Market Hall

This beautiful market hall, built in 1898, is the perfect place to dive into the flavours of Menton—it’s open every day and packed with fresh, local produce. The building itself is worth a look, with its colourful brickwork and decorative ceramics, but it’s what’s inside that really makes it special. So, let’s talk about some of the local specialities! As you’ll quickly notice, Menton is all about lemons. You’ll find lemon jam, lemon-infused olive oil, limoncello, even lemon wine—it’s the town’s signature ingredient, and it’s famous around the world for its intense, aromatic flavour. Make sure you try at least one lemon-based treat while you’re here! But there’s plenty more to discover. For savoury dishes, start with barbajuans—crispy fried ravioli stuffed with chard, spinach, rice, and cheese. Absolutely delicious. Then there’s socca, a chickpea flour pancake that’s served in small pieces to share, and pichade, a local twist on pizza topped with anchovies, perfect hot or cold, as a meal or a snack. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some flower fritters—yes, flowers! They’re made with courgette blossoms, eggplant flowers, acacia, or even orange blossom, and they’re both surprising and tasty. As for dessert, you really can’t leave without trying a slice of Menton’s famous lemon tart. Or for something a little different, go for the fougasse mentonnaise—a sweet version of the traditional bread, made with sugared almonds and orange blossom. Well, now you know what to look for—the rest is up to you. Happy tasting!