Riviera Pebbles Blog: Le Bistrot d’Antoine

Posted on 23rd Oct 2018 in Eats & Drinks

Nice's Bistrot d'Antoine

Le Bistrot d’Antoine
27 rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice
+33 (0)4 93 85 29 57

When we speak with our Pebbles guests, and they ask for recommendations for traditional French cuisine at reasonable prices, we invariably direct them to Bistrot d’Antoine, the cosiest, most popular bistro tucked away in the back streets of the Old Town.

The Bistrot d’Antoine has something of a history behind it: opening in 1904 as the Bar Antoine, it was taken over in 2006 by Armand Crespo, who overhauled the entire restaurant, taking it from scruffy local haunt to high-quality cuisine. Crespo brightened and modernised the two-level dining room, as well as introducing an open kitchen where customers can see the cheerful cooks at work with delicious local produce.

A reflection of the local meat and seasonal produce on offer, the menu changes on a regular basis, but you can expect to find classic French fare: tender veal kidney, rich pork stew, and grilled duck breast. The selection of fish is also impressive: restaurant-goers praise the calamari, the sword fish carpaccio, and the filet de maigre (a type of fish native to the Mediterranean). The signature amuse-bouche at Antoine’s is a tasty tuna pâté served with fresh bread. The vegetables are seasonal and fresh, the desserts are delicious, and to top it off, the service is warm and welcoming – the staff speak good English and will be more than happy to translate the menu for you if your French skills aren’t quite up to scratch.

Bistrot d’Antoine spreads itself over two floors, allowing you to choose between a lively main dining room and a quieter, more intimate space upstairs with well-spaced tables. In summer there is also a small outdoor terrace with around 20 covers. Perhaps unsurprisingly however, this bistro is a popular haunt, and spaces are extremely limited. To ensure you get a spot, we highly recommend booking a day or two before.

Prices are reasonable, with main courses starting at around 15€. Keep in mind that the menu isn’t limited to what you see on the blackboard outside; there is a second blackboard listing the daily specials.

Bistrot d’Antoine is a great venue for any occasion. Whether you’re in a group or after a romantic meal for two, this is a cosy restaurant that provides a friendly atmosphere, good value for money, and tasty, traditional, French food.