Exploring the Culinary Delights of the French and Italian Riviera Through Chef Mauro Colagreco's Lens

Introducing Mauro Colagreco and Mirazur

Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco has spent the last two decades running the renowned restaurant Mirazur in the coastal town of Menton, France. He describes it as a dreamlike place nestled between the ocean and the mountains, embodying both French and Italian cultures. With over 20 years of experience, Mirazur is not just where Colagreco has discovered his culinary style but also a platform for him to experiment and develop exquisite dishes inspired by the region's rich gastronomic traditions.

This year, Mirazur will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special collaborative menu created alongside the famous chef Ferran Adrià from El Bulli, available during April and May. Chef Adrià will infuse his unique molecular cooking style into Mirazur’s iconic dishes, while still preserving the fresh flavors of the seafood and local ingredients.

Impressive Restaurants that Inspire Colagreco

If you're planning to visit Mirazur and the surrounding area, here’s a list of restaurants that inspire Colagreco and are often his go-to spots when he steps away from his kitchen.

La Merenda - Nice, France

Must-try dish: Pichade or daube Nicoise. Managed by chef Dominique Le Stanc, a former two-Michelin-star holder at Le Negresco, La Merenda serves only 18 guests but stands out for its classic Nicoise cuisine, including the pichade tart with an olive oil crust and the flavorful daube stew. Spring is an excellent time to savor their simple yet sophisticated cherry dessert that is unique to this restaurant.

Ristorante Trattoria - Terme Pigna, Italy

Must-try dish: Artichoke ravioli. In the quaint town of Pigna, an 86-year-old woman still crafts ravioli by hand with incredible passion. Her artichoke ravioli is tender and bursting with flavor. No reservations are needed, but it's wise to call ahead to ensure the restaurant is open when you arrive.

Casa Buono - Ventimiglia, Italy

Must-try dish: Calamari with squid sauce. A spin-off from Mirazur, Antonio and Valentina Buono opened Casa Buono and quickly earned a Michelin star. Their calamari is specially prepared during the calamari season from February to April, making it a must-try when you visit.

Onice - Nice, France

Must-try dish: Artichoke and local seafood. This restaurant is run by former Mirazur chef Florencia and her husband Lorenzo. They blend Argentinian and Italian cuisines in their refined menu, featuring unique dishes ranging from artichokes to fresh seafood. Florencia serves as an inspiring role model for many female chefs.

Le Paradis de la Glace - Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France

Must-try dish: Fior di latte. This is the perfect spot for ice cream lovers. The fior di latte here is incredibly light and delicious, leaving no heavy feeling after indulging. You’ll find yourself wanting another scoop after finishing your first!

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

Vietnamese travelers looking to explore the culinary scene of the French and Italian Riviera can fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN) to Nice (NCE) or nearby cities. On average, flight prices range from 15 million VND to 25 million VND, depending on the booking time.

To enter France and Italy, Vietnamese citizens need a Schengen visa. The visa application fee is typically around 2 million VND, and processing can take anywhere from 15 to 30 days. Be sure to check restaurant opening hours, especially if you plan to visit during peak tourist season.

Spring and autumn are ideal times to explore the Riviera, with pleasant weather and vibrant summer activities like food festivals offering fantastic opportunities to savor the region's unique cuisine.

It’s advisable to make reservations at popular restaurants to secure a spot, especially during the high travel season. Additionally, always ask about the daily specials for a richer and more diverse dining experience.

Overall, the French and Italian Riviera is not just a culinary paradise but also a destination that offers travelers unique and memorable cultural experiences.

Article inspired and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler