Nestled between the azure waters of the Mediterranean and the dramatic foothills of the Alps, Menton is often celebrated as the “Pearl of France.” While the town is world-famous for its lemons and lush gardens, its culinary scene is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Due to its unique geographical position on the Italian border, Menton offers a dining experience that is distinctly different from the rest of the French Riviera.
The proximity to Liguria has infused the local gastronomy with a heavy dose of Italian authenticity. Here, the lines between French refinement and Italian rusticity blur beautifully. You are just as likely to find a perfectly executed plate of fresh tagliatelle as you are a delicate Provençal dish, often on the same menu.
For food lovers, this means access to high-quality ingredients that define both cuisines. Think fragrant basil, locally pressed olive oil, fresh-caught anchovies, and handmade pasta. The restaurants in Menton take immense pride in sourcing these regional treasures, ensuring every meal feels connected to the landscape.
However, with such a dense concentration of eateries, finding the true standouts can be a challenge. You want to avoid the tourist traps and dine where the locals go. Whether you are looking for a wood-fired pizza, a plate of delicate seafood ravioli, or a hearty osso buco, knowing where to book is essential.
This guide cuts through the noise to bring you the most authentic and delicious Italian dining experiences in the city. We have evaluated menus, atmosphere, and consistency to ensure your culinary journey is memorable. Prepare to discover flavors that transport you directly across the border without ever leaving the charm of Menton.
Below is our curated selection of the top venues that consistently deliver exceptional quality and service. Explore these recommendations to find the perfect spot for your next meal.
La Trattoria
| Address | 15 Av. de Verdun, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM |
| Phone | 09 83 61 60 91 |
We stayed in Menton for 3 nights and ate here for 2 of them. The food is really excellent, the restaurant has a nice atmosphere and they managed to find us a table (with no reservation) on both occasions. It's also great value for money. Highly recommended!
Great food and service. Popular place results in so many people, noise (table chatter) and wait staff hustling all over, results in a less than relaxed experience. But the food is definitely worth the chaotic atmosphere.
Best spegetti aglio olio i ever had. Perfect seasoning with perfect level of oil and spices. It was so yummy. The beef was great as well and the sauce was very delicious.
Had one of the best meals of my trip to the French Rivera here. Mixed grilled fish and spaghetti with oil garlic and chilis. Incredible! Great service and prices too.
The pasta was unbelievable. Especially the king prown one was so fresh and tasty. The salmon tartare was nice as well, especially combined a little bit orange flavour underneath gave this dish a fresher taste! The waiters were friendly as well
La Ciociara
| Address | 21 Quai de Monleon, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 28 46 33 |
We had a very nice experience at this pizzeria. The food was delicious, although the starter was a little too large. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was pleasant overall. The only downside was that the TV was playing a bit too loudly, which made it slightly harder to enjoy the atmosphere.
Overall, we really enjoyed our visit and would definitely recommend this place!
This was a standout restaurant on our trip! The staff is Italian and their dishes are authentic. It was the best Italian that we had on our whole trip! The caprese is so fresh!!!! For our main we had clam linguini and pasta bolognese, both so fresh and sooo delicious. Highly recommend!
I am very disappointed with what this restaurant has to offer. I chose this place based on reviews. I was particularly hoping for really good pizza, given the proximity to the Italian border. Unfortunately, the visit turned out to be a huge letdown. The dough itself was acceptable, but honestly, nothing special—it didn't even qualify as tasty. The pizza was very greasy, with a visible layer of oil on top and far too much heavy cheese. What disappointed me the most was the spicy salami. To be honest, it was the first time in my life I’d seen spicy salami sliced so thickly. I’m used to salami being sliced very thinly and delicately, whereas here, the slices resembled ordinary sausage. This completely altered the texture and made the pizza feel even heavier. Unfortunately, the pizza simply wasn't good or tasty, so we didn't finish it. Another minor but noticeable inconvenience was that the pizza hadn't been sliced at all. Since the crust was quite tough to cut, we had to struggle with it ourselves, which made eating it even more difficult. The Aperol Spritz I ordered was also a disappointment. It seemed to contain no alcohol at all—it tasted more like water or lemonade with a hint of citrus and orange. It certainly didn't feel like I was drinking a real alcoholic cocktail. The service also left a lot to be desired. The staff didn't pay much attention to customers and seemed more interested in their own conversations than in serving the guests. The customer restroom was another issue entirely. It was incredibly dirty and in a terrible state. Moreover, the tap didn't work, so there was absolutely no way to wash one's hands after using the toilet. In a restaurant, this is simply unacceptable. All in all, I am very disappointed with this place. I didn't come with sky-high expectations, but unfortunately, neither the food, the drinks, the service, nor the cleanliness met even basic standards. I definitely do not recommend this place.
