Nice may be synonymous with the promenade, pebbled beaches, and Provençal sunshine, but its culinary identity extends far beyond socca and salade niçoise. Just a stone’s throw from the Italian border, the city boasts a unique gastronomic heritage that blends French technique with Ligurian and Piedmontese traditions.
This geographical proximity means you do not have to cross the frontier to find authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine. From family-run trattorias that have served generations of Niçois to modern concepts redefining fine dining, the options are remarkably diverse. You can find everything from wood-fired Neapolitan pizza to handmade pasta and delicate seafood crudo.
However, the sheer volume of pizzerias and ristorantes in the tourist-heavy Old Town can make choosing the right spot overwhelming. While many cater to passing visitors, others are genuine institutions dedicated to sourcing the finest ingredients and preserving regional recipes. Knowing where the locals go is the key to a memorable meal.
In this guide, we have curated a list of the 15 best Italian restaurants in Nice. We have prioritized establishments that demonstrate culinary consistency, use imported Italian DOP products, and offer an atmosphere that ranges from romantic to family-friendly.
Whether you are looking for a quick lunch of perfectly charred pizza or a multi-course dinner featuring fresh truffles and Barolo wine, this list has you covered. Prepare to discover the rich flavors of Italy without ever leaving the French Riviera.
LA. CUCINA

| Address | 9 Rue du Commandant Raffalli, 06000 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 83 48 91 39 |
Abdulrahman Alrifai★★★★★
We had a very enjoyable dinner at La Cucina during our stay in Nice.
The service was warm, friendly, and professional from start to finish. The staff were attentive, welcoming, and helped make the evening pleasant and relaxed.
The food was very good. We started with the tomato and burrata salad, which was fresh, beautifully presented, and made with quality ingredients. For the main courses, we ordered the lamb shank and the truffle cream pasta. The lamb shank was tender and flavorful, while the truffle pasta was rich, creamy, and satisfying. Dessert was also excellent and beautifully presented.
The atmosphere was generally pleasant, and the restaurant has a cozy, authentic feel. However, there was an intermittent sewage odor that was noticeable during parts of our meal and unfortunately affected the overall dining experience. Without that issue, the atmosphere would have been much more enjoyable.
Overall, the food and service were strong, and we left satisfied with our meal. The service deserves 5 stars, the food 5 stars, and the atmosphere 4 stars due to the odor issue.
A very good restaurant in Nice that is worth visiting, especially for the quality of the food and the hospitality
Gerrit van Beek★★★★★
We arrived late and restaurant was full. They kindly recieved us , and we could wait with a drink until a table was free. The staff is very kind and theres a good vibe. I eat the rib-eye steak and it was really well made, juicy and very tasteful with the right amount of salt pepper and spices.
Would recommend for sure to eat your dinner here!
Suzanne Moran★★★★★
Had such a lovely experience at La Cucina in Nice! 🇫🇷🍝 The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were so friendly, warm and welcoming. The atmosphere was fantastic, and we felt like we were sitting at the chef’s table with the incredible attention we received throughout the evening — nothing was too much trouble.
We had to wait for a table, but it was 100% worth the wait! The whole experience was fabulous from start to finish. A definite restaurant to visit in Nice and somewhere I’d highly recommend. ❤️
Celine★★★★★
Incredible Italian cuisine from a family owned restaurant set in the heart of nice. I was blown away by everything I ate. Each dish was bursting with flavour and freshness. I recommend that everyone who spends time in Nice to go here. The venue is small so get there right when it opens so you can ensure that you can enjoy this gem.
Phuong Nguyen★★★★★
We enjoyed our meals here. Food is great. This was recommended by our tour guide day trip, Ruben. Only a couple of table inside but options for outside. Only waited 3 min. Would recommend for some authentic cuisine. Original Bruschetta was amazing.
Peppino

