In terms of gastronomic delights, Nice does not fall short of the refinement so characteristic of the French cuisine. The gastronomy typical of Cote d’Azur (and Provence, for that matter) features its regional inflections, at least as compared to other French regional cuisines, with Mediterranean influences materialized in the use and consumption of seafood, fish, vegetables and fruit. However, the concessions made to such influences do not alter the finesse for which all dainty feeders appreciate the French cuisine.

Another notable feature of the regional cuisine observed in Nice refers to the extensive use of a wide range of herbs, such as bay leaves, basil, thyme, oregano and, in moderation but constantly, garlic. Olive oil is an ever present ingredient, and this is precisely what distinguishes the cuisine on Cote d’Azur from all the other French gastronomical traditions. The prestige and the extent of the use of olive oil in the French Riviera cuisine is reflected by the fact this region is one of the main suppliers of olive oil in France.

Traditional products

Salade nicoise

Salade Nicoise (occasionally referred to as insalata nizzarda) is the very gastronomic ambassador, so to say, of Nice to the world (next to the famed ratatouille). The origins of this salad are not well defined, and the wide range of versions of the Nicoise salad is also pretty confusing with respect to the way it should be cooked and to its ingredients.

However, the bottom line is in Nice the likelihood of managing to stumble on the original recipe and product is considerably higher. Thus, the salad is a mix of slices of tomatoes, slices of hard boiled eggs, boiled potatoes (disputably) and steamed green peas, all laid on a layer of lettuce (optional). The entire “edifice” is topped with tuna (either canned or seared) and canned anchovies.

Socca

Socca is far from being labeled as a refined specialty, but, on the other hand, its popularity might be attributed precisely to its elementariness. Thus, this type of flat unleavened pancake (crepe) is made of chickpea flour and olive oil, and it is served hot and heavily seasoned with pepper. It stands as an excellent quick snack and, in fact, it is the French version of what the Italians refer to as farinata or cecina, and the Argentineans know as faina.

The streets of Nice are replete with food stalls selling socca, so the opportunity to sample it is quite at hand.

Ratatouille

Nice is the place where yet another internationally famed dish is originated, that is, ratatouille. The cooking of ratatouille is still under debate, but the ingredients refer to a mix of vegetables and herbs (thyme, bay leaves, marjoram, carrot, onion, garlic, eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes).

Ratatouille is often served as a side dish, and it can be associated, for instance, with omelet (either as filling or garnish). The Nicoise ratatouille has inspired the creation of sundry international versions of ratatouille.

Soupe au pistou

Soupe au pistou is a dish popular throughout Provence, and it refers to a bean soup enriched with pistou. Pistou is a garlic-based sauce heavily flavored with basil, all mixed with olive oil. The addition of sundry types of hard cheese (parmesan or pecorino, for instance) to the sauce is optional. The origins of this dish allegedly go back to Antiquity.

Where to eat in Nice

Gastronomic Nice does not come down to sampling the international or the traditional dishes and specialties served at the wide range of eateries (restaurants, bistros, cafes) of the city. Heaving a meal in Nice is always a much more complete experience fueled not only by the eating as such, but also by the refined atmosphere of the restaurants clustered in central Nice.

Of course, Vieux Nice is where such moments always come at a price, but other alternatives do exist, which is reassuring as far as budget travelers are concerned.

La Petite Maison

La Petite Maison enjoys a privileged location in Nice, in the very center of Vieux Nice. The restaurant specializes in Provencal and Mediterranean cuisine, inviting clients to delight in the most tempting array of seafood and fish-based dishes. The desserts are said to be exceptionally exquisite. Due to the specialties served here, La Petite Maison is said to embody the spirit of the genuine Nicoise cuisine.

In order to make a complete idea of what La Petite Maison offers, gastronomically speaking, follow the indications below and check the mouthwatering menu:

Name:
La Petite Maison
Address:
11, Rue Saint Francois de Paule, 06300, Nice, France
Telephone:
0033 04 9393 5959
Fax:
0033 04 9392 2851
Email:
lapetitemaison_vanlo@yahoo.fr
Website:
www.lapetitemaison-nice.com

Cafee de Turin

Cafee de Turin opened in the first decade of the 20th century, though it understandably changed much of its former appearance in time. The restaurant is famed for the exquisite seafood dishes, in particular for the so-called coquillage (raw shellfish specialty). Even if seafood specialties reflect the best the skills of the cooks, other dishes refer to all sorts of salads and pastas, not to mention the exhilarating range of desserts.

In summer, tables are also set up on the arcaded terrace of the restaurant.

Name:
Cafee de Turin
Address:
5, Place Garibaldi, 06300, Nice, France
Telephone:
0033 04 9362 2952
Website:
www.cafedeturin.fr

Restaurant Safari

What is surprising about Restaurant Safari is it keeps a very loose and down-to-earth atmosphere, and yet it manages to be rated one of the top restaurants in Nice. The dishes served here fall within the range of Provencal and Nicoise cuisines, with specialties based on squid, pasta, meats and, of course, fish.

Name:Restaurant Safari
Address:
1, Cours Saleya, 06300, Nice, France
Telephone:
0033 04 9380 1844
Fax:
0033 04 9362 6214
Website:
www.restaurantsafari.fr

Le Chantecler

Le Chantecler is managed by the 5-star Hotel Le Negresco, and some tend to believe (rightfully, for that matter) this is the height of all restaurants in Nice. The refinement of the atmosphere and the overwhelming range of gastronomic specialties are able to turn a dinner at Le Chantecler into a memorable moment. It’s not for nothing that Le Chantecler has been awarded by the Michelin guide (the only Michelin awarded restaurant in Nice). This is an acknowledgement of the high profile of the restaurant.

Name:
Le Chantecler
Address:
Hotel Le Negresco, 37, Promenade des Anglais, 06000, Nice, France
Telephone:
0033 04 9316 6400
Website:
www.hotel-negresco-nice.com
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