Les Sens: A Semi-Gastronomic French Restaurant in Nice
Awaken your senses and delight your palate: Les Sens offers refined, accessible French cuisine in a stylish urban setting right in the heart of Nice. Combining culinary precision, seasonal products, and an industrial-chic décor, this semi-gastronomic restaurant delivers a memorable dining experience without stiffness or pretension. What? Semi-gastronomic French cuisine🕒 Monday–Friday, 12:00–14:00 & 19:30–22:00💰 Lunch menu €19–25.50 / Evening menu €25.50 / Seasonal menu €39🚋 Tram 1 Masséna, buses 12, 230, 38, Parking Masséna📞 +33 (0)9 81 06 57 00 A Restaurant Designed to Engage All Five Senses From the moment you arrive, Les Sens sets the tone. The beige-and-chocolate façade hints at quality, while guide stickers (Gault & Millau, Michelin, Gantié) and the “Maître Restaurateur” label underline a strong commitment to homemade cuisine. Inside, the atmosphere blends industrial New York loft style with vintage charm: exposed brick walls, metal lockers, leather armchairs, reclaimed objects, and lighting crafted from old vegetable crates. Every detail reflects the owners’ passion for timeworn beauty and thoughtful design. A Duo with Deep Culinary Roots Founded in 2014 by Gauvain Torregrossa and Cyrille Billa, Les Sens is the result of a long-standing professional friendship. When Christian Plumail’s restaurant L’Univers closed, Cyrille took the lead in the kitchen, bringing with him experience from prestigious establishments such as La Chèvre d’Or (Èze), Le Martinez (Cannes), and London kitchens. Today, Cyrille heads a brigade that includes his wife as pastry chef, ensuring a 100% homemade philosophy—from sauces to bread and even ice cream. Cuisine Rooted in Seasonality and Travel The menu is predominantly French and Mediterranean, subtly infused with inspirations from Cyrille’s travels. Dishes evolve with the seasons and the availability of products sourced from trusted regional suppliers: A loyal market gardener from La Roquette-sur-Siagne and a game supplier from Tarn help shape the weekly and seasonal menus, both praised for their exceptional value for money. Desserts Worth Saving Room For At Les Sens, desserts are no afterthought. Everything is made in-house, including ice creams and sorbets. From elegant entremets and mousses to the restaurant’s much-loved local lemon soufflé, sweetness here is as refined as the savory courses. Wines, Hospitality, and the Little Extra The wine cellar spans nearly all French regions, with an increasing focus on organic wines, carefully selected to complement the cuisine. Add refined amuse-bouches, warm hospitality from Gauvain, and flawless organization, and you have a restaurant that truly lives up to its name. The Little Extra:Les Sens offers takeaway options, adaptable opening hours, and full privatization for events—proof that fine dining can remain flexible and welcoming, even in challenging times.
