Nice is a foodie paradise. With a culinary heritage anchored both in Italian and French cuisine, strong ties with Northern African and Arabic flavours, and the recent addition of world-class Indian, Asian and American influences, there’s something for everybody in France’s 2nd largest cultural center. Brunch has been thoroughly adopted into French culture – even the word has stuck! In French, we say, “Allons-y bruncher!”, which means, Let’s go brunch! Each of the restaurants below brings something unique to the table. From a market-fare picnic with views of the old town to a 5 Star luxury hotel brunch experience, Nice can cater to all tastes and budgets.
Deli Bo.
Deli Bo (5 Rue Bonaparte, Nice) is found just off the large Place Garibaldi, at the entrance to Nice’s own petit marais – a pedestrian quarter known for its lively restaurants and terraces that are popular with the locals. Deli Bo is famous for its Sunday brunch and everyday patisseries (pastries). While they’re open all week long, the Sunday Brunch is very popular – make sure to make reservations or go early, spots fill up very quickly. Home-made scones with jam and hand-whipped cream, fresh mango with coconut and mint, and mini viennoiserie (miniature pastries) will whet your appetite, while bagels with avocado, cheese and fresh herbs, whipped eggs with grilled pork belly, or truffle-infused croque monsieur will keep you well satisfied for a day of visiting the old town, just steps away.
Kililie’s
What’s better than brunch? All-you-can-eat brunch buffet. Kililie’s (21 rue Delille) is a lesser-known spot near Nice’s historic Cimiez neighbourhood. The brunch buffet comes at 25€ and includes hot and cold drinks, and a staggering assortment of savoury and sweet brunch treats. French scrambled eggs, farci niçois (a local specialty of meat-stuffed roasted vegetables), pancakes, muffins, gateaux (cakes), French toast, brownies, mountains of fresh fruit, apple tart, pain au chocolat and croissant – basically, if you eat it at Brunch, you’ll find it at Kilile’s buffet. Everything is made in-house and fresh that morning. So come with an empty stomach and leave with that warm, fuzzy feeling that you can only get from “way too much” brunch.
La Femme du Boulanger.
Located on a pleasant side-street in Nice’s pedestrian-only Pieton district, La Femme du Boulanger (the baker’s wife, 3 rue du Commandant Raffalli) serves up a delectable and filling brunch in a rustic-chic atmosphere. While they’re open all week, it gets busiest for Brunch. The brunch menu includes specialties breads, eggs & bacon, cured meats, smoked salmon in dill sauce, a selection of cheeses, fruit salad, and hot and cold drinks. The home-made confitures (jams) are divine. The portions aren’t huge, but there’s plenty to go around, and the quality of the food speaks for itself. The specialty bread is a volonté (all you can eat), so slather on the jams, dolce de leche or butter and go to town.
Le Marché aux Fleurs + la Colline du Château
You don’t need four walls and a roof for a great brunch. Nice’s Marché aux Fleurs (Cours Saleya) is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in France. 11000 square meters of food vendors and fresh farmer’s produce can be found here. Gather up some goodies for a picnic brunch that won’t disappoint. You’ll definitely want to try some socca – a local specialty of chickpea-flour flatbread fried in oil until crispy and served with salt and pepper. Locals consume this stuff by the pound, especially after a night out on the town. The market has mountains of fresh fruit, crêpe vendors, local cheeses and cured meats, and crust baguettes – everything you need for a relaxed brunch in the fresh air. At the end of the market, you’ll find la Colline du Château, an impressive hilltop that looks out over the city, offering spectacular views of the old town, Mediterranean and port. Climb up using the stairs for different look-out points or take the free elevator straight to the top. The top of the hill boasts a large, grassy park with lots of trees and shade.
The Royal Riviera Hotel: Jasmin Grill & Lounge
le Royal Riviera Hotel (3 Avenue Jean Monnet, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) is located on the beautiful peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, known for its jet-set population and gorgeous, rustic beaches. The hotel’s famous Jasmin Grill & Lounge offers unparalleled views of the Mediterranean coastline, in a chic and luxurious setting. This is the priciest brunch on our list, at 53€ — but it’s an astonishing buffet of gourmet treats to delight the senses. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, delicate macarons and decadent pastries and, of course, champagne – come for a taste of the lifestyles of the rich and the famous. Bring your swimsuits as well: after brunch, you’re welcome to lounge in the hotel’s pool to extend your stay in paradise. Otherwise, the hotel also has a private beach with lounge chairs and parasols. However you choose to spend your afternoon, you’ll have fond memories of this 5 Star luxury brunch.
