Lavomatique — Restaurant in Nice

We live in Nice and support locals and newbies. This one is a newbie but we waited a few months before we try it. Friends from Spain joined us for. A night out. Two seatings - 7 or 9pm. And a credit card to prevent no show. All fair enough. When arrived at 7pm the place wasn’t full full. But the manager kept pushing us to order. He had an ago to use, we could sense that. Or because of the season (early July) he was pressurised. We spoke recent French but he insisted on English. Fine. We shared some staters (this is supposed to be a tapas style diner), and waited a bit to order the mains. He said they were not mains. They are meant to be shared. Fair enough, again, but the dishes were listed in separate sections on the menu. We ordered a bottle of white. Not cheap. Ok but not exceptional. Ok. At the end of the bottle when I sipped the last bit of wine in my glass I could see salt like substance. I thought I’d dropped food or something. No. It is the sediment of the wine. We commented on it to the same manager but he got upset, lecturing us about organic wine blah blah. We have been drinking wine for decades! We have never seen sediment in a white wine. Anyway, at about 8:30 the manager started telling us to move…saying others would be arriving at 9pm. We said we still had 30 min and he said no. People must be seated at 9pm. Ok ok, we said. When we asked for the bill at 8:50 he took his time bringing it to us. When we left at 9pm sharp, a queue was snaking round the front door to the side street. Food - one starter was good. The rest not memorable. Mains - my pork was delicious but the rest? Don’t worry. This is one of those seasonal start ups that may not survive past October when they need the locals’ support. With the attitude and rush rush mentality, without the backup of a decent chef or menu, we won’t go back. Atmosphere - it doesn’t look like a typical French bistro and probably the worst chairs in the world!!! They have these bar stools at high tables!!! Most of...

Okay, let me just start by saying that the food is good. Nothing phenomenal, but definitely tasty and a solid meal, so my one star doesn't reflect the cuisine. However, only half of dining out it about the food...the ambiance and person-ability of the establishment plays a massive role in the overall experience and that was absolutely disgraceful. I don't say this lightly, I am a pretty forgiving patron, but this shocked even me. The two men who the run shop were so rude - throwing plates down on our table, not listening to our orders, telling us half the menu was no longer available (and it is a small menu already) at 8pm...like how do you run out of half the food by 8pm? It wasn't until we name dropped their supplier that they magically procured one of the dishes we had wanted to order but they originally said they had no more of. Then our food came out in literal fragments, our sharing plate of falafel came last, our main plate came first, the vegetables with dessert...the whole thing was a stuttering disaster. We waited THIRTY minutes to get the bill - the place was not overly busy - there is absolutely zero excuse for this except for it being deliberate. The man threw, and i mean, THREW, the little stone with our table number on it onto the table when we asked for the bill and then simply ignored us. No please, no thank you, just very very unkind and unpleasant and out right rude people. We were four, and very kind and polite people, so I cannot even find any reason for this unjustifiable behaviour. It's a real shame when you experience restaurateur who takes zero pride or care in how they behave - in my opinion, don't open a restaurant then! Also, is it so hard to not be a d*ck? Will never go back again and highly recommend avoiding this spot if you're looking for an enjoyable evening. It's a shame for them because I'm well connected in the global restaurant community (NYC, LA, London etc) and bad experiences travels and...

I didn’t know laundromats made food quite like this. Drop everything and go for the food, clean your clothes later!

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Food: Simply put, the food was phenomenal, rich, and tasty. With everything made to share, look to get 3-4 plates per person (inclusive of sides). All the dishes beautifully blend into one. Want to mop up the nduja/marinara mussels with some bread & pair it with the tomato and mozzarella dish? Lavomatique! Perhaps use the remnants of the succulent chicken dish to add an additional punch of flavour to the zucchini side? Lavomatique! Mix & match - wash at your own discretion!

People: I never doubted entrusting the 4 staff to waive off the food-pocalypse for us. Seamlessly gelling with one another to create an efficient yet homely dining experience. Everyone had their own unique vibe and i don’t think I’ve come across better team chemistry all whilst remaining intimate for guests! Keep a light hearted humour with the waiters and don’t take their light bullying too seriously!

Place: Nestled inside Old Nice, you have the option of sitting inside/inside - at the bar, & outside. Being seated at the bar was a voyeurists dream as we got to watch the Head Chef at work. But I can see how being seated outside during the cooler months would be great for a larger party. Be sure to book as well! You’re unlikely to find a table off street (see their site to book). Having shared around 6-7 plates, wine, & dessert, we rounded out the night @ €100 for the experience. Would estimate a €40-50 range, per person, when dining here.

When I wash my clothes - I will think of Lavomatique. When I’m ravished and in need of quality food - I will think of Lavomatique. When I return to Nice - I’ll be going back to...