Restaurant Helios — Restaurant in Nice

We had visited this place last night with a group of 6 people. We were reviewing the menu and one of our friends has made a comment that the prices were expensive, but he said he will order. The owner came over again to him and made a comment “this is Nice, not Greece... you don’t pay the taxes we do..etc” our friend wanted to ask him a question about a food item on the menu and the owner immediately assumed he asked him where he’s from “I’m from Albania”. He then said that’s not what I was going to ask. Since then the entire attitude throughout the sitting was awkward. When we were asked what we would like to drink, 2 of our friends wanted beers. He said I have Heineken can or draft. He came back with the drafts and they were not Heineken. The owner then defended this by saying “I said I have Heineken in can or another in draft.” Whether he was trying to mislead them, I’m not sure. He then made it right and gave a can of Heineken to his credit. 15-20 minutes later we received our food and I wasn’t impressed on the portions as they’re small for the money and the quality is OK. After we ate, I had asked for the bill from the waitress. 30 seconds later, the owner rushes up to our table and asked “Who’s the one who snapped their fingers at the waiter? Who disrespected her? I do not tolerate this!” I told him immediately I had asked for the receipt but I didn’t snap my fingers at her I asked for the receipt politely. When we asked the waitress about this he immediately intervened and said don’t ask her, talk to me. He then argued with me about this for 5 minutes on how one person at our table disrespected him and then ended up crumbled up the bill and threw it at me. I was appalled by this behavior and we ended up paying and leaving. If you’re a Greek, stay away. This is a person who has a complex against Greeks apparently, but strangely he owns a “Greek” restaurant. We treat everyone with respect and we don’t care where you’re from. Only words of advice is don’t act like a fool - you’re a business owner, not a little kid with a complex of some childhood feelings of insecurities. Act like it. We’ll visit Nice again, but not this place.

Response to the owner’s response: think about what you just wrote. You clearly stated we’re arrogant because we’re Greek. You’re simply a racist and it’s obvious you’re the one in the wrong. I can be anywhere in the world and I have travelled many places and I have never came across the disrespect and unprofessional behavior you have. I’m sure you treat everyone else like gold, but when you find out it’s a Greek you turn into a disrespectful coward who makes things up out of thin air. Wouldn’t be surprised if your store is a front for illegal activity. You give a bad name to Greek cuisine in general - you’re simply capitalizing on “Greek cuisine”. I’ll take it a step further and say why don’t you open an Albanian restaurant? Also folks, keep in mind when I asked for the bill, the waitress replied back with cash or credit? More than likely wanting to pass...

We had been getting our share of Italian food in Nice, so wanted to give this Greek place a try. The place was very cute and the food ended up being great on its own but the server did not have any patience with us as English speakers. He was very frustrated when I asked simple questions about the menu and actually threw up his hands at one point. I totally understand that communication will not be perfect but this made us feel very uncomfortable for the remainder of our time. Had we not been very hungry, we would not have stayed. This attitude towards us continued through the remainder of the meal even though we did not exchange any words after ordering. As soon as we finished, we asked for the check and we’re promptly cashed out and thanked him with a “Merci” to which nothing was said. At this point, we have been to many places in Nice and surrounding areas and this was the first time we’ve felt...

We had a thoroughly enjoyable experience at Helios. The service stood out as professional, attentive, and friendly without being overbearing. I ordered the chicken gyros, which was excellent: flavorful, well-prepared, and very generously portioned. The food also came very quick. Considering the quality and quantity of the food, the pricing felt more than reasonable.

The atmosphere was pleasant and inviting, though slightly more understated compared to the food and service, which is why I would rate it a 4.

Overall, Helios exceeded our expectations. We left feeling very satisfied and will certainly...