Chez Davia: Family-Run Gourmet Niçois Cuisine
A true institution of Niçois cuisine, Chez Davia blends family tradition with refined gourmet flair. For nearly 70 years, this charming bistro has celebrated the authentic flavors of the Riviera, from freshly caught supions to the legendary barbajuan. What? Gourmet Niçois cuisine📍 11bis Rue Grimaldi, 06000 Nice🕑 Tue 19:30–21:45 / Wed–Sat 12:30–14:00 & 19:30–21:45 / Sun 12:00–14:00 & 19:30–21:45💰 Barbajuan €16 / Supions du pays €17 / Daube de bœuf €17 / Pears in red wine €6 / Bottles €19–40🚋 Tram stop: Jean Médecin📞 04 93 87 91 39 A Legacy of Niçois Flavors Founded by Davia, Pierre Altobelli’s grandmother, in 1953, the bistro has been transformed under the hands of her grandson into a gourmet hotspot. Pierre, trained in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens—including Ducasse’s Louis XV in Monte-Carlo, Gagnaire in Paris, and the Intercontinental in Osaka—brings precision, creativity, and respect for local tradition. The bistro itself exudes an Italian-osteria charm, with classic gingham tablecloths, terrazzo floors, and retro Domergue prints. Yet the focus remains squarely on generous, authentic Niçois cooking. A Menu Celebrating the Riviera The menu highlights local and seasonal specialties, elevated with Pierre’s modern touches: Pierre maintains a hands-on, artisanal approach, preparing everything from scratch—including sardine farce, pounded by mortar—and ensuring that each dish evolves continually, like a living work of art. The Little Extra Chez Davia is devoted to quality over quantity, limiting the number of tables to ensure impeccable service and consistently excellent dishes. The XL apple tart, a true crowd-pleaser, is not to be missed.https://www.chezdavia.com/
La Cantine de Mémé: Neo-Bistro French Cuisine, Wine Bar & Fine Grocery in Nice
Tucked away on a quiet side street in chic Rue Longchamp, La Cantine de Mémé offers a warm, stylish, and inviting neo-bistro experience. Combining a café, wine bar, and fine grocery, it’s a place to enjoy French cuisine with a creative twist while feeling right at home. What? French neo-bistro cuisine, café, wine bar, fine grocery📍 5 Impasse Longchamp, 06000 Nice🕑 Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30 & 19:30–22:30 (lunch & dinner), 15:00–19:00 (coffee & aperitif)💰 Lunch formula €19–32 / Starters €12–14 / Mains €25–32 / Desserts €11 / Wine by the glass €6🚋 Tram 1: Jean Médecin / Parking: Grimaldi📞 09 67 38 85 31 A Bistro “Like at Home” Opened in October 2022 by Mehdi Dubrulle, La Cantine de Mémé is his second after a Parisian concept. Mehdi blends French and Moroccan culinary traditions, influenced by the kitchens of his grandmothers, with professional experience in luxury hotels worldwide—from Dubai to Paris. Though Mehdi no longer cooks himself, he directs the menu and oversees his carefully selected suppliers, ensuring seasonal, local ingredients alongside exceptional spices, oils, and saffron from Morocco. A Menu Full of Surprises The menu changes every two weeks, reflecting seasonal ingredients and inventive touches: Starters: Mains: Desserts: Mehdi loves blending French culinary tradition with subtle Moroccan flavors, creating dishes that are familiar yet delightfully unexpected. Wine, Coffee & More La Cantine de Mémé also serves as a wine bar, with an extensive selection of local, organic, biodynamic, natural, and vegan wines. Afternoons are perfect for coffee or a light aperitif, while evenings feature the Apéros Mémé, with South-West charcuterie, rillettes, salmon eggs, and artisanal pâtés. The fine grocery corner offers exceptional products for home enjoyment: olive oils, balsamics, Greek Kalios honeys, Neuvic caviar from Aquitaine, and Madagascan spices. The Little Extra The restaurant can be privatized for special events, and many dishes and grocery items are available for takeaway, making it a versatile and welcoming neighborhood spot.