Food is so yummy! The tiramisu is to die for. You must get.
They were so kind & accommodating to this American tourist speaking English. Highly recommend dining here
Pizza was great here! Great fresh ingredients and well seasoned. Only minor thing is the noise, could not talk that much to my partner
Don Vincenzo
| Address | 41 Quai Bonaparte, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 04 93 97 80 31 |
A very welcoming and hospitable restaurant. The food is great and fresh, and the staff are all extremely kind. We had a great time there.
Best pizza in Menton, friendly staff and great atmosphere. It’s been a while since I’ve had pizza this good. Highly recommended, don’t miss visiting this amazing place
The pasta—specifically the bolognese and carbonara—was absolutely delicious and authentic. Great atmosphere and the perfect spot to eat if you're traveling through the area. Highly recommend!
The pizzas were incredibly good and also huge! I had the “chevre” with goat cheese, nuts and honey and honestly it was so different and tasty, absolute perfection. On top of that the staff were extremely nice and felt like being at an Italian home! Thanks we loved it
Great little restaurant. Delicious pizza, very kind and attentive owner, plus a nice view. A lovely stop in Menton😻
Osteria da Carlo
| Address | 27 Quai Bonaparte, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 96 68 29 |
The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, with its seaside location and beautiful view. When you’re hungry, it’s very enjoyable to watch a chef working in an open kitchen:) Unfortunately, the complimentary starters were served cold and tasted stale. The crab pasta I ordered was delicious, and I really enjoyed it. However, the mixed fried seafood platter my friend ordered did not meet our expectations. The oil tasted heavy, and the calamari and shrimp were bad. I wouldn’t recommend this dish.
One of the most unpleasant service we’ve had in France. Food looked nothing like the pictures here - no lobster on the lobster linguine. The waiter pretty much said no to all of our requests. The waitress had a poker face like she didn’t want to be there. Over priced for the food they serve. They asked if we wanted sweet potatoes or vegetables with our main dish, and later found out it was a separate dish with a separate charge.
The food was acceptable overall, however, the small portion of sea bass was significantly overpriced (€40) for something that tasted quite average.
There were three staff members during our visit. Two of them were polite and patient, but one staff member stood out for the wrong reasons. We experienced terrible treatment when paying. We were first told the card machine was not working and that we needed to pay cash. After we said we had no cash, the machine was suddenly available. Our card payment failed several times for no reason (and the machine was taken back to the kitchen area each time after failure), and only went through after we selected a higher tip amount. I am not saying this was a scam, but the process felt unclear, uncomfortable, and highly questionable.
As tourists, we used Google Translate to understand the French text on the card machine, especially the tip options. That same staff member then rudely questioned why we were using Google Translate. This was unnecessary and made us feel pressured.
I would not return and definitely not recommend to anyone.
Hidden Gem in Menton, this restaurant was the only one that didn’t have queue at 8pm, so we sat there. The second we came we were covered with attention and great hospitality. We ordered fish carpaccio and fish of the day - words can’t describe how fresh everything was.
Chef/Owner Carlo is always walking around and happily speaks to customers, he gets fresh delivery daily and you can just tell how much love he put in this restaurant. Such an Italian approach, super rare in France.
We got so lucky with Akim and Laurentiu being so friendly and attentive and human as our waiters. Chatting and learning more about Menton and the restaurant.
This restaurant changed the whole perception of Menton, this is truly high quality restaurant, it might not be fanciest looking but the food is incredible and that’s what matters at the restaurant! Also little thing that impressed us was open kitchen.
