RESTAURANT SUMMARY
Casa Fuego sits on the Menton waterfront and opens with a clear promise: wood-fire Argentinian grill by Mauro Colagreco with direct sea views. The first course arrives as the breeze moves across the covered terrace, carrying smoke from the open Asado and the scent of citrus from local markets. Guests feel the town and harbour at eye level while servers present plates meant to be shared. The restaurant’s Argentinian grill style appears in the menu