Socca, Star of the Markets
You can’t visit Nice without tasting socca, the golden chickpea pancake drizzled with olive oil. Baked in a wood-fired oven, it’s served hot — crispy on the edges and soft inside. Sprinkled with pepper and enjoyed standing at a market stall or down a cobbled street in the Old Town, it’s the ultimate local street food — simple, social, and irresistible.
Pan Bagnat, the Iconic Niçois Sandwich
The pan bagnat is Nice’s most famous snack. Its name literally means “soaked bread,” as the round loaf is generously brushed with olive oil before being filled.
Inside, you’ll find all the ingredients of a Niçoise salad — tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, tuna or anchovies, and hard-boiled eggs. Perfect for a beach picnic or a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.
Petits Farcis, a Taste of Home
Colourful and full of flavour, petits farcis are another beloved Niçois classic. Tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers, or onions are hollowed out and stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, bread crumbs, and herbs.
A true family dish, every household in Nice has its own version passed down through generations. Served warm or cold, les farcis embody the warmth and generosity of local cuisine.
Daube Niçoise, the Festive Stew
A traditional favourite, daube niçoise is a rich beef stew slow-cooked in red wine with carrots, herbs, olives, and sometimes a touch of orange zest. The result is tender meat in a deep, aromatic sauce.
It’s often served with Niçois chard gnocchi, a typical side that complements the comforting flavours of the stew. Usually prepared for family gatherings and festive meals, this dish celebrates patience, tradition, and togetherness.
Sweet Chard Pie, the Unexpected Delight
To end on a surprising note, discover the sweet chard pie (tourte de blettes sucrée). Yes — this leafy green usually found in savoury dishes becomes the star of a dessert. Mixed with apples, raisins, pine nuts, and sugar, the chard filling is wrapped in a thin, golden pastry.
The result is a dessert that’s both earthy and sweet, delicate and balanced — a true symbol of Nice’s culinary heritage.
Nice is as delicious as it is beautiful. Each specialty tells a story — of tradition, creativity, and the Mediterranean way of life. So on your next visit, follow your senses: taste your way through Nice, and let its flavours become part of your memories.