for making this an unforgettable experience!!!!
BRASSERIE 65 rooftop
| Address | 65 Voie Romaine, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 93 27 10 46 |
A great find, just 10 mins walk from Matisse museum. Lovely fresh goats cheese and parma ham salad with gourmet coffee dessert - all fresh and delicious!
Very friendly staff, we were there as a large group and they made us feel welcome every moment of our stay there.
Each course of the predefined 3-course-menu was tasty, nicely presented and served almost at the same time for the whole group (multiple tables).
Lovely view , excellent service and delicious meal. Very happy we found this place
surrounded with locals, food was great and prices absolute worthy. service was amazing!
Great restaurant, very friendly staff and good food. Perfect location if you have to go to the local hospital. 2 minute walk.
Moon Bar Restaurant
| Address | 12 Av. Félix Faure, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM |
| Phone | 04 89 22 20 06 |
Moon Bar is a beautiful rooftop with one of the most pleasant atmospheres in Nice.
Located on the rooftop of Aston La Scala Hotel, it offers panoramic views over the city, a stylish pool area, live DJ music, and an excellent cocktail menu. I tried the signature Moon Bar cocktail, made with Blue Curaçao, and it was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.
The service, however, did not match the quality of the setting. Although the staff was polite, service was slow and somewhat disorganized. Our mini burgers arrived after a long wait and were unfortunately served cold, and simple details—such as bringing the cutlery before the plates—gave the impression that the service lacked coordination.
Overall, I would happily return for the atmosphere, the views, and the cocktails, while hoping the service evolves to match the outstanding potential of this rooftop.
Had pre-dinner drinks here a couple of night when in Nice on holiday. Service friendly but a little slow, but at least we had great views of Nice while waiting to be served. Drinks were absolutely fine. Would happily return next time we visit Nice.
The only positive about this place is the location which they rely on. At first glance the menu looks fine and well priced but one look around on the plates of nearby tables says otherwise. Vegetables look like they are heated from being frozen and pasta, noodles and meat look like the cheapest on the shelves. The presentation and plate looks nice but the gambas pasta was the most tasteless meal I have eaten in months and cost 17 euros. Cheap spaghetti and felt like reheated shrimps. Would not recommend anyone to eat at this place, maybe take a drink and enjoy the view. Staff was mostly accommodating and nice but had a hard time prioritising since they seemed so stressed. Weird because there were a lot of waitresses.
Just go for views and drinks. Dessert was ok. Rosé was nice. Expected live music but it was just a DJ (who was good).
Friendly staff and nice food and drinks. Had the scampi caesar salad last time, it was good. I’ve been maybe 5-10 times. View is lovely. It’s the kind of place you return to.
Seven Blue Bar
| Address | 12 Av. Félix Faure, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 92 17 53 00 |
8 euro for a small beer, but you can see an Amazing landscape... relaxing live music. Very good experience.
Excellent roof top bar 🤩
Fantastic view, with tasty but very pricey cocktails!
Food was poorly / under-cooked. However they did comp our bill.
The location is truly magnificent, with a breathtaking view that makes you want to linger. The welcome at the entrance was warm and very professional.
However, the prices are quite high for what's offered: the charcuterie platter was sparse, and we waited 35 minutes. The welcome on the rooftop was also significantly less pleasant than the one at the entrance.
ROOFTOP
| Address | 21 Bd de Riquier, 06300 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 01 75 77 52 52 |
Amazing bar and service, Hugo is great barmen, 10/10, highly recommend!
Gorgeous
Superb rooftop bar at Mama Shelter Nice! Pleasant atmosphere for drinks, beautifully presented and delicious cocktails. Friendly service, a great place to recommend.
Bocca Nissa
| Address | 3 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 82 34 81 |
A wonderful dining experience! The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout our visit. The menu offers a great mix of different cuisines, making it easy for everyone to find something they enjoy. The interior is modern, stylish, and creates a very pleasant atmosphere. I would highly recommend making a reservation in advance, as this place is quite popular. Definitely worth a visit!
We are so pleased we found this restaurant on google, its a shame we didnt book and could not get a table on the roof terrace, however, the indoor dining was still very nice and the decoration is a great setting.
We went on the first night of the new menu and chose to have a mix of Tapas dishes which we found all to be very well cooked and tasty.
Our favourite was the pork belly, chick pea fries and the croquets.
We managed to have dessert too these were a good size and very nice!
We would go back again.
My husband loved his steak and the croquettes. I loved the corn. The eggplant dish was good but I would have preferred a heartier and higher-protein vegetarian main dish. The basque cheesecake was amazing because they flambé one edge. We had great drinks too, get the cocktails! Thank you!
We had dinner at Bocca Nissa after hearing about the great vibes on the rooftop! We loved all the food, the tuna carpaccio and the pork belly skewers were standouts for us. Our server Ines was so lovely and even brought me a fresh cocktail after I spilt mine 🤦🏼♀️ The DJ on the rooftop created a really fun atmosphere.
