If you find yourself wandering through the charming streets of Nice, a visit to Palace Café is highly recommended. Nestled at 1 Pl. du Palais de Justice, this restaurant crafted a cozy nook where culinary delights come alive. Despite some patrons noting a slower pace of service, the vibrant ambiance and carefully prepared dishes make the experience worthwhile.
As I stepped into Palace Café, the air filled with laughter and the gentle strumming of live music. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and lively, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a romantic evening. The menu is a homage to regional specialities, featuring staples like socca—the famed chickpea pancake, Pissaladière—a savory tart with caramelized onions and anchovies, and a delightful bagnat sandwich loaded with fresh tuna, tomatoes, and sliced hard-boiled egg. Such dishes celebrate local flavors while offering diners a taste of Nice’s rich culinary heritage.
One highlight that stands out is the Beef Tartare, praised for its freshness, expertly paired with crispy fries. This dish encapsulates the essence of Palace Café: simplicity married with high quality. Meanwhile, the Mussel Pot surprised many guests with its generous portions and hearty flavor, reflecting the café's dedication to satisfying even the hungriest patrons.
During my visit, I also had the chance to savor a delightful lasagna praised by other diners. Each layer was a testament to the kitchen’s skill, rich with fresh ingredients that made every mouthful comforting. The staff, known for their friendliness and multilingual capabilities, add to the overall warmth of the café, making you feel like part of a big family rather than just a customer.
The selection of wines is not to be overlooked either; a perfect complement to the flavorful dishes. Many guests found themselves extending their stay, gathering over glasses of exquisite wine while soaking in the bustling ambiance.
In conclusion, Palace Café is not merely a restaurant; it is an experience. With a delightful menu, charming ambiance, and dedicated service, it offers a delectable taste of Nice that will surely beckon you back for more. Whether you're a local or a traveler, allow yourself to bask in the inviting charm of this gem as you indulge in its culinary offerings.
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Joanne
19/10/2025
I agree with other reviews that the service is slow, but the food is good. I didn’t mind the slow service as it took me a while to decide on what I wanted to order. The servers were polite, but constantly busy. Once we ordered it took about 15 minutes for the food to come out. I ordered a large appetizer that included socca (chickpea pancake), Pissaladière (think of pizza but the toppings are caramelized onions and anchovies), and bagnat (small sandwich that included tuna, tomato, and sliced hard boiled egg). My boyfriend ordered the grilled lambchops and it came with fries and a small salad. All the food was very good and cooked well.
JR C (Ryan)
18/09/2025
Le Café du Palais offers a delightful dining experience. The Beef Tartare was delicious and fresh, perfectly complemented by crispy fries. The Mussel Pot was a pleasant surprise—abundantly filled and surprisingly filling. The casual, relaxed atmosphere made for a pleasant Sunday afternoon, with just the right amount of bustle. Prices were reasonable, and the service was attentive without being intrusive. We appreciated the staff's availability without constant hovering. Overall, it was a great experience, and we look forward to returning.
Dominic Burrows
18/08/2025
Came here on a Saturday evening in June. Had a delicious lasagna. Staff were friendly and helpful and multi-lingual. Would happily come back. There was also live music which was great.
Zoe Lisson
09/08/2025
Great location for a relaxing wine. We stopped for one drink and ended up staying for quite a while. The staff are very lovely and helpful and helped us select some quality wine that was delicious. It turned into a busy night, but once we made eye contact with our waiter, he always finished what he was doing and then helped us. The food and live music were on point and a hit! Would definitely go back.
CY W
27/07/2025
Nice food and good price. Very nice lady to serve our table and who did not mind my broken french and let me practice a bit
Veronica Matthews
19/07/2025
Bonjour! We discovered this restaurant after passing on another, and we are glad we ended up here. The delicious food, the handsome server, the trio of musicians all contributed to a delightful experience. The lasagna was bubbling hot, creamy and just the best we'd ever had. Great menu, many excellent options. Merci for the guidance on wine, the best of our journey. Of note, this wide area at the foot of the Palais de Justice is also an excellent place to people-watch.