Le Petit Lascaris Romantic Italian Hideaway in Old Nice

Cosy and intimate Italian bistro in the Old Town of Nice, in the heart of the tourist bustle.  The restaurant's modest size and its position on a side street in Old Nice make it a hidden gem.

The menu features six or seven daily specials, handwritten on a blackboard, with one version in English to cater to the ever-present tourists.  One staple remains unchanged and is the main reason patrons keep returning, is the Italian dish Tagliata de Bœuf marinée à la truffe.  This dish involves marinated, high-quality ribeye or sirloin, rolled and covered with truffle slices to seal in moisture and infuse the meat with its aroma. The roll is then seared raw, and very thin slices are cut.  These raw beef slices are arranged over a bed of rocket salad and finished with shavings of Parmesan.  While not the most photogenic, the result is tender, juicy, and full of flavour.

The service is friendly and generous.  It is a one-man show in the kitchen, where the chef juggles all tasks and is flexible, cooking outside the blackboard menu depending on what ingredients are at hand.  On our visit, the fish option was a crudo.  Wanting something heartier, I asked whether another preparation might be possible, and a delicious roasted fish with vegetables appeared instead, accompanied by little roasted potatoes served in a small saucepan straight from the oven, keeping them perfectly warm throughout the meal.

To finish off, go with the house pudding, a tiramisu served with theatrical flair.  A large ceramic deep platter is brought to the table, and a generous dollop is scooped onto the plate in front of you.  The tiramisu is fluffy and comforting, just as it should be.

Tagliata de Bœuf

Le Petit Lascaris
+33 63 816 8178
5 rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France