Bocca Nissa falls short of its hype. The food was disappointingly bland, and none of the dishes stood out. While the service was adequate, the indoor seating area was underwhelming. The restaurant's terrace was occupied by a private event, limiting our dining options. Overall, I cannot recommend Bocca Nissa based on my experience.
L'EssenCiel panoramic restaurant
| Address | 50 Bd Victor Hugo, 06000 Nice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 04 93 16 41 00 |
Lovely rooftop bar area with great views. The small plates are tasy and great to share. Staff are fantastic.
I liked the atmosphere and the service here. It's calm, nice and relaxing. But I'm not satisfied with the dishes and drinks. The food is not bad, but the portions are small. And I didn't like coffee-based drinks.
But if you want to enjoy Nice from the 8th floor, it's here.
This place didn't live up to expectations. I was expecting a modern roof top, but this place is more like your grandmother's garden with a view of the city. The interior is outdated, as are the decorations. The food was on 3,5. Photos in Google do not meet the requirements of the menu. So if you want fish, you won't find it there. The pasta was overcooked and had almost no taste, only the parmesan saved, the burger was not bad, but not something super. All prices are around 25€ , but nearby you can find a restaurant with a Michelin star and there will be the same prices but the taste is much brighter. In a word, here is a simple meal that is clearly prepared by a novice chef. The audience is mostly from the hotel and aged.
The service was warm and attentive. I liked the view of the city.
I had couple of drinks with my wife on this rooftop terrace. There was a wedding party on top terrace, so the place was pretty crowde. Still the staff served us with a smile.
Whisky sour was amazing! I got to choose from which whisky they would make it! My wife really enjoyed her strawberry margarita.
Easy enough to find and nice rooftop but not great service or food. Ordered a wine spritz but was not told I would need to pay €5.50 for a bottle of lemonade. Had I known this I would’ve ordered a different drink. Waited 45 minutes for our food (we were told delay of 20 minutes when our order was taken). Asked for a jug of tap water for the table when seated but never received it. Asked for ketchup with the food, received a bowl with 20+ mayonnaise sachets and two ketchup sachets after our food was half eaten. The vegetarian burger was very strange, it came as a patty with cheese and cold cooked vegetables inside it. I have never had cold cooked broccoli, courgette, peppers or carrot inside a burger and I wouldn’t wish to have it again. The chicken burger was good however it came with two lettuce leaves instead of a bowl of coleslaw. Overall not a great experience.
Tips for Visiting Rooftop Cafes in Nice
Navigating the rooftop scene in Nice requires a bit of local knowledge to ensure you get the best table, the right view, and the most authentic experience. While spontaneity is part of the Riviera charm, the most coveted terraces are often subject to the whims of the weather and the influx of international tourists.
Understanding the local etiquette regarding reservations, dress codes, and timing will significantly enhance your visit. Below are essential strategies to maximize your time above the rooftops.
1). Time your visit for the “Golden Hour”
The Mediterranean sun can be intense between noon and 4 PM, and many terraces lack full shade. The ideal time to visit is roughly one hour before sunset. This allows you to secure a good seat, watch the transition from day to night, and witness the city lights flicker on along the Promenade des Anglais. If you are coming for coffee, aim for the morning hours between 9 AM and 11 AM when the terraces are quieter and the air is crisp.
2). Always call ahead for availability
Many rooftop venues in Nice are located within boutique hotels, and priority for seating is often given to hotel guests, especially for the best edge tables. Additionally, terraces frequently close for private events or due to high winds (the Mistral). A quick phone call or a check of their Instagram story can save you a wasted journey up a flight of stairs.
3). Dress smart-casual
While Nice is a beach town, the rooftop café culture leans towards European chic. While you likely won’t need a jacket and tie, most upscale terraces discourage swimwear, flip-flops, and damp beach attire. Wearing tailored shorts, linen shirts, or elegant sundresses will ensure you feel comfortable and fit in seamlessly with the sophisticated ambiance.
4). Check the “Consumption” policy
Some of the higher-end panoramic terraces operate with a minimum spend per person or require you to order food if you wish to sit at a table rather than the bar. Don’t be surprised if a host asks you to move from a dining table to the bar area if you are only ordering a single espresso during peak lunch hours.
5). Explore beyond the Old Town
While the Vieux Nice is charming, the best panoramic views often come from the newer districts like the Quartier des Musiciens or the Port. Don’t be afraid to venture slightly away from the Cours Saleya to find terraces that offer a more local vibe, better prices, and unobstructed views of the Baie des Anges without the tourist markup.
The allure of a rooftop café in Nice lies in its ability to slow down time. As you sip your drink and watch the sun dip behind the Esterel mountains, the city’s vibrant history and modern energy converge in a single, breathtaking panorama. It is a reminder that travel is not just about seeing the sights, but about finding the perfect vantage point from which to appreciate them.
Whether you choose a historic bell tower overlooking the red roofs of the Old Town or a sleek modern terrace facing the airport runway and the sea, the experience is uniquely Niçoise. So, take the elevator up, order a local rosé or a perfectly pulled espresso, and let the horizon do the rest.
