Nice’s Hottest New Restaurants (and One Sweet Baking Class to Top It Off!)

Traci Parent |

May 28, 2025

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants in Nice! My “A Taste of Nice: A Table” article in Taste of France Magazine mentions some of our tried-and-true favorites, but we still have exhaustive lists of restaurants to try. We did manage to experience some absolutely amazing restaurants this winter – three of which are in new luxury hotels. We know you will enjoy them as well! And as a bonus, we suggest another culinary experience worthy of a detour. On y va?

Taulissa

Maison Albar has a knack for creating “casually luxurious” boutique hotels —and their newest gem in Nice is no exception. After eight years of lovingly restoring a grand building perched just above the Mediterranean (right near Jardin Albert 1er), they’ve opened a stunning 5-star retreat that’s already turning heads.

But what really caught our attention is the rooftop. With sweeping views of both the mountains and the sea, it’s the kind of setting that begs for something special—and they delivered. To make sure the food lived up to the view, they called in the big guns: Glenn Viel, the 3-Michelin-starred chef from L’Oustau de Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence. His menu here is all about bold flavors, unexpected touches, and sauces you’ll be dreaming about long after the last bite.

They describe it as “living a suspended moment”—and honestly, that’s exactly how it felt. Add in top-notch service and panoramic views over all of Nice, and you’ve got a dining experience that’s pretty unforgettable. In fact, we loved it so much we went there twice during our short time in Nice.

The Dish: Reservations are highly recommended! Try to do lunch in winter to capture snow-capped mountains on one side and the sparkling sea on the other. Order a fixed-price menu so you get to try several dishes instead of one – plus you can linger and enjoy the views a bit longer!

6 avenue de Suède

Mama Shelter

Every Mama Shelter hotel has its own personality, and the one in Nice is no exception. Designed by Benjamin El Doghaïli, the creative force behind the Mama Shelter design studio, this location is a vibrant nod to the artists who once called Nice home. Think Matisse’s bright color palettes, Braque’s whimsical birds, and Picasso’s playful ceramics—all subtly woven into the décor. It’s like stepping into an art lover’s daydream.

While the hotel itself looked like a fun place to stay, we were really there for one thing: Sunday brunch. I had pictured a leisurely late-morning start, but to my surprise, brunch here doesn’t begin until noon—and it keeps going strong until 4:30 pm! (If you’re more of an early bird, the breakfast buffet runs from 7 to 11 am.)

Even though we had a reservation—and I highly recommend making one—we still had a short wait before being seated. But with all the buzz and energy of the space, we didn’t mind. It gave us a moment to take in the atmosphere before diving into what turned out to be a very memorable meal.

The Dish: Reservations required! Come hungry as there are endless choices! While there is a self-service coffee and juice bar, you can get your own decadent coffee drink (think oatmilk latté!) delivered to your table.

21 Boulevard de Riquier

Hôtel du Couvent

Nice evokes images of luxury hotels with private beaches, but a convent? The English didn’t start flocking to this winter playground until the 18th century, but as early as 1604 the Convent of the Visitation was built by the Order of Saint Claire. The Visitandines occupied the convent from 1803 until the 1980s, when this historic landmark stood vacant until 2014. It took ten years for Valéry Grégo, founder of the Perseus Group to restore the building and transform it into the 5-star hotel.

Located in a tranquil hideaway in Vieux Nice, at the foot of the Colline du Château, it is in a world apart. Stepping into the courtyard you are transported into a serene space of natural beauty and wonder. Nestled among fruit trees and gardens are Roman baths, pools and hidden terraces. While the building and grounds have been lovingly restored and reimagined, the integrity of the convent is present in every detail.

There are four different dining experiences: the Bistrot des Serruriers outside the walls, La Guinguette on the covered terrace, the Bar indoors and out, and the star of the show, Le Restaurant du Couvent. It is there that we started, with an exceptional Easter Brunch in the magnificent courtyard, shaded by linen umbrellas and fruit trees. The farm-to-table concept is taken seriously, collecting produce and herbs from the potager on the hill and gathering eggs, fruits and vegetables from their Ferme de Notre-Dame in nearby Touët-sur-Var. Everything is created from local, seasonal ingredients. There is no orange juice in the summer, as it is quite simply not the season! (Rest assured there is always some kind of juice in season!). The bread is made on site daily. It is a refreshing concept in an exquisite location that marries past traditions with refined elegance and sophistication.

