Gastronomy
The city's gastronomy is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, where the vibrant, sun-soaked flavours of the Mediterranean meet the traditions of authentic Provencal cuisine. Olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary are staples in Niçoise cooking, infusing dishes with the essence of the region. Iconic specialties such as salade niçoise, a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, tuna, and olives, showcase the simplicity and elegance of the local cuisine. Seafood, straight from the Mediterranean, features prominently in many dishes, while markets like the Cours Saleya overflow with the freshest produce, cheeses, and artisanal breads. The city's food scene is also influenced by its proximity to Italy, evident in the popularity of dishes like socca, a savoury chickpea pancake and pissaladière, a caramelised onion tart topped with anchovies and olives. In Nice, dining is not just about eating; it’s a celebration of life, where every meal is an opportunity to savour the rich cultural heritage and vibrant flavours that define this beautiful city.
Nissarde Cuisine
In Nice, gastronomy is so important that Nicoise cuisine has its own quality label 'Cuisine Nissarde' which is awarded to a handful of restaurants, snack bars and takeaways for their quality and respect for traditional recipes.
You may see the sign "Acqui Si Manja Ben" on some of the traditional restaurants. This means "here you eat well"!
You can also take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Nicoise recipes in the Palais du Senat which is home to the Nice Heritage Centre in the heart of the old town. Sign up to a Nissarde Cuisine Workshop