Nice, the jewel of the Cote d'Azur and an unsuspecting locale for fantastic food and wine

When thinking of the Côte d’Azur, images of sleek sports cars cruising along Monaco’s promenade and throngs of tourists navigating the tightly packed streets of Nice often come to mind. And indeed, this southern stretch of France still draws thousands each year to its sun-kissed shores. But don’t let that deter you—beyond the crowds and glitz lies a rich and rewarding culinary landscape.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting this region multiple times. Along the way, I’ve uncovered a handful of spots that celebrate both iconic wine producers—especially those working in the natural wine space—and thoughtful, well-executed food. Here are some highlights.

La Part des Anges

Starting with an icon, La Part des Anges is not only famed in Nice but is also revered across France as a hub of the natural wine scene. Upon walking in, it is like a library of who's who among cult and new-wave producers that many of us have come to love. The space doubles as a wine bar as well as a shop, and with over 300 different expressions available, this is a must for anyone wanting to enjoy some of the natural wine world’s most iconic producers.

17 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice, France

Mallard

Wanting to try honest, uncomplicated, but extraordinarily delicious French cuisine? Look no further than Mallard. This was a real highlight on our last trip to Nice. An unassuming exterior leads you into a cozy, uncomplicated interior, where you are greeted by a warm, friendly, and energetic front-of-house team. The venue is a perfect marriage of French classics and a wine list that boasts a great blend of cleaner, more linear expressions as well as more atypical options. Bold flavours dominate here—make sure to skip lunch so you can eat the whole menu, as we did. It was well worth it. I’ll be returning as soon as I get off the plane next time I’m back in this part of France.

6 Rue Maraldi, 06300 Nice, France

Barrique

So good we went back not once, twice but three times. This hole in the wall wine bar situated a couple streets back from the famous Promenade des Anglais is easy to miss. Barrique's interior is minimilist but extremely inviting with fantastic terrace space where you can begin your evening before heading out for the evening. The bar has a concentrated and well thought out offering with loads of fun options by the glass and bottle. A great space to enjoy a glass before heading onwards for the evening.

18 Rue Barillerie, 06300 Nice, France

Les Oeillets

At Les Oeillets expect warm, convivial and extremely knowledgeable service. This wine bar situated a stones throw away from the popular tourist spot of Cascade du Château is a real highlight. The bar hosts a fantastic terrace area where we enjoyed a bottle of Fumey Chatelain's Cremant du Jura. The space is extremely well thought out and boasts a large selection of events focusing on both food and music in equal measure. A definite must should you be hanging in and around the port of Nice.

26 Rue Catherine Segurane, 06300 Nice, France

Berco

Looking for a late night spot that still serves interesting wine and food offering, Berco is the place to be. This eclectic and multi sensory wine bar is the place to be once the sun has dipped over the horizon of the Mediterranean sea. The service here is kind and welcoming and with over 100 different expressions from French winemakers and beyond. The space also offers great value something that is extremely hard to come by in its locale of the old town of Nice.

1 Rue du Pontin, 06300 Nice, France