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Restaurant Luc Salsedo is located close to but not exactly on usual tourist paths in Nice, France. Place Grimaldi (two steps away from Rue Massena, a famous pedestrian street in Nice, France) is a good landmark to find the restaurant.

Place Grimaldi is at intersect of Rue Maccarani (where restaurant Luc Salsedo is located) and Rue de la Buffa. In the background of this photo (look at the center) you can see the top of Église Reformée de Nice (Reformed Church of Nice) - that is where you need to go.

Hotel La Petite Sirene (8, Rue Maccarani, 06000 Nice, France) - a three-star hotel with rates between €100 and €250 is not far from restaurant Luc Salsedo in Nice, France. By the way, if you have missed American style cuisine, here is a steakhouse for you in the same building as the hotel.

At dusk - Église Reformée de Nice (Reformed Church of Nice) is across the street from restaurant Luc Salsedo.

Restaurant Luc Salsedo in
Nice, France is small with
seating capacity of about
40. The interior has a
traditional look with
attention to details. It is
cozy and inviting.

Restaurant Luc Salsedo

Address:14, rue Maccarani - 06000 Nice, France
Luc Salsedo on map

The number of places where to eat in Nice is staggering: something you would expect from the fifth city in France which is also a major tourist center and a leading resort on Côte d'Azur (French Riviera). Endless restaurants, cafes, pizzerias are everywhere - especially in tourist areas such as Vieux Nice and Rue Masséna (pedestrian area). The quality of food and service in all these establishments is adequate to the requirements of masses of tourists - most often you will come across a place where filling in your stomach quickly with more or less decent food is not a problem.

However, if you are looking for something more than just decent, if you are a gourmand in search of examples of fine Niçois cuisine, you will find that there are surprisingly few restaurants that may deserve any special attention for a city with population of nearly 350 thousand people. Having spent quite some time in search of good restaurants in Nice, here is my recommendation - restaurant Luc Salsedo, which I without hesitation proclaim the best.

If you have a feeling that it's located off regular tourist paths in Nice, you are right: good news though that it's still close enough to all regular traps, within walking distance. You just need to know where to go - hopefully, link to the map at the top and photos on the right will help you find it quickly. Just remember, reservation at this place is a must - the restaurant is very popular among locals; plus, it's very small (perhaps it can accept not more than 40 patrons).

Luc Salsedo is the name of the restaurant's chef. His resume is very impressive. We learn from it that, "a child of the Nicoise countryside, Luc Salsedo is in love with France's southern Provencal style of cuisine." The list of restaurants and chefs with whom Luc worked is also very impressive. Among highlights is the Presidential residence of l'Elysee in Paris, Le Louis XV (Hotel de Paris in Monte-Carlo) where Luc Salsedo worked with Alain Ducasse and Franck Cerruti, big names in culinary world.

The concept behind Luc Salsedo's restaurant is simple - a menu that changes every 10 days with some additional options served in a cosy small place with friendly atmosphere. Typically, there are three or four choices per course that are tailored to various preferences usually including meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. The chef is loyal to his Nicoise origin - most of dishes are French/Provence/Nicoise perhaps with some modern twist and beautiful presentation. What strikes is the attention to details and chef's personal greetings and desire to get feedback from his patrons (by the way, Luc Salsedo speaks fluent English having spend some time cooking in London).

Prices are very reasonable for the value and quality of food offered. Three courses (available for lunch and dinner) are €44 (all prices are for 2009), tasting menu (five courses selected from menu) is €65; a la cart dishes are €18, €26 and €12 respectively for starters, main courses and desserts. Typical dinner for two with excellent wine and some options will cost you around €160 - €180.

Highly Recommended

Restaurant Luc Salsedo in Nice, France - an entrance. Do not be deceived by its modest appearances. It is one of the best (if not the best) restaurants in Nice on par with best two-star Michelin restaurants.

Restaurant Luc Salsedo in Nice, France - a sample menu (menu changes frequently)

Restaurant Luc Salsedo in Nice, France - another look at its interior.

Restaurant Luc Salsedo in Nice, France - a view on its entrance from inside gives a better idea of the small size of this restaurant. All it means is that if you want to dine there, a reservation is a must.