| Address | 8 Rue du Pont Vieux, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 80 41 12 |
Tamás Pakuts★★★★☆
More or less authentic Italian style. No aircondition inside the restaurant. Short, limited bistro style menu on boards shown, same with drinks and desserts. You could call it sustainability also 🙂 The meals were ok, but not a waw. Prices in acceptable range.
Theepiga Ramachandran★★★★★
Peppino’s was soo good we had to go there twice for dinner during our 1 week stay in Nice. The lasagne was delicious! It’s a very cute restaurant with vibey outdoor seating. A hidden gem in Nice. However, the tables are quite small and it can get a little cramped.
serene mawad★★★★★
The best Italian restaurant in Nice with the most welcoming servers. The food was outstanding, every dish fresh and full of flavour. You can really tell they use high-quality ingredients and take pride in what they do. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and we can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Nice!
L. Ayhan★★★★★
Cool resturant with very nice and positive service. We are pleased with what we ate and was happy with wine selection too. Narrow street has a great vibe to look around.
Kristi Gillette★★★★★
Fabulous meal! The charcuterie board is plentiful with good variety. We ordered the veal, lasagna and gnocchi, all were delicious and can be recommended. The gnocchi was next level delicious- you shouldn’t miss it! Tiramisu and Apricot tart for dessert, each superb! The service was top notch! (Mention a birthday - actual or not - to experience the celebration by the staff).
La Favola

| Address | 13 Cr Saleya, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 20 97 18 79 |
Michal S★★★★★
Amazing food! We walked past at the evening and saw a huge line, then came back at noon the day after, got a table on the spot.
The food was perfect, amazingly balanced and the flavours were interesting and refreshing.
The staff were kind and lovely, we loved our visit.
Octavian Andrei★★★★★
Veeeeery nice and popular place. Food is great and reasonably priced, service is excellent. At peak hour you might have to wait to be seated. Outside on the terrace you enjoy the vibrant Nice while inside seating looks posh.
Had the Foccacia Burata and the Rigatoni al Forno with a Tiramisu as dessert. Will come back here again!!
Kinley Armstrong★★★★☆
La favola was a nice dinner on our second night in Nice. We arrived around 7:45 pm and there was a long line but it moved quickly and we were seated before 8 pm. The servers were nice, however it was very busy so the service did not stand out. Our meals and drinks were good especially the rosé and Limonade rose, as well as the Speghetti aux fruits de mer. We were offered homemade focaccia when we arrived and a basket of bread along with our mains. We didn’t have any dessert but took a look at the menu and others around us and they looked good. Overall it was a good dinner experience.
Ngọc Ngô★★★★★
The seafood pasta was fresh, well-seasoned and probably the best I’ve ever had. The bufala on the pizza was deliciously milky and the crust was also perfect. We went around 6PM on a Sunday but service was quick.
amber★★★★★
Popular for a reason! We went around 8pm and only waited about 5 minutes for a table, but the queue was already getting pretty long, so I’d recommend going a little earlier if you can. Despite being absolutely packed, the service was friendly and efficient, and both the food and drinks came out very quickly. Everything was delicious and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Nice!!
La Voglia

