La Merenda — Restaurant in Nice

Our party showed up to our reservation at 9pm for four people. As we entered, we told the waiter our booking name and time which he crossed off his notebook. He seated us at the only free table which was set for 4 people and presumably reserved for us.

After we ordered and received our bottle of wine and drinks, 2 men entered the restaurant at ~9:25pm which were supposedly under the same booking as us.

The waiter became confrontational, leaning in and making a spectacle of us by loudly asking things such as “Have you even made a booking?”and laughing at our reasoning of having previously made a booking under our name, “We don’t have a phone number! How did you make a booking?” In such a small restaurant, other customers obviously overheard and stared. It gave us the impression that he was trying to compensate for his own mistake by making us out to be tourists who don’t know better, and felt incredibly embarrassing and unprofessional.

The waiter then informed us that our food is ready, but we would have to leave the table within 20 minutes for the 2 men who apparently booked instead of us. 20 minutes to finish our bottle of wine and eat our food is an outrageous request. It was far from a relaxing dining experience and we didn’t get to enjoy the food.

The waiter started taking plates from the table while I was still eating, which is entirely not the service I’d expect for a restaurant like this. The 2 customers returned after 10 minutes and we obviously hadn’t finished. They stood at the door next to our table and started whistling, motioning at me to hurry and laughing to each other - making me extremely uncomfortable as a woman. I felt so looked down upon.

You would think the staff would intervene to this behaviour but our waiter did nothing. We paid and left quickly and I had to take my drink with me.

Also note that Google says there are vegetarian options available - Every main contains meat so one of our party had to order a starter as the main. The vegetable soup starter contains ham and the waiter suggested the pesto pasta starter instead.

It’s a shame that our last night in Nice was ruined by this 20 minute “dinner.” The food was fine, but when the horrible service impacts the meal, you know there’s a problem to be addressed. How come the waiter recognised our booking name and sat us down at the table set for 4 if it was really for 2 people who came later? Very...

La Merenda in Nice, France, is a delightful culinary experience that embodies the charm and flavors of the French Riviera. Tucked away in a quaint corner of the old town, this charming bistro has gained a reputation for its authentic Niçoise cuisine, drawing both locals and visitors alike.

As you enter La Merenda, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with rustic decor and a cozy ambiance that feels like a home away from home. The intimate setting adds to the charm, making it the perfect place for a leisurely meal with friends or a romantic dinner.

The menu at La Merenda is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional recipes. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the vibrant flavors of the region. During our visit, we enjoyed the Ratatouille, which was bursting with the freshness of seasonal vegetables and beautifully seasoned. It was a comforting dish that truly highlighted the essence of Niçoise cooking. We also indulged in the Fried Squash Blossoms, which were a delightful treat—crispy on the outside and filled with creamy goodness, making for a perfect appetizer that set the tone for our meal.

The attention to detail in every dish is evident, and the flavors are both rich and comforting. The portions are generous, ensuring that you leave satisfied. Additionally, the wine selection features some excellent local options that perfectly complement the meal.

What truly sets La Merenda apart is the exceptional service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they serve. They take the time to explain the dishes and offer recommendations, making you feel welcomed and valued as a guest.

Overall, La Merenda is a must-visit for anyone in Nice looking to indulge in authentic Niçoise cuisine. With its delightful dishes like Ratatouille and Fried Squash Blossoms, charming atmosphere, and attentive service, it’s an experience that captures the essence of the region. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a delicious meal, La Merenda promises a memorable dining experience in the heart of Nice. Highly...

I really have no idea how they get place in so many French reviews and guides that made me go there but that place should be published as a definition of a TOURIST TRAP: there were no French people and everyone was elderly tourist tables are supper small and they are about 10 cm from each other so if you want to stand up all other people need to move or they need to move the table, you feel like sitting at one table with strangers there are no chairs but small stools and you worry not to push people behind or next to you no AC or ventilation food is really average, something most people can easily cook at home -.I ordered fish stew and and that was so full of chopped fishbones, that was a nightmare to eat it. They even gave me a spoon to try when I ordered and that was quite strange but there was not even one fishbone in the sample and they didn't mention this in menu so was really surprised once I got the plate and started eating (I appreciate that may be traditional way of making this dish but that would be good to know before) vegetable soup was with sausage glas of wine without any taste was super overpriced and NOW THE WORST - when it came to payment they told me they accept only cash. And that was the first place in all Nice and other towns around that happened even when paying for really small things always with a card. I was alone and maybe I had 3 EUR less than needed in my wallet and it was so embarrassing I had to go to ATM (it was raining and I left coat inside not to make impression I am escaping) and come back to pay the bill. Is that even legal? Cannot they mention this before ordering or while making and confirming reservation? Not to mention the bill was written on paper and not printed so I assume there must be funny bookkeeping.

AWFUL experience from each perspective! I really do not write reviews but I hope someone will get better holidays by skipping this place after...