L’Autobus: Traditional Niçoise & Mediterranean Cuisine in Nice
Perched on the Gairaut hill, L’Autobus has been a cherished culinary landmark for nearly a century. From a humble roadside bistrot in the 1920s to a modern yet authentic Niçoise restaurant, it continues to celebrate the flavors of Nice and the Mediterranean under the guidance of its young new owner, Thomas Issautier. What? Niçoise & Mediterranean cuisine📍 142 Avenue de Gairaut, 06100 Nice🕑 Tue–Sun 12:00–14:00, Thu–Sat 19:30–22:00 (summer: Tue–Sun lunch & dinner)💰 Starters €12–22 / Mains €18–24 / Desserts €9 / Wine €7 / Cocktails €9–14🚍 Bus 35, 63, 76: Séréna Gairaut / Free parking📞 04 93 84 49 88 A Century of Niçoise Heritage Originally a small countryside stop where locals enjoyed a pan bagnat between pétanque games, L’Autobus gradually became a full-fledged restaurant. Alice Bessi ran the kitchen for over 40 years, followed by the Traverso family in 1989, keeping the tradition alive. In April 2023, Thomas Issautier, who grew up playing in the garden and learning the ropes in the kitchen, took over the family legacy. With a diploma from the École Hôtelière de Monaco and experience in prestigious kitchens, he has modernized the space and menu without betraying its soul. Niçoise Classics with a Contemporary Touch The restaurant offers traditional dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients, often sourced from the surrounding countryside or the fishmongers of Vieux-Nice. The menu includes: Thomas adds a semi-gastronomic finesse to the classics, such as: In summer, the garden becomes the heart of the restaurant, with a wood-fired oven and pétanque among ancient olive trees, creating a bucolic urban oasis. Drinks & Atmosphere L’Autobus features a well-curated wine cellar with numerous French references, plus a trendy cocktail menu. Despite the updates, the restaurant retains its original spirit: warm welcome, simplicity, generosity, and hearty portions—plus XXL Spritzes that make a statement. The Little Extra The restaurant is available for private events, making it perfect for gatherings with friends or family in a historic yet refreshed Niçoise setting.
Le Bistrot de Jan: A Chic, Bistronomic Escape in Nice
Next door to his Michelin-starred restaurant, chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen opens a more accessible, bistronomic experience that combines French classics with South African flair. Le Bistrot de Jan offers a relaxed yet refined taste of Jan’s culinary universe, where tradition meets creativity. What? Bistronomic restaurant📍 12 Rue Lascaris, 06000 Nice🕑 Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30 & 18:00–22:30 / Sun 11:00–15:00💰 Starters €9–28 / Mains €19–58 / “Plats de Mémé” for two €28–45 pp / Cheese plate €16 / Desserts €8–12🚋 Tram 2: Port Lympia / Parking: Lympia📞 04 93 26 81 62 A Warm Welcome Walking into Le Bistrot de Jan, guests are greeted by a cozy, elegant space designed by Jan himself. Stone walls, English green woodwork, and subtle nods to South African heritage—like the iconic springbok—blend seamlessly with flamboyant floral arrangements and Cocteau-inspired décor. Jan, a Michelin-starred chef, award-winning photographer, and author, brings his flair for design and storytelling to the dining experience. French Classics, South African Soul The menu is concise but generous, bridging French classics with South African specialties: Desserts pay tribute to both countries: Île flottante with almonds and hazelnuts, Baba au rhum with clementine juice, and Tarte Tatin with fresh cream. To accompany the food, guests enjoy a curated selection of cheeses, Jan’s South African wines from Stellenbosch, and inventive cocktails, making the experience both luxurious and playful. The Little Extra Le Bistrot de Jan is more than a restaurant: it’s a window into Jan Hendrik’s world. From recipes and travel journals to South African lodges and boutiques, the experience is inspiring, vibrant, and full of personality.
