THE FRENCH RIVIERA - France 2014 - page 1111

Le Safari is a fair option foroutdoor dining onCours Saleya, with a few more locals
than tourists. The cuisine is Niçois, and the service is professional (€18-30 plats, open
daily, 1 Cours Saleya, tel. [phone], www.restaurantsafari.fr ).
Chez Palmyre is the place to eat on a budget in the old town. It's popular, so book
this one ahead. The ambience is rustic but intimate, and the menu changes every two
weeks. The three-course menu is only €15, and the food could not be more homemade
(closed Sun, cash only, 5 Rue Droite, tel. [phone]).
Le Bistrot du Fromager 's owner, Hugo, is crazy about cheese and wine. Come here
to escape the heat and dine in cozy, cool, vaulted cellars surrounded by shelves of wine.
All dishes use cheese as their base ingredient, although you'll also find pasta, ham, and
salmon (with cheese, of course). This is a good choice for vegetarians (€10-14 starters,
€15-21 plats , €6 desserts, closed Sun, just off Place du Jésus at 29 Rue Benoît Bunico, tel.
04 93 13 07 83).
Oliviera veneratestheFrencholive.Thisshop/restaurantsellsavarietyofoils,offers
free tastings, and serves a menu of dishes paired with specific oils (think of a wine pair-
ing). Welcoming owner Nadim, who speaks excellent English, knows all his producers,
and provides “Olive Oil 101” explanations with his tastings (best if you buy something
afterward or have a meal). You'll learn how passionate he is about his products, and once
you've had a taste, you'll want to stay and eat—so go early (or reserve ahead), as tables
fill fast (allow €40 with wine, €16-24 main dishes, Tue-Sat 10:00-22:00, closed Sun-Mon,
indoor seating only, 8 bis Rue du Collet, tel. [phone]).
Bistrot D'Antoine is a welcoming, vine-draped option whose delightful menu em-
phasizes Niçois cuisine and good grilled selections. The food is delicious and the prices
are reasonable, so call ahead to reserve a table (€7-10 starters, €13-18 plats , €6 desserts,
closed Sun-Mon, 27 Rue de la Préfecture, tel. [phone]).
La Merenda is a tiny place on the edge of the old town. Dine on simple, home-style
dishes in a communal environment. The menu, presented tableside on a small blackboard,
changes with the season. This place fills fast, so go early (opens at 19:00) or, since they
don't have a phone, drop by during the day to reserve (€10-12 starters, €12-20 plats , €6
desserts, closed Sat-Sun, cash only, 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, www.lamerenda.net ) .
L'Acchiardo, hidden away in the heart of Vieux Nice, is a homey eatery that does
a good job mixing a loyal clientele with hungry tourists. Its simple, hearty Niçois cuisine
is served at fair prices by gentle Monsieur Acchiardo. The small plaque under the menu
outside says the restaurant has been run by father and son since 1927 (€8 starters, €15-20
plats, €7 desserts, cash only, closed Sat-Sun, indoor seating only, 38 Rue Droite, tel. 04 93
85 51 16).