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The best aperitivo bars in Nice

TJBy the Timenjoy newsroom · Updated October 2026

A good Niçois aperitivo comes down to three things: decent glasses, something to pick at without ordering a full meal, and a terrace or counter where you can stay two hours without being rushed.

Three places that tick all three, from the Spanish tapas bar to the wine cellar on rue Barillerie. Special mention for the one that opens at 4pm, which remains rare in town.

The selection

La Bodé
1

La Bodé

Near Félix Faure, bringing warmth to aperitivo hour. Iberian plates set the tone immediately: patatas bravas, soft tortilla, croquetas, lomo, fried squid and empanadas. Count two or three plates each for a full meal.

Avenue Félix Faure · Where to drink

Full listing, in French →

La Cave du Cours
2

La Cave du Cours

On rue Barillerie, a safe bet for a decent aperitivo. A good bottle selection in the glass, complimentary antipasti on the table. That detail is what sets it apart from the other wine bars nearby.

Rue Barillerie · Where to drink

Full listing, in French →

Soho
3

Soho

On rue Halévy, it knows exactly how to tip a day into an evening. From 4pm, and that is not a figure of speech, the sharing plates arrive: burrata, beetroot hummus, boards and homemade fried bites, with well-built cocktails.

Rue Halévy · Where to drink

Full listing, in French →

Every place in this guide was filmed. Our visits on video and the new openings we test first are on Instagram.

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Frequently asked questions

Where do you find a proper aperitivo in Nice, away from the tourist strips?
La Bode, La Cave du Cours and Soho are three places you go to for what is in the glass. They run a considered list, not a passing-trade one.
When does aperitivo hour start in Nice?
Around 6.30pm on weekdays, earlier in summer once the heat drops. The best terrace seats are gone within half an hour.
How is this selection made?
Every place on this list has been visited by the newsroom before it made the cut. We do not republish directories and we do not sell places in the ranking. The list is reviewed at every site update, and a place that closes or slips is taken out.

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