IKARO NICE — Restaurant in Nice

You should absolutely eat here! Ikaro provided the best culinary experience we had during the week we spent exploring Nice and the surrounding area.

We were checking out restaurants for dinner and the first thing I noticed at Ikaro was the fresh crates of ingredients displayed in the window. There were fresh artichokes, white asparagus, and Cedro lemons, amongst other colourful and enticing items. The second thing I noticed was the menu, which advertised several uniquely prepared dishes that you won’t find elsewhere. Mona, the hostess, said hello to me and answered some of my questions about the menu. She was quite knowledgeable and passionate about the food items and how they were prepared. My wife and I, along with our two friends, decided this would be our choice for the evening.

The restaurant has a relaxed ambience and one of the first things you notice is the glassed wall to the kitchen. This allows you to watch Pasquale, the owner, prepare and cook the food selections you make. While it is a treat to see the magic happening in the kitchen, you will also notice how spotless the kitchen is. The restaurant is smaller, so go early and request the table adjacent to the kitchen – it’s worth it.

Along with a selection of wine, we opted to share several different plates amongst us, which we highly recommend doing, as choosing just a single meal would cause you to overlook some amazing dishes. We enjoyed freshly shucked oysters, deep-fried artichoke, a beautifully prepared filet of Turbot, Spanish-cured Cecina wraps, the most incredibly presented deep-fried lobster, and for dessert, fresh strawberries and Parmigiano Reggiano with homemade fig balsamic drizzle, and then a slice of Oreo pie. All the sauces are delicious and are made by Pasquale, and make sure to ask for a side of Nona’s Sauce Provencale, which is excellent for dipping your bread into, or adding to the seafood selections.

We all agreed that our evening at Ikaro was one of the best culinary experiences we ever had. Our only regret was that we found this on our last night in Nice before heading home to Canada, or we would have eaten here again. Pasquale, Mona and staff spent a lot of time explaining each dish and their service and attention was exceptional. Ikaro is relatively new, so check it out soon, as it will quickly become a Nice...

We visited Ikaro in Nice and ordered a Pasta Vongole and a Carbonara. To drink, we asked for an Aperol and a Hugo, but instead received two Aperols. When we pointed this out, the staff offered that we could either keep the extra Aperol or wait for them to make the Hugo – not exactly a smooth start.

Moving on to the food: both dishes were served on cold plates, which is disappointing when each pasta costs over €30. The flavors were underwhelming. The Vongole tasted mostly of oil with little depth, while the Carbonara was lukewarm, overly eggy, lacking pepper, and far from memorable. Presentation was also quite uninspired.

At the end of the meal, we were charged for three Spritz on the bill. When we mentioned this, the response was that we “could have sent one back,” which felt dismissive and far from good service.

In total, we paid €103 for two people. That is a price I’d be willing to pay at a Michelin-starred restaurant, but certainly not at a small Italian place tucked away in a side street of Nice.

Overall, a disappointing experience – definitely not a recommendation.

Note to the response:

Your response perfectly reflects why our experience was so disappointing. Instead of addressing valid feedback with professionalism, you chose to insult paying customers and dismiss their opinion as “cheap” or “not at your level.”

Let me be clear:

-We did not expect a Michelin-star experience. We expected warm plates, properly seasoned pasta, and a correct bill – basics in any restaurant, regardless of price point

-Mistakes with drinks can happen. But charging customers for something they didn’t order and then blaming them for it is unacceptable service.

-Comparing yourself to Michelin-starred chefs and serving celebrities does not excuse poor quality or disrespect toward regular guests.

Hospitality is about respect, consistency, and valuing all guests equally – not only actors and football players. Unfortunately, your reply shows the same arrogance we felt during our visit.

This attitude makes it very easy to confirm: we cannot recommend...

Michelin Quality Exceptional Cuisine!!! My family and I recently had the pleasure of dining at this remarkable restaurant in Old Town, Nice, and I can honestly say it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. From start to finish, each dish was a celebration of unique flavor—truly a magical experience for the palate. We’re already counting down the days until our next visit!

The culinary artistry here is evident, thanks to the talented Chef Pasqualé Esposto from Puglia, whose extensive global experience shines through in every bite. His dishes are a perfect blend of tradition, modern, and innovative flair, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Highlights of our meal:

Shrimp Thai Salad: Fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced.

Wagyu Beef Ham: An unexpected delight. The Wagyu beef ham was decadently rich, melt-in-your-mouth tender with a subtle marbling that elevated its savory profile.

Caserecce al Pesto: This dish was a testament to simple yet profound flavors. The pasta was perfectly al dente, coated in a vibrant, herbaceous pesto bursting with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts.

Angus Argentinian Beef: Juicy, flavorful, and expertly cooked to perfection, this steak was a standout.

Ginger Scallops: These were cooked to perfection—seared beautifully with a golden crust, tender and bursting with sweetness.

Tiramisu: Rich, creamy, and authentic. The best we’ve ever had!

Highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable, flavourful, and extraordinary dining...