Daki-Daïa Tasty Vegetarian Dining in Nice

Vegetarian Dining in Nice

Something a bit different on Nice port – Mediterranean food with imagination!

I had been looking forward to trying out Daki-Daïa having included them in a previous article for vegetarian-friendly dining of the French Riviera for Perfectly Provence. I am always on the hunt for decent vegetarian fare here on the French Riviera.

We are based just an hour north in the Mercantour National Park. However, our schedule at Space Between walking and active holidays leaves us with little chance to escape from our mountain idyll to “hit the town.”

Reason to Visit Nice

Delighted, then, to welcome and enjoy the company of a friend from England, on one sunny weekend in January 2019. Having talked until the early morning, bagged some delish croissants at a local bakery, we were very keen to top up our Vitamin D levels on a sunny terrace on the French Riviera.

Daki-Daïa is located on the west side of the U-shape of the Port of Nice  (Port Lympia). The most visible of its neighbours being the Bistrot du Port  – a well known fishy haunt for local and often, political, luminaries!

Once there, there is an immediate smiley welcome from Aurélia, keen to fetch a carafe of the very pleasant house rosé, and explain how the restaurant’s menu works – mezze – sharing style.

And so to eat – a shared minestrone (obviously plenty for the three of us!) – was mopped up by homemade flatbread with local organic olive oil.

Aurélia at work explaining the menu concept

Menu Delight at Daki-Daïa

My carnivore companions then opted for a chicken liver dish, plus lamb in a spanakopita type pastry (filo – often filled with spinach and feta).

I was tempted by shakshouka (baked eggs on spicy tomato/pepper sauce) plus a pumpkin risotto.

A glass of red Greek wine “tailed” my lunch, although the homemade ice cream plus did not last more than about 2 minutes!

Dishes are from €6 and €10/13 – have as much as you like. Every mouthful is a delight.

It was lovely to sit outside – especially out of season when the port traffic is calm, or inside where the décor is contemporary and tasteful – AND all immaculately clean.

For an omnivore, this restaurant is perfect.

For a veggie/foodie on the French Riviera, it is often difficult to find a decent restaurant. Sadly non-flesh options are frequently over-boiled green beans with a cube of cheese.  “Worthy” but tasteless – 70s style in the UK where vegetables dressed as meat – burgers/sausages and even “foie gras”.

Better get there!

Call ahead for gluten-free and other dietary requirements.

A working lunch regular!

Restaurant Details

Daki-Daïa Facebook Page                              
Owners: Bénédicte Zervudacki & Aurélia Sammut
Fusion Greek/Mediterranean, veggie-friendly
English speaking
26 Quai Lunel, 06300 Nice
Tel: +33 (0)9 82 41 18 68
Summer hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 19.00 – Reservations recommended.

Read the Trip Advisor reviews of this charming restaurant.

Photo credits: 
Daki-Daïa Logo from their Facebook Page

Spacebetween – Offering self-catered accommodation and walking holidays in the Mercantour.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).