Restaurants Alpes Maritimes (Nice, Cannes, Antibes ...)
Here are our restaurant recommendations for the Alpes Maritimes, the département with Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Villefranche, Cap Ferrat, Mougins, St.Paul de Vence, the perched villages around Tourettes sur Loup and many other highlights. The area is densely populated, very busy and studded with Michelin star restaurants - a few are listed here. The real fun are the numerous no star restaurants which offer excellent price/quality.
Antibes Juan-les-Pins
De Bacon, Cap d'Antibes: In our opinion one of the best seafood restaurants in Antibes if not on the Côte d'Azur. Chic and relaxed surroundings with superb views. We like it more than the widely acclaimed Tetou. You find a better price/quality here and you can eat in peace without the Brangelina hype. Wide choice of seafood prepared in a variety of ways including the region's classic, the bouillabaisse - a superb bouillabaisse! Service is gracious, prices are steep but it's worth the money. Prices: €60-90. Boulevard de Bacon, Cap d'Antibes, Antibes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 61 50 02
Les Vieux Murs, Antibes: In the old ramparts of Antibes with panoramic views of the Baie des Anges this restaurant serves refined, trendy Provençal cuisine. Beautiful decoration, diligent service and above all good price/quality. Prices: €25-45. 25, Promenade Amiral de Grasse, Antibes, Tel: +33 (0)04 93 34 06 73
Oscar's, Antibes: A gastro-trattoria in the heart of Vieux Antibes. Italo-Provençal cuisine expertly prepared by Oscar Ianacone, a transplanted Neapolitan firmly routed on the Côte d'Azur. Price/quality ratio is excellent. Closed 2 weeks in June! We suspect Oscar does his annual pilgrimage to la "Mama" in Napoli. Prices: €30-50. 8 Rue du Docteur Rostand, Antibes. Tel: +33 (0)4 93 34 90 14
Cannes
Le Restaurant Arménien: Probably one of the top Armenian restaurants around. Lucie and Christian offer tasty Armenian food in a convivial atmosphere. A great alternative if you are looking for more spice in your dinner. Lots of celebrities have checked it out. Prices: €42. 82 Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 94 00 58
Le Carré d'Or, Cannes: Magalie and Matthieu took over the 3 Portes in 2007 and continue its legacy of traditional yet creative Southern cooking. The restaurant is opposite the Palais Miramar and named after its neighborhood, Le Carré d'Or. Prices: €30-50. 16 Rue des Frères Pradignac, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 38 91 70
Il Girasole (Chez Franco), Cannes: Genova born Franco Pilise's knowledge about pasta is legendary around Cannes. Regulars come from afar to enjoy his cooking. Simple, but deliciously made dishes. Prices do not make your wallet pinch. Prices: €25. 14 rue de Constantine, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 99 14 17
L'Ardoise, Cannes: This tiny bistro - literllay the "blackboard" - close to the Hotel de Ville (town hall) is a success! Proper and clever Provençal cooking. Prices are just and guests are happy. Prices: €20-40. 5 Rue Rouguière, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 39 09 02
Le Café Lenôtre, Cannes: Known for its fabulous cakes and sinful treats this contemporary café also offers its famous salads and light Mediterranean dishes for lunch. Located on elegant Rue d'Antibes it is part of the Café Lenôtre chain (owned by the Accor hotel group). Attentive service. Prices: €30. 63 Rue d'Antibes, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 97 06 67 67
Café Roma, Cannes: The No.1 celebrity spotting place just in front "le bunker", that's how the locals call the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Well chosen Italian and Mediterranean dishes served either on the café's terrace or inside the more upscale dining room. Despite its celebrity status a good price/quality. Prices: €15-30. 1, Square Mérimée, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 38 05 04
Restaurant Côté Jardin, Cannes: A few minutes from busy la Croisette behind the Palais de Justice is this country house style restaurant with unpretentious ambiance. Refined Provençal cuisine with generous portions, reasonable prices and courteous service. Very popular with the local foodies - always a good sign. Prices: €30-40. 12, Avenue Saint-Louis, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 38 60 28
Gaston et Gastonette, Cannes: A rare find between the many eateries overlooking the old port of Cannes. Uncomplicated Provençal seafood dishes including a great bouillabaise. Prices: €30-55. 6 Quai St.Pierre, Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 39 49 44
Nice
Le 20 sur Vin: A wine bar and gourmet bistro with great cooking and great wines. Decor has been kept down to earth, service and prices are affordable and best of all, the sommelier will not coerce you in buying the most expensive brand - honest!. Prices: €15-45. 18 bis Rue Biscarra, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 92 93 20
Le 22 de Septembre, Nice: An unpretentious place in Vieux Nice named after a famous George Brassens song. This family run place offers dishes from the Normandie and Provence. Mainly frequented by locals, nothing spectacular, easy on the wallet - no surprise that reservations are a must. Prices: €14-20. 3 Rue Centrale, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 80 87 90
Amada, Nice: A Japanese restaurant with zen decor - a price/quality winner! The €12 Bento boxes for lunch vary every day. For dinner there are Japanese delicacies gently cooked and flavored. Prices: €12-28. 17 Rue Tonduti de l'Escarène, Nice. Tel: +33 (0)4 93 62 00 81
Bistro d'Antoine, Nice: A definite favorite of ours - traditional Niçoise cuisine at decent prices. This bistro in Vieux Nice with outside terrace and upstairs dining room is very popular for a reason. Prices: €15-30. 27 Rue de la Prefecture, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 85 29 57
Bistro du Port, Nice: Try to get a table on the terrace on busy Quai de Lunel in Nice's Vieux Port - the place for people watching. Tasty Niçoise cuisine with flavors meticulously matched. Great sense for quality and good prices. 28 Quai Lunel, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 55 21 70