The limoncello at the end…we never had such great limoncello not sugary sweet.
Everything was perfect! Definitely recommend and we will come again to try Oysters.
p.s. Chianti Classico was 10/10!
Love this place. Had the seafood pasta and grilled seafood platter. Seafood was fresh and the view was great! Octopus and tuna in grilled platter were my favorite. 8pm before the sunset was empty .
Little Italy Restaurant
| Address | 7 Rue Pieta, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 67 19 15 44 |
Delicious food! We are vegetarians and there are plenty of options and they are flexible too. Friendly service, cozy ambience and fantastic fresh food.
Came here for dinner on 23rd July and it was a great experience. I booked in the morning for a table of 2 outside. The food was truly excellent (I had the salmon tagliatelle and my partner the seafood gnocchi) and the service superb. Also a great choice of wines. We stayed until gone 11 playing cards afterwards because the atmosphere was so good. Would thoroughly recommend… we only wish we could go back another night!!!
The best pasta I’ve had in my life. I enjoyed it so much. I ordered the tagliatelle pasta with salmon and zucchini. Absolutely delicious.
Offers French and English language options.
A very lively spot with not a seat to spare—fortunately, we had the foresight to make a reservation. The staff operates in what can only be described as organized chaos, weaving through the crowd at impressive speed while still managing to deliver food and drinks promptly and professionally.
We ordered two pizzas: both featured a rich, flavorful red sauce and an Italian “spicy” sausage (spicy by European standards, of course). The center leaned slightly toward the soggy side, but overall, it was still enjoyable.
All things considered, it’s a solid option—and one we’d happily return to, especially if we exhaust the many other great places Menton has to offer.
We enjoyed this restaurant so much that we came here multiple times during our stay in Menton. The Gnocchi special was to die for, and the mango Tuna tartare was an excellent starter. We also got the beef and mushroom tagliatelle as well as the Italian sausage & eggplant pizza.
The service was attentive, fun, and super nice. Great wine selection, and my only complaint was that we didn’t have room for dessert.
We are in Menton for three more days, and we will definitely be coming back for dinner again.
Il faró - Pizzeria
| Address | 1 Prom. Reine Astrid, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 22 16 74 47 |
This one-man restaurant is fabulous. The chef is the cook, waiter, and the heart and soul of the place all in one. He exudes such enthusiasm that you can’t help but feel comfortable here. If our vacation had been just one day longer, we would have come back again.
Went with my friend there and both of us are picky eaters. The menu is not big but ALL of the dishes there are 10/10. Same for the wine. Excellent! Rafael was such a great chef and also very kind and friendly, was generous with the portions of the food.
We randomly met him in the city the next day and we were so happy to see each other. If you are in Menton it’s a must to go there! Hope to visit there again
Fresh and delicious Italian home made pasta. The owner is very kind and helpfull! This was my favourite place to eat dinner during my time in Menton. And the best Italian pasta I’ve ever had! Loved it❤️
The food was fantastic, the service awesome, Rafael is very friendly, a true one man show, highly recommended!
(Excellent wine and chocolate soufflé)
Simple and tasteful Italian cuisune.The highlight of this place is definitely the seaside view.
DA.VI.TRI
| Address | 1292 Prom. du Soleil, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 79 77 77 92 |
Best gelato we had during our entire trip! Apparently, they've won several awards for their gelato, and after trying it, we can see why. The prices were also very reasonable, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
The only downside was that it took quite a while to place our order and receive it. Aside from the wait, everything else was excellent. Recommended!
This place is the BEST! I was seated at a shaded table right beside the beach. The burrata salad was very fresh & huge. There was so much meat on top—very filling. The pistachio ice cream was so delicious! Very kind server & very affordable prices too. Highly recommend.
We were blown away by this little, easily overlooked place! The make the best pasta and ice cream in all of Menton, and service was super friendly. I definitely recommend coming here for a peaceful and refreshing lunch.
Da.vit.ri has a fantastic location right by the beach, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
The menu is somewhat limited. I had the gnocchi with ragù, while my wife ordered the pistachio pasta. Both dishes were good, but neither stood out compared to some of the other restaurants we visited in Menton.
