Following a major renovation, the iconic Café de Turin unveils a refreshed setting in the heart of Nice, combining Mediterranean character, seafood traditions and contemporary hospitality. The transformation reflects a broader ambition to preserve the French Riviera’s heritage while enhancing the experience for an international clientele.
NICE, FRANCE — On Place Garibaldi, one of Nice’s most recognisable squares, the Café de Turin is opening a new chapter in its long history. Inaugurated on 17 September 2026 following an extensive refurbishment, the celebrated seafood restaurant has refreshed its interiors while retaining the culinary identity that has made it a familiar destination for generations of residents and visitors.
Established in 1908, the Café de Turin occupies a distinctive place in the gastronomic landscape of the French Riviera. Its reputation has long been associated with oysters, shellfish, crustaceans and generous seafood platters served in the spirit of a traditional French brasserie. The latest renovation seeks to bring a contemporary dimension to that experience without losing the character of the original establishment.
The project represents an announced investment of approximately €1.5 million and covers around 400 square metres. More than a cosmetic update, it reflects a considered effort to modernise a historic hospitality venue while maintaining its connection to Nice’s cultural and culinary heritage.
A refreshed setting rooted in Mediterranean identity
The renovation introduces a warmer, more contemporary atmosphere, with natural materials, carefully selected finishes and decorative details inspired by the maritime world. The objective is to create an environment that feels refined yet welcoming, suited to both an informal seafood lunch and a longer evening spent around the table.
The work extends across the restaurant’s interior spaces, terrace, kitchen and façade. The traditional seafood counter remains a defining feature, preserving the visual connection between the restaurant and the fresh produce at the centre of its offering.
Artisan craftsmanship also plays a prominent role in the new design. A mosaic by Blandine Helary and decorative murals by artist Laure Hermet bring individual character to the interiors, while Maison Maju contributed to the decorative concept. Together, these elements establish a dialogue between contemporary design and the traditions of a long-standing Riviera institution.
For an international audience accustomed to seeking destinations with a strong sense of place, this balance is particularly relevant. The Café de Turin’s appeal lies not only in its menu, but also in its location, its history and the atmosphere surrounding the dining experience.
Seafood remains at the heart of the experience
Despite the transformation of its surroundings, the restaurant’s culinary focus remains firmly on the sea. Oysters, shellfish, crustaceans and seafood platters continue to define the menu, supported by dishes that combine classic brasserie influences with more elaborate preparations.
Chef Mike Nuvoli continues to oversee a selection that includes carpaccio of octopus, lobster pasta and homemade desserts. The emphasis remains on seafood-led dining, with an offer designed to appeal to regular customers as well as international visitors discovering Nice for the first time.
This continuity is central to the project. In a destination where dining is closely linked to lifestyle and travel, the experience increasingly extends beyond the plate. The setting, the quality of service and the character of the venue all contribute to the appeal of a restaurant. At the Café de Turin, the refurbishment aims to strengthen these elements while preserving the culinary specialisation that established its reputation.
An inauguration celebrating Riviera hospitality
The renovated restaurant was unveiled during an inauguration on 17 September 2026, bringing together business partners, local personalities, media representatives and invited guests.
Music by the Merry Mood Band accompanied the evening, while tastings highlighted the restaurant’s seafood specialities. Champagne and wines from Domaine Saint Jean de Bellet added a regional dimension to the occasion, connecting the restaurant’s maritime identity with the wine heritage of the Nice area.
Several partners contributed to the event. Franchi Concept presented an on-site personalisation experience featuring embroidered napkins, while Nice Photobox provided a dedicated opportunity for guests to capture the occasion.
Among those attending were Jean-Luc Bartoli, founder and president of the Hocotel group; Pierre-Louis Bartoli, director of operations; and Corinna Loacker, managing director. Nice mayor Éric Ciotti and other local elected representatives and personalities also took part in the inauguration.
Beyond the celebrations, the event offered guests an opportunity to discover the redesigned interiors and the craftsmanship behind the project.
Hocotel invests in a landmark address
The Café de Turin has been owned by the family-run Hocotel group since late 2024. The renovation forms part of a wider approach to developing established hospitality venues while retaining the identity that makes them distinctive.
For historic restaurants, the challenge is to evolve without becoming disconnected from their origins. Modern interiors and improved facilities can enhance the customer experience, but heritage, service and culinary consistency remain essential to long-term appeal.
At the Café de Turin, the continued presence of experienced team members supports that continuity. Their knowledge of the restaurant and its clientele forms part of the establishment’s character, complementing the physical transformation.
The investment also highlights the importance of established destinations within the French Riviera’s hospitality economy. While the region attracts visitors through luxury hotels, yachting, cultural events and international business, its enduring restaurants remain an essential part of the destination’s identity.
A renewed destination on the French Riviera
Situated on Place Garibaldi, close to the historic centre of Nice, the Café de Turin occupies a strategic position within a city that combines Mediterranean lifestyle with international appeal. Its renewed interiors offer a fresh perspective on an address whose identity has been shaped over more than a century.
The project does not seek to reinvent the restaurant entirely. Instead, it builds on its existing strengths: a recognised seafood offering, a central location and a tradition of convivial dining. The result is an updated setting intended to welcome both loyal customers and a new generation of visitors.
For the French Riviera, where heritage and contemporary hospitality increasingly coexist, the Café de Turin provides an example of how a historic address can invest in its future without abandoning its past.
With its refreshed interiors and enduring focus on seafood, this Nice institution enters its next chapter with a clear proposition: preserving the pleasures of traditional French brasserie dining while offering an experience aligned with the expectations of today’s international clientele.
