I spent 11 days in Nice, and dined at La Cucina for 9 of those evenings. My only regret is wasting two nights at nearby restaurants--nothing compared to this place. I tried almost everything on the menu: everything was served hot, extremely fresh, and full of authentic Italian flavor. Great balance of tastes and a wide drink selection. The homemade cocktail, available only here, was my favorite. They're open only for dinner, and although I waited about an hour, it was absolutely worth it. The place was very clean, and the staff were incredibly kind and professional. Highly recommended read more

La Cucina - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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My wife having just arrived saw that this restaurant was rated extremely high so thought we'd try it. It only has 6 tables inside so it's very small. We waited close to an hour outside with no formal waiting list. Other people were brought in before us that arrived after us, not sure why. The service was good once when we were seated. I had the lamb shank and it was excellent! My wife wanted the rib eye but we are told they didn't have it but had a substitute steak that was even better. The. We were told it was several euros more expensive after the fact. The quality of the meat she received was fatty and veiny making it hard to cut and chew. read more

When I say I love La Cucina, I truly mean it. I'm absolutely obsessed with Leo, the reason I keep coming back. Leo is like the lead singer of a band--his energy and charisma are what make La Cucina so special. This quaint little gem is tucked away around the corner down a narrow alley, making it a bit of a hidden treasure. With only ten seats available, it's definitely a place where you'll want to arrive early; otherwise, you might end up waiting an hour and a half for a table. There's always a line outside of people patiently waiting to get in. Now, let's talk about the food--it's EVERYTHING! The menu is just one page, but every item packs a punch. I've tried almost everything on the menu at least twice, and each dish has left me craving more. La Cucina will always be my number one choice whenever I'm in Nice. It's an absolute MUST! read more

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This is a small restaurant with only 5-6 tables. We came by 3 nights in a row before we got a table. So come early because it is worth the wait. Every dish we had was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious. Service was great, they make you feel like family once you sit down to dine. Should be on everyone's list when visiting Nice. read more

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Lovely food, it's my go to place when I am in Nice. The pasta with four gras and cognac... a must!! Love the pear and Gorgonzola salad. It feels like having a flower garden in your plate. Thank you for the excellent cuisine. read more

La Cucina - Front line!!! Show up early - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

Worth the wait. Just get early and put your name down. Have some wine while you wait, it was one of the best nights we had in Nice. Get the pesto pasta and lamb shank. Service was incredible and I look forward to coming back. read more

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Great food! Small place with a wait but absolutely worth it. Truffle pasta is also great. Ravoli was also amazing, read more

La Cucina - Brussecta - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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What a great find! It is located on a small side street tucked away from the touristy spots. It doesn't take reservations so come early for delicious food with lots of flavor presented with care. We ordered two grilled breads with toppings (a fancy open sandwich). Both were delish! read more

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Rude waiter, loves to say "relax" which I don't think he knows comes off very rude in English but food is great and creamy! Be aware of a wait time. read more

La Cucina - Truffle cream pasta (top) and mushroom ravioli ( bottom) - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

Best restaurant in Nice. Must visit if you like Italian their truffle pasta is amazing!

Beautiful food, beautiful people, always busy Love love love it, will come back definitely whenever in Nice read more

Most delicious porcini ravioli in a small personal setting. The wait was worth it! I highly recommend when in Nice. read more

