Chez Davia

Chez Davia is a family bistro at 11 bis Rue Grimaldi in Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, in the central district near Avenue Jean-Médecin. It has been run by the same family since 1953 and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand, the guide's award for good cooking at moderate prices. The kitchen works from a handwritten seasonal menu of Niçoise dishes, so what appears on the page depends on the market and the time of year. The cuisine is Niçoise, rooted in the home cooking of the county of Nice and its vegetable-driven repertoire. Signature dishes include ratatouille niçoise, linguine au pistou, légumes farcis with lamb, marinated tuna in olive oil and courgette flower. The farcis and the courgette flower are among the preparations most associated with Niçoise cooking, and the long family history means the recipes follow traditional methods. The dining room is warm, lively and unpretentious, with close tables, a convivial hum and attentive family service; there is no dress code. The atmosphere is that of a long-established neighbourhood address rather than a modern restaurant, and it draws a mix of regulars and visitors. Wine is mainly Provence and southern French bottles, with rosé and Bellet among the regional options, and staff can advise. Gault&Millau puts the cost at about €34 (about $39) per person excluding drinks, which is moderate for a Bib Gourmand address. The restaurant is closed on Monday and serves Tuesday dinner from 19:30 to 21:45, Wednesday to Saturday lunch from 12:30 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:30 to 21:45, and Sunday lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 plus dinner from 19:30 to 21:45. Reservations are recommended, and visitors can call +33 4 93 87 91 39, with booking a few days ahead sensible for dinner and weekends. The bistro has its own website at chezdavia.com. Its location near the main shopping avenue makes it a convenient alternative to the old-town restaurants.