La Merenda restaurant.

Have sorted the places we want to visit and are now planning where to eat during our June holiday in Nice; have come across La Merenda during my research.

It sounds delightful, and I wondered if anyone has eaten there, plus if they%26#39;d recommend it?

I%26#39;m surprised it hasn%26#39;t appeared in any of the lists you TA lot suggest, and don%26#39;t know if it%26#39;s because you haven%26#39;t discovered it (hopefully) or don%26#39;t like it (knowing my luck).

Thanks

ELaine

|||

I had a lovely meal there a few years ago and I wrote a review at the time on virtualtourist.com

It was recommended recently in one of the weekend magazines, the Telegraph I think.

It%26#39;s usually listed in most guide books about Nice, maybe that%26#39;s why it%26#39;s not mentioned much here. It%26#39;s often mentioned along with other restaurants like La Petite Maison, Dom Camillo etc.

You need to turn up in person to book, no telephone, no credit cards either if I remember correctly.

I can%26#39;t fault the food, wine or service but I would have preferred more flattering lighting (I need all the help I can get) and a smaller bottom to fit on the tiny wooden stools.

|||

Hi Elaine,

I know that I%26#39;ll get some heat from other TA, but I%26#39;ve eaten at La Merenda a number of times over the years, and to be quite candid, it%26#39;s a great deal of hype. I use the term %26quot;eaten%26quot;, cause it%26#39;s sure not dining. Of course, the fact that you have to get there late afternoon to book yourself a reservation for the evening is a joy, and then wind up sitting on a stool in a cramped atmosphere is another pleasure. I must admit that the food is fairly good, and you have a choice of wine, red or white, but there are many more charming restaurants in the old town, that you wouldn%26#39;t be missing much if you missed this one. Whatever or wherever, enjoy!

|||

there are many more charming restaurants in the old town, that you wouldn%26#39;t be missing much if you missed this one.

Funster, we will be in Nice for 3 days beginning with the day before Easter Sunday. What %26quot;charnming restaurants in the old town%26quot; would you suggest instead of La Merenda?

Thanks,

carolandbob from nj

|||

I%26#39;ve been to La Merenda many times and have always enjoyed it. But you have to be aware of what it is: a tiny place serving regional food. Nothing fancy but everything is delicious. The chef/owner was a Michelin starred chef at dining room at the Negresco Hotel and gave that up for something much more simple.

As previously mentioned they don%26#39;t have a phone so you have to make reservations by stopping in. They also don%26#39;t take credit cards and are not open on weekends.

Another simple, casual place serving regional cuisine is Acciardo on rue Droight in Old Town. It%26#39;s a little larger and the seating is slightly more comfortable. They are also closed on weekends and don%26#39;t take credit cards.

For something still casual but much more upscale I%26#39;d suggest Bistro Antoine. It%26#39;s an attractive place with a pleasant atmosphere and good food.

I%26#39;m also a fan of Pot d%26#39;Etain on rue Meyerbeer, La Tire Bouchon, and for a special meal Jouni.

|||

Hi Elaine,

Well, as previously mentioned, Acchiardo on rue Droite is a must, but only Mon-Fri, and make reservations. Many of the tables seat six, three and three, but definitely fun to meet people or not. They specialize in provencal food, and try their Gnocchi, and Soupe de Poisson. The house labeled wine is great at about 12 Euros, a real bargain.

Also, you might try La Tapenade, on rue Ste Reparate

for some more great food, L%26#39;Escalinada on rue Pairoliere, with reservations, La Table Alziari,on rue Francois Zanin, family run, and yummy, Chez Palmyre on rue Droite. And of course you must finish the evening with great homemade ice cream at Fenocchio%26#39;s, on Place Rosetti. You pick the flavor.

That should keep your tummy%26#39;s happy. Whatever, or wherever, enjoy!

|||

Thank you all so much for your opinions...more greatfully received please.

I%26#39;ve been keeping an eye on recent restaurant posts+ responses and you%26#39;ve mentioned some that I haven%26#39;t come across before, which is exciting.

Planning and anticipation really is the best part of a holiday, and it%26#39;s wonderful to get advice from people who really are in-the-know.

Still can%26#39;t decide about La Merenda but shan%26#39;t be bothered now if we don%26#39;t get there, and am just about to look into the other places you%26#39;ve mentioned.

Cheers %26amp; thanks again

Elaine

|||

Hi Elaine126

Wander around the Old Town and you will have plenty of restaurants to chose from. Pedestrian area and side roads. If you like the look of one go in. I have never had a bad meal yet in Nice. You do not need to plan where to eat!What someone else likes you may not.

|||

The lavander ice cream is my favourite!

|||

Of course you%26#39;re right, Sunnybun, and we won%26#39;t be able to find a bad meal; but the anticipation is a huge part of the pleasure of a holiday.

Planning where to go is enjoyable, and getting recommendations from people-in-the-know is a fantastic bonus.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 1:17 pm, September 21, 2009