| Address | 2 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:45 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 20 97 14 67 |
Parin Maneethong★★★★☆
I ordered the seafood spaghetti and a pizza, and both were really good. The seafood spaghetti was a little salty for my taste, but the mussels were cooked perfectly, definitely the best part of the dish. The spaghetti portion was huge, easily enough for two people to share.
The service was great too. The food came out quickly, and the staff were friendly and attentive whenever I needed anything.
The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because of the flies. I was sitting inside by the window, and there were quite a few flying around. Once my food arrived, they kept landing on my plate throughout the meal, which was quite frustrating. I mentioned it to one of the staff, but it didn't seem to be taken too seriously. He tried to shoo them away with a menu, but that obviously didn't solve the problem.
Overall, I really enjoyed the food and the service, but the flies definitely took away from the experience. It's a shame because everything else was lovely. I hope they can sort the issue out, as I'd happily come back again.
Junia P★★★★★
Had a great time at the restaurant. My seafood sphagetti was delicious and my partners Pizza was great as well.
Loved the small detail such as using a bamboo straw, Brilliant!
The servers were kind as well.
We went on 🇫🇷 vs 🇪🇸 World cup 2026, so the noise level were really high but it was overall nice vibe.
Travel Reviews★★★★★
Pizza was very tasty and aperol spritz was good as well. This place can be very crowded in certain periods so reservation might be a good idea. We managed to get the table without it, but it really depends on time of the day. Vibe was good, prices are moderate. Staff was polite and welcoming.
ZEYNEP ÇİMEN★★★★★
We went there for dinner based on Gemini's recommendation. The line actually added to the excitement; we didn't even notice the wait as we watched what others were eating. You can choose to sit either inside or outside. We sat inside, where it was cool and very comfortable. The staff was highly organized, seating everyone efficiently and serving meals quickly. We had the seafood spaghetti and the lasagna. The portions are generous, yet people just can't get enough—plates are finished quickly, and new ones are ordered right away. We were very pleased with the experience and would recommend it to anyone. By the way, the bread was excellent, too.
Iryna Chuhunova★★★★★
We had a very good experience at the restaurant. The food was delicious, the portions were large, and the dishes arrived quite quickly. You can definitely have a satisfying meal here.
Yesterday it was very cold and windy outside, and the waitress was very kind — she brought me a tablecloth so I could cover myself and stay warm, since they didn’t have blankets available. We really appreciated this thoughtful gesture.
The food was tasty, the service was friendly, and the overall atmosphere was nice. I definitely recommend this place.
Pappagallo

| Address | 9 Rue Boyer, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 06 03 97 95 75 |
Mmmnahh★★★★★
MIND BLOWING 🤯
I came in here not expecting much, just thought the price was reasonable, but walked out so impressed and wowed. You have to try this store if you’re in Nice. Probably the best Italian food I had in my life. We had the nduja and vodka pasta and truffle mac and cheese. And the starter breads, so so great.
This restaurant made our Nice holiday so memorable. Come and you’ll understand, not exaggerating!
Alex Byun★★★★★
Incredible dinner! We had the straciatella with focaccia, lemon cacio pepe spaghetti, and a spicy vodka sauce pasta. The lemon cacio pepe you can skip but everything else was absolutely delicious. The tiramisu felt home made and incredibly light, highly recommend. The focaccia as well was some of the best I’ve ever had, so pillowy and airy.
Service was super friendly, funny, and attentive, some of the best I’ve had in France. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Nice 🔥🔥
S★★★★★
Great food and service was excellent. The portions are enormous. We tried the pomodoro, traditional pesto, and buratta salad. It was too much for 2 people but all really delicious.
Jeremy★★★★★
Best food on the trip so far. The Italian cuisine is sourced directly from Italy, and the quality was obvious. We started with the Tartines de focaccia Mortazza. Bomb. For pasta, we went with Paccheri aglio, olio & peperoncino. Fire. Sauce out of this world. The Spicy radiatori alla vodka. Vodka sauce was on point. If you want a 10/10 meal that is not flooded by tourists, this is the spot.
Nicola Platt★★★★★
We dined here without a reservation and a table was found for us quickly and with a lovely welcome. Could not fault the warm and kind service that we received. The food is authentically Italian and generous. We had a sharing platter of meats and cheese that was pure quality as well as quantity!! Absolutely delicious. Cheese that we were unable to eat was kept for us to take home at the end of the meal, which was much appreciated. We wholeheartedly recommend this lovely restaurant.
La Nonna - Restaurant Italien Nice I Cours Saleya