Caffe Bianco, Nice: Classic dishes like raviolis, risottos, timbales, lamb tajine and great salads. Generous dishes, alert service - that's the way we like it! Prices: €30. 9 rue Chauvain, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 13 45 12
La Cantine de Lulu, Nice: Lucien Brych is of Czech origin, a self taught, passionate chef offering wonderful home cooking. Specialties of Nice, his adopted city, are his forte. A popular place and friendly to your wallet, so better arrive early. Prices: €25. 26 Rue Alberti, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 62 15 33
CôtéSud, Nice (Cimiez): A neighborhood place offering savory Provençal dishes at reasonable prices. Modern decor inside, a shaded terrace across the street outside. Regulars are greeted by name. Cimiez, an upscale neigborhood, is a must for visitors (Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum, Cimiez Monastery and the Roman amphi-theatre). Prices: €25. 2, Rue du Professeur Maurice Sureau, Nice. Tel: +33 (0)4 93 01 36 40
Flo Nice: Located in what was once a revue theatre, beautifully preserved with grand decor, close to Place Masséna. The kitchen now literally occupies center stage. The food is delightful Mediterranean with emphasis on fish dishes. The restaurant belongs to a company which has revived a great number of brasseries in France, including the famous La Coupole in Paris. Prices: €30-55. 2-4 Rue Sacha Guitry, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 13 38 38
Jouni and l'Atelier du Goût, Nice: Finnish born Jouni Tormanen renovated the La Reserve building at the eastern end of the port. Jouni on the ground floor offers flawless Mediterranean dishes beautifully presented - a real treat. Upstairs is the more eclectic Atelier du Goût. Both have outside terraces with fabulous views. Needless to say that service is impeccable and reservations are hard to come by. Prices: €30-55 (Jouni), €60-90 (Atelier du Goût). 23 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, Nice, Tel: +33(0)4 97 08 29 98
La Maison de Marie: A bit difficult to find on elegant Rue Masséna. Pass through a porch and you find the restaurant in a lovely vine covered courtyard. Smart Niçoise dishes, pleasant atmosphere and attentive service. One of our favorites for lunch in Nice. Prices: €20-90. 5 Rue Masséna, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 82 15 93
La Nissarda, Nice: This tiny place 3 blocks northwest of Vieux Nice offers traditional Niçoise cuisine: Daube, Secca d'Entrevaux, Morue a la Nicoise, Tripes à la Niçoise, Boudin and Stockfish are all on the menu next to more conventional dishes. Everything here is home made and prices are still affordable. Prices: €25. 17 Rue Gubernatis, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 53 61 45
Oliviera, Nice: An olive oil shop and a restaurant. Nadim left his job in finance and followed his passion: olives and olive oil. You can taste different varities of olive oil here. His advice: Never buy olive oil in fancy bottles! The restaurant serves light dishes, well prepared, a delight! Prices: €25-30. 8 bis Rue du Collet, Nice , Tel: +33 (0)4 93 13 06 45
Sapore, Nice: Cool, comtemporary design and a unique atmosphere - Nice's chic version of a tapas restaurant. An 8 course menu of perfectly blended French and Spanish falvors created by Anthony Riou, a former chef at Negresco, who loves to mix textures and colors. Menu changes regularly. A relaxed dining experience. Only 1 seating - opens late (8PM). Book in advance. Cash only. Prices: €28. 19 Rue Bonaparte, Nice. Tel: +33 (0)4 92 04 22 09
Sur La Pouce, Nice: The Nicoise version of a fast food restaurant. Sample Provence favorites like stuffed veggies, sardines and beignettes, all freshly done - the address for a savory bite if you are on the run, which by way is the name of this eatery in Vieux Nice. Prices: €15-20. 2 Rue St.François, Nice, Tel: +33 04 93 13 98 23
L'Univers: Christian Plumail's focus on quality is perfectionistic as is his mastery in the kitchen. Southern cuisine with bravura and attentive service. No doubt one of the best tables in Nice. Prices: €22-70. 54 Boulevard Jean Jaurès, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 62 32 32
Les Viviers, Nice offers the freshest seafood in town, harmony in flavor, bespoke and efficient service without the formality. One part of the restaurant offers an elegant restaurant atmosphere while the bistro with dark furniture and blackboard menus has a late 19th century deco ambiance. Prices: €60-90 (restaurant), €20-35 (bistro). 22, rue Alphonse Karr, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 16 00 48
La Voglia, Nice: Modern Italian restaurant in cool brasserie ambiance on Rue St. François de Paule, the continuation of Cours Saleya next to Vieux Nice. Great pizzas and updated Italian classics served in generous portions. Decent prices, friendly service, no need to travel across the border! Very popular, no reservations taken, so get there early. Prices: €30-55. 2 Rue St. François de Paule, Nice, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 80 99 16
Villefranche sur Mer
Colin Coquillage Poissonnerie, Villefranche sur Mer: A fish monger turned restaurateur. This hole in the wall is open for dinner only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No lunch - George and Karine have to tend to their fish store. They serve a terrific bouillabaisse. Reservations are an absolute must. Prices: €30. 90 Corniche André de Joly, Col de Villefranche, Villefranche sur Mer, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 01 96 10
Extravaganza, Villefranche sur Mer: Located right in the middle of old Villefranche with splendid views from the terrace over the bay and Cap Ferrat. Modern decor, savory Mediterranean fare and - added more recently - a few sushi dishes. Pleasant place - a bit less touristy than the ones on the quay. Prices: €15-30. Place Charles II d'Anjou, Villefranche sur Mer, Tel: +33 (0)4 93 85 65 10
