Mezza Luna

At 1 Rue du Lazaret, steps from Port Lympia, Mezza Luna is Nice's Italian revelation — a generous and authentic trattoria that has established itself with a TheFork rating of 9.7/10, one of the highest in the entire city. The passionately run restaurant offers superior quality Italian cuisine in an elegant, intimate setting, with a terrace offering pleasant port and sea views.

Generosity is the house's cardinal value: portions are copious, antipasti are offered on arrival, limoncello is served as a digestif — sincere attentions that bring clients back week after week. The owner personally welcomes, advises on wines and ensures every table enjoys a memorable experience.

Cuisine

The menu celebrates revisited Italian classics with quality produce: creamy burrata with varied antipasti, grilled octopus with stracciatella (one of the most cited dishes in reviews), seafood linguine, seafood risotto, salt-crusted branzino, orata in potato crust. The signature Mezza Luna pizza and tronchetti (house speciality) complete a varied menu. Desserts — traditional tiramisu, vanilla panna cotta, chocolate mousse — are unanimously cited as exceptional. Average spend: €32.

Atmosphere

Romantic, chic and relaxed. The warm, welcoming interior décor creates a cosy ambiance greatly appreciated for romantic dinners. Soft music completes the picture. The outdoor terrace, available in fine weather, is the most requested.

Guest Reviews

Highlights: The 9.7/10 TheFork rating says it all. Clients describe the experience as 'a true discovery', 'absolutely delicious cuisine in a very elegant setting'. The welcome is rated 'a kindness and generosity rarely seen'. Complimentary antipasti on arrival and digestif limoncello are very appreciated attentions. Generous portions and fresh produce regularly cited.

Areas for improvement: The restaurant is recent and still finding its rhythm — some organisational incidents reported (dish unavailable, slight wait for desserts). Terrace seats are limited — reservation needed in advance in high season.

Mezza Luna is the Italian address Nice was waiting for — generous, sincere and magnificently well-rated. A table that hasn't finished making waves.