Well, let’s just say that’s exactly what I experienced at Maido, a Japanese restaurant nestling right in the centre of Nice. Frankly, I was expecting a good dinner, but I wasn’t expecting a real sensory experience. Originally, I was going to take my darling to either Onaka or Shintaro, which are, in my opinion, some of the best Japanese restaurants in Nice. Unfortunately, or fortunately, they were all booked up at the last minute. Then I thought of the Maido restaurant, which I wanted to try again after so many years! Bingo, there was still a table for two waiting for us.
Maido, an izakaya in the heart of Nice
Maido is what we call an izakaya, which could be translated as a Japanese-style bistro. It’s a convivial place where you can come with friends or your loved one to share dishes and drink a glass of wine or sake. It all begins in a sober, elegant, authentic and intimate setting. Soft lighting, light wood, a hushed atmosphere… No rhinestones or sequins, just a very simple, friendly decor, in the same vein as La Part des Anges in Japanese style. You immediately feel at ease. The team is discreet but attentive, introducing you to each dish on the menu. What’s more, the menu changes every day!
We ordered gyozas, sashimi, karaage, black sesame flan and drank Japanese-style sake in a masu.
The best gyozas of my life
First course, the homemade gyozas. And then… WAOUH. Frankly, I’m not exaggerating: these are the best I’ve ever had in my life. You can tell they’re homemade straight away. The pastry is thin and slightly crispy, and the filling is superbly tasty, juicy and perfectly balanced. It’s nothing like what you find in the average restaurant. It’s all accompanied by a little homemade sauce that enhances without overpowering. It’s simple, I could have eaten ten of them.
Exceptional sashimi
Next, it was time for the sashimi. Visually, it’s a sight to behold. And the taste? A real slap in the face. The fish is exceptionally fresh, ultra-melting and sliced with surgical precision. It transported me back to 2019 during my solo trip to Japan, when, after my return, I proclaimed loud and clear that you had to go to Japan to eat the best sushi. It’s fine, subtle and perfectly executed.
Crispy and melting karaage
We continue with an absolutely incredible karaage (Japanese fried chicken). It’s a dish I’ve known for years and used to order, particularly from Ikko Ramen in Nice. I love the way it’s so crispy and golden, with a tender, juicy interior that’s full of flavour.
Saké in a masu, the art of detail
To accompany all this, I tried a sake served in a masu, that traditional little wooden box. I’m not at all keen on alcohol, so I let myself be tempted to live the Japanese experience to the full. And frankly, WITHOUT REGRET! It’s a detail, but one that clearly makes all the difference. The wood gives a slight roundness to the sake, which is surprising at first, then totally addictive.
The black sesame flan for a sweet touch… or not
I’m ending this culinary journey with a black sesame flan. It’s not what I liked the most but it was sweet with that creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Not too sweet, just perfectly balanced.
Finally, at Maido, you don’t just come to eat Japanese food. You come to live a moment, a ritual, a little inner journey, an experience. Everything is carefully thought out: the rhythm of the dishes, the quality of the products, the welcome, the pairings… It’s a rare precision.
I came away from the restaurant delighted, surprised and inspired by this incredible culinary experience!
📍 Maido – 21 rue Maccarani, Nice
