Cucina Bianca: between authenticity and gastronomic heritage

Menton, Riviera & Merveilles is located in the south of France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region.

Eager to break away from the traditional Cucina Bianca and explore a new culinary experience? Menton and the surrounding area offer a great range of gourmet options, from casual snacks where you can nibble on the go, to Michelin-starred restaurants that creatively reinvent Mediterranean cuisine.

Whether you’re looking for pizza, a fresh fish dish on the beach or a fine dining experience in one of our Michelin-starred restaurants (with dishes signed by renowned chefs like Mauro Colagreco!), you’re bound to find something to suit you. The region is bursting with places where local flavours go hand in hand with quality and originality, so there’s something to suit every taste, every appetite and every occasion!

The Menton, Riviera & Merveilles region offers a wealth of culinary delights from its sun-drenched terroir and mountain traditions. Among the must-try dishes are barbajuans, fried ravioli stuffed with chard, cheese and rice, originally from Castellar. Sugelli, a fresh pasta typical of the Roya Valley, is also a must. On the sweet side, Menton lemons feature in many recipes, including the famous lemon tarts. Mountain cheeses such as tomme and brousse reflect the expertise of local farmers. Finally, sun-drenched vegetables, olive oil and chestnuts complete this rich and varied gastronomic picture.

La Cucina Bianca is the art of sublimating local produce, simple but full of character: potatoes, leeks, turnips, mountain cheeses, legumes, and even a few wild plants unearthed along the trails. It’s this well-worked simplicity that gives this soulful, flavoursome cuisine its charm!

La Cucina Bianca is best enjoyed at the Auberge Saint-Martin, an iconic restaurant in La Brigue, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes. This authentic venue immerses you in the world of this Franco-Italian cuisine with pastoral roots. You’ll find a menu crafted from local produce, for an experience as gourmet as it is local.

A Cucina Bianca menu reflects the richness of local produce, often from family farms or small producers located between France and Italy. In some restaurants, you can discover this French and Italian cuisine through tasting formulas or plates to share, perfect for a meal with your partner, friends or children. A gourmet and authentic experience to savour during your stay at the hotel or your getaway to Menton, Riviera & Merveilles.

Absolutely! Cucina Bianca is perfect for a family meal. Its simplicity, melt-in-the-mouth vegetables and fresh pasta make it an accessible and tasty cuisine for children. Some restaurants even offer a children’s menu inspired by traditional dishes, with adapted portions and gentle recipes.

Yes, there are a number of hotels and accommodation close to the restaurants featuring Cucina Bianca, particularly in the villages of La Brigue, Tende and Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende. Whether you opt for a charming hotel, a bed and breakfast or a farm stay, you’ll easily find somewhere to stay to extend the culinary experience.

In La Brigue, you’ll find a range of accommodation in an unspoilt setting, with charming little streets and mountain scenery. Gîtes, B&Bs or campsites: there’s something to suit everyone, so you can make the most of this authentic village in the Roya Valley. Don’t hesitate to visit our website to discover the various offers for accommodation in La Brigue.

Cucina Bianca is a perfect example of cross-border cuisine. Its origins lie in the traditions of the Alpine valleys between France (Alpes-Maritimes) and Italy (Piedmont and Liguria). So it belongs to both cultures, blending French know-how and Italian inspiration in a simple, traditional and tasty approach.

Cucina Bianca is most authentic in the Menton, Riviera & Merveilles region, thanks in particular to its strong links with the Roya and Bévéra valleys. However, some restaurants elsewhere in France and Italy are beginning to show an interest in it, particularly in establishments promoting Alpine cuisine or short distribution channels.

Most of the dishes at Cucina Bianca are naturally vegetarian, based on seasonal vegetables, pulses, ancient cereals and cheeses. It’s a cuisine that makes the most of local resources, and adapts very well to meat-free diets, while retaining a real richness of flavour.