Anne-Marie Hayden
Google
May 2024: A trip to Nice is not complete without a meal at Bistrôt d'Antoine. The first time we went, we were supposed to have dinner at a 3 Michelin-star restaurant in Monte Carlo that evening, to cap off our trip, but a couple of days before, we cancelled - we wanted something more chill, more local - and discovered this place instead. Best decision ever. The food was so good, the place was so right, it brought a tear to the eye. (Not sure the lovely server knew what to do with that.) We've been back a few times since and it just keeps getting better. Last time we got to introduce a couple of our kids to the restaurant and they loved it as much as we do. It's the kind of place that makes you feel so lucky to be alive and in that part of the world.
May 2025: We recently had our 6th or 7th meal at Bistrot d'Antoine (at least) and this time it was a lunch with my parents who were visiting us in Nice, for a very special trip. The experience is worth an edited review (addingto my 2024 one, above), so I am adding to it. Our original plan was to dine at Bistrot d'Antoine on the night of my parents' arrival, but when I called I found out the restaurant was closed exceptionally for vacation. Alternatively, after more planning, we decided to arrange for a lunch on my parents' very last day with us. We were all excited for them to enjoy our favourite Nice restaurant (well, tied with La Merenda, which we also visit annually). On arrival, at noon, they did not have our reservation, which was puzzling and disappointing, because I plan things down to the very last detail. After some back-and-forth, we were lucky to have been given a table. I know enough that snagging a last minute table here is not something that happens every day. As we sat down, we learned that I had actually made a reservation at Bar des oiseaux (their sister restaurant where my partner and I had dined a few nights before, on arrival in Nice). The mix-up was my fault - when I was rearranging the plans because we could not book on the day they were closed, I know must have switched the numbers - both were in my phone. Their playful and confident (they were so sure they had not messed up), yet professional and service-oriented response, so that I could show my parents this special place, followed by what was probably the best meal of our entire trip to France (and we had many), is the reason I keep coming back and recommending this important place. Just go. And make sure you're calling the right number when you make your reservation. And try their other restaurants (Bar des oiseaux and Comptoir du marché) as well because they too are absolutely wonderful.