Le Rosalina Restaurant Review

With a group of 18 people it was not easy to find a place to accommodate us in the centre of Nice. The traditional venues and restaurants of the Old Town are small and cater more towards an intimate setting for smaller parties, however this relatively new restaurant in the Old Port area was more than happy to take our booking.

On entering Le Rosalina you are struck with just how relaxed and inviting the interior is. It as the feel of an old loft or boat house that has been white washed and then decorated with all sorts of quirky, kitsch and home made items. The school dinner style communal seating down the middle of the room, was not only perfect for a group our size, but also adds to the friendly 'chat to your neighbour' vibe.

Our waiter greeted us instantly with a friendly enthusiasm that can be hard to find in many traditional French establishments. He explained to us in both French and English the food that we would be eating that evening and the way in which it would be served. Due to the large nature of the group they had decided that they would bring out a selection of 'degustation' for us...which added up to become an eight course meal...with an option for it to become nine with dessert! With six starters and two main courses to sample we settled in for a night of cocktails, wine and a delicious mix of fresh Provencal produce and Italian flavours.

After the initial six starters you could have been fooled to believe that the meal was over, with dish after dish arriving at the table. We sampled the fresh tomato and crisp breads, vegetarian roulade and quiche, mashed potato with cod, aubergine gratin and smoked mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. And after a much needed break (and plenty more wine) they then brought our two main courses of pasta, both of which were very tasty. Some of us then opted for dessert which again was available to try in a 'degustation' style, although those proved harder to share with each person having their own personal favourite! We sampled the creme brulee, tiramisu, chocolate fondant and a surprise dessert of cheesecake with fruit compote.

On top of all this the restaurant was also amazingly good value with the meal, including drinks, coming to under €40 a head. Really good for the amount and quality of food we were served, and we certainly made the most of the cocktail menu and wine list!

Whatever your reasons for visiting Nice we think Le Rosalina is a 'must visit'; the great service and relaxed environment made this place a winner for us. A great option for a quiet meal on your own, a family night out (with a swing right beside the table for the kids to play on!), and definitely the perfect setting for a large group like ourselves.