Armand Crespo – the serial bistro-operator behind Le Bar des Oiseaux, Le Bistrot d’Antoine, Peixes and La Cave du Cours – can’t seem to relax. What’s keeping him so busy these days? Le Bar de la Dégustation, a sunny spot ideally located on the Place du Palais-de-Justice in Nice, which he decided to bring back to its former glory…. Mission accomplished, thanks to this chic little outdoor terrace and a handful of thoughtfully crafted dishes that vary depending on what’s fresh at the farmer’s market. Snatched up the night we went: a lovely local tomato salad tucked in amongst some guacamole; an unusual veal and shrimp tartare; melt-in-your-mouth beef tiradito (a sort of Peruvian carpaccio), with feta, nori and shallots; or even a refreshing cauliflower tabouleh with pine nuts and Corinth raisins. And for a sweet treat after all that? An incredible chocolate mousse with crushed hazelnuts and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. It’s worth noting that the bar also serves a breakfast set menu, featuring a sweet or savory homemade waffle. // Laëtitia Sayre
FEELING THIRSTY? The wine list gets straight to the point: Le P’tit Ramatuelle, a Var rosé (€5 a glass), a Sauvignon Solognot from the Domaine des Corbillières (€26 a bottle), an Aix red from the ChâteauHenri Bonnard (€29)… And, as a bonus, spritz made with Sikos (€10).
PRICES: Breakfast set menu €11, dishes €10-15, desserts €6.
