Nice is one of the charming cities in the world and it can be found in the French Riviera. However, aside from the beautiful shores of the Meditteranean sea and energetic and alive ‘joie de vivre’, Nice has a lot to offer in terms of food. Any visitors interested in food ought to brace up for some exquisite meals in this fascinating city that will definitely make one salivate. Therefore, here I plan to give an insight into the specific area of Nice and its dishes, typical products and, finally, the best places to eat.

1. Socca – A local favorite

To speak about the Niçoise cuisine it is impossible not to mention socca at least. This is a rural food made from chickpeas flour, olive oil and water and once cooked it has a layer that resembles a crepe. It is commonly taken in the middle of the day and especially in between the late evenings as a snack and is best accompany with a glass of chilled rose wine. It will taste great while walking through the picturesque streets of Nice – one of the most popular local dishes!

2. Salade Niçoise – A classic delight

Salade Niçoise is a famous world cuisine dish of Nice which can be translated as Nice Salad. This cool vegetable preparation is usually a tomato salad accompanied with hardboiled eggs, olives, and anchovies and fresh vegetables such as green beans and peppers. It is suitable for a light meal in such a hot sunny day when you will not be hungry because you’ve expended a lot of energy swimming. You can best savour this delicacy with a glass of the local white wine that is available in the region.

3. Ratatouille – An explosion of flavors

Ratatouille is a mix of vegetables prepared with a rich seasoning which enhances the mouth-watering availability of fresh vegetables in Nice. This most often includes aubergines, courgettes, peppers, onions and tomatoes which are all simmered together to made a delicious dish. It is best served as a main entrée or a side dish especially when served with some boiled rice or crusts of bread.

4. Pissaladière – A salty treat

Pissaladière is an onions tart that can make you have a taste of traditional French delicacies. It has a golden flaky crust and, in its ingredients, there are caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. It is usually taken before other dishes, as a snack or a lite meal because of the salty taste of the toppings together with the sweetness of the wrapper.

5. Local ingredients – The essence of Niçoise cuisine

There are many reasons that rendered the food presented in Nice so wonderfully delicious and one of them is the fact that most of the time, local and fresh products are used in cooking. The Climate is also suitable for the growth of excellent Mediterranean delicious products like tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, olives, and the rich olive oil. Eggs, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil and crayfish are among common components that provide the foundation for most Niçois recipes and season all their flavors.

6. The must-see restaurants in Nice

Here is a list of several restaurants in Nice that can be considered as offering the best local and international cuisine:

a) The Little House

This restaurant got the Michelin star recognition due to preparing the Mediterranean food so delicately. The highlighted meal menu comprises both conventional and innovative meals, which can be described as local dishes.

b) Restaurant Jan

This restaurant is managed by a South African Dine cook known as Jan Hendrik and it comprises of French dishes infested with South African meals. Expect libration puzzles that will create a feeling of being in a different place through the usage of local produce.

c) Antoine’s Bistro

If you want to enjoy the flavors of the regions then the place that promises to serve you the best Niçoise cuisine is the Bistrot d’Antoine. It offers such favorite pieces; pissaladière, socca, and salade niçoise among others in a rather homey setting in a restaurant.

Conclusion

Tasting Nice’s cuisine is a sort of a voyage during which one discovers the richest tastes of the French Provençe. And whether in the delightful crunch of crispy socca, or in the freshness of a salade niçoise, each of them bear the history of the region’s food culture. Selective local produce and some of the best restaurants are not to be missed when visiting the city of Nice. Bon appétit!