The Best Cheap Eats And Street Food In Nice

While you could certainly spend hundreds of euros on fine dining and cotton napkins in Nice, the city has plenty of delicious cheap eats and local street food dishes to try. You won’t have to look very far to find an affordable meal in this seaside city.

To get an authentic taste of the French Riviera, be sure to sample some local Niçoise dishes on your visit to Nice. Socca (a thin chickpea pancake, crisped and seasoned like a savory crêpe) is a must, while meat-eaters should be sure to indulge in street roasted chicken served in a baguette (which will cost under €5 (£4.45)). Don’t skip on Italian fare either; thanks to its proximity and intertwined relationship with Italy, Nice has some of the best gelato and pizza outside of Italy.

1. Chez Pipo

Restaurant, French, Mediterranean, European

Socca is a traditional thin chickpea flour pancake that can be found all over the Old Town, but Chez Pipo near Port Lympia is locally known to serve the absolute best socca in Nice. Skip the Old Town spots and opt for the traditional pancake and tapenade at this charming hole in the wall. Lunch will cost around €10 (£9) – but keep in mind that the restaurant is always busy and doesn’t take reservations.

2. Lou Pilha Leva

Restaurant, Canteen, Mediterranean

Moules frites are well-loved all over France, but are particularly popular in Nice thanks to its proximity to the ocean. While a bowl of moules can be fairly pricey, Lou Pilha Leva at Place Centrale serves a generous bowl of fresh mussels in a saffron cream sauce for just €8.50 (£7.50). Order a bowl of mussels and a glass of white wine, and snag a spot at the indoor-outdoor picnic benches for a delicious and affordable lunchtime treat.

3. Pizza Pili

Restaurant, Pizzeria, Italian

After centuries of moving between French and Italian states, Nice has solid Italian roots – so skipping a slice of pizza would be a mistake. The most popular pizzeria in Nice is Pizza Pili. Nestled into the corner of Rue de Jésus and Rue Benoît Bunico, a take-out pizza (including indulgent toppings such as duck breast or prosciutto) will cost just €7 (£6). Be sure to skip the street tables and take your pizza to go, with wine in hand, and enjoy it by the beach.

4. Boulangerie Multari

Bakery, French

Whether you are in the mood for traditional French pastries like flan or brioche, or something a little heartier, like a pasta salad or a sandwich, try Boulangerie Multari. Located in Place Garibaldi, this boulangerie is an ideal spot to stop and enjoy a cheap and delicious snack either on the go, or on one of the patio tables found on the side streets. Residents particularly recommend the tarte au citron, a decadent lemon tart made from custard, eggs and cream with a little milk chocolate on top.

5. Fenocchio

Ice Cream Parlour, Italian, Dessert, Ice Cream

After a morning of sightseeing in Nice, cool off with an ice cream from Fenocchio. The Italian-style ice cream parlour boasts over 94 flavours, including 59 ice creams and 35 sorbets. Try one of their more unusual, creative options including tomato basil and apricot. Fenocchio opened back in 1966 on Place Rossetti in Nice’s Old Town, and it’s still a family-run operation to this day.

6. La Rossettisserie

Restaurant, French, Mediterranean, European

If you’re a fan of roast chicken, be sure to try La Rossettisserie near Place Rossetti (hence the name). This family-run rotisserie looks like a typical pub from the outside, but inside the restaurant has a vaulted ceilings and a wine cellar-like atmosphere. Order the succulent chicken, ratatouille and other traditional roasted Niçoise dishes.