| Address | 28 Cr Saleya, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 66 44 05 44 |
G DF★★★★★
The best meal we had during our holiday in Nice! The food was absolutely delicious, the wine was excellent, and the service was perfect. The waiters were so friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. We loved sitting on the terrace and enjoying the beautiful atmosphere. Highly recommend if you’re visiting Nice!
Isa★★★★☆
Had a lovely saturday evening outside at La Nonna. The chicken, pollo alla diavola, was amazing would recommend. The rest was okay nothing special (little bit boring) we had pasta with aubergine and straciatella, pinsa with mortadella, straciatella and pistache, the gnocchetti alla norma rivisitata and tirmaisu with pistache and raspberry. Service very kind and atmosphere so good. Only thing, they were taking photos and videos for socials/website I think, which I understand but, it took all evening a little bit disturbing at some point.
Szabó Lilla★★★★★
Our dinner at La Nonna was exeptional. Our server, Skander was super helpful, recommending us wine and dessert. The seafood was tasty and the meatballs were delicious. Highly recommend this place for a lovely dinner.✨❤️
Angie Arias★★★★★
I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious, with fresh ingredients and excellent presentation. The customer service was outstanding—the staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Everything exceeded my expectations, and I will definitely be coming back. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great food and exceptional service. Five stars!
Becca England★★★★★
Location is perfect, in old town but not too busy. Staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, felt very welcomed. Had food and drinks, food was delicious and drinks were perfect. Would highly recommend and wouldn’t hesitate to come back here again.
La taverna du 9

| Address | 9 Rue Chauvain, 06000 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:45 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:45 – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:45 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:45 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:45 – 9:30 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 93 16 86 27 |
Lynn Ann★★★★★
A true gem in Nice! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal here. The atmosphere is inviting, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the food tastes like authentic Italy. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the specials were absolutely amazing. Large portions (enough to share). The wine list offers great choices at very reasonable prices. A perfect place for a relaxed dinner. Highly recommended! Be sure to make a reservation !
Quách My★★☆☆☆
I was really looking forward to dining here, but unfortunately, it was a letdown.
The seafood (squid and prawns) felt tired and definitely not fresh,the meat was soft and lacked the firm, bouncy texture you’d expect.
To make matters worse, the service was quite cold.
A very disappointing experience overall.
Joy Sarah★★★★★
I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by the owner, who offered us complimentary appetisers. Following their recommendation to try the special menu, we were not disappointed. The portion were exceedingly gorgeous, the seafood was savoury, and the steak was cooked to perfection, remaining wonderfully juicy. Overall, it was a flawless dinning experience.
Sam★★★☆☆
Our first night back in Nice and tried here following great reviews. It was a very quiet restaurant - they could do with some background music to help. Service was friendly but a little slow. Food was ok, the portions were enormous. The carbonara was superb but the vongole was a little bland.
It was all very good value though, the wine was particularly good value.
Ayça★★★★★
I had the best truffle ravioli of my life here. Very generous portions and affordable. Highly recommended.
Le terre del sud

| Address | 2 Rue Dalpozzo, 06000 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 82 30 82 96 |
Jon Clarke★★★★★
Last night in Nice! …for a while, anyway. We were craving fresh seafood and happened upon Le terre del Sud. This is seafood with an Italian twist. The owners are friendly and fun. The atmosphere is very elegant but not stuffy.
The most important thing, of course, is THE FOOD. My wife ordered the grilled octopus with vegetables and absolutely loved it. I went with the “fruit of the sea” linguini. It came with a langoustine, a large shrimp, and tons of clams and mussels. It all went marvelously with the rose wine we ordered. We topped it all off with a wonderful tiramisu. The whole experience was perfect. I would highly recommend Le terre de Sud when you’re in Nice!
Robin Xiao★★★★★
I was so lucky to order the last portion of crap pasta! My girlfriend ordered the lobster one. Both were absolutely delicious. The seafood quality is unreal. I even ordered a whole bottle of white wine to drink all of them by myself. Fantastic quality.
Jing T★★★★★
We had the lobster pasta (this was my favourite) and grilled octopus, which were both very delicious! The grilled octopus portion was large and very reasonable for the price. Tiramisu to end the meal - it was nice but a bit expensive for the size
cathleen paciello★★★★★
Quaint Italian restaurant with a local following, but still welcoming to tourists. The eggplant appetizer was especially yummy. The seafood pasta had a generous amount of shelled seafood. The seafood bass was simple and perfectly cooked. Two of us with reservations. No reservation, outside seating was available.
Terry Hansen★★★★★
Great Italian restaurant in Nice. Good food, nice wine list. Enjoyed our lunch of house made orrichetti & eggplant parm. with an antipasto platter.
Casa Leya

