IF YOU’RE VISITING NICE, GO TO COLITA
Heading to Nice? Add Colita to the list. Colita sits on rue Catherine Ségurane, in the stretch of the city between the port and the Colline du Château, just far enough from the Old Town crush to feel like a proper find rather than a tourist stop.
The restaurant is the work of chef Armand Crespo, already known around Nice for a handful of other spots, and here he's brought in two young chefs, Colombian Carlos Gomez and Italian Daniele Lamboglia, who built the whole concept around cooking over fire.
Colita is redefining Mediterranean dining on the French Riviera with a vibrant culinary concept that seamlessly blends the rich traditions of Colombia and Italy. Recognised by the Michelin Guide, the restaurant has quickly established itself as one of Nice's must-visit dining destinations, offering an experience where bold flavours, exceptional ingredients and open-fire cooking take centre stage.
Photo Credit: Colita, Nice, The Culture Digest
The warm terracotta interiors, open kitchen and spacious sun-drenched terrace create an inviting atmosphere that reflects the relaxed spirit of the Côte d'Azur. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch or an evening dinner overlooking the vibrant streets of Nice, guests are immersed in a dining experience that is both refined and effortlessly welcoming.
Photo Credit: Colita, Nice, The Culture Digest
That fire-first idea shapes everything about the place, right down to the decor. Think hacienda-style charm, with terracotta limewashed walls and earthenware vases, an open kitchen where you can watch the grill and oven in action, and a warm, easy atmosphere that feels more like a friend's place than a formal dining room. The terrace, worth asking for if the weather's on side, a nice spot to settle in for a couple of hours rather than rush through a meal.
Photo Credit: Colita, Nice, The Culture Digest
The beef tartare and lamb chops both come cooked with the kind of care that comes through when a kitchen genuinely knows what it's doing with fire. But the food is really just one part of why Colita works, it's the setting and the mood that make it a proper night out rather than just a good meal. Expect it to be busy, and expect the room to get loud once it fills up, which only adds to the sense that this is somewhere people actually want to be.
Photo Credit: Nice, The Culture Digest
Anyone planning a trip to Nice should book ahead for this one.