La Cucina - Porcini ravioli - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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A little off the beaten trail, this hidden gem was one of the best meals we had in France. The entire experience of finding this place, waiting to eat here, and then the meal itself were all great. As with many other places in the area, the restaurant opens late, around 6:30 PM. There was no obvious way in which to make reservations, so the strategy was to arrive early and wait for a table. We arrived at 6:35 and observed that they had clearly opted to open earlier; every seat of the 10-ish table restaurant was already at various stages of ordering and some were already eating. The host, who doubled as a server/expo sat us in a group of chairs in the alleyway and brought us drinks while we waited. We were told it would be 90 minutes but it was a beautiful day and the people watching was 10/10. This was perhaps one of the most entertaining parts of the day because the host was managing a growing horde of interested diners, taking orders, clearing tables, taking breaks to chain-smoke cigarettes all without skipping a beat. Once sat, we were tipsy, happy and relaxed. The sun has just begun to set and some local buskers were completing feats of athleticism for cash a few feet away from our table. The food was excellent. There are some strangely named dishes (probably more a product of poor translators) on the menu, but we were very pleased with our choices. The Hot Goat Cheese Salad was very big - big enough to share between 4 people as an appetizer. It was flavourful and fresh. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe, the cheese was rich and creamy. The mushroom ravioli was another hit: savoury, umami-filled pockets of goodness. Two of our party had the Arrabiata, one with and another without the Burrata. Both thought it was some of the best pasta on the trip! We shared a Creme Brulee and Panna Cotta to wrap up and both were perfectly sweet and balanced with fresh fruit. This place is cash-only, so make sure to bring enough for your group! read more

This a warm, inviting dining experience! The food and the service were top notch. We can't wait to go back!

This tiny little place was fantastic - no reservations so go early. The food and service were worth the wait!

The food and service were terrific. Get there an hour before they open--limited seating. My friends had a poached pear salad, and my husband and I had the tomato and mozzarella salad. Diner was a porcini mushroom raviolo (my husband (who does not like mushrooms) loved it, but enjoyed his medium rare rib eye steak more. Our friends had a lamb shank and a lamb chop, all as delicious as could be. Worth the kiss to the chef and will come back next time we are in Nice. I Iunderstand why laCucina is number one. Restaurant in Nice (please don't change) read more

La Cucina - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

Wow! What a fun experience! We went 15 minutes prior to opening. There was a line of 3 other parties in front of us. Made it in barely- only 6 tables! Very small! Luckily it was January! There is one server- the menu is lovely and the drinks were superb! We had bruschetta, the lamb shank(special), tomato basil pasta, tiramisu and the Pavlova! First- it was TOO much food for 2 people! Simply amazing! It is a family run place and you feel you're eating in their home! The server was friendly, helpful, efficient and so enjoyable. We had drinks- beer and and Aperol Spritz! After our meal- we were given small glasses of a wonderful "punch"- I believe it was Sex on the Beach- and a jar of candy is placed on your table as you wait to settle your bill. Truly authentic and enjoyable experience in Nice! read more

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The most wonderful experience; meeting new people, sitting outside on the couch for an hour waiting to be seated in a 16 maximum capacity restaurant where the chef is one of a trio of family proprietors. The food was exceptional! We ordered the bruschetta that was too pretty to eat, but we ate it all! Then followed with Pasta Pesto and Ravioli stuffed with mushrooms. This was hands down the best restaurant we have been to on our trip that started in France, followed with Normandy, Dorgdone, Albi and other spots! We are thinking of going again tonight!! read more

La Cucina - Chef and patron striking a pose! - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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Best meal in France after traveling through Marseille, Cassis, Cannes, Monaco, and Nice!!! Ate at mid to high end restaurants in France but had the best experience here at La Cucina. Small little restaurant that seats about 16-20 people. Family run restaurant with son and mom in the back preparing the food, and the other son waiting tables. The restaurant is so cute, with such a cool vibe. Since there is only one waiter-he was busy but was very efficient, charismatic, and an absolute delight!!! The menu looked pretty simple but what came out was truly exquisite. Everything came out beautiful, so fresh, and of course delicious. What we ordered: Appetizer: bruschetta with candied tomatoes and Breole. Served sprinkled with mini grapes and pomegranate...so good! Entree: Rib eye steak (comes with mashed potatoes and a spring salad dressed with a pomegranate vinaigrette) and the mushroom ravioli. Steak was well seasoned, tender, but with a nice crust to it. The Mushroom Ravioli was creamy with a nice truffle fragrance. Tasted like fresh made ravioli. Dessert (dessert of the day): chocolate lava cake in a pool of custard cream sauce with ice cream on top. Very good Wish we had discovered this place earlier in our trip because we really wanted to go back. They open only for dinner around 6:30pm but a line usually begins around 6pm. But seriously... so worth the wait!!! You can order drinks or something while you are waiting, and it may come with a a bowl of olives. This little gem is a must if you are visiting Nice, you won't regret it! read more

