Lifestyle, gastronomy and the Riviera art of living: on Place Garibaldi, Café de Turin opens a new chapter with an ambitious renovation that brings together Niçois heritage, refined details and the pleasures of the sea.
In Nice, certain addresses stand the test of time without losing their appeal. Café de Turin belongs to that special category of places that tell the story of a city while remaining an integral part of its everyday life. Located on Place Garibaldi, this renowned destination for seafood lovers unveiled a new identity at an inauguration held on September 17, 2026. The transformation invites guests to rediscover the establishment through a contemporary lens, combining gastronomic tradition with Mediterranean elegance.
Since 1908, Café de Turin has cultivated an art of living deeply rooted in the Riviera: leisurely lunches, shared seafood platters and gatherings around a beautifully laid table. With this new chapter, the restaurant aims to preserve its convivial spirit while offering a refreshed setting designed to appeal both to local regulars and to visitors seeking authentic experiences.
A Refreshed Interior, Blending Natural Materials with Mediterranean Spirit
Behind this transformation are several months of renovation work and an announced investment of nearly €1.5 million. Approximately 400 square metres have been renovated, including the interior spaces, terrace, kitchen and certain emblematic features of the establishment.
The design ambition is to introduce greater warmth and sophistication without erasing the venue’s historic character. Natural materials, enveloping tones and references to the maritime world create an atmosphere that echoes the identity of the French Riviera. The goal is a restaurant where guests come as much for the quality of the food as for the pleasure of settling into a carefully designed environment.
Art also plays an important role. A mosaic by Blandine Helary and the mural creations of fresco artist Laure Hermet bring a distinctive touch to the spaces. With decorative contributions from Maison Maju, these artistic interventions offer a fresh interpretation of the venue, where craftsmanship meets the codes of a historic brasserie.
The seafood counter naturally retains its central position. A true visual signature of Café de Turin, it serves as a reminder that the experience often begins with choosing the produce, even before the dishes reach the table.
The Sea, the Undisputed Star of the Experience
At this iconic address, lifestyle is also expressed through the food. The renovation does not change the restaurant’s gastronomic vocation: oysters, shellfish, crustaceans and seafood platters remain at the heart of its offering.
Chef Mike Nuvoli continues to build his cuisine around seafood, with dishes that combine tradition and indulgence. Octopus carpaccio, spiny lobster spaghetti and homemade desserts are among the highlights.
For guests who value culinary experiences, the appeal lies in this balance between a clearly defined speciality and a newly refreshed setting. Café de Turin retains the spirit of a grand brasserie while seeking to enhance the overall experience through a welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful presentation and the pleasure of sharing a meal in one of Nice’s most emblematic neighbourhoods.
An Inaugural Evening Inspired by the Riviera
To celebrate this new chapter, Café de Turin brought together partners, guests, local personalities, media representatives and content creators for an evening dedicated to conviviality and the Riviera art of living.
Among those attending were several influencers, including Martial Blin, who came to discover the newly redesigned spaces of this Niçois institution and enjoy an event combining gastronomy, networking and lifestyle. Their presence also added a digital dimension to the occasion, in a world where exceptional addresses, culinary experiences and characterful venues hold a special place.
The Merry Mood Band provided the musical atmosphere, while tastings naturally showcased the restaurant’s specialities. Seafood was paired with champagne and wines from Domaine Saint Jean de Bellet, highlighting the dialogue between maritime flavours and the local winemaking heritage.
Several partners also contributed to the evening. Franchi Concept presented an activity featuring personalised embroidered napkins, while Nice Photobox gave guests the opportunity to capture memories of the occasion.
Jean-Luc Bartoli, president and founder of the Hocotel Group, attended alongside Pierre-Louis Bartoli, Chief Operating Officer, and Corinna Loacker, Managing Director. Éric Ciotti, Mayor of Nice, as well as several local elected officials and personalities, also took part in the inauguration.
Beyond the celebrations, the evening offered an opportunity to discover the redesigned spaces and appreciate the scale of the work undertaken to renew the customer experience. Bringing together local personalities, partners, media representatives and influencers, the inauguration highlighted the influence of this historic address, which remains closely connected to the life of Nice.
Hocotel Focuses on Heritage and the Guest Experience
Owner of Café de Turin since late 2024, the Hocotel Group has positioned this renovation as part of a broader effort to enhance an address that is already firmly established in Nice’s urban landscape. The challenge is to evolve a historic establishment without losing sight of what defines its identity.
In the world of hospitality, décor alone is not enough to create a successful experience. The welcome, service quality, consistency of the products and overall atmosphere are just as important. Retaining team members who have been with the establishment for many years helps ensure continuity while preserving valuable knowledge of the restaurant and its clientele.
This approach gives the transformation a dimension that goes beyond aesthetics: it seeks to bring the memory of a place into dialogue with the expectations of a contemporary clientele.
Café de Turin’s renewal also reflects a broader trend in high-end hospitality on the French Riviera, where a venue’s identity, the quality of the experience and the ability to create memorable moments have become essential components of its appeal.
An Address to Rediscover in the Heart of Nice
With its renovation, Café de Turin is reaffirming its ambition to remain a leading name on Nice’s gastronomic scene. Its location on Place Garibaldi, its history and its specialisation in seafood continue to be its main assets. The new décor adds another dimension, giving the establishment a more contemporary feel without sacrificing the convivial spirit that has contributed to its reputation.
For lovers of exceptional addresses, this renewed version offers an opportunity to rediscover a Nice classic from a fresh perspective. Bringing together heritage, gastronomy, interior design and encounters, the restaurant continues to celebrate a distinctive Riviera art of living.
It is an institution that reminds us that the charm of the Riviera can sometimes be found in life’s simplest pleasures: a beautiful table, quality ingredients, a welcoming setting and the time to enjoy the moment.
On Place Garibaldi, Café de Turin is therefore continuing its story, with the ambition of bringing together Niçois heritage and new expectations, in step with a city that has always had a taste for exceptional experiences.