By Peggy Rosen (cityweekend.com)
Updated: 2008-03-14 10:45

Nice, as in the South of France, features cuisine from the French Riviera, adding depth to the Xintiandi restaurant scene.

The atmosphere is cosmopolitan, warm and mellow. With light jazz playing in the background, this is an inviting escape from the maddening crowd. Menu items are described with concise mouthwatering adjectives making ordering a delightful dilemma. We tried Porcini Risotto (RMB98), rich and creamy with just the right amount of mushrooms and flavoring, as well as a light, pleasing and not too fishy Lobster and Crab Bisque (RMB88).

Choices for main course selections are either fish or meat a la Riviera. The Bouillabaisse (RMB198), beautifully presented and chock full of lobster, prawns, mussels, scallops and red snapper, met our high expectations. Lamb lovers will appreciate the Australian lamb shanks (RMB177) immersed in a garlic confit accompanied by potato gnocchi. Dessert provided the grand finale. The Nice Lemon Surprise (RMB68) was a four-course lemon treat.

The tiramisu (RMB68), while above average, could have had a touch more liqueur but the warm pistachio and hazelnut Madeleines made up for this imperfection. Though a bit pricey for two at close to RMB1,000 including wine, Nice is a pleasurable dining experience for any special occasion.

Nice
Add: No. 3, North Block Xintiandi, 181 Taicang Lu　　
Tel: 6387-8123