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I write very few reviews, so that's how you should know I mean this one. My family and I have been traveling around Spain and France for quite a few days, searching, no yearning, for a breathtaking meal. And let me tell you, we have found it here at La Cucina. From our server Leo (and his brother and mother in the kitchen) to the smacking dessert we just demolished, this place deserves 6/5 stars. We had the bruschetta, pasta with tomato basil, pasta with pesto, lamb, and steak. Each meal was amazing. The dessert... don't even get me started. Just look at the photos attached and you'll know all you need to know. We went to Monaco and Eze during our stay in Nice, and neither was anywhere close to the meal we just shared here. Trust, and enjoy. read more

La Cucina - Post-grub - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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Simply put: the best in Nice! Worth the wait. Come early, no reservation. Leo is a master.

Of the 30 or so meals I had in Nice, this was by far the best. Our party couldn't decide between the meat dishes and pasta, so we each got a lamb entree and split the mushroom truffle ravioli. Best decision ever! The pasta was very rich with flavors and ingredients that are rarely found outside of this region. The lamb, which is apparently cooked over eight hours, melts off the bone. The savory drizzle mixed with a sweet berry glaze is the ideal mix. If the food weren't enough, their house cocktail made of passion fruit, liqueur and cinnamon was phenomenal. This place takes no reservations, but if you come early and secure a table, it will be one of your most memorable meals in Nice, if not France altogether. read more

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Absolutely AMAZING cuisine, service and charming atmosphere. Leo is a prince of a host, he is attentive and extremely kind. His mom and brother create magic, delightful, and insanely flavorful food!!! This is one of the best meals I've had in the past decade!!! And read more

La Cucina - Lamb shank fell off the bone! - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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Beautiful presentation, phenomenal food, and incredible hospitality. This charming, cozy restaurant makes you feel right at home and the 3 wonderful people who run it (Chef Vahik, Ella, and Levon) make you feel like you're family. The food is as delicious as it is beautifully plated. I went back two days in a row and had the truffle pasta, the lamb shank special, the foie gras, tiramisu, and chocolate mousse. All were fantastic. The lamb fell off the bone and melted in your mouth, the truffle sauce was delightfully truffly without being overwhelming, and the desserts were fabulous (I dream of that chocolate mousse). If you're in Nice, La Cucina is a must! read more

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One of the best meals I have had. Such an amazing experience from start to finish. Great service, fantastic food and overall spectacular restaurant. A mother and two sons serving authentic and delicious italian food, can't go wrong with anything you order read more

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BEST restaurant in Nice!!! After traveling through France for two weeks and eating in number of high end restaurants (including a few Michelin) this was by far the best and most complete food experience!!! We didn't want to wait the first day, but after reading reviews and being disappointed multiple times in Nice, we decided to wait. It was well worth the wait. This is truly a gem! Food is seasonal and crafted with incredible taste, attention to detail and originality. We ordered a few appetizers, lamb, duck and sea bream! Every dish was perfect and absolutely delicious. Desert of the day was amazing, followed by digestivo! Great atmosphere and amazing service! If anyone would ask me to recommend one place in Nice, this would absolutely be it!!! read more

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10/10 ambiance. Everything was amazing. Highly recommend the bruschetta and lava cake. First seating begins at 6:30 so get there early! Only 8 tables. read more

