Finally, we had a fabulous meal in Nice worth blogging about. Dining at Comptoir Du Marché in the old town in Nice felt like we hit the jackpot. The sister restaurant to the popular and eternally booked out Bistro d’Antione, Comptoir Du Marché has redeemed Nice. We were starting to think that eating out in Nice was never, ever, going to be anything other than mediocre.  Like all tourist towns, research is required to eat well, and in Nice’s case, reservations are also required.

Comptoir Du Marché is a classic French Bistro setting with exceptional service. Be sure to ring and book a table, even if it the day you wish to dine. This place books out and for good reason. Aussies: ask for waitress Josephine – she lived in Sydney for a year and loves Australia.

A little tasting h’ors dovres were placed on our table as soon as we sat down – bread, olive oil, tiny olives, and a tomato and garlic compote.

The very reasonable wine list still baffled me – only because I have little idea about French wines. I opted for a 2012 Pinot Noir for 22 Euro that was the best wine we’ve had in France to date.

Entre of cooked veal tartare and homemade mayonnaise was very tasty. Zorba’s vitello tonnato salad was the pick – to die for.  Everything was executed well, the presentation felt five-star, yet the prices were of the friendly bistro sort.

Main course of scallops with potato puree and lobster stock emulsion was sublime. Perfectly cooked scallops, creamy smooth mash and a delicate opaque stock was luscious. Zorba’s duck breast with roast vegetables and jus was also perfectly pink and cooked wonderfully. He loved it.

Dessert: I chose the floating island in creme anglaise with caramel, and Zorba had the chocolate mousse, which was whipped so airy and very light, yet rich. My dessert was nice, but Zorba’s was really the pick.

With a glass of champagne to start, and a digestive to end our meal,  and three courses our bill came to 115 Euro, or about A$170 for two, including wine and water.  For the quality of food, service and the a great night out, it was reasonably priced.

Compare that to 60 Euro we paid last night at Le Bistro du Fromager for one entree (shared), two mains, and just two glasses of wine, for a meal and experience that was an utter disappointment. I mean, how is cognac and parmesan (not true parmesan, but locally made by a farmer that prides himself on the floral scents and taste, without the bite or saltiness of true parmesan) a good sauce combination for pasta? It is not.  And risotto with asparagus and apple sounded okay, and after adding 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper, it tasted kind of okay too. Le Bistro du Fromager is trying too hard and it didn’t deliver.  Comptoir Du Marché on the other hand, did. It was a wonderful night meal and great night out.

Verdict: 9/10. Excellent choice – book ahead

FACT FILE

Comptoir Du Marché 
8 r. du Marché 06000 Nice
+33493134501

Have you eaten in Nice? Where did you eat and what was your experience?