Riviera Pebbles Blog: The Fat Mermaid

Posted on 9th Jan 2023 in Eats & Drinks

The Fat Mermaid

42 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice

When Victoria and Jeremy; husband-and-wife team and the brains behind The Fat Mermaid, planned a romantic getaway to Ireland, they hoped for museums, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals. What they couldn’t have predicted was their new-found love of Irish cuisine. Crispy battered fish, chunky chips, and impossibly green mushy peas – this British institution captured their hearts and stomachs, and so upon their return to France, The Fat Mermaid was born.

The first eatery of its kind in Nice, The Fat Mermaid opened its doors to the public in 2017 and has been thriving ever since. Its popularity is testament not just to the high quality of the food (Jeremy was a contestant on Masterchef in 2013), but to the great service, warm reception, and a creative approach to traditional dishes. With all the buzz surrounding Nice’s newest quirky eatery, Nice Pebbles decided to pay a visit and see what all the fuss was about…

The restaurant runs a set menu: €15,50 for fish, chips, and mushy peas, €11,50 for battered sausage and beans, €11 for a traditional bacon sandwich and chips. Whilst undoubtedly dearer than the average British chippy (£2.50 cheesy chips anyone?), the food doesn’t feel overpriced – it’s homemade, uses quality ingredients, and is a real mid-week treat.

Jeremy cooking our dinner

The Pebbles Team ordered the Fish & Chips combo and the Battered Sausage, which comes loaded with baked beans, whilst the chips are served wrapped in newspaper for a dash of nostalgia. Generous portions and crispy batter paired with fresh flaky fish makes for a delicious combination which is technically impressive but manages to retain its identity as hearty comfort food. For a spin on the classic dish, try the Guinness sauce but be careful – it has a kick!

As we got well and truly stuck in to our dinner, we discussed the nautical-themed décor, the chalkboard bathroom, and Rita. Who was she? Her name is scrawled on the walls, she’s the namesake for dishes on the menu (Rita’s fish), and she even has a craft beer in her name. Curiosity got the better of us and we eventually asked Victoria to enlighten us, who laughingly informed us that Rita is The Fat Mermaid – named after Victoria’s British aunt.

Also on the menu is a selection of homemade desserts (we can vouch for the Oreo cheesecake), and a carefully curated list of both French and Irish craft beers and ciders. For a taste of British tradition, a cosy atmosphere, and a warm welcome from the delightful Victoria and Jeremy, we can think of few better places to spend an evening. 5 stars.

Open daily 12:00-15:00 / 19:00-22:30

Closed Sundays and Mondays