Mama Shelter Nice — Brunch du Dimanche

The Mama Shelter Nice sets its restaurant and rooftop near the port, on Boulevard de Riquier. The house belongs to a design-hotel chain (Ennismore/Accor group), known for its colourful, pop decor, its board games and its festive spirit. On Sundays, the stage goes to one of the city's most popular brunches.

The principle is a large all-you-can-eat buffet, laid out across several spaces: starters, salads, devilled eggs, charcuterie, cheeses and salmon, hot dishes, then waffles, crepes, giant cookies, tiramisu and pastries. Production is billed as 100% homemade, carried by a brigade that includes several pastry chefs. Every Sunday, a live musician, guitarist, singer or percussionist, sets the tone.

Good to know

Brunch served at the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 4:30pm, by reservation (by email). All-you-can-eat buffet at €42 per adult, €22 per child aged 6 to 12. The large room welcomes groups, up to 150 people.

Visitor reviews

Highlights: The colourful design setting, the festive mood and the weekend live music, guitarist and singer, are much liked. The dessert counter is often cited as the best of the buffet, varied and good quality. The team's welcome comes up in reviews, with Laetitia and Alicia named. The place is family-friendly and playful, with a games room and cartoons for children.

Areas for improvement: Noise is the most frequent complaint: music sometimes too loud, a room where it is hard to hear one another. The all-you-can-eat buffet suffers from slow replenishment, counters empty at times, lukewarm hot dishes, items running out from the first service. The timed concept, with an assigned slot and dishes disappearing before the end, annoys. Several guests find the savoury offer expensive for its quality.

Overall impression: A festive, generous brunch, to choose for the atmosphere, the music and the desserts more than for quiet or savoury finesse. Better to aim for the start of service and accept the noise level.