Unfortunately, the service was disappointing. After being seated, we weren’t given menus for quite some time. When we ordered drinks, my order was brought incorrectly. We also had to wait a long time before our food order was taken, and my correct drink didn’t arrive until we had almost finished eating.
What surprised us most was that the restaurant was nearly empty, despite us visiting relatively early in the evening, so the slow service was unexpected.
Overall, we still enjoyed the evening thanks to the beautiful view and beachfront setting.
10/10 would recommend this restaurant in Menton, you can tell that they put care into their food and service. Visited a couple of weeks ago, and was one of the best meals we had in France and Italy. We had the trofie with pistchio pesto and lemon zest, as well as the Il Corleone Paysan sandwich. Both were light, delicious and well executed. Their lemon/honey ricotta ice cream was one of the best ice creams we had on our trip. Amazing service with the waiter being kind and checking in on us throughout the meal. The view was also so gorgeous. We were shocked that we were some of the only patrons during our meal, this is truly a hidden gem.
La Piazzetta Fresh Pasta & Pinsa
| Address | 6 Pl. du Cap, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 37 02 18 |
Nestled near the beach, this lovely spot offers a great atmosphere. The friendly staff and delicious seafood made for a satisfying meal. We tried the grilled seafood which was simply delicious and the limoncello spritz was a perfect cherry on top. They also serve pizza that looked nice but we were already full 😅
We had the pleasure of enjoying a romantic dinner at this restaurant, and everything exceeded our expectations. The service was truly outstanding, the food was fresh, authentic, and absolutely delicious, and the ambiance created the perfect atmosphere for a beautiful evening.
With so many restaurants to choose from in the area, we feel very lucky to have found this one. It was an unforgettable experience and we will definitely be coming back. We wanted to leave this review so others can also discover this wonderful place and enjoy such amazing food and hospitality.
What a great find ! Traditional regional food done so well. Both our pasta dishes were perfect. Then there was the dessert, forgot to take a pic before they disappeared.
Best Pinsas I ever had.
We ordered Pasta and Pinsa, would say everything was very tasty and well made.
Service was very friendly even with lack of our French skills 🙂
We paced around Menton looking for somewhere with a menu that suited a family of 4 with diverse tastes.... we found this gem! Amazing food and great service. We came back a second time a few days later. We'll definitely be back and would highly recommend this place to anyone.
Da Franci
| Address | 11 Rue Saint-Michel, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 62 63 21 39 |
The food was very good! But the service was a bit weird. We placed our order with a lady waitress, then two more different waiters came after her to take our order again. Then they brought in the food, which was very tasty. Then we asked for bill three times, but nobody came. We waited like 20-25 minutes to pay. I was a bit surprised. But in the end someone came and we were able to pay.
Such a great place with delicious food and wonderful staff!
We visited last year and were happy to come back again.
The coffee dessert is ncredible! The pizza and carpaccio were both exceptionally delicious.
Thank you, Valentina and Thierry, for the excellent service. We'll definitely be back! 😊
We enjoyed the best Italian food of our 15-day Southern European trip here. The pizza was baked to perfection, with just the right amount of cheese and the aroma of the crust, paired with ham that wasn't too salty and fresh tomatoes. From the first bite, I knew we'd come to the right restaurant. The seafood pasta and fried seafood were equally impressive. The pasta was cooked to just the right doneness, with fresh seafood, spices, and a touch of tomato sauce; the aroma of the seafood exploded in my mouth. Finally, I must mention the tiramisu. The moist ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, paired with a sip of coffee, made for a perfect ending to the meal.
pesto gnocci had good texture however the sauce was quite oily and grassy-tasting. pizza dough was slightly dry but still chewy. the pizza sauce was very disappointing - diluted, watery. service was good
Best restaurant we’ve had in France so far! Highly recommend the special of the day Osso Bucco and creamy Asparagus pasta. Calamari was good too! The female server is very kind and even spoke English to my parents! Would definitely go back here.
L'AVENUE RESTAURANT MENTON
| Address | 9 Av. de Verdun, 06500 Menton |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 86 48 81 |
Excellent, fresh food, great service, nice ambiance and super clean. Family-run by a family from Napoli. We had the frittura mista and salade niçoise. Don’t think twice and come here!
