Must-Try Local Foods in Nice (And Where to Eat Them)
Mathis RenautShare
Must-Try Local Foods in Nice (And Where to Eat Them)
Nice isn't just famous for its beaches and sunshine — it's a paradise for food lovers. This city on the French Riviera boasts a vibrant local cuisine shaped by Mediterranean influences, fresh ingredients, and centuries of culinary tradition.
Here are the most iconic local dishes you must try in Nice — and the best places to enjoy them.
🥟 1. Socca
What it is: A thin, crispy chickpea pancake, lightly salted and often peppered.
Where to eat it: Chez Pipo (13 Rue Bavastro) — a legendary spot among locals.
Socca is the ultimate Niçois street food. Best eaten hot and fresh from a wood-fired oven, it's a simple yet addictive snack you'll find only in this region.
🥗 2. Niçoise Salad
What it is: A cold salad made with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, anchovies or tuna, and seasonal vegetables.
Where to eat it: Le Safari (1 Cours Saleya) — right in the heart of Old Town.
Forget the fancy versions you might see elsewhere — the authentic salad niçoise is rustic, seasonal, and deeply tied to local identity.
🍲 3. Niçoise Stew
What it is: A slow-cooked beef stew in red wine, typically served with pasta or gnocchi.
Where to eat it: Lu Fran Calin (5 Rue Francis Gallo) — a family-run gem.
Rich, warming, and packed with flavor, stew is the kind of dish you'll crave again on rainy days or cool Riviera nights.
🍅 4. Ratatouille
What it is: A stewed vegetable dish made with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes.
Where to eat it: A Buteghinna (11 Rue du Marché) — a tiny restaurant loved by locals.
A dish as colorful as the city itself, ratatouille is a perfect celebration of the Mediterranean sun.
🧀 5. Pissaladière
What it is: A flatbread topped with onions, olives, and anchovy paste.
Where to eat it: Maison Auer or local bakeries in Old Town.
More pizza than tart, this salty delight is a local classic often served cold.
🌟 Pro Tip: Want to sample all of these in one go?
Try a local food tour or a market tasting experience to discover the hidden culinary gems of Nice with a guide.