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After not being able to find a lobster place we had talked about all afternoon, my wife recalled a place in a nearby alley getting rave reviews. We just happened to be in front of the unassuming location a few minutes before opening. One of the brothers came out and said "no problem, just 15 minutes". Very soon all 7 tables were seated and the dance began. With amazing speed the brother in the front got each tables order, and started to bring the drinks and food out as the brother in the back began delivering dish after dish of exceeded expectations. Between courses we enjoyed the quirky detail of the decor. We also noticed the number of people showing up to be told "an hour minimum" and being offered wine and a seat outside. Some bought a glass and enjoyed. Some stood in the alley and glared, which did not make anyone feel rushed. Food - each dish more impressive, more fresh. For example drizzle fresh honey on my figs over the pear and Gorgonzola - yes please! PLEASE figure out your timing, pack a snack and seat but do not miss this meal. Please make the effort to watch the two brothers redefine the best meal you have ever had. The entire experience is unforgettable. read more

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Our favorite experience we had in France. This place is so good we went twice on our trip. They don't take reservations and the wait can get long so I recommend getting there at opening. We had to wait but the waiter offered to get us drinks while we waited. This place is a beautiful little hole in the wall restaurant with great atmosphere and the perfect vibes. Food was DELICIOUS and service was great. I am vegan and they were happy to make the tomato basil pasta without dairy for me. Everything is amazing this place is a MUST go on your trip to nice. read more

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What a lovely restaurant. We had to wait in line for about an hour but was worth it. If you get there around 930/10 there didn't seem to be much of a line read more

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Incredible food and service! Would highly recommend! The owner is so kind and dedicated to giving you a good dining experience. read more

La Cucina - Charcuterie board - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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Absolutely the best place to eat in all of France! Do not miss it! Mother and two sons and this could be a Michelin star restaurant. Get there early. read more

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The hype is real. We showed up 15 minutes before opening and were the last in line for first seating. Suffice to say, the wait was worth it. Pear & Gorgonzola salad was fresh, flavorful and well-executed. Arabiatta pasta and BBQ beef (filet skewers) were both outstanding, with a great wine selection to boot. Service was AMAZING and thoughtful. No rushing, although there was a long wait, and extremely good vibes about this business. I'll return here every chance I get. Show up early!!! read more

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The entire experience was amazing!!! The only bad thing was the 2 hour wait. The server was amazing

Takes no reservations arrive by six to be served. If you arrive late the wait will be 2 hours. Very few tables, wonderful food, very caring service, family owned and run. Our best meal in Nice. If your in Nice you should have dinner here. read more

Great dinning experience! I have eaten at LaCucina three times. Once this year and twice last year (2023) when I visited Nice. The service has always been fantastic. If you are not there early, before opening, your wait time could easily be from 1to 2 hours. read more

Decided to get some pasta to-go from here and it was really good. Can't believe I haven't been here before. I don't remember what we ordered but me and my fiancé liked the pasta. I'd definitely recommend trying it out and we will definitely dine in over here soon. read more

NO RESERVATIONS!!!! But worth the wait!!! This is a family run restaurant (mom & 2 sons) serving up love and delicious plates with an intimate feel. The price point is super reasonable considering the quality of food you're getting. My bf and I came the night prior but the waitlist was at capacity (which is fair), so we came back the following night and boy, was it worth it. The wine selection was primo as well! I wish I had pictures of our meal but we devoured it. I will add more info, like what we ordered later. read more

The best experience and food in Nice! Highly recommend. We arrived at 5:45PM (they opened at 6PM). The line was so long we had to wait until the second seating to dine - around an 1-1.5 hour wait. Absolutely worth it. Family owned and run! read more

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Best meal by far in Nice (including visits in 2018 and 2022). Get there 30 minutes before opening and enjoy the service and food. Also bring cash since CC's aren't accepted. read more

La Cucina - Italian Near Me - Nice, 06

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