Socca chez René, Restaurant in the old town of Nice, France
Socca chez René is a restaurant on Rue Pairolière in the old town of Nice, specializing in local street food. Beyond the dish that gives it its name, the menu also covers stuffed vegetables, flower fritters, pissaladière, and pan bagnat.
The place has been open for over 60 years and has built a steady reputation in the old town of Nice. The recipes and the way dishes are served have changed very little during that time.
Socca is a thin pancake made from chickpea flour, cooked at very high heat until the edges turn crispy. In Nice, it is an everyday snack eaten standing up or on a terrace, often with just the fingers.
No reservation is possible, so arriving outside of peak hours is a good idea, especially in the tourist season. Food can be eaten at one of the outdoor tables or taken away.
Anyone who wants to sit inside must order a drink, a house rule that has been in place for a long time. The socca itself is baked fresh throughout the day rather than in advance, which explains the short waits between batches.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