| Address | 36 Cr Saleya, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 92 47 80 90 |
toppsmn★★★★★
Great experience. Ate here twice during our trip from the US. Once with a large group. The second with just two for lunch. Very friendly, felt taken care of with multiple stops to the table. Dinner we had chicken in a great light sauce, lunch we had the margarita pizza. Yum! I would highly recommend. Dessert was awesome too.
Cian Dunne★★★★★
After two visits here on my trip to Nice this is definitely my favourite restaurant. Their pasta is consistently good, the burger has fresh ingredients and was cooked exactly the way I asked. My partner and I loved this place and I would highly recommend it!
JKN★★★★★
If you’re looking for truly great Italian cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. We were genuinely impressed, both with the quality and the overall approach to guests.
The ingredients are clearly fresh, everything is well-balanced in flavor, and the prices are very reasonable. A big plus for the portion sizes – the pasta servings are so large that we couldn’t finish them (which doesn’t happen often 😄).
The service is top notch, the staff are very friendly, helpful, and attentive. The wine recommended by the waiter arrived within minutes and turned out to be an excellent choice.
Despite the restaurant being full, the waiting time for food was around 30 minutes, which is really impressive given how busy it was.
sheng chen★★★★★
Food was very good, I came back twice in a row during my trip! First time I had the seafood linguine and second time I had the squid risotto, both are very good and flavorful! A few tourists I met during a tour have also recommended this place and they said the pizza was great too! Service was excellent and attentive, the servers had made me feel very welcome in Nice. Unfortunately I had some bad experience at another restaurant in Nice but the staff at Casa Leya were such a fresh breeze of air and treated me nicely. Additionally, during my two visits to the restaurant, I could see the servers treated every table with warm smile and equal great service. Highly recommend!
Sarah King★★★★☆
Food was delicious, the atmosphere was and I liked the decor of the place. The food was delicious and giant portions so it’s definitely worth the price and the quality. Took 30 minutes to get our check after asking for it twice, waitress disappeared
Il Vicoletto

| Address | 6 Bis Rue de France, 06000 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 82 07 48 68 |
Barış Ayber★★★★☆
We tried this restaurant during our Nice trip. It was a decent restaurant on one of the main street with different restaurants in city center. Menu is a bit limited, kids option were not visible on printed menu (at least we couldnt see any possible option for my 7 year old). I tasted beef taglitella, my kid took salmon and my wife tried penne. Portion size was a little small. I can’t say it was filling but tasty though.
Tammy Jones★★★★☆
On a lovely quiet street where you can people watch. The waiter was lovely and very attentive. The food was very tasty but just a bit too oily. I opted for the lasagne and hubby had the seafood linguine. We shared a burrata salad. Neither of us were drinking so just had soft drinks which we were happy with.
Cindy Hu★★★★★
Good food (seafood linguine is sooooo good), huge portion size (we stuffed our faces with two plates of pastas and had no room for dessert), friendly service (owner is so welcoming), and roomy seating (coming from Paris I am glad we are no longer sardines in a can). Oh did I mention there is no wait because the restaurant has a large footprint? Highly recommend!
Maddi Dougherty★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful dinner right in the heart of Nice. The staff was warm and welcoming, eager to make the night perfect and for guests to leave full and happy. The food was seriously out of this world good — booming with flavor but not overly salty like some Italian restaurants we’ve had in France. The seafood linguine was a MASSIVE serving and truly divine. The beef lasagna was outstanding, completely different flavor profiles but both so good we had to share! A true family owned gem nestled amongst a bunch of tourist traps, we feel truly lucky to have come across it 💖
Alekx Huang★★★★★
We came in 30mins before closing and they sat us down, took our orders promptly and served everything up within 20mins. The poulpe was our favourite, even the diners who don’t like octopus liked it. Ours didn’t have a rubbery chewy texture, it was cooked tenderly with a delicate texture, easily chewed through but maintaining just enough firmness. We also had salmon steak, pesto gnocchi, ravioli with burrata, parmigiana d’aubergines, tiramisu and panna cotta. We had an amazing dinner.
BELLA CIAO - VIEUX NICE

