The best restaurant in Nice, according to the revered Michelin Guide, is the two starred Chantecler at the iconic Negresco Hotel. This hotel has a sense of history about it - you feel it when you see its majestic dome rise above the palms on the Promenade des Anglais, you feel it in the hotel’s piano and jazz bar with its walnut and velvet décor. You certainly feel it when you move into the elegant dining room, where wood panelling, damask curtains and pink upholstery give the restaurant a regency feel harking back to 1913, when the Negresco doors opened for the first time to welcome royalty and stars from all over the world. Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland defines his cuisine and his style as ‘inspired by Provence, with the respect of its products and traditions’. Sounds simple, but this is French gastronomy at its finest, with meals like ‘studded scallops with black truffle, glazed with beetroot juice and Perigeux sauce with duck fois gras’. There are, of course, spectacular prices to match the spectacular menu - don’t expect much change from 100 for a steak. If your budget allows, try the Chef’s discovery menu at 180 euro to get the most of this culinary experience.
L’Amorate is another Michelin starred restaurant that delivers sensational flavour, with each meal presented like an artwork on a plate. Chef Mickaël Gracieux trained with the greatest French chefs and opened up his restaurant with Elise Morselli-Lourtet, only two years later the young couple were rewarded with a Michelin star. The meals here are a visual and gastronomic treat, a delight for the senses. You can get a menu for around the 60 euro mark.
Le Bistro Gourmand has quickly made a name for itself with its light-filled, chic décor and fresh, sophisticated French gastronomy. This Michelin starred restaurant was described as ‘delightful’ by the Michelin inspectors, who applauded their use of fresh produce, expertise and enthusiasm. The prices are quite reasonable too - you can order off the a la carte menu with main meals between 23 and 40 euro, or take advantage of the excellently priced lunch menus, starting at around 25 euro. This is definitely one worth visiting, but it fills up quickly so book well ahead!
