The Five Places Foodies Must Eat In The French Riviera
As a tour guide and a proud French man, it breaks my heart to see tourists eating at burger places or overpriced tourist restaurants while they are on holiday. French food is much more than the actual food on the plate; it is the atmosphere of the restaurant, the way we take time over a meal to laugh with friends and drink good wine. My mission is to make sure you have an amazing experience while visiting the French Riviera, and a big part of that is where and what you eat. Here are some of my personal recommendations on where to eat:
Lu Fran Calin – Where Locals Eat In Nice
With its fresh local produce and reasonable prices, this restaurant is a favourite amongst locals. Their food reflects the Mediterranean and Italian influences of traditional Niçoise food. The menu is full of dishes like gnocchi, ravioli, and risotto, just like our grandmas used to make. Be sure to snag a table outside to soak up the Mediterranean sun and indulge in the favourite French pastime of people watching.
Quai des Artistes – Parisienne Dishes at Reasonable Costs In Monaco
This restaurant is an underrated gem that is often overlooked for the glitzy Michelin star restaurants in Monaco. Decorated in the style of Parisienne brasseries from the Belle Epoque, it is a place to have a leisurely lunch and soak up the beautiful surroundings. The menu is self-assured and full of flavour; simple French bistro food that will suit everyone’s’ tastes.
Chateau Eza – Fantastic Food and a Glorious View
This hotel restaurant has been recommended in the Michelin guide for its view and modern cuisine. It is set in the medieval city of Eze and perched on the top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean sea below. The dining room has glass walls offering 180-degree views, or if you make a reservation, you can snag one of the tables on the many outdoor terraces. The menu is upscale, modern French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Chez Pipo – A Bustling Local Haunt
Another popular local restaurant in Nice is Chez Pipo which started as a family-run restaurant serving amazing socca which is a local chickpea pancake. Be sure to try the socca, as it is a famous Niçoise dish, but also try the pissaladière which is a Provençal tart, similar to a pizza but with black olives, anchovies, and onions. In summer, grab a table outside to drink rosé and enjoy your food.
Mirazur – Treat Yourself To a Highly Acclaimed Menu in Stunning Surroundings
Five minutes outside of Monaco is the 3 Michelin star restaurant Mirazur which is run by creative cooking sorcerer Mauro Colagreco. He grows the food he serves in a vegetable garden to ensure the freshness and local flavour of every single dish in his restaurant. From the food to the dining room, and breath-taking sea views, a meal at Mirazur is a work of art.
If you need any want to visit the French Riviera, checkout our tours: www.uniquetours.fr