Along Nice’s storied Promenade des Anglais, Le Chantecler at Le Negresco distills the city’s belle-époque glamour into a contemporary temple of taste. Le Chantecler Nice is led by Meilleur Ouvrier de France chef Virginie Basselot, whose precision and restraint frame the Mediterranean in high relief. Two forceful set menus and a curated à la carte showcase her clarity of vision—elegant, exacting, and unmistakably of the Riviera—making this one of the definitive Nice fine dining addresses.

The Story & Heritage
Opened within the iconic, independently owned Le Negresco—celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2023—Le Chantecler carries a legacy of French hospitality and artistic heritage. Normandy-born Basselot, crowned MOF in 2015, channels a classical backbone honed in top Parisian kitchens into a luminous, modern style rooted in terroir. Her tenure has refined the restaurant’s identity: contemporary French cuisine articulated through craft, discipline, and seasonality. A fixture among Michelin star restaurants in Nice, Le Chantecler continues to evolve with a confident, less-is-more philosophy that prioritizes product, detail, and taste above all.

The Cuisine & Menu
Basselot’s cuisine is defined by clean lines and calibrated contrasts. Expect two set tasting menus—without choices, save for dessert—alongside a concise à la carte. The signatures reveal her approach: poultry with white cabbage, kumquat, and pistachio, where citrus brightness and nutty depth uplift pristine farmbird; delicate uses of local olive oil in sweet courses that whisper of the Riviera’s gardens. Seasonal plates might include Mediterranean langoustine with fennel and citrus, or line-caught sea bass with artichoke barigoule and thyme jus. Sourcing privileges top producers, sustainable fisheries, and market-driven rarity. Dietary accommodations are thoughtfully handled with advance notice. Pricing reflects a polished fine dining tier, with a focus on craft rather than ostentation.

Experience & Atmosphere
A jewel box of French elegance, the dining room nods to Le Negresco’s museum-like character—period woodwork, refined upholstery, and the Riviera’s soft light create a poised, intimate stage. Service is impeccably choreographed yet warm, with a team that reads the table as attentively as the menu. The wine program—guided by an expert sommelier—draws deeply from France, with strength in Burgundy, the Rhône, and Provençal treasures, plus thoughtful Old World and New World accents and tailored wine pairings. A handful of private dining options and celebratory experiences can be arranged. Smart elegant attire suits the room; reservations are essential, particularly for weekend evenings and peak season on the Côte d’Azur.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Choose Le Chantecler in Nice for its crystalline expression of French gastronomy, set within one of the Riviera’s most storied addresses. Reserve two to four weeks ahead for prime evening tables; off-peak weekday dinners offer a more serene cadence. For connoisseurs, opt for the full tasting menu with wine pairing or request guidance from the sommelier cellar-side. This is Nice at its most polished—restrained, radiant, and memorably refined.