Wealin logoWealin
French restaurants in Nice
All Nice restaurants

Best French restaurants in Nice

9 French tables worth the trip in Nice, France — what they cost, what to order and how early to book.

French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.

In Nice the French list is led by Le Chantecler in Promenade des Anglais (Two MICHELIN Stars, €200-€300 / $220-$330 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Le Bistrot Gourmand at €40-€70 / $45-$80 is the value pick.

  1. 1.

    Le Chantecler

    Two MICHELIN Stars

    Modern French · Promenade des Anglais · €200-€300 / $220-$330

    Virginie Basselot

    Located within the iconic Hôtel Negresco, Le Chantecler offers an opulent setting for Chef Virginie Basselot's refined, precise cuisine. Her dishes celebrate regional ingredients with subtle innovation, presenting classic French flavors with a contemporary flourish in an exquisite rococo dining room. A true Riviera institution.

    Order: Nice Salad with Blue Lobster, Roasted Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs

  2. 2.

    JAN

    One MICHELIN Star

    South African / French · Port de Nice · €150-€250 / $165-$275

    Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

    Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s restaurant offers a unique culinary journey, blending his South African heritage with classical French techniques. The intimate setting, resembling a chic private dining room, enhances the deeply personal and creative tasting menus, emphasizing storytelling through extraordinary ingredients and impeccable presentation.

    Order: Boerewors and Truffle, Karoo Lamb with local vegetables

  3. 3.

    Flaveur

    Two MICHELIN Stars

    Creative French · Vieux Nice · €160-€260 / $175-$285

    Gaël et Mickaël Tourteaux

    Run by brothers Gaël and Mickaël Tourteaux, Flaveur presents a modern, inventive take on French cuisine with strong Mediterranean and exotic influences. Their dishes are characterized by bold flavors, unexpected combinations, and beautiful artistry. The minimalist, contemporary decor provides a sophisticated backdrop for their culinary explorations.

    Order: Red Mullet with Spices, Local Lamb with seasonal herbs

  4. 4.

    Pure & V

    One MICHELIN Star

    Nordic / French · Carré d'Or · €120-€180 / $130-$200

    Pinja Sopanen

    Pure & V distinguishes itself with its focus on natural wines and a unique culinary identity from Chef Pinja Sopanen. Her innovative, refined cooking draws inspiration from Nordic traditions blended with French terroir, emphasizing purity of flavor and seasonality. It’s a compelling experience for those seeking something different.

    Order: Seasonal Vegetable Creations, Wild Fish with Fermented Flavors

  5. 5.

    L'Aromate

    One MICHELIN Star

    Modern French · Jean Médecin · €90-€150 / $100-$165

    Mikael Gracieux

    L'Aromate offers precise, delicate, and inventive cuisine in a contemporary setting. Chef Mikael Gracieux showcases his mastery of flavors and textures, with an emphasis on high-quality seasonal produce. The elegant, understated dining room allows the artistry on the plate to take center stage, making for a sophisticated meal.

    Order: Scallops with Citrus, Pigeon with Spiced Jus

  6. 6.

    Les Agitateurs

    One MICHELIN Star

    Creative French · Port de Nice · €80-€130 / $90-$145

    Kevin Romuald

    A vibrant and dynamic restaurant, Les Agitateurs lives up to its name with innovative and playful French cuisine. Chef Kevin Romuald crafts dishes that are both creative and deeply flavorful, highlighting local ingredients with a modern twist. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, offering a fresh take on fine dining.

    Order: Sea Bass with Artichokes, Chocolate and Olive Oil Dessert

  7. 7.

    Le Bistrot Gourmand

    Bib Gourmand

    Traditional French · Vieux Nice · €40-€70 / $45-$80

    This charming bistro offers excellent quality, value-driven traditional French cuisine in the heart of Old Nice. The focus is on robust, comforting dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a beloved spot for authentic, unpretentious Provençal flavors.

    Order: Niçoise Ravioli, Daube Niçoise

  8. 8.

    Le Canon

    Bib Gourmand

    Seafood / French · Vieux Nice · €45-€75 / $50-$85

    Specializing in fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, Le Canon is a fantastic choice for quality dining at an accessible price. The menu changes frequently based on market availability, ensuring peak freshness. Expect beautifully prepared fish dishes and a lively, unpretentious atmosphere perfect for enjoying the local catch.

    Order: Daily Catch of the Day, Grilled Octopus

  9. 9.

    La Rotonde

    MICHELIN Selected

    Mediterranean Brasserie · Promenade des Anglais · €70-€120 / $75-$130

    Virginie Basselot

    Part of the iconic Hôtel Negresco, La Rotonde offers a more relaxed yet equally elegant dining experience than its Michelin-starred counterpart. Its unique carousel-themed decor creates a whimsical atmosphere for enjoying classic Mediterranean brasserie dishes, executed with precision and using top-tier ingredients. A delightful setting.

    Order: Niçoise Salad, Sea Bream with Lemon Confit

Booking a French table in Nice

  • · For starred restaurants, book at least 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Be prepared for online booking systems that open slots on specific dates.
  • · Many high-end restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups. Always check their specific cancellation policies.
  • · Consider lunch menus at Michelin-starred establishments; they often offer a truncated version of the dinner experience at a significantly lower price point, providing excellent value.
  • · Be mindful of strict no-show policies. Failure to cancel within the specified timeframe (often 24-48 hours) can result in a charge to your credit card, covering the meal cost.

And the local dishes in Nice

Socca

A savory, thin chickpea flour pancake, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Cooked in a wood-fired oven, it's a staple street food in Nice. Best enjoyed fresh and hot, sprinkled with black pepper, from a street vendor in Vieux Nice or at the Marché de la Libération. It's naturally gluten-free and a true taste of local tradition.

Pissaladière

A savory tart, often described as a Niçoise onion pizza without cheese or tomato. It features a thick bread-like crust topped with slowly caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives. The slow cooking of the onions brings out their sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the briny toppings. Find it at local bakeries or delis.

Salade Niçoise

More than just a salad, this fresh and vibrant dish is a culinary institution. It typically includes raw vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, anchovies (or tuna), and a simple vinaigrette dressing. True Salade Niçoise does not contain cooked vegetables or potatoes, honoring its authentic, fresh character.

Farcis Niçois

These are vegetables (like zucchini, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, or eggplant) hollowed out and stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and often ground meat (though vegetarian versions exist). They are then baked until tender and golden. A comforting and flavorful dish showcasing local produce, often served as a starter or light main.

Seven days in Nice

Pair these French tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.

Read the Nice travel guide