On the bustling Cours Saleya, Café Mademoiselle stands out as an elegant yet welcoming spot. This chic bistro, with its slightly retro feel, evokes the charm of Parisian brasseries while embracing a distinctly Mediterranean identity. On the menu: southern-style dishes meant for sharing and inventive cocktails crafted to delight both the eyes and the palate.
Cuisine to share / Cocktail bar
📍 26 bis Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice
🕓 Tuesday to Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
A Name Full of Meaning
While the title Mademoiselle has gradually disappeared from official language, Marion and Romain chose to bring it back. A symbol of freedom, elegance, and distinction, the name evokes Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who insisted on being called Mademoiselle throughout her life, as well as the great actresses of theatre and cinema. At Café Mademoiselle, the name becomes a statement and a celebration of femininity and style.
Parisian Chic Meets Mediterranean Warmth
The décor mixes retro charm and contemporary touches. Wood paneling, cane armchairs, beige and deep-toned hues, and vintage lighting evoke classic Parisian brasseries. The walls are adorned with striking black-and-white photographs of iconic women—Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Édith Piaf, and Coco Chanel.
Yet the café remains deeply tied to Nice. Southern warmth shines through in the friendly welcome, local culinary touches, and historic photos of Nissa la Bella. The space includes a cozy indoor dining room and two terraces: one overlooking the lively Cours Saleya market, and another tucked away on Cours Jacques Chirac.
Generous, Flavorful Sharing Plates
Marion and Romain, experienced restaurateurs, focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and generous portions. Everything is homemade, and culinary inspirations draw from Nice, Italy, and Greece.
Chef Sébastien crafts colorful, flavorful dishes with spices, fresh herbs, olive oil, and Italian cheeses. Highlights include:
- Panisse fries with tomato pulp
- Italian polpette with oregano
- Roasted feta in brick pastry with honey and pistachios
- Hummus with Espelette pepper
- Marinated peppers and artichokes with whipped ricotta
Simple dishes are elevated with thoughtful touches: baked Camembert with summer truffles, beet-marinated deviled eggs, avocado toasts with fresh cheese and sesame, and edible flowers that also appear in the cocktails.
Creative Cocktails with Seasonal Flair
Behind the bar, Paul, trained in mixology, creates his own infusions and syrups for a cocktail menu that changes with the seasons. Classics are available on request, but the signature creations steal the spotlight.
Standouts include:
- French Lavender – homemade lavender syrup, fresh lime, floral gin, and champagne
- Purple Tequila Sour – infused with butterfly pea flowers
- Virgin Spicy Margarita – with chili-agave syrup infused with bird’s eye chili
Coffee lovers will enjoy the Cloud Espresso Martini, topped with a creamy, vanilla-scented foam, almost a dessert on its own. Desserts are also designed for sharing, with generous portions.
A Vibrant and Promising Destination
Café Mademoiselle aims to be more than just a dining spot. Future plans include Les Braderies de Mademoiselle, a monthly Sunday event combining brunch with a sale of clothes and accessories.
With its refined atmosphere, generous cuisine, and inventive cocktails, Café Mademoiselle has quickly become a must-visit destination in Nice’s historic center—a place where sharing, flavor, and style meet effortlessly.