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:
- Niçoise starters: Panisses, zucchini fritters, peppers in olive oil, trouchia
- Homemade pasta & mains: Gnocchi Pistou with fresh tomatoes, Niçoise ravioli with porcini sauce, stockfish on Fridays, daube Niçoise, capoun (stuffed cabbage), tripe Niçoise
- Desserts: Tourte de blettes
Thomas adds a semi-gastronomic finesse to the classics, such as:
- Truffled œuf mimosa
- Pumpkin velouté
- Foie gras & magret de canard
- Fillet of sea bream with artichoke & sauce vierge
- Scallop risotto
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.