Loved our lunch. I had Spaghetti alle vongole and my husband had Scallopini Marsala. We shared a caprese appetizer. Everything was delicious and service was impeccable.
Unfortunately, our experience at this restaurant was very disappointing.
My friend and I ordered one large pasta to share along with a drink each. The waiter accepted our order without mentioning any issue. A few minutes later, a woman came out of the kitchen and aggressively insisted that we had to order two separate dishes. Since nobody seemed to speak English, communication was difficult and involved a lot of hand gestures rather than a clear explanation of their policy. If ordering only one dish was not allowed, the waiter should have informed us before accepting the order.
What made the situation even more uncomfortable was that members of the staff stood by our table and waited until we ordered another dish. We felt pressured rather than welcomed.
The food itself was okay, but nothing exceptional. Unfortunately, the unpleasant treatment from the staff overshadowed the entire meal, making it difficult to enjoy the food. Throughout our visit, we felt as though we were being looked down upon and that our presence was somehow an inconvenience.
Good service can make an average meal enjoyable, but poor service can ruin it completely. Sadly, that was the case here.
It was the best dining during our 10 days trip. Linguine ai frutti di mare is one the best pasta I have ever had. The rissoto was very good too. Everybody was very satisfy with the food.
Best Linguine ai frutti di mare I've ever had. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Calm setting away from the tourism quarters in Menton.
Trattoria La Mamma
| Address | 1 Rue de la Marne, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:15 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:15 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:15 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:15 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:15 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:15 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 93 78 72 09 |
This restaurant is very local and affordable for a meal. No reservations are needed. The staff are very enthusiastic; they always ask if I'm okay and are always ready with fresh food. I think it's because of their playful Italian nature. The portions are generous for the price. Some dishes are unavailable and are substituted with chef suggestions. The most unexpected thing is the lemon tiramisu, which is the highlight of this dish. Please don't remove that from the menu!
Another hidden gem of Menton.
We shared a Spinach Canaloni and the Venetian Stuffed Squid washed down with a local white wine.
Forgot to take before images, but from the photos below, you can see what we thought.
Do yourselves a favour and try this little trattoria.
🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
I have nothing to say more
Great staff, service, and food
Try
- grilled Calamari (best)
- tomato pasta with mussels
- cold lemon tiramusu of course
- italiano espresso
- friending with Ballerio(Valerio)
🍋🇮🇹🇫🇷
We randomly ended up here for lunch and we were very happy with our lunch. The owner is just very kind and friendly and took time to explain the menu. His mom literally cooks in the kitchen. If you want the feel of homemade Italian food, definitely try this place. The food is just very fresh. Artichoke was simple yet delicious!
I stopped by Trattoria La Mamma for lunch, and it was a pretty decent experience overall. The setting is relaxed and inviting, making it a nice spot to take a break in the middle of the day.
The lunch menu had a good selection of Italian classics. I tried a pasta dish, which was nicely cooked and flavourful enough, though it didn’t really stand out as anything special. Portions were fair for a midday meal, and the prices felt reasonable for the area.
Service was friendly, although a bit unhurried—fine if you’re not in a rush, but something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight schedule.
Overall, it’s a solid, no-fuss option for lunch in Menton. Not amazing, but perfectly satisfactory if you’re nearby and want something simple and comforting.
Al Vecchio Forno
| Address | 39 Quai Bonaparte, 06500 Menton |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 04 92 10 04 76 |
This restaurant came highly recommended by our local photographer as her favorite spot, and it’s easy to see why. The location is unbeatable—right by the water—and if you arrive just before sunset, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view. Menton truly offers one of the most beautiful and peaceful sunsets.
Shortly after we arrived, the place quickly filled up, a clear sign of its popularity. We ordered the clam pasta, Napoleon pizza, and squid salad. Each dish was well seasoned and carried an authentic Italian flavor.
It feels very much like a family-run restaurant, and the warm, genuine hospitality makes the experience even more special. During our dinner, the staff surprised a guest with a birthday cake, complete with music and a playful dance—such a heartwarming touch that added to the inviting atmosphere.
