On the French Riviera near the Italian border, Menton combines a compact old town, seafront promenades and a food culture shaped by Provence and neighbouring Liguria. Its markets and restaurants offer a useful introduction to this stretch of the Mediterranean coast.
Top Restaurants in Menton range from informal neighbourhood tables to ambitious fine-dining establishments. Look for pichade, a local speciality topped with tomato, onion and anchovy, and barbajuans, fried parcels with fillings such as greens and cheese. Fish, seasonal vegetables and olive oil feature prominently on local menus. For something sweet, try fougasse mentonnaise, flavoured with orange blossom and often decorated with nuts and aniseed. Menton lemons are a celebrated local product, used in desserts, preserves and liqueurs.
For places to eat in Menton, explore the lanes of the old town, the streets around the Halles market and the waterfront. Compare menus rather than assuming that every seafront restaurant serves local specialities. Reservations are advisable in summer and during major events; check opening days outside the main season.
The Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange and the steep streets of the old town reward a walk, while the Val Rahmeh botanical garden offers a different view of Menton's mild climate. The annual Fête du Citron brings citrus-themed displays and parades, making it a busy period for both travel and dining.