Salette: Bistronomic Joy on Rue Bonaparte
For those seeking French tradition with a creative twist, Salette is a bistronomic gem on Rue Bonaparte. The name itself, drawn from the Provençal exclamation “Oh salette!”, promises moments of culinary joy and conviviality. What? Bistronomic restaurant📍 35 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice🕑 Tue–Sat, lunch & dinner💰 Starters €8–15 / Mains €18–26 / Desserts €7–10 / Weekend specials €12–26 / Glass of wine €7🚋 Tram 1: Garibaldi / Tram 2: Port Lympia / Parking: Lympia📞 06 14 85 59 82 A Duo of Passion At the heart of Salette are Émilien Catherinet, an accomplished chef trained at prestigious venues including the Negresco, Hôtel de Paris in Saint-Tropez, and Fyn in Denmark, and Léonard Hubert-Meynier, a former software developer turned maître d’. Together, they created a warm, approachable bistronomic experience where local produce and careful craftsmanship take center stage. With only 25 seats, the restaurant maintains an intimate ambiance, combining soft green tones, bistro-style furniture, banquettes, and tastefully framed mirrors. Culinary Simplicity with Creativity Salette’s menu follows the “rule of four”: four starters, four mains, four desserts, refreshed monthly according to seasonal availability. Every dish showcases local and responsibly sourced ingredients: Signature dishes blend tradition and inventiveness: terrine de campagne, parmesan panisses with squash cream, foie gras with kiwi-ananas chutney, or delicate spring salads with borage flowers. Mains include truffle-studded gratin dauphinois, rabbit porchetta with chickpea-beet purée, and puntalette pasta risotto with mushrooms and pork pluma. The wine list, refreshed quarterly, balances classic appellations with a weekly rotation of by-the-glass selections, encouraging guests to discover new flavors. Sweet Endings Desserts at Salette are as thoughtful as the mains: verbena crème brûlée, raspberry confit tiramisù, chocolate mousse with caramelized pecans, and the indulgent pain perdu with chestnut cream, almond, and vanilla ice cream. The Little Extra: Weekend specials offer shareable pieces of meat or fish, from whole dorade to côte de bœuf or suckling pig shoulder, at unbeatable prices—perfect for a festive group meal
Coba: Creative Cuisine and Cocktails in Nice
Nestled on Rue Bonaparte, Coba is both a cocktail bar and a creative eatery where flavors from near and far meet in a playful, vibrant setting. The restaurant’s story reads like a piece of pulp fiction: a bold career change, a chance discovery of the space, and a leap into the unknown that paid off beautifully. What? Cocktail bar / Creative cuisine📍 7 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice🕛 Tue–Sat: 12:00–00:00 | Sun: 12:00–16:00💰 Dorade ceviche €14 / Avocado fries tacos €15.5 / Pulpo fiction burger €16.5 / Paris-Brest €8🚋 Tram: Garibaldi📞 04 83 39 61 81 From Paris to the Côte d’Azur Jennifer and Geoffrey hadn’t planned to change their lives, but after eight years in Paris and a near-zero professional activity during lockdown, they moved south. They stumbled upon a space for sale on Rue Bonaparte and, within three days, sealed the deal. The goal? To open a restaurant that reflected them—chic, warm, creative, and seasonally driven. Renovated by designer Sophie Imbert, Coba—its name a fusion of “coriander” and “basil”—blends urban cool with cozy elegance: velvet terracotta banquettes, gold-toned lighting, and striking blue Klein-tiled walls set the mood. Creative, Globally Inspired Cuisine Chef Jennifer wields a masterful touch with seasonal ingredients. On a typical visit, one might encounter avocado fries tacos, refreshing dorade ceviche with strawberry marinade, perfectly cooked duck breast, and other international delights drawing from Asia, Mexico, and the Levant. French techniques shine through, with smooth purées, expertly cooked meats, and flavorful sauces. The only minor hiccup: the Pulpo Fiction Burger, which lacked a punch of flavor that day. “We love surprising our guests and offering new flavor combinations,” says Jennifer, who ensures that every dish stays creative. Cocktails with Character The cocktail menu is as thoughtful and playful as the food. Even at midday, the atmosphere tempts you to indulge. The Pagnol—gin, basil-infused agave syrup, lime, and vineyard peach juice—is a standout, perfectly matching the warm, velvety interior. Commitment to Quality Coba prioritizes bio and locally sourced products, which come through in both taste and presentation. The combination of design, creativity, and quality ingredients makes for a unique culinary experience. The Little Extra: The space’s hybrid nature allows for diverse experiences—from casual terrace lunches to festive evenings or afterwork drinks with friends.