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner with its unforgettable seaside view. Highly recommended if you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, wonderful people, and a setting that’s nothing short of magical.
We haven’t had such delicious food in a long time. The waiters are very kind, although clearly overworked — there are too many guests for too few staff. The food is fresh and tasty. It was strange for us that side dishes had to be ordered separately, but the portions are generous.
Fantastic italian food served in Menton. Their risotto and seafood dishes were amazing. However, there are 2 things they need to work on:
- to improve the service. The time it takes to get served is around 15mins, which wasn’t that I expected from this restaurant.
- it is stated in the meny that the seafood risotta is for 2 people, however, they dont specify that 23 euros is for 1 person. So we were under an impression that we should pay 23 euros for 2 people, but we paid 46 euros for 2 risottos.
We had a lovely dinner here and found the food to be very good value for money. We tried the black truffle pizza (good, but would’ve been nice if the truffle flavour were stronger) and the spicy salami (very nice). The highlight was the Parma ham and melon. They were very generous with the ham portions and the melon was so juicy and refreshing, honestly the best melon I’ve ever had!
The last excellent Italian food that I had was in Rome. I finally found the next place that I will return for its seafood risotto, pizza, seafood pot and wine. This Italian restaurant borders between Italy and France. The most authentic Italian place ever. Every dish was excellent and we had a great conversation with the service crew. Big portions, fresh seafood; worth every penny. Anyone who is coming to Menton or the neighbouring towns should come try the food at this restaurant. I am returning again for the same food before I return home. 5 stars anytime!!
Tips for Choosing the Right Italian Restaurant in Menton
Navigating the dining scene in a border town can be tricky, as the quality varies significantly from the promenade to the old town. To ensure you have the best possible experience, it helps to understand a few local nuances. The following tips will help you eat like a local, secure a table at the busiest spots, and understand the regional specialties that make Menton’s Italian food so unique.
Book Ahead During Lemon Festival and Summer
Menton is a popular destination year-round, but it becomes incredibly crowded during the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in February and the peak summer months of July and August. The best Italian restaurants are often small, family-run establishments with limited seating. If you have your heart set on a specific place, call a day or two in advance to reserve, especially if you want to sit on a terrace.
Look for Ligurian Specialties
Because Menton is so close to the Liguria region of Italy, the most authentic restaurants will feature dishes beyond standard pizza and spaghetti. Keep an eye out for regional staples like trofie al pesto, pansoti (stuffed pasta with walnut sauce), and farinata (a chickpea flatbread). If you see these on the menu, it is usually a strong indicator that the kitchen respects true Italian culinary traditions.
Venture into the Old Town
While the seafront restaurants offer stunning views, they often come with a premium price tag and sometimes lower food quality. For a more authentic and often better-value meal, wander up into the narrow, colorful streets of the Vieille Ville (Old Town). This is where you will find the hidden trattorias and cozy osterias that prioritize the quality of the food over the view.
Embrace the French-Italian Fusion
Don’t be surprised to find Italian dishes with a distinct French twist. A dish might feature high-quality Italian pasta but be topped with French cheeses or local Menton lemons. This fusion is the essence of the local cuisine. Be adventurous and try dishes that combine elements from both cultures, as this is where Menton’s culinary scene truly shines.
Check the Menu for Fresh Pasta
The difference between a good Italian restaurant and a great one often comes down to the pasta. Before sitting down, glance at the menu to see if it mentions "pâtes fraîches" (fresh pasta) or "fait maison" (homemade). Restaurants that take the time to roll and cut their own tagliatelle, ravioli, or gnocchi daily are almost always a safe bet for an excellent meal.
Dining out in Menton is about more than just satisfying hunger; it is a cultural immersion into a unique way of life that bridges two proud nations. The rhythm of the meal here is leisurely, encouraging you to savor the flavors, the company, and the stunning Mediterranean ambiance.
Whether you are ending a day of sightseeing with a rich plate of pasta or grabbing a crispy pizza after a swim, the Italian influence in Menton is undeniable. By choosing one of the recommended spots and following these local insights, you are guaranteed a meal that highlights the very best of what this sun-drenched corner of France has to offer.
