Where To Drink Coffee In Nice, France

Hello, it is I, Elena, back with another mildly-pretentious post to tell you where to drink coffee in Nice, France!! Having worked as a barista for four years, I can confidently say that I know my coffee. Everywhere I go, I find the best cafés around to get my caffeine fix.

I’d also say that I know Nice pretty well, having studied here for three months in 2014, visited friends in 2017, and then studied there again in 2018. So, I definitely know a lot of cool cafés here. But there a lot of new kids in the coffee game here, specifically, third wave coffee. That’s the good stuff!! Let’s take a look at the best coffee shops in Nice 🙂

Café Indien – 35 Rue Pairolière

This is one of the few places in Nice (and France for the matter) that grind and roaster their own beans, which mean the shops smells amazing. Café Indien take great pride in their coffee and it shows through their careful and elaborate coffee works. They’re hitting five stars with presentation, ambiance, and staff friendliness as well.

Café Indien in Nice offers a variety of brew methods and a large tea menu as well. The locals love it; the tourists love it. Needless to say, it’s beginning to make a big impact on the Niçoise coffee culture.

Price Point: €

What To Order: Single origin Java espresso

Emilie and the Cool Kids – 1 Rue de la Préfecture

These shops are popping up all over the Côte d’Azur and I’m loving it. Trendy young French girls are flocking to Emilie’s to get their cold coffee by the bucket. Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But their iced coffee is no joke!

Price Point: €€

What To Drink: Iced Latte or Iced Coffee ❤ Oh, and a cookie!

Grand Café de Lyon à Nice – 33 Avenue Jean Médecin

Even though it’s the Grand Café de Lyon, if you’re looking to feel like a true Parisian, this place is where you need to go. They’re a bit snobby there, but it’s lovely to sit at a marble top table out on the terrace and watch people go about their day. When people ask me about the best cafes in Nice, this is the first place I recommend.

Price Point: €€€

What To Drink: Café Allongé and their cup of strawberries (which comes with sugar!)

Cafe Frei, Nice – 2 Rue de France

Another trendy cafe taking over the game, Cafe Frei has a fantastic atmosphere and friendly staff. They specialize in pastries and sweet drinks from all over the world but their breakfast is what stole my heart. Cafe Frei is where you can find among the best breakfast in Nice and perhaps the most extensive coffee menu. Cafe Frei Nice, France, will blow your mind but also will probably give you a cavity.

Additionally, this is one of the places where the decor alone will take you back in time. Very Instagram worthy.

Price Point: €€

What To Drink: Café Arabe (sucré) and Pain au Raisin

Mom and Pop Shops

Of course, this list would not be complete without mentioning all the local mom and pop shops, cafes, and bars that make amazing coffee as well! France has a variety of traditional coffee drinks that you need to try at least once! Here’s a quick little snippet to explain a few:

• Noisette: basically the French version of a macchiato. (,50 – 1€)
• Café Crème: served in a short, round cup, a café créme is espresso with creamy foam on top! (2,50€)
• Café au Lait: a classic; a staple of French cafe culture. It’s coffee with milk on top, similar to the café crème but without the espresso (2 – 3€)
• Un Déca: decaf espresso. Warning: you might be judged. (,50 – 1€)

Price Point: €

In general, France has good coffee. So if you ever in desperate need of a coffee, but aren’t around any of these places, your best bet is an independent cafe or restaurant. You’ll always be safe ordering an espresso, too! Just say, “Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît.”

Going to Paris soon? Check out this guide on where to drink coffee in the French capital!

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