Le Canon: Wine, Seasonal Plates, and Local Flavors in Nice
On Rue Meyerbeer, Le Canon brings the essence of a true bistro-cum-wine cellar to life. Behind its 70s-inspired décor, with moleskine banquettes, Formica tables, and vintage furnishings, Sébastien Perinetti and chef Elmahdi Mobarik celebrate local terroir with simple, high-quality, and flavorful dishes. What? Wine bar / Food cellar📍 23 Rue Meyerbeer, 06000 Nice🕛 Mon–Fri, 12:00–14:00 & 19:30–22:30 (except Wed lunch)💰 Pork rillettes €10 / Aubrac beef tartare €17 / Lamb leg with mashed potatoes €20 / Glass of white €5.5 / Dessert €8🚋 Tram: Jean Médecin📞 04 93 79 09 24 A Dynamic, Seasonal Menu Le Canon is a true bistro-canteen, with no fixed menu—just a daily-changing chalkboard inspired by seasonal finds and the market. “The menu changes twice a day depending on what’s available. The product sets the rules, and Elmahdi, the kitchen magician, brings it to life,” explains Sébastien. At lunch, expect pork rillettes from Saint-Cézaire, Aubrac beef tartare with crispy fries, delicate mackerel from Gros de Cagnes with wholegrain risotto, or desserts like fiadone with local lemon and unforgettable Vence grapefruit tart. Every ingredient is sourced locally, crafted with care, and served with an eye for balance and flavor. Evening: Elevated Bistro Cuisine Dinner at Le Canon highlights both land and sea, with Mediterranean fish from Steve Molinari, mountain-raised meats—Utelle poultry, Bendejun pigeons, Grasse black pigs, Courmettes lamb—and even offal, often overlooked elsewhere. “Without our local farmers, fishermen, and market gardeners, Le Canon wouldn’t exist.” Indeed, 80% of the ingredients come from neighboring producers, ensuring freshness, sustainability, and a strong sense of place. Wine with Passion The wine selection mirrors the culinary philosophy: engaging, passionate, and primarily French, with some treasures from Italy, Spain, Germany, and Austria. Prices range from €19 to €300 a bottle. “We look for wines that speak to us, made by winemakers who respect the land.” Guests can also purchase bottles served at the bar at retail prices—a nod to the bistro’s cellar roots. The Atmosphere From exposed bulbs to vintage furniture, the retro-chic décor sets a relaxed and intimate tone, inviting diners to savor both food and wine without pretense. Le Canon isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of local craftsmanship, seasonal flavors, and conviviality in the heart of Nice.
La Treille: Wine, Tapas, and the Sweet Life in Old Nice
In the heart of Vieux-Nice, La Treille is a charming wine bar and tapas spot where good wine meets good friends, and casual small plates keep the conversation flowing. What? Wine bar / Tapas📍 7 Rue Saint-Augustin, 06300 Nice🕕 Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.💰 Deviled eggs €6 / Pan con tomate €4 / Pissaladière €4 / Vitello tonnato €11 / Glass of wine €6🚋 Tram stops: Garibaldi / Le Château📞 06 63 17 95 91 A Reunion of Friends and Flavors Julien and Alexandre, two friends passionate about fine wines and good products, combined their skills to create La Treille. Julien brings a deep wine heritage, while Alexandre contributes a sense for commerce and culinary delights from his market and spice shop experience in Old Nice. “In 1930, La Treille was already a wine bar. We just restored its function and soul,” says Alexandre. Simple, Flavorful Tapas Behind the bar, talented chefs Gaëlle & Charlotte, known as Les Savoureuses, craft hand-held plates perfect for sharing: All dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients—market tomatoes, bread from the organic bakery La Baguette Magique—ensuring simplicity, freshness, and authentic Mediterranean flavors. A Carefully Curated Wine Selection Julien and Alexandre’s wine cellar blends well-known labels with hidden gems, all chosen with care and respect for the craft: “We don’t mind if a winemaker isn’t certified. We just want it clean and delicious,” explains Julien. Most wines are natural, with the minimum requirement being organic. Guests can also enjoy refreshing beers from Liguria, Lubéron, and Peille, or organic lemonade (Jag) made with local lemons. Vintage Charm Meets Casual Comfort The décor complements the friendly atmosphere, with a 100% vintage French bistro vibe: Salernes tiled backsplash, cement tiles, porcelain plates, and the original red door add character and soul to the space. La Treille is a small but lively oasis where wine, simple Mediterranean bites, and conviviality combine to celebrate the joy of life in Old Nice.
