Our first night in Nice, we were hoping to stroll own the Promenade d'Anglais and later have a nice dinner within walking distance to our hotel. We're staying at the Le Meridien, which is on the Promenade and also near the Old Town.

Any suggestions for a tasty dinner, no more that 25eur per person would be greatly appreciated!
Even a really casual, good pizza place would be great!

Thank you!
Dina

There are a ton of restaurants in the Cours Saleya area. And I think it was in the Place Massena that we had some really good pizza. I honestly don't think you can go wrong, considering your criteria. Find any pleasant looking, lively restaurant, ask to see a menu, and take it from there...

The best pizza I've ever eaten (and yes I've had it at a couple of the "best" in Naples) was in Nice, near Place Messena in the area of a row of street restaurants at a place simply called "Pizza" -- or at least that's all the sign we saw. It was wonderful.

Well, that sure sound easy enough.
thanks!

Just stroll down the Promenade des Anglais to the Cours Saléya and hang a right into Vieux Nice. Look for 4, rue du Marché and find the little restaurant L'Ecurie, which is our favorite there. Good Niçois, French and Italian food at moderate prices.

Thank you, Underhill!!

the raft of Pizza type eateries in the Old Town by the eastern end of the boardwalk, just under the hill, are also known for the local specialty Pain Bagnat - a spicey sandwich made of huge buns with a potpurri of ingredients inside - not sure exactly what but all flavored with the herbs of Provence.
Pain Bagnat - a very famous food in Nice!

the most pleasant place for a simple meal that i have found is Restaurant Du Gesu in the old town. most of the tables are outside under a towering church in an intimate, little square...very nice atmosphere for dinner.

quite simple with pizza, pitcher of wine, etc. family run, friendly and efficient. popular with locals and longer term, seasonal holiday types. when in Nice i never miss eating there if i just want something casual and cheery. I think it is exactly what you are looking for.

don't forget to try theresa's socca for a quick lunch on the go...sold in the market or up at her tiny storefront.

Le Mediterranee is my favourite Nice bar. the woman who runs it can be a bit strange but the place has great 50's modern style...and unlike most places that have been reconstructed in this style, this is completely original and looked this way even when this look was totally unfashionable.

Non, non, non! Hang a LEFT into Vieux Nice, not a right.

Thanks, again.
Such great advice!!

I assume we don't need reservations for these places. We'll be there Mon-Wed night in late June.

We enjoyed Barracuda very much - recommended by our hotel.

Another big vote for Piazza Massena for the best pizza. Very casual and very good. Other dishes were delicious too.

Near Le Meridien Hotel, at Zone Pieton ( Walking Street ), there are a few good restaurants. I saw a restaurant served Pizza in a very big portion and looked yummy. They are along Rue Massena. Walk easily from the hotel. At night, this is a good ambiance too.

I LOVE Restaurant du Gesu for delicious pizza and inexpensive pasta. The resto is on 1 place du Jesus in a tiny little square. BTW, I don't think they accept plastic.

I learned about it on allaboutnice's page on Virtual Tourist where she has lots of good Nice resto info:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/64c4c/

mvor...from your link i posted the exact review of the restaurant by this traveller. it's so true what she says about the square being tucked off the road. you watch people walking by but they are not in the square with you so it's good for people watching but it still feels cosy...that's one of the best things about it. and the 17th century church is beautiful. many other restaurants in Nice are in much bigger squares with many restaurants.

we've been to Gesu many times when it looked too crowded to get a table at dinner. the waiters immediately see you and tell you the situation. they are very efficient and somehow manage to get you seated very fast.

it's a good warning about the desserts. we never had dessert there and anyway, there are many well known ice cream places in Nice like Fenocchio in place rossetti. so you are best just walking around and finding another place for dessert.


http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/aa7d9/

thanks again for all the great tips! I can hardly wait to go!
Dina

Just a tip: the garlic salad at L'Ecurie is fabulous and easily large enough for two.

If hunger strikes in the middle of the day or early evening, you will find a little pizza/pasta place in the area around L'Ecurie. It's open when most restaurants are closed and has decent food that you buy from a take-out shelf.

Pasta Basta in one of the streets in Vieux Nice. Their pizza is thin crust and not skimpy on the toppings. We ordered the 4 cheese with anchovies and neapolitane, each pizza is about 10E. 3 of us shared (we were very hungry when we got there)all with good appetities, and had some left to take back to the hotel which they put in a sturdy pizza box similar to what we have in the US. Don't forget to buy some ice cream afterwards at Fennochio's, accross from St Reparte church. There's also a small cafe right next to St Reparte Church, Cafe Grigi, open until 2 am. It serves beef bourguinion (sp?)dessert and coffee for 7E. Great value!

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