| Address | 39 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 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 | 06 46 14 20 60 |
S Day★★★★★
Great pizza, great pasta and solid service! In the old town, central to all things fabulous with a traditional wood fired pizza oven! Just remodeled and always a positive experience with food and staff!
benita rosli★★★★★
The food is quite good , and the service is top notch.
Ali has been very assisting and helpful.
Would definitely recommend this restaurant
Liam Power★★★★★
One of the finest well made pizzas I have had....
Very clean establishment and a nicely laid back setting...service is excellent...well worth a visit
Bojan Velevski★★★★★
Beautiful place, fast delivery, tasty food, large portions, price fair. Everything excellent, bravo
letícia santos★★★★★
The food was great and the service was excellent. Everyone was super nice to us.
Ali, our waiter was very attentive.
Marechiaro

| Address | 12 Quai des Docks, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 67 36 81 21 |
L P★★★★★
This has been our absolute best dining experience in Nice so far. Every dish was full of flavor, and you could really tell that a lot of care and attention went into every plate.
We had the baked squid and the truffle pasta, and both were outstanding. The baked squid was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, while the truffle pasta was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Every bite was beautifully balanced, and they really know how to bring out the best in every ingredient.
The location by Port Lympia made the experience even more enjoyable, and the friendly, welcoming service completed a fantastic evening.
We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in Nice. Highly recommended!
Ola Krystowska★★★★★
Had such a great experience here! The food was absolutely incredible, full of flavor and beautifully presented. The location has a really nice atmosphere, the prices were very reasonable, and the service made everything even better. Huge shoutout to David, our waiter, who was friendly, funny and chatty,
Will definitely be coming back soon!
Victoria Ofenlock★★★★★
We stopped by this little spot in the Nice harbor just planning to have a drink but ended up staying for lunch because we were having such a great time. The spritzes were great, the pizza was delicious, and the whole place had such a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
We also completely fell in love with the restaurant dog, who wandered in and out like she owned the place. So cute and honestly added so much charm to the experience.
But the real reason we stayed was David. He was incredibly welcoming, funny, and just genuinely enjoyable to talk to. He made us feel so comfortable and relaxed from the moment we arrived. He even brought us some pistachio liqueur and a few others to try and we were absolutely in heaven. The pistachio is a must try!
David was honestly one of the highlights of our time in Nice, and this ended up being one of our favorite memories from the trip.
ES★★★★★
Really fun place. Gorgeous spot on the sunny side of the street. Of course, it’s in a touristic spot so pricier than some but the seafood is so fresh. The staff are all wonderful with “Peter Pan” being quite entertaining. If you’re lucky when they’re closed between lunch and dinner you can still grab a drink or a pizza and the meal will finish with the gift of a digertif.
Viltė Žilinskaitė★★★★★
This restaurant was an absolute delight. The food was beautifully presented and full of flavor, and the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. The staff were attentive and genuinely kind, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be coming back! 🩷🌸🎉
La Locanda

