The Best Restaurants in Menton – My Favourite Spots

Spending a few days in Menton and looking for the best restaurants? We’ve got you covered with our guide highlighting the best, tried and tested spots in the beautiful town of Menton.

Menton is described as the ‘Jewel of France’ and, after visting every summer, for many years, I can only agree. Nestled between Monaco and the Italian border, it’s a beautiful town steeped in history and culture. In recent years, the town has become well known for its exceptional restaurants. Its placement is ideal with its tropical microclimate allowing incredible produce to be grown (which are a frequent feature in the town’s restaurants!).

Psst. Want to know more about the stunning town? Find out what to see and do, where to stay and what beaches to visit in my guide to Menton.

Where to Eat in Menton

Whether you’re in search of lunch or dinner, there’s a plenty of dining spots in Menton. My guide features only the best restaurants that serve consistently good food. Restaurants are in no particular order.

Mirazur

Ranked No.1 restaurant in the world in 2019 and bestowed 3 Michelin stars the same year, Mirazur is at the height of fine dining. Started by Chef Mauro in 2006, Mirazur quickly received their first Michelin star and then the second 5 years later.

With a focus on local produce from the incredible surrounding lands (including their own garden), the food is fresh and very natural.There is plenty of modernist techniques on show but they are not the highlight.

The focus is on the ingredients and letting the quality and the precision cuisson do the talking. Service is friendly, relaxed and matches the informal dining room which has a spectacular view over the town and harbour. Their tasting menu evolves year by year and is currently priced at €450 without drinks. Despite the price it’s definitely worth a visit.

What to know before you visit

• You will need to reserve months in advance for tables in Summer
• They have 3 different wine pairings on offer with varying levels of prestige

Address: 30 Av. Aristide Briand, 06500 Menton
Tel: 04 92 41 86 86
Website: https://www.mirazur.fr

Le Bistro des Jardins

Menton is famous for its tropical gardens and Chef (Alain Delierre) keeps his restaurant’s terrace inline with the theme. Le Bistro des Jardin is a pretty restaurant located in the centre of the town offering French ‘market food’. Their terrace is a beautiful spot to dine during the summer and if you’re visiting off-season, the dining room is airy, modern and a lovely space to be.

The food is well cooked and at a standard which has kept them in the Michelin guide for over a decade. Expect to see Provençal and Mediterranean classics – artichoke confit, braised lamb and grilled John Dory.

Their €45 set menu includes entree, main course and dessert. Expect beautifully fresh fish tartare, a delightful asparagus ravioli and seabass served with sauce vierge and ratatouille. Lastly, their wine list is worth a mention – they have a very impressive wine cellar!

What to know before you visit

• You’ll need to reserve by telephone (they speak English)
• Ask to for a table on their terrace during Summer months

Address: 14 Av. Boyer, 06500 Menton
Tel: 04 93 28 28 09
Website: https://www.le-bistrot-des-jardins.fr

Le Petit Port

Le Petit Port is a small family run French bistro in the beautiful old town, close to the marina. Their food changes daily and focuses on grilled fish and meat. It’s classic, home-style cooked food yet very well done and using only the best, local ingredients.

The fish comes from 50m away – the port where the fisherman land their catch of the day. You’ll typically expect to see Sea Bream, Seabass and Turbot on the menu – depending on their size they’re served whole for 1 or 2 people. For meat lovers, there’s beef fillet in various different guises – wild mushroom, green peppercorn and bordelaise sauce are on offer.

What to know before you visit

• Closed on Tuesdays
• They’re now only open for dinner

Address: 4 Rue du Jonquier, 06500 Menton
Tel: 04 93 35 82 62

JR Bistronomie

If you’re looking for an option that’s fine dining but without the price tag of a Michelin starred restaurant, JR Bistronomie is a great option. Serving up classics but with modern twists, there’s serious, unpretentious cooking on show. To start there’s a spin on Tarte Tatin with tomatoes and really good pan fried calamari with garlic & parsley.

The main courses precisely cooked and there’s not a single element that hasn’t had a good amount of thought going into it. Rustic it is not; they even manage to tidy up a usually scruffy ratatouille.

What to know before you visit

• You can reserve online
• They’re closed on Sundays

Address: 11 Rue Trenca, 06500 Menton
Tel: 06 07 54 89 50
Website: https://www.jr-bistronomie-restaurant-menton.com