Culinary Journeys: 8 Must-Try Dishes During Your Holidays on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is a paradise for food lovers. This sun-drenched region blends the best of traditional French cuisine with Provençal flavours and Mediterranean influences, creating a unique gastronomic experience. It’s no wonder the area is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world. Here’s a taste of eight must-try specialities when visiting the Côte d’Azur.

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Ratatouille: the taste of Provence

Ratatouille is not just a vegetable stew, it is a stew that is symbolic of Provencal cooking. This vegetarian delicacy is a bright and vibrant vegetable preparation of courgettes, aubergines, peppers, tomatoes and onions, all simmered in olive oil, garlic and herbs. This is a perfect example of a Mediterranean dish which is made from the produce of the land during summer. Ratatouille was first a frugal meal for farmers to use up vegetables in the garden, but now this vegetarian delicacy has found its place on tables all over the world.

Pissaladière: the Niçois take on pizza

Pissaladière could almost be mistaken for an Italian pizza, but this Niçois speciality is quite unique. The base is a thick dough like that of a bread, covered with caramelised onions, anchovies and black olives. The name comes from “pissalat” a traditional anchovy paste used to make the dish more umami. It is a classic of street markets and bakeries across the Riviera; buy it to munch on while wandering through the beautiful towns of the area or while searching for luxury homes in France.

Socca: a crunchy, golden delight

A beloved Niçois street food is a simple yet addictive savoury pancake made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The batter is poured into a large, thin pan and baked in a wood-fired oven until golden and slightly crispy on the edges. Served in large, rustic slices and often sprinkled with black pepper, socca is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, ideally with a glass of chilled rosé. Originating from Ligurian farinata, it’s a dish that reflects the Riviera’s deep Italian influences.

Les Petits Farcis Niçois: a taste of home cooking

If you love stuffed vegetables, les petits farcis Niçois will steal your heart. This comforting dish consists of courgettes, peppers, tomatoes, or onions filled with a mixture of minced meat, breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. It’s a traditional home-cooked meal, often passed down through generations, with every family adding its own twist to the recipe. Slow-baked to perfection, the filling soaks up the flavours of the vegetables, creating a dish that’s both rustic and full of depth. Many enjoy pairing les petits farcis Niçois with a vibrant salad or some crusty bread to soak up the juices, elevating the meal even further. For those looking for a different type of culinary delight, the red robin gourmet burger options present a modern twist on comfort food that’s equally satisfying. Whether indulging in the flavors of traditional stuffed vegetables or exploring innovative gourmet burgers, the love for home-cooked meals is a thread that connects us all.

Soupe au Pistou – the French Riviera’s answer to minestrone

This vibrant summer soup is packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, but what really makes it special is the pistou—a fragrant basil sauce similar to pesto but without pine nuts. Originating from Provence, soupe au pistou is all about celebrating seasonal produce and simple, fresh ingredients. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy in the warm evenings in your luxury villa in the  South of France, as it is light yet full of flavour.

Pan Bagnat: the ultimate Niçois sandwich

Imagine a salad in sandwich form, and you’ve got pan bagnat. This round, crusty bread roll is filled with all the ingredients of a classic salade niçoise—tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. The name means “bathed bread,” referring to how the roll absorbs the rich flavours of the filling. Originally created as a convenient meal for fishermen, it’s now a Riviera favourite, perfect for a picnic on the beach or a bite during a day full of sightseeing.

Aïoli: a garlicky Provençal classic

Aïoli is both a dish and a sauce, and in Provence, it’s practically a way of life. The sauce itself is a creamy emulsion of garlic, olive oil, egg yolks, and lemon juice, used to accompany a variety of dishes. A traditional grand aïoli meal consists of the sauce served with steamed fish, vegetables, and sometimes even boiled eggs. Its strong garlic flavour and silky texture make it a standout addition, turning even the simplest ingredients into something special.

La Tarte Tropézienne: a star-studded dessert

No culinary journey through the French Riviera would be complete without indulging in la tarte tropézienne. This iconic pastry consists of a light, brioche-like bun filled with a rich, creamy blend of pastry cream and buttercream, dusted with pearl sugar. The dessert was made famous in the 1950s when Brigitte Bardot, filming in Saint-Tropez, fell in love with it and gave it its now-legendary name. If you have a sweet tooth, this is one of the desserts you simply can’t miss on the Riviera.