Rouge: Gourmet Small Plates and Natural Wines in the Heart of Nice
Nestled in the Antiquaires district, Rouge has quickly become a beloved neighborhood spot where locals gather nightly for Basko-Southern small plates and carefully selected natural wines. What? Food bar / Small plates📍 2 Rue de Foresta, 06300 Nice🕛 Open daily, 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.💰 Ham croquettes €5 / Pork belly €8 / Rissoles €6.50 / Rice pudding €6🚋 Tram stop: Port Lympia📞 09 77 94 22 39 From Paris to Nice: A Gourmet Stop After gaining experience in Paris—he in restaurants, she in hospitality—Alexandra and Gautier decided to settle in Nice. They transformed a red building at the port into a friendly, gourmet bar with a warm wooden counter, an XL steel wine cellar, tiled walls, and a playful pork-themed mural by Fred Z. Small Plates with Big Flavors Rouge specializes in creative pintxos and shareable plates, perfect for enjoying in the cozy interior or on the terrace. Signature dishes include: The house-made piquillo ketchup pairs perfectly with bread from Michel Fiori bakery, adding a playful and flavorful touch. Desserts are equally comforting: the rice pudding evokes grandmotherly nostalgia, while creamy choux pastries crafted by Jonathan Le Pâtissier are irresistible. A Passion for Quality and Natural Wines Gautier honed his craft with Yves Camdeborde, a leading figure in French bistro cuisine, which is reflected in Rouge’s focus on conviviality and quality. The wine selection combines serious labels with more hidden gems, including Vins du Bellet, Domaine Ray Jane, Terres d’Esclans, and La Combe au Mas. “We only feature wines we’ve tasted, made by winemakers we mostly know. About 90% of our 120 references are biodynamic or natural, but above all, they reflect genuine care for the land.” A Friendly, Uninterrupted Experience Open daily from noon to midnight without kitchen breaks, Rouge invites guests to linger, savoring exceptional small plates, wines, and the lively, convivial atmosphere of neighbors and staff alike. With high-quality dishes, carefully chosen wines, and a relaxed yet vibrant ambiance, Rouge is a neo-bistro where the hardest part is leaving. https://rouge-restaurant.fr/
Fanfan & Loulou: Natural Wine, 70s Vibes, and Sustainable Living in Nice
Fanfan & Loulou has transformed from a nimble bike delivery service into a vibrant natural wine shop and bar, offering a playful 70s-inspired universe and a sustainable approach to enjoying wine. What? Natural wine shop & bar📍 5 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice🕚 Friday to Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (deliveries 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)💰 Glass of wine €7.50 / Bottle €20 / Corkage €5 / Cheese & charcuterie €7.50 / Tapas €3.50–7.50🚋 Tram 2, Port Lympia stop; parking at Port Lympia📞 06 67 91 72 97 From Bikes to a Funky Wine Bar In 2020, Fanny Vedreine and Louis Girodet launched a natural wine delivery service, cycling across Nice to bring eco-conscious, hand-crafted wines straight to enthusiasts’ doors. Their mission: wines that respect the land, the people, and the palate. Though plans for a physical space were delayed by Covid, the dream became reality in October 2022. Fanfan & Loulou now welcomes guests into a space that is both a wine shop and casual bar, where the energy of the streets meets a bold, colorful interior. A Psychedelic 70s Wonderland Stepping inside is like traveling back in time. Bright acid colors, plexiglass, formica, faux fur, floral wallpaper, and a glittering disco ball set a playful tone. Vintage vinyl records spin on a turntable, Knoll-style tables sit near the counter, and a mezzanine lounge completes the retro experience. Outside, simple wooden tables and benches give little hint of the vibrant seventies-inspired world waiting inside. Fanny and Louis, masters of upcycling and eclectic décor, have created a space where comfort meets quirky style. Wine the Way Nature Intended Fanfan & Loulou specialize in natural wines (and some biodynamic options). Unlike standard organic wines, natural wine is made from manually harvested grapes, fermented with native yeasts, and contains little or no added sulfites. The result: pure, vibrant wines with none of the headaches or chemical additives of conventional production. Guests can enjoy red, white, rosé, sparkling, and even orange wines, alongside ciders and “living” beers—all personally vetted by the founders. Corkage is available for on-site consumption, complemented by cheese and charcuterie boards, house-made tapas, or BYO snacks. Seasonal Bites and Artisan Producers Chef Loulou creates simple, seasonal dishes that match the natural philosophy of the wines: roasted squash with yogurt sauce, Japanese-style soft-boiled eggs, coleslaw, and hummus. Fanny sources artisanal products from her native Cantal, including cheeses from Bonal and charcuterie from Les Salaisons Le Cayrolais, ensuring quality and respect for tradition. Sustainability and Community Spirit The original bike delivery service continues until 6 p.m., reinforcing the eco-conscious ethos. Every element of Fanfan & Loulou—from recycled décor to natural ingredients—reflects a commitment to sustainable living. Beyond wine and food, the bar hosts year-round events: art exhibitions, tarot evenings, Sunday bingo, and book clubs, creating a lively and inclusive community hub. Fanfan & Loulou is more than a wine bar—it’s a celebration of natural wines, sustainable living, and playful creativity, wrapped in a funky, retro aesthetic that makes every visit memorable.
Delano: A Neo-Art Deco Cocktail Bar Shakes Up Nice
Finally, a true cocktail bar in Nice! Delano, the neo-Art Deco hotspot at the foot of the Hôtel Roosevelt, has quickly become the city’s must-visit destination for creative drinks and a stylish evening out. What? Cocktail bar📍 16 Rue du Maréchal Joffre, 06000 Nice🕕 Open daily from 6:00 p.m.💰 Cocktails €11–14 / Shrimp dumplings €9 / Chicken gyozas €10 / Dragon roll €17🚋 Tram stop: Jean Médecin📞 04 93 87 94 71 Neo-Art Deco Meets Modern Chic Delano takes its name from the middle name of the 32nd U.S. president, whose portrait is proudly displayed in the bar. Architect Laurent Maugust reimagined this 1930s building in the Carré d’Or, blending Art Deco elegance with modern touches, particularly in the lighting. The result is a striking green-and-gold interior, setting the perfect stage for Paco’s cocktails. Paco’s Masterful Mixology Behind the curved, mirrored bar, Paco (formerly of Old Sport Club and Merkado) shakes cocktails day and night. His creations are playful, inventive, and impeccably balanced. Standout drinks include: Non-alcoholic options are equally inventive, featuring roasted coconut, banana syrup, and fresh lime. Paco’s dedication to quality spirits and unusual ingredients—like Salvadoran Ron Colon combining rum and whisky—creates cocktails that surprise and delight. “I think about flavors and combinations, testing them first in the kitchen,” Paco explains. At Delano, the connection between plate and glass is seamless. Japanese-Style Bites to Match the Cocktails The food menu is light, elegant, and perfectly aligned with the drinks. Start with crunchy fried corn, then sample gyozas with shrimp, perfectly rolled maki, or Dragon rolls. Most dishes come from the nearby Vogue d’Asie, delivering Japanese classics executed to perfection. The Ambiance and Extra Touches Delano’s charm lies in its chic yet relaxed vibe—the kind of place that invites you to return night after night. Regular “Guest” evenings bring in some of France’s top bartenders, adding an extra layer of excitement for cocktail lovers. With its stylish décor, innovative cocktails, and Japanese-inspired bites, Delano is more than a bar—it’s a celebration of mixology, creativity, and the art of enjoying a night out in Nice.