Wine, Aperitivo & Cocktails

In Nice, early evening is a special moment of the day. Between 6 and 8 pm, locals gather to enjoy the ritual of the aperitivo,
a glass of wine or a refreshing drink accompanied by simple, delicious bites.

From charming wine bars and authentic “caves à vin” to elegant cocktail bars,
the city offers many beautiful places to slow down and enjoy the Riviera evening atmosphere.
While aperitivo belongs to the early evening, cocktail bars often come alive later at night with music and a more vibrant energy.

Nice is also home to its own rare and confidential wine: Bellet, produced on the hills overlooking the city.
With its limited production and strong local character, it is a wine best discovered right here in Nice.

🍷 La Cave de la Tour

In the Old Town, not far from Place Garibaldi, La Cave de la Tour is a discreet and authentic wine cellar, ideal for discovering local wines, including Bellet (served by the glass) and Corsican wines too. It is also famous for serving what many consider the best pissaladière in Nice, making it a perfect stop for a true Niçois aperitivo.
I also highly recommend this address for lunch or dinner. It is a place cherished by locals, where traditional specialities are cooked and served by a delightful family, father and daughter, following the cherished recipes of the grandmother, who still lives just above.
More info
Phone +33 4 93 80 03 31
Closed Sunday and Monday
3  rue de la tour, 06300 Nice

Aperitivo at Les Mimosas du Cours, Cours Saleya, Nice, French Riviera, France

🍷 Les Mimosas du Cours

A classic Niçois spot, ideal for an aperitivo in a lively and emblematic atmosphere.
I particularly recommend tasting socca and the delicious pissaladière, two local specialities that pair beautifully with a glass of wine. On very hot summer days, you may also enjoy their refreshing homemade lemonade.
Also, the menu features orange wine, made from white grapes fermented with their skins, offering a distinctive colour and aromatic depth. An interesting discovery for curious wine lovers.
Located on the famous Cours Saleya, Les Mimosas du Cours enjoys a perfect setting, just a one-minute walk from the sea and directly opposite the Palais Caïs de Pierlas, where the painter Henri Matisse lived for many years.
More info, Online reservation,
Closed on tuesday,
6 Place Charles Felix, Cours Saleya, Old Town, Nice

🍷 La Part des Anges

An ideal address for a relaxed and authentic Niçois aperitivo.
A lively and convivial wine bar, La Part des Anges is appreciated for its selection of expressive wines and its generous aperitivo plates. Foie gras, sardines, fresh pâtés and other carefully prepared bites accompany the wines, making it an excellent address for a relaxed and flavourful evening.
The warm atmosphere, with bottles lining the walls from floor to ceiling, reflects the very French spirit of a traditional wine cellar, where wine is both shared and celebrated.
website
Open Monday to Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-midnight, closed on Sunday
17 rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice

🍷 La Cave Tambour

Located in the pedestrian Old Town, just steps from Place Rossetti and its beautiful Baroque Cathedral, La Cave Tambour is an ideal address to enjoy wines by the glass in a relaxed yet thoughtful setting. The selection focuses on organic and natural wines, available both to taste on site and to purchase.
Generous aperitivo plates, prepared with fresh and inspired ingredients, accompany the wines. The carefully curated atmosphere where bottles share space with discreet pop-culture references and vinyl records gives the place the feeling of being invited into a friend’s private cellar to discover hidden gems.
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Open Monday to Friday 4pm to midnight, close earlier on wednesday 8pm, closed Saturday and Sunday
11 rue du Pont Vieux, Vieux Nice

🍷 Cave Bianchi 1860

An historic wine merchant and true institution in Nice, Cave Bianchi 1860 is renowned for its exceptional selection and long-standing expertise. It is a reference address to discover both prestigious French wines and local gems such as Bellet.
Website
Open everyday 10am to 10pm, cuisine 6.30pm to 9pm
7 rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Vieux Nice

🍺 Les Distilleries Idéales

A long-standing Niçois institution, Les Distilleries Idéales is loved for its early-1900s décor and very French atmosphere.
Located in the Old Town Rue de la Préfecture, it is an ideal spot to sit, watch people go by and feel part of local life (and one of my favourite places on the rare rainy days in Nice, as the interior is particularly warm and beautiful).
With very large selection of beers on tap, this is a better address for beer lovers than for wine.
In summer, its shaded terrace is especially appreciated.
I particularly recommend ordering a pastis, the traditional aperitif of southern France, served very diluted and perfectly refreshing in hot weather.
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Open every day 9am to midnight
24 rue de la Prefecture, 06300 Vieux Nice

🍸Vibes

Just steps from the Port of Nice, Vibes is one of the city’s most beloved cocktail bars.
People come here as much for the quality of the drinks as for the warm and lively atmosphere.

Cocktails focus on well-crafted classics and modern classics, sometimes enhanced with seasonal ingredients such as a Bellini made with ripe peaches from the Riviera in summer.
To accompany the drinks, the bar also offers a small selection of simple but excellent bites, including Italian charcuterie, cheeses and a delicious Croque Nissart with daube niçoise.

With its music, DJs and vibrant energy, Vibes is an ideal place to enjoy cocktails later in the evening.
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Open every day 6pm to midnight
22 Rue François Guisol, 06300 Nice, France

🍸Povera

Located in the lively Port district of Nice, Povera is a cocktail bar where mixology meets the philosophy of “cucina povera”, transforming simple ingredients into creative and refined drinks.

Cocktails are crafted with seasonal products and a strong connection to the local terroir, often using ingredients sourced from nearby producers. Natural wines and a small selection of plates to share complete the experience.

The decor reflects the same spirit: a warm, contemporary space inspired by old Provençal houses and the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, celebrating the beauty of simplicity and time.

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Open Tuesday to Saturday 7pm to 2am
18 bis rue Emmanuel Philibert, 06300 Nice, France