
Bistrot d'Antoine
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Bistrot d'Antoine sits on 27 Rue de la Préfecture in Old Nice, a short walk from the city's main squares and the old port. Step inside and you find a bustling bistro where the kitchen works visibly and confidently on classic southern French recipes. The first taste is often knife-cut beef tartare, sharpened by capers and shallot, or a slow-cooked pork casserole paired with creamy polenta. Early dishes set the tone: direct flavors, careful technique, and portions meant for sharing. The setting is lively; the terrace fills in summer and the upstairs dining room offers a quieter winter refuge. Bistrot d'Antoine in Nice is both neighborhood favorite and destination restaurant for visitors seeking honest Provençal cooking. Chef Sebastien Krieger trained in French techniques and has shaped Bistrot d'Antoine into a place that honors regional dishes while keeping service efficient and personable. Krieger favors seasonal produce and time-tested preparations, from precise pan reductions to slow braises. The kitchen's work earned the Bib Gourmand distinction in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, a public nod to quality cooking that delivers strong value. That recognition sits alongside consistently positive guest reviews, including a 4.4/5 rating on Tripadvisor from over 1,800 reviewers. What makes the restaurant special is its combination of familiar comfort and exacting execution: classic recipes, like grilled veal kidney in wholegrain mustard and baby potatoes, receive careful technique rather than reinvention. The team focuses on local sourcing when possible, and the menu changes with seasons to highlight fresh produce from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. This balance keeps the menu approachable for locals while appealing to food-minded travelers. The culinary journey at Bistrot d'Antoine centers on signature plates that read like a short love letter to southern France. Knife-cut beef tartare is a must-order, hand-chopped at service, seasoned with lemon, herbs, and house pepper for a clean, bright finish. The old-fashioned pork casserole is slow-braised, its sauce reduced until glossy, served with rich, creamy polenta that absorbs the jus. Risotto with truffle butter arrives silky and buttery, the truffle aroma measured, not overpowering. Grilled duck breast is charred on the outside and tender inside, paired with seasonal vegetables and a restrained pan sauce. Lentils with sausage highlight rustic, smoky notes and firm-textured lentils cooked just right. Grilled veal kidney in wholegrain mustard showcases traditional techniques with bold flavors and careful timing. The kitchen favors grilling, slow cooking, and knife work; these techniques preserve ingredient integrity while creating robust, satisfying plates. Dishes rotate with the market, so winter menus lean into braises and richer sauces while summer service favors the terrace and lighter preparations. The interior keeps to a classic bistro aesthetic with functional wooden tables, simple chairs, and original architectural details of the Old Nice façade. Lighting is practical and warm, and the open kitchen adds sound and motion to the dining experience. The terrace on Rue de la Préfecture offers street views and a relaxed pace in summer. Service is brisk and friendly, matching the restaurant's emphasis on convivial meals rather than formal rituals. Staff move with practiced speed during busy evenings, and while service can feel hurried at peak times, the team remains attentive to wine pairing and timing. Seating capacity is modest, roughly 50 covers across the terrace and an upstairs dining room, which makes advance booking advisable. The best times to visit Bistrot d'Antoine are weekday evenings for a slightly calmer experience and summer afternoons for terrace dining. Dress is smart casual; guests keep to comfortable, neat attire. Reservations are recommended, as the restaurant fills regularly and is often crowded, especially during high season and weekends. Walk-ins are possible but limited. For a true taste of Nice, book a table at Bistrot d'Antoine and reserve time to enjoy multiple courses. Chef Sebastien Krieger's menu rewards sharing, and the Bib Gourmand 2025 recognition confirms the restaurant's value and consistency. Whether you come for knife-cut beef tartare, pork casserole with polenta, or a crisp summer lunch on the terrace, Bistrot d'Antoine delivers clear, well-executed Provençal flavors that make a meal in Nice worth planning in advance.
CHEF
Simon Scott
ACCOLADES
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(2024) Michelin Bib Gourmand
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