San Diego Francophiles have reason to rejoice as the culinary scene in the city is experiencing a French renaissance. With the recent arrival of French steakhouse Le Coq in La Jolla, the upcoming French brasserie by chef Brad Wise in North Park, the transformation of Amaya at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar into a West Coast-meets-South-of-France concept, and the opening of L’Orangerie on Coronado by French native chef Phillippe Maurin, it’s clear that French cuisine is having a moment in San Diego.
Adding to the excitement is the upcoming opening of Bar Nice in North Park in early 2025. Pronounced „niece“ after the city on the French Riviera, owner Anthony Viveros plans to play with the inevitable mispronunciations as a nod to the town and a reflection of the Old-World-meets-New-World ethos of the establishment. Viveros, a Chicago native and hospitality veteran, has a deep passion for French culture and cuisine, which is evident in the concept behind Bar Nice.
Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean landscape and unique cultural influences surrounding Nice, Bar Nice will focus on traditional French dishes with a strong emphasis on seafood. However, Viveros emphasizes that at its core, Bar Nice is a cocktail bar. The establishment will feature a curated selection of French liqueurs, apéritifs, quinquinas, agricole, rum, and other spirits, as well as a variety of low-intervention wines and Southern French rosés.
The interior and exterior of Bar Nice have been meticulously designed by Viveros‘ wife, Heather, in collaboration with architect Philip Cudaback from Lahaina Architects. The space exudes a warm, timeless, Old World-inspired ambiance with wood elements, marble-patterned tabletops and bar, black and white tiled floors, and brass and gold accents. Viveros describes the design as „super classic old school French“ with a touch of elegance.
Bar Nice will operate Wednesday through Sunday, with plans to eventually expand to seven days a week. Happy hour will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Viveros aims to keep the bar open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, closing at 11 p.m. on other days. Viveros believes that staying open late fills a void in San Diego’s dining scene and is essential for the success of Bar Nice.
Despite the challenges and delays in opening, Viveros remains optimistic about Bar Nice’s place in the San Diego food and drink scene. With a strong focus on quality ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere, Bar Nice promises to be a must-visit destination for Francophiles and food enthusiasts alike in San Diego.