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Nice › Nice › Restaurant Mallard Nice
Restaurant Mallard NiceB+Worth Trying
6 Rue Maraldi, 06300 Nice, France
· French restaurant, Bistro, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (707 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Stylish modern French bistro with standout classics and creative touches; very good food and warm service, but portions can run small and prices are premium.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Mallard Nice delivers refined modern French cooking with polished execution and genuinely warm, attentive service, positioning it competitively among Nice's better neighborhood restaurants. However, inconsistent execution on doneness and dessert quality prevents grade A territory, while modest portions relative to pricing temper overall value perception. The stylish interior and ingredient-focused approach appeal to adventurous diners seeking quality over abundance.
Restaurant Summary
A short stroll from the Port, Mallard feels warm and intimate with vintage flourishes and a relaxed hush. Service often comes with genuine charm and menu guidance, as one diner put it, "our server translated, poured, and checked in without hovering." However, the vibe can be calm rather than buzzy, and a few nights show slower end-of-meal pacing. The cooking leans modern French bistronomy: classics like vol au vent, quenelle, and steak au poivre share space with playful touches like game wontons in Vietnamese broth and bright crudo. When it lands, dishes are polished and satisfying; the pigeon and sausage-purée are frequent favorites. Portions skew modest and prices reflect the sourcing, so this rewards those who enjoy ingredient-focused cooking over heaping plates. Families can do well here thanks to accessible options like burgers, chicken with macaroni, and mashed potatoes. There is no explicit kids menu, but staff have accommodated strollers and simple tweaks. Adventurous items and smaller portions mean particularly picky eaters may prefer safer picks from the menu.
At a Glance
- Refined modern French dishes with creative accents
- Friendly, helpful service and thoughtful wine guidance
- Portions run small relative to price
- Occasional execution lapses (overcooked fish/pork, dessert inconsistency)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Creative twists on French classics
- Strong wine guidance
- Cozy retro-styled room
What People Love
- Emotion of a polished neighborhood gem
- Standout pigeon and vol au vent
- Warm welcome that eases language gaps
- Curated wine suggestions that fit the food
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (€24-38 mains) and portions can feel modest
- Service can lag at closing time or with one server covering the room
- Occasional misses on doneness or seasoning (isolated overcooked fish/pork)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; conservative palates may struggle
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€48-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For value, pair a mid-priced starter (€10-15) with a €24-30 main and share a €9 dessert
- Seafood fans: cod or turbot with spring vegetables; meat lovers: sausage-purée or pigeon
Perfect For
- Date night with thoughtful wines
- Small group dinner exploring French classics
- Solo treat at a cozy neighborhood spot
- Food-focused travelers avoiding tourist traps
Location Insights
Area: Residential-meets-local-commercial pocket near the Port, quieter than Old Town, draws locals and in-the-know visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked streets near Port; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Short walk to Port of Nice, tram links and neighborhood bars; away from busiest tourist corridors.
Vieux NiceVieux Nice is the historic old town of Nice, characterized by narrow winding streets, colorful buildings, and a lively market scene. The dining environment is rich with traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine, alongside modern bistros and wine bars, attracting a mix of visitors seeking authentic and contemporary culinary experiences.
Rue MaraldiRue Maraldi is a charming street within Vieux Nice known for its intimate restaurants and bistros, offering a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere compared to the busier main squares. It is favored by diners looking for quality French cuisine and a wine-focused dining environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday07:30–21:30
Wednesday12:00–13:30, 07:30–21:30
Thursday12:00–13:30, 07:30–21:30
Friday12:00–13:30, 07:30–21:30
Saturday12:00–13:30, 07:30–21:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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