The Safari, Restaurant in Old Nice, France
Le Safari is a restaurant in the heart of Old Nice, on the Cours Saleya, the open-air market square that runs along the edge of the old town. The terrace opens directly onto the market, and the dining room inside is decorated with artwork and colorful jars lining the walls.
Le Safari opened on the Cours Saleya in 1972 and gradually became a reference point for Niçoise cooking in the city. Over the decades it earned the "Maître Restaurateur" and "Cuisine Nissarde" labels, two official marks that certify the authenticity of its kitchen.
Le Safari sits right on the Cours Saleya flower market, so diners on the terrace watch vendors and shoppers pass by throughout the meal. Inside, paintings by local artists and rows of colorful jars give the space a personal, handmade feel rather than a polished restaurant look.
The restaurant sits right on the Cours Saleya, making it easy to combine with a walk through the market or along the nearby Promenade des Anglais. It tends to fill up at lunch and dinner, so booking ahead is a good idea, especially in summer.
The bagna cauda here is served as a main dish rather than a starter, which is less common even in Nice itself. Pizzas and meats are cooked over a wood fire, a detail that sits alongside the traditional Niçoise dishes on the same menu.
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