Dining Al Fresco at La Maison du Séminaire.

There’s a lot to be said about the unheralded beaches on Nice’s eastern coast: Coco Beach, La Reserve, Bains Militaires. Few tourists frequent these beaches mainly because they are far from the hotel sector and the rocky coastline is not to everyone’s taste. Those that do venture this far east are rewarded with unparalleled views over the entire Baie des Anges. The coastal path that winds its way along the water nearly as far as Villefranche-sur-Mer is another good reason to make the journey.

For such exertions, sustenance is necessary and there are a few good options here. At the top-of-the-line is La Reserve which offers elegant but pricey gourmet treats on a terrace and glassed-in dining room right over the water. At the bottom of the line. . .well, there is no bottom of the line here. There are no snack shops or sandwich stalls or any kind of takeaway food.

Mid-range dining includes the Nautical Club of Nice which offers simple dishes overlooking the water every day but Monday and Coco Beach restaurant which specializes in fish and unpredictable hours.

Another excellent choice is the restaurant of La Maison du Séminaire just across from La Reserve on bd Franck Pilatte. This 19th-century seminary is in the process of transforming itself into a luxury hotel and sports a long terrace with views over the sea as well as a modern interior dining room. The menu is reasonably-priced and offers a range of Mediterranean-accented dishes with an emphasis on meat and pasta. They also boast a weekday lunch deal of €16 for a two-course meal and €20 for a three-course meal. We were most pleased with the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach and the daily special of beef wrapped in noodles with a side of panisse.