Top 10 culinary specialities in Menton

Like neighbouring Provence towns such as Nice and Marseille, Menton is a fine example of regional gastronomy. Here, you can sample some of the most typical products of the south-east of France. A land of sunny flavours, to be shared with friends and family over a convivial meal. Bear in mind that the traditions of Provence are an integral part of Menton’s best culinary specialities!

What’s more, there’s another star product to be enjoyed in a thousand ways in Menton: the lemon.
How could we fail to mention the sun-drenched citrus fruit for which this Mediterranean town is famous among Menton’s specialities? Menton lemons will be a welcome addition to any table on your holiday, at any time of day and at every stage of the meal if you wish.

Some old recipes based around lemons have established themselves as specialities, such as jams and limoncello. Other, more recent, recipes integrate citrus fruit harmoniously according to the mood of the moment. The people of Mentonnais have the most famous lemon in France, and that’s something to be proud of!

What to eat in Menton Our selection of 10 specialities from Menton

Although lemons are the main attraction, they are not the only particularly good fruit in Menton. In fact, the town and its surrounding area seem to hold the secret to growing the best citrus fruits. So be sure to try oranges and their derivatives (orange blossom flavouring, etc.). In general, fruit rich in juice and vitamins is sure to impress your taste buds during your culinary getaway on the Riviera.

1. Olive oil with lemon

Menton is famous for its lemons, and the locals are very grateful. In fact, it has been a protected geographical indication since 2015. As such, lemons are sublimely flavoured, from aperitifs to desserts. Just like the lemon-flavoured olive oil that is unique to the south of France. It’s a liquid gold that locals and restaurateurs don’t hesitate to add to almost all their dishes. Lemon oil will give your platters of sun-drenched vegetables a boost and leave no one indifferent.

2. Courgette flower fritters

Courgette flowers, loved throughout the Mediterranean region, are as tasty as they are beautiful. You’ll find them on the stalls of local markets and at the head of typical restaurants. Courgette flowers are usually stuffed, then covered with a layer of fritter batter before being dipped in frying oil. The delicate flavour and crunch of the frying gives way to a melt-in-the-mouth texture. As an aperitif or starter, you’ll love them every time!

3. Sugelli

This is Menton’s traditional pasta, listed as an intangible cultural heritage site. Hard to miss, homemade sugelli are a must at any festive table in Menton. You’ll find them at every festival, local celebration and family meal. Sugelli are found throughout the Roya Valley, all the way to Liguria. If you want to taste them in the most authentic way, wait until the events in Menton and the surrounding area. In the euphoria of convivial moments, this pasta is more succulent than ever.

4. La Socca

Socca is a chickpea cake made with local olive oil. Although the speciality did not originate in the town itself, it has been widely adopted by the Mentonnais. The galette is traditionally cooked over a wood fire, to preserve its soft centre and crunchy exterior. You’ll see it on every table at aperitif time, alongside a glass of chilled Menton limoncello.

5. The fougasse mentonnaise

Fougasse mentonnaise is a sweetened version of the traditional Provençal focaccia. The pastry is flavoured with almond sugared almonds and orange blossom essence. Menton’s fougasse is a childhood memory, a history and a tradition that most locals enjoy sharing. Go to the bakeries in the early hours of the morning, when they are fresh from the oven. It’s a delicious way to start the day.

6. La Pichade

Pichade is halfway between anchovy pizza and Niçoise pissaladière. What makes it special is the addition of tomato. To try a typical Menton pichade, head to the Halles market! The market will give you a taste of the best local produce. All around, restaurateurs offer a wide choice of pizzas for hungry gourmets, including the famous pichade! Not to be missed for a gourmet stroll through the heart of Menton.

7. Le barbajuan

Make way for gourmet street food! Barbajuans are ravioli stuffed with local vegetables, and are an icon of regional gastronomy. Every locality, from Menton to Tende, has its own variation on the barbajuan recipe. Sometimes with chard, squash, or both! Easy to cook, the ravioli are stuffed with a mixture of boiled green vegetables, grated parmesan and cooked rice before being plunged headfirst into an oil bath.

8. Lemon and orange jam

It’s impossible to mention traditional lemon or orange jam without mentioning Herbin. Herbin has been established in the centre of Menton since 1974. The jams are made just behind the shop window, using 100% local fruit, under the amazed gaze of onlookers. Linger a moment in front of this spectacle before pushing open the shop door. You’ll see how the peel is soaked and then cooked. There’s something bewitching about the painstaking step of removing the seeds by hand. During this time of indulgence, you’ll taste different flavours: lemon-lavender, sweet orange, etc. After a tour of the premises, you’ll be treated to a superb account of the history of the House of Herbin and their expertise.

9. Citrus wine

To accompany your typical meal, there’s nothing like Menton lemon wine. Commonly served as an aperitif, this locally flavoured spirit is made by macerating Menton lemons and spices in wine. Another variant: orange wine combines the freshness of wine, macerated oranges and spices. The fresh citrus wines of Menton can be enjoyed – in moderation – all year round and on all occasions.

10. Limoncello

A trip to the land of lemons is best washed down with a glass of limoncello – and limoncello from Menton, please. This Menton lemon liqueur is best drunk chilled, as a digestive at the end of a meal. Or, in a less traditional way, drizzled over a fruit salad or a delicious cake. To find a bottle of Menton’s Limoncello, you won’t have to go far. Bottles are everywhere and easily found in the town’s shops.