The Best Cheap Eats and Street Food in Nice

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.