An Englishman in Grasse
Cafés and Restaurants in Grasse's old town
When we go to the old town, perhaps to shop or just to wander around, my wife and I often stop for morning coffee or afternoon tea/coffee. Sometimes, we have lunch, either with friends or just the two of us. Here are some of the places which we have found and like. I don't claim to be in any way a professional critic: they are simply places which we think are good. If you have any feedback, favourable or bad, by all means send me an e-mail message if you feel inclined to do so.
Cafés
Café Fleur
19 Rue de l'Oratoire
This little café serves excellent coffee (they have high quality non-dairy milk) and tea plus home-made cakes. There are chairs outside in front of the Oratory chapel, where it's nice to watch people passing by. It was only opened in late 2023 and the interior is small but modern and attractive, with jewellery and decorative items for sale. I suggest you drop in to the adjacent Maison de Patrimoine while you’re there.
Les Comptoirs Namas Thés
27 Place aux Aires
This café has been here for years and until recently it was the only one on the Place aux Aires. Good coffee and tea which is well presented. They also sell cakes and make tasty sweet crepes. Great for sitting outside and watching all the activity in the Place.
Café-Restaurants
Miss Pancakes
10 Rue de l'Oratoire
Serves American style pancakes with sweet and savoury toppings for lunch and brunch. Also small ones which go well with mid-morning coffee and afternoon tea. Several inside rooms with different seating (including even sofas in one of them) and a nice outdoor terrace at the back on an otherwise deserted small square. Occasionally they have events, such as film shows, but I’ve never been for those.
Café des Musées
1 Rue Jean Ossola
I find this a good meeting place, because it’s prominent between the Cours Honoré Cresp and the main street of the old town. Good for coffee, tea, cakes and desserts, and ice-cream. They also serve lunches. Outside space a bit close to the cars in the busy street but the townscape around it is interesting. Very near to Fragonard if you want to go there.
Restaurants
Roses et Mets
5 place Vieille Boucherie
This restaurant is a little off the beaten track but it’s worth finding: it takes you to a part of historic Grasse which is coming up in the world. Not been open long. Good food, nicely presented from 3/4 starters and main courses. Good choice of wine, from carafes upwards. Friendly service. I’ve only been for lunch, but the reviews for the evening are good.
La Tannerie
10 place du lieutenant Georges Morel
This is a fairly new restaurant on the square above the great Charles Negre Médiatheque. Nice environment for lunch outside, but rooms inside are also attractive if the weather is cold. Good food from not over-long menu, portions not large, sensible prices with wines by glass as well as bottle. They have a good value dish of the day which changes more regularly than the standard menu.
Brassi
Casino de Grasse, 1 montée du Casino
We went here in the summer because we were looking for somewhere to eat while watching the summer firework display on Cours Honore Cresp, and we were quite impressed. You have to go upstairs and register at the door, because the restaurant is reached through the casino with lots of flashing machines, but it’s worth it. The terrace has great views right over to the sea, and the food is good and not overpriced.
Snack Bars
Les Delicatesses de Grasse
3 place aux Aires
They describe themselves as a Bar a Plancha and also an Épicerie. They serve good quality plates of charcuterie and cheese with a wide choice of wines by glass and bottle. Longer opening times than most, so good if you’re running late for lunch, especially out of season. They have a take away shop on rue Marcel Journet.
Croissant Rose
24 rue Jean Ossola
If you’re looking for something quick – I normally have Croque Monsieur and a beer – this is a good place. Service is very fast. It’s right in the middle of rue Droite, so useful if you’re shopping or just wandering along. It’s attached to O Coin Gourmand, which serves lunches, but I’ve never tried it.