| Address | 16 Rue Robert Schuman, 06000 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 18 92 31 |
Michele Emptage★★★★★
Lively and positive atmosphere & eclectic setting. The food was great. Smoked fish as a starter was delicate and tasty. The burrata was also light and paired with salads. Beef stew was hearty and flavoursome. Some of us had cacio Pepe which was mixed in a Parmesan bowl and excellent!
The desserts were also excellent ( crème caramel / pannacotta with red berries)
Price was fair and the service was efficient and friendly.
Would recommend it!
Mashhour Al Saadi★★★★★
Amazing atmosphere and great service. The restaurant has a flexible menu for whatever is fresh in the market 🙂 amazing food and creative dishes with reasonable cost. Highly recommended!!
We had a full course of fish wings, pasta, starters and most important is the desserts 🔥
Merja★★★☆☆
Service was a bit slow but okeish. Waiters were smoking on the terrace which is disturbing. Food was ok but nothing special. Prices were moderate. Terrace was charming but some of the furniture was really worn-out and dirty.
Tiago Schneider★★☆☆☆
The food was good. The shrimp weren't as fresh as they could have been, but they were okay. Unfortunately, we were disappointed when it came time to pay. We had ordered a set menu but didn't choose the dessert that came with it. As a result, we had to pay for the dishes individually and didn't get the set menu price. Unfortunately, we weren't told this. What a rip-off.
Rahul Singh★★★★★
This place is gorgeous! the way everything is laid out and decorated is pure style, and it just feels wonderfully welcoming. The food is excellent and the servers are warm and helpful. It's a hidden gem, and we would definitely come back.
Carmela

| Address | 3 Pl. Charles Félix, 06300 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 20 97 10 92 |
Lynsey Dick★★★★★
This restaurant is in the busy market area so booking is recommended but not essential if you're happy to wait. It is the perfect place to people watch. The setting is lovely, the staff are extremely helpful and patient. They let us try out or French but helped when we needed it. The Italian dishes were excellent. A great find in a busy tourist part of the town.
Alice★★★★★
One of our favourite meals of our trip to Nice. Xavier was so friendly and warm. The atmosphere with the low mood lighting is perfect. Food was delicious. One of the best vongoles! Pizza was fantastic and my first time trying Clafoutis. The mango margarita was amazing. Would highly recommend.
Mirna★★★★★
We went for my boyfriend's birthday celebration. It was very lovely place, very cozy. The food was delicious, specially the burrata.
The staff were friendly and gave us good food recommendations.
Even though we were in the one of the busiest areas in Nice, didn't feel crowded or rushing to give back the table.
I would recommend 100%.
Terry Hansen★★★★★
Great Italian restaurant in Old Nice. Desserts are big enough for 3. Artichoke salad is fantastic. Beef ravioli Daube is really hearty, gnocchi with truffles is among the best I’ve ever had. Make a reservation and go.
이빈★☆☆☆☆
Such an unpleasant experience, i write here in english in case everyone can know.
한국어로 짧게 남기자면, 좋지 않은 서비스로 기분이 불쾌해져 추천하지 않습니다.
1) i made a reservation but, the table for reservation went to the woman who didn’t reserved eventho i was on time. (How did i get it cuz i listened what they speak)
2) Im live here, it’s my 7month, i speak French(B1/B2) and had no problem with any other restaurant in france. But they keep spoke me in english even i replied in french. I do have asian appearance, but THATS NOT RIGHT TO ASSUME PEOPLE WITH APPARENCE.
3) Service:
- my server was keep changing,
- didn’t clean up my dish finished for 20mins, - and didn’t even asked me for the dessert.
- Also they don’t show u the wine bottle if u order one glass, just serve in glass.
- Asked for the tap water but didn’t get it until my dinner finished. And that was only my table.
4) The pasta, got sticked to each other like video, after 5mins. If i had to mix it, the server should’ve tell me in english or french but didn’t. Can check with the video. NEITHER OFFERED THE CHEESE. Also can barely feel pistachio.
Origines Italian Restaurant

