Best Specialty Coffee Shops in Nice, France (That Are Actually Worth Visiting)

France does a lot of things right when it comes to food and drink, but specialty coffee culture here has historically lagged behind other European cities. After years in London and Amsterdam, where perfectly crafted espressos and strong flat whites are the norm, moving to Nice made it genuinely difficult to find anything that compared. Too many places would honestly be better off with a Nespresso machine.

But things are changing. More time here has helped me uncover some genuinely excellent spots. If you're visiting Nice and take your coffee seriously, these are the specialty coffee shops that are actually delivering.

Selah Atelier

After a string of disappointments with local cafés, Selah Atelier was the first coffee shop in Nice that truly hit the mark for me. The space itself is stunning; the owner also leads flower workshops, so the shop is filled with beautiful dried floral arrangements that create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

But the coffee is the real draw. Every specialty drink is strong yet balanced, served in beautiful ceramic cups. Their pistachio cookies are dangerously good, too. Located in the Libération neighbourhood, just a few blocks from the train station, it's a spot most tourists never find. Pair your visit with the huge morning market nearby (Tuesday to Sunday) for a genuinely local Nice experience.

Le Country Store

After years of living in California, the owner returned to Nice and noticed the city was missing the kind of specialty coffee culture he'd grown accustomed to in the US. Le Country Store was the first specialty coffee shop in Nice, and its success almost certainly paved the way for others to follow.

The coffee here is strong in the best possible way, made with expertly roasted beans and real care in the brewing. Their original location on Rue de l'Hôtel des Postes is small and cosy, with scones to accompany your cup. Their larger Carré d'Or shop offers the same excellent coffee plus soups, smoothies, and more room to sit and relax for a bit.

La Hacienda Coffee Shop

La Hacienda first came onto my radar through expat events in Nice, and when I discovered it was a Colombian coffee shop, trying it immediately became non-negotiable. The coffee was exactly as excellent as expected, but what genuinely surprised me was the warmth of the place. I immediately felt welcomed, and the fact that they also serve empanadas and Colombian baked goods.

It's now my go-to spot whenever I'm in the area. One block from the beach, it's also a perfect first stop before a morning by the sea.

Puss

A Swedish coffee shop in Old Town Nice!? I was delighted when this opened. After several work trips to Stockholm, I developed a real appreciation for the Swedish concept of fika and the high standard Swedes hold for coffee and baked goods.

The woman running Puss is lovely, and the shop serves traditional fika treats like cinnamon buns and semla cream buns. Coffee usually comes with a mini Daim bar, a very welcome touch. It's a genuinely cosy spot and a lovely escape from the busy, tourist-heavy streets of Vieux-Nice.

Maison Karlie

I stumbled across Maison Karlie while running errands one morning. The La Marzocco machine in the window was a promising sign, so I popped in, and their iced coffee did not disappoint. I've been back many times since, and it's consistently held up.

They also bake fresh madeleines daily, including seasonal flavours like dark chocolate and pepper, and caramelised apple. Not a coffee drinker? They do excellent matcha lattes and homemade iced teas, too.

Full Bloom Cafe

Travelling with a dog? This is your spot. We've affectionately nicknamed it "the dog café" since they offer pup cups and doggie ice cream, always have fresh water out, and sell adorable dog treats, toys, and accessories. My dog Bindi is always thrilled to visit.

It's also one of the more laptop-friendly cafés in Nice, with enough space to spread out and work comfortably for a few hours. And yes, the coffee is good too.

SAVVA Coffee Shop

SAVVA is the ideal stop for a great to-go coffee. The shop is tiny, so it's not built for long, leisurely sit-down mornings, but they do make excellent coffee and have a solid selection of sweet breakfast pastries. One block from the Promenade des Anglais, it's perfectly placed for grabbing a quality cup before a walk along the water or a day at the beach.

Roly's Coffee and Slice

This place specializes in two things, coffee and pizza. So far I've only tried the coffee, but their iced latte hit the mark for me, so I'll definitely be back to try the pizza!

The location is super convenient, and their space is bright and airy. I love coffee shops that are a bit more spacious, so you don't feel like you're balancing your drink on an impossibly small table while trying not to bump into the person next to you, and this shop definitely has enough space to make it very comfortable.

La Base Bakery

La Base makes some of the best pastries in Nice, and honestly some of the best pastries I've had anywhere in the world, but they also make really great coffees!

I love coming in here for a perfectly brewed flat white, or their cafe citron, a sparkling citrus flavored iced coffee that is incredibly refreshing on a warm day! Plus, they serve their brews in the most adorable cups, making them extra enjoyable to drink.