What to eat in Menton? Our selection of 10 Menton specialties

Even though lemons capture all the attention, know that they are not the only particularly good fruit in Menton. Indeed, the city and its surroundings seem to hold the secret to growing the best citrus fruits. Therefore, be sure to taste the oranges and their derivatives (orange blossom aroma…). Generally speaking, fruits rich in juice and vitamins will mark your taste buds during your culinary getaway on the riviera.

1. Lemon olive oil

Lemons make Menton famous and the inhabitants return the favor well. The latter has enjoyed protected geographical indication since 2015. As such, the lemon is sublimated and declined from aperitif to dessert. Like a lemon olive oil, unique to southern France. Liquid gold, which locals and restaurateurs don't hesitate to add to all (or almost all) their dishes. Lemon oil will give a boost to your sun-soaked vegetable dishes and will leave no one indifferent.

2. Zucchini flower fritters

Zucchini flowers, beloved in the Mediterranean basin, are as good as they are beautiful. You'll find them on local market stalls and at the top of typical cuisine restaurant menus. Zucchini flowers are generally stuffed, then covered with a layer of fritter batter, before being plunged into frying oil. The delicate fragrance and crunch of the frying gives way to a melting texture. As an aperitif or starter, we succumb to them every time!

3. Sugelli

Here are the artisanal pasta of Menton, listed in the inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Hard to miss, homemade sugelli are must-haves on a festive Menton table. You'll find them at all festivals, local celebrations and family meals. Sugelli are widespread throughout the entire Roya valley, up to Liguria. To taste them in the most authentic way, wait for Menton events and surrounding areas. In the euphoria of convivial moments, these pasta are more succulent than ever.

4. Socca

Socca is a chickpea pancake made with local olive oil. Even though the specialty doesn't originate from the city itself, the people of Menton have widely adopted it. The pancake is traditionally cooked over wood fire, to preserve its tender texture inside and crispy outside. You'll see it on all tables at aperitif time, next to a glass of fresh Menton limoncello.

5. Menton fougasse

Menton fougasse is a sweet variant of traditional Provençal fougasse. In this sense, the dough is enhanced with almond dragées and orange blossom essence. Menton fougasse is a childhood memory, a story and tradition that most locals are happy to share. Rush to the bakeries in the early morning, when they've just come out of the oven. It's a real delight to start the day.

6. Pichade

Pichade is halfway between anchovy pizza and Nice pissaladière. Its particularity is that tomato is added. To taste a typical Menton pichade, head to the Marché des Halles! The market will give you a preview of the best local produce. All around, restaurateurs offer a wide choice of pizzas to hungry gourmets, including the famous pichade! Not to be missed, for a gourmet stroll in the heart of Menton.

7. Barbajuan

Time for street-food style indulgence! Barbajuans are ravioli stuffed with local vegetables, iconic of regional gastronomy. Each locality, from Menton to Tende, claims its variant of the barbajuan recipe. Sometimes with chard, sometimes with squash, or both! Easy to cook, the ravioli are stuffed with a preparation of boiled green vegetables, grated parmesan and cooked rice before diving headfirst into an oil bath.

8. Lemon and orange jam

Impossible to mention artisanal lemon or orange jams without mentioning Maison Herbin. The latter has been established in central Menton since 1974. Jam preparation is done just behind the storefront, with 100% local fruits, under the amazed gaze of onlookers. Linger a moment in front of this spectacle before pushing open the shop door. You'll observe from peel soaking to cooking. The meticulous step of manual deseeding has something bewitching about it. In this time of indulgence, you'll taste different flavors: lemon-lavender, sweet orange, etc. After a visit to the premises, you'll be treated to a superb account of Maison Herbin's history and their know-how.

9. Citrus wine

To accompany your typical meal, nothing beats Menton lemon wine. Commonly served as an aperitif, this alcohol with local flavors is the result of macerating Menton lemons and spices in wine. Another variant: orange wine combines the freshness of wine, macerated oranges and spices. Fresh citrus wines from Menton are enjoyed – in moderation – year-round and on all occasions.

10. Limoncello

A visit to lemon country is celebrated with limoncello! Be careful, Menton limoncello please. This Menton lemon liqueur is drunk chilled, as a digestif at the end of the meal. Otherwise, in a less traditional way: by lightly drizzling over a fruit salad or a very indulgent cake. To find a bottle of Menton limoncello, you won't have to go very far. Bottles are everywhere and can easily be found in the city's shops.