| Address | 15 Rue Tonduti de l'Escarène, 06000 Nice |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 86 34 36 85 |
Matthew Fillier★★★★★
Appetizer, main course and dessert were all excellent and amongst the best food I’ve had in Nice. The servers were friendly and their service was top notch. Prices were fair, and the interior design is beautiful. If I ever come back to Nice, I will be going to Origines again!
Io Hellemans★★★★★
Food was excellent. Super fresh, pasta was freshly made and so delishious. Same goes for the deserts, so good and fresh. In terms of price, I think for this quality, it is fair for sure. Staff was also very friendly and interior is nice. Would recommend.
Patrick Fowler★★★★★
Had a wonderful dinner at Origines Italian Restaurant in Nice. We started with the beef tartare—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The pasta with veal ragu was outstanding and easily the highlight of the night. Finished with a homemade tiramisu that was the perfect ending. Great food, warm atmosphere, excellent service and a spot we’d definitely return to.
King Martin★★★★★
If I could rate this place above 5/5, I would. The restaurant itself is very unassuming from the outside but once you step in, it’s anything but. We don’t speak French but our amazing server knew enough English to talk us through the menu and even some amazing recommendations. The food was so good, it became the benchmark for everything else we ate in Nice and nothing else came close. I don’t see myself returning to Nice but if I do, Origines will be one of my first stops.
Graham Martin★★★★★
Fantastic little restaurant we found on our last night in Nice. Great staff, so welcoming and helpful with food / wine suggestions. Food was delicious, fresh and flavoursome!
Tips for Choosing the Right Italian Restaurant in Nice
Navigating the dining scene in a tourist capital like Nice requires a bit of local insight. While the restaurants listed above are guaranteed to deliver quality, you may find yourself wandering the streets looking for a spontaneous meal. To ensure you do not fall into a tourist trap that serves frozen pasta or bland pizza, you should look for specific markers of authenticity. By following a few practical rules, you can dine like a local and ensure your money is spent on quality craftsmanship rather than convenience.
1). Check the Oven: Authentic pizza requires intense, dry heat. Before sitting down, look for a visible wood-fired or high-temperature electric stone oven. If the restaurant relies on a standard conveyor oven or a gas grill, the crust will likely lack the necessary char and texture.
2). Look for DOP Labels: High-quality Italian restaurants are proud of their ingredient sourcing. Menus that explicitly mention “DOP” (Denominazione di Origine Protetta), such as San Marzano tomatoes or Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania, indicate a commitment to authenticity that generic menus lack.
3). Venture Beyond the Cours Saleya: While the Old Town market is beautiful, the restaurants directly bordering it often pay high rents and cater to high-turnover tourism. You will often find better value and more passionate cooking by walking just a few blocks inland toward the Port or the Musicians’ Quarter.
4). Respect the Booking Culture: The French and Italians take their dinner service seriously. The best restaurants in Nice are often small and book out days in advance, especially on weekends. Do not expect to walk into a top-tier spot at 8:30 PM on a Saturday without a reservation.
5). Embrace the Regional Differences: Italy is a country of distinct culinary regions. A restaurant that tries to serve Alfredo sauce, carbonara, and seafood linguine all on the same menu is likely pandering to tourists. Look for a focused menu that suggests expertise in a specific area, such as Liguria, Naples, or Sicily.
Nice offers a dining experience where the elegance of the French Riviera meets the soulful comfort of Italian cooking. Whether you choose a luxurious dinner overlooking the Mediterranean or a rustic plate of pasta in a cobblestone alley, the city provides a unique bridge between two of the world’s greatest food cultures.
As you plan your culinary itinerary, remember that the best meal is not always the most expensive one. It is the one where fresh basil, quality olive oil, and perfectly cooked dough transport you straight to Italy, even as the sound of the waves on the Promenade des Anglais reminds you that you are firmly in France.
Freya Belle is a content writer and travel journalist specializing in European destinations. With experience exploring over 30 European countries, she focuses on providing in-depth guides to authentic cuisine, historical culture, and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Her writing helps travelers experience Europe like a local.