La Merenda is a small Niçoise restaurant at 4 Rue Raoul Bosio in Vieux Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It is associated with chef Dominique Le Stanc, who earlier made his name in Michelin-starred kitchens in Nice before returning to the plain home cooking of the county of Nice in a deliberately bare-bones format. The result is among the most talked-about rustic addresses in the city, and its reputation rests on faithful execution of old recipes rather than innovation. The cuisine is Niçoise, with a slate menu of regional dishes. Signature plates include pissaladière, tripes à la niçoise, stockfish (estocafinada) cooked with tomato, tourte de blettes, stuffed sardines with chard and zucchini flowers in batter. Stockfish and tripe are the dishes most closely tied to the restaurant's identity, being old-fashioned preparations that few kitchens still make carefully. The dining room is tiny and plain, with tight seating, a busy open kitchen and a lively, noisy atmosphere; there is no dress code. The restaurant has historically operated without a telephone line, and the practical rules are part of the experience: visitors typically call in person at the door to reserve a table, usually the day before, and credit cards are not accepted, so cash is needed. Wine is a simple affair, with local Provence bottles chosen to match the food rather than a showcase list. Press reviews put à la carte spending at about €35 to €48 (about $40 to $55) per person, which is moderate for a chef of this pedigree. The Michelin Guide lists service from Monday to Friday, 12:00 to 14:00 and 19:00 to 22:00, with closure on Saturday and Sunday, while a December 2025 press article reports additional Monday closures, so visitors should confirm opening before making a trip. Because there are few tables and demand is high, booking the day before is the minimum, and visiting at a quieter weekday lunch improves the odds of a seat. The location, close to the old-town lanes and markets, makes it easy to combine with a morning at Cours Saleya.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday to Friday 12:00-14:00 and 19:00-22:00 per the Michelin Guide listing; closed Saturday and Sunday. A December 2025 press article reports Monday closures too, so confirm before going. |
| Reservations | Required. The restaurant historically has no telephone line and books in person: visitors call at the door at 4 Rue Raoul Bosio to reserve a table, typically the day before. Credit cards are not accepted; bring cash. |
| Address | 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice, France |
Signature dishes
- Pissaladière
- Tripes à la niçoise
- Stockfish (estocafinada) cooked with tomato
- Tourte de blettes
- Stuffed sardines with chard
- Zucchini flowers in batter
Good to know
- Known for
- Chef Dominique Le Stanc's slate-menu Niçoise cooking, cash only, no phone
Location
4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice, France
43.6965, 7.2731 View on map
Highlights
- Chef Dominique Le Stanc's slate-menu Niçoise cooking
- Stockfish (estocafinada) cooked with tomato and tripes à la niçoise
- Stuffed sardines with chard and tourte de blettes
- Cash-only, no-phone, in-person booking tradition
Tips for visiting
- Call at the door at 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, typically the day before, to reserve a table.
- Bring cash; credit cards are not accepted.
- Confirm opening days, as sources differ on Monday closures.
- Weekday lunch tends to be easier to secure than dinner.
- Budget roughly €35-48 per person à la carte.
When to visit
Weekday lunch is typically calmer than dinner. Confirm opening days beforehand, as Monday closures have been reported.
Accessibility
The restaurant is a small old-town room in a pedestrian quarter with tight seating, and step-free access is not confirmed. Visitors with mobility needs should enquire in person or by asking a local contact before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
How does a visitor book La Merenda?
The restaurant has historically had no telephone line. Visitors typically call at the door at 4 Rue Raoul Bosio to reserve a table, usually the day before.
Does La Merenda accept credit cards?
No. The restaurant takes cash only, so visitors should bring enough to cover the meal.
What should visitors order at La Merenda?
Signature dishes include stockfish cooked with tomato, tripes à la niçoise, stuffed sardines with chard, tourte de blettes and pissaladière.
How much does a meal cost?
A December 2025 press review put à la carte spending at about €35 to €48 (about $40 to $55) per person.