Ratatouille is the Nicois stewed summer vegetables dish, aubergine, courgette, tomato, red pepper, onion and garlic cooked separately and combined in olive oil with basil and thyme.
Where to eat it: 4 restaurants across 1 city.
Ratatouille comes from the Nicois rata, a stew, and originated as a Provencal summer market dish that uses the canonical six vegetables. The Cuisine Nissarde label specifies separate cooking of each vegetable before combining, so each retains texture rather than collapsing into a mush. The dish appears across the canonical Cuisine Nissarde rooms in Vieux Nice.
Tip from the editors. The dish must be served warm or at room temperature, never piping hot; one day in the fridge improves the flavour.
La Merenda in Nice: No telephone, cash only, two sittings, books in person at the door earlier the same day for the lunch service in Vieux Nice.
Why locals love it: No telephone, cash only, two sittings, books in person at the door earlier the same day for the lunch service in Vieux Nice.
Tip: Arrive in person at 11:00 or 18:00 to write your name on the booking sheet for the same day's service.
Acchiardo is family nicois room on rue droite since the close of the first world war, four generations and a single lunch sitting under the family name.
Why locals love it: Family Nicois room on Rue Droite since the close of the First World War, four generations and a single lunch sitting under the family name.
Tip: Book by phone several days ahead for the lunch service; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Lou Balico on Avenue Saint Jean Baptiste has cooked the Nicois family canon since 1979, the Cuisine Nissarde label across stockfish, homemade ravioli.
Signature: Stockfish, Homemade ravioli, Tarte de blettes
Order: The homemade ravioli with daube sauce and the tarte de blettes for dessert.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday evenings. Generous portions; doggie bags accepted.
Le Safari on Cours Saleya offers the canonical Nicois lunch since 1972, the Cuisine Nissarde label and pissaladiere on the terrace facing the daily market.
Try: Pissaladiere terrace plate
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