History
A Local Heritage and a Lifelong Passion
The story of Lou Ginestre is, above all, the story of Alain Noël. Born in Nice in 1961, he grew up in the Saint-Antoine de Ginestière neighborhood, the very place where his culinary calling began. After training as a master pastry chef and spending 15 years in prestigious establishments like the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat and La Voile d’Or, Alain returned to his roots to bring his dream to life.
1995: The Birth of a Nice Institution
In the autumn of 1995, Alain transformed his family home into Lou Ginestre, a unique establishment combining a restaurant with a bakery and pastry shop. The name is a tribute to the "ginestre" (broom flowers) that bloom across his native hillside.
Since its opening, the philosophy has remained unchanged:
- Authentic Cuisine: Traditional Niçois specialties prepared with passion.
- Local Commitment: A deliberate choice to use fresh products sourced from small local producers at the Nice MIN (National Interest Market).
- A Peaceful Setting: A recently renovated garden and interior designed to offer a true haven of peace to our guests.
A Family Dedicated to Taste
More than just a restaurant, Lou Ginestre is a human adventure. Over the past 30 years, the team has grown from a single employee to eight. Alain is supported by a loyal core team:
- Peggy, his assistant, who has been by his side for 23 years.
- Cyrille, the pastry chef, who has shared this journey for 20 years.
This long-standing stability creates the warm, family atmosphere that our guests experience with every visit.
Deeply Rooted in the Community
A passionate advocate for the Niçois way of life, Alain Noël’s commitment extends beyond the kitchen. He has been actively involved in his neighborhood's quality of life since 1995 and has served as the President of the “Mieux Vivre à Saint-Antoine Ginestière” association since 2013. For him, hospitality is a value that reaches far beyond the walls of the restaurant.
