Restaurant Chez Davia

Vrai coup de cœur pour cette institution niçoise, tenue par la même famille depuis trois générations. Pierre Altobelli, qui a repris les rênes, insuffle un petit vent de modernité - et d'exotisme parfois - aux recettes traditionnelles dont il a hérité. Si on retrouve tous les incontournables de la cuisine niçoise à la carte, la présentation est particulièrement soignée, signe du passage du chef dans plusieurs restaurants étoilés avant de rentrer à la maison.

Located between the main train station and the Promenade des Anglais, Chez Davia is a fantastic French bistro that brings a modern twist on classic Niçois cooking. The bistro itself is full of charm with red gingham tablecloths, vintage furniture and mismatched light fittings. First opened in 1953 by Chef Pierre Altobelli’s grandmother, the restaurant has continued through the generations serving up incredible local cuisine to locals and in-the-know foodies.

Située au 11 bis rue Grimaldi, cette adresse familiale ouverte en 1953 a été récom­pensée pour "sa cuisine régionale". C'est Pierre Altobelli qui officie derrière les fourneaux après avoir pris la relève de sa mère Alda et de sa grand-​mère Davia, la fonda­trice du restaurant. "Tout ici est soigné et les produits sont choisis avec attention. A déguster dans un sympa­thique décor de bistrot rétro, dans son jus. Coup de cœur absolu" fait savoir la critique.

Having honed his culinary career in Japan, Pierre Altobelli returned to Nice to run his family’s restaurant, bringing his own contemporary reimagining to Niçoise fare. The menu is driven by seasonal market finds, but might include delicate barbajuans (crispy ravioli), vivid whorls of pesto linguine, and smoked mozzarella with impeccably ripe figs. And if you’re not already a fan of tourte de blettes (Swiss chard tart), Altobelli’s will convert you.

Located in the heart of a bustling area, Chez Davia is a small restaurant known for serving specialties from Nice. Visitors can expect to enjoy dishes like stuffed sardines, pasta al pesto, pissaladière, and lemon tart, all paired with good natural wines. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh produce, offering a warm and comfortable ambiance, and adding a modern touch to refined Niçoise cuisine.

Chez Davia is a true institution among restaurants in Nice, known for its family-style, traditional cuisine. For over 60 years, this restaurant has kept the secret recipe of Niçoise cooking, and the third generation of the Davia family continues to delight guests with passion. If you want to taste traditional dishes made from recipes passed down through generations, Chez Davia is the ideal place.

This likeable establishment, run by the same family since 1953, was founded by grandma Davia and taken over in 1985 by mum, Alda, now retired. Since 2016, Pierre Altobelli, whose impressive CV features star establishments in France and Asia, concocts tempting recipes rich in the aromas of Nice. Every detail is perfect, and the ingredients are meticulously sourced.

Pierre Altobelli headed Michelin starred kitchens of the very top French chefs before going to Osaka and obtaining his first star in the famous red Michelin guide book. The love of his Nice roots took over when his mother, in charge of the restaurant created by his grandmother Davia, decided to stop work. There was no way he could let go of this family story!

On our arrival into Nice our taxi driver recommended Chez Davia, and we were so glad for the tip. The service was quick, the rustic French food with a personal twist was on point and the typical atmosphere of a French bistro was bright & fun, highlighted by the massive central Murano glass chandelier.

Another great address for those who swear by Mediterranean cuisine prepared with fresh, local produce. Chez Davia, which is also in the Michelin guide, offers refined cuisine with seasonal products. Their menu changes every week as they adapt to market produce.

Le Sejour Cafe is a good bistrot, and Chez Davia has Nicoise cuisine next door -- they are closer to the train station (but still many blocks away, at the edge of the Carre d'Or). La Meranda in the old town is also well known for Nicoise cuisine.

Fief d'un clan niçois, c'est la même famille qui mène ce bistrot de caractère depuis les années 50 à Nice. Piloté désormais par Pierre Altobelli (petit fils de Davia), le lieu célèbre la Méditerranée et le terroir niçois.

As unassuming as it is from the outside, as warm, inviting and beautiful it is on the inside. Often packed to the brim, booking ahead is a must. The tables are packed in tightly, but the more the merrier!

Just down the street, another Bib inductee, Chez Davia, offers a Nicoise 3-course weekday lunch menu at 39€. 11bis Rue Grimaldi, tram stop Jean Medecin. Closed Monday and Tuesday.