The Dish: A unique experience that simply has to be on your list! Pick a day where you can eat outside if possible. It is an easy walk, but a tricky drive as it is nestled in Vieux Nice. Call ahead for directions and advice on where to be dropped off by car service.

1 rue Honoré Ugo

Le Clay

It started with a craving for a proper Sunday Brunch. Not a buffet, but perhaps gooey American pancakes or a stately eggs benedicte. We set off for Place du Pin, a lively area filled with chic and trendy restaurants. Not quite in Vieux Nice, and a few steps from the Port Lympia, it is a destination that feels a bit more like a local treasure. Named Place du Pin after the huge pine tree planted in the center, it is charming and a bit quirky (look no further than the large blue painted sheep statue at the base of the tree!).

We had discovered this area weeks before, a bit by accident, exiting the tram station Garibaldi and simply wandering. Now we were back to choose among the tempting restaurants that lined both sides of rue Bonaparte. (Fun fact: Napoleon actually lived on this street from March 27-December 22, 1794). I spotted a serveuse delivering a stack of pancakes and a decadent latté to a table already overflowing with sumptuous dishes, and decided that this was the spot! Would there be room for us on this bustling terrace? With a bit of luck (or divine intervention) a couple was just leaving and we were offered their table.

As much as I adore crêpes and all of the delicious local specialties, I have to admit that the fluffy, American-style pancakes made me smile the rest of the morning!

The Dish: Brunch is served every day in this lovely Mediterranean-style café with an extensive list of decadent coffee drinks and juices. Not the most “French” experience, but a nice taste of California-meets-Nice.

4 rue Bonaparte

Le Bistrot de JAN

One of the first South African chefs to obtain a Michelin star, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is perhaps the definition of tenacity. Born in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa in 1982, he quickly discovered his passion, but he was certainly not handed a silver spoon!

In 1991, Jan Hendrik opens his first JAN restaurant in the woods on his family’s farm, with paintings hanging in the trees and a Persian rug across the forest floor. Three guests arrived on opening night: his mother, father, and sister. They didn’t enjoy the meal and refused to pay.

It was a not a clear and easy path, requiring several detours, but hey, we love detours! Fast forward several years, careers and countries later, when he arrived in Nice.

In 2013, Restaurant JAN opens its doors for the first time in a renovated garage on Rue Lascaris in the Old Port neighbourhood of Nice, France, with two front-of-house staff and two chefs. Within 36 hours, the New York Times hailed JAN as a must visit restaurant on the French Riviera.

Restaurant JAN is an absolute must, but it does come with a Michelin-star price tag! So go once and experience each delectable bite (and be sure to add the over-the-top cheese room) but for a more palatable budget, Le Bistrot de JAN is every bit as charming and delicious. You will still have some breathing room with just 3 courses, and some money left for next time!

The Dish: Le Bistrot de JAN is conveniently located right next door to Restaurant JAN (in fact they share the same address), with the same elegant decor and of course, the same talented chef who infuses his South African roots into inspired French cuisine. Book in advance!

12 rue Lascaris

Bonus: Le Goût et Des Autres

Having thoroughly enjoyed a cooking class on a previous trip to Nice, I set my sights on a baking class. After a bit of searching, I found that I could do a private class (they also host small groups), and choose the pastries I wanted to make at Le Goût et des Autres.

I was greeted by Chef David, and after a quick lay of the land (and a good hand washing) we got to work! David was extremely organized, as timing and precision are everything in baking. We had two hours to make 4 small Paris-Brest and 2 tartes exotiques (with mango and passionfruit). We began with the coconut cream, as it would take the longest to chill. David was patient, yet strict about the techniques and organization. The perfect blend for success. I asked countless questions and felt I really improved my skills along the way. (I used to be a “close enough” kind of baker, but now I am inching towards perfectionism). Two hours passed by quickly, and at the end I felt I had made a new friend, learned a great deal, and had the most delicious desserts to bring home. (Truly, they rivaled some I have bought in pâtisseries!) It was an experience I highly recommend!