Cote d'Azur Resto Picks

The concentration of young, inspired and modern cooking is to be found in Nice. I only ate at a handful of these places but have ranked them based on feedback & insights from others.

1. La Part des Anges: a wine store with a few tables set haphazardly and a tiny kitchen in the back. An amazing concept and surprising we don't see it more often.
2. Flaveur: ex-Sketches/Gagnaire chef doing modern twists with Provence ingredients
3. Le Bistrot d'Antoine: a delicious bistrot with an animated and caring patron; his first day back from vaca he was making a large bowl of champagne sangria for all. The best tomato salad I've had, no menus just chalk boards. Lots of positive vibes, happy employees.
4. Keisuke Matsushima: a young Japanese chef of 32 who has already made a name for himself his six years in Nice, his chosen second home after Tokyo. Nationwide fame already, with new opening in Tokyo recently and one planned for Paris. He's had a star for about three years, with more to come. A rising name on the haute cuisine scene.
5. Chez Pipo: home of the adopted local dish, la socca Nicoise. An institution.
6. Le Safari: an institution with a perfect view on the market. Ari's favorite, although he tells me that he's "lazy" in Nice.
7. Don Camillo: an up an comer, Gault Millaut is hinting at bigger and better things for chef Marc Laville.
8. African Queen (Beaulieu-sur-Mer): very casual, port-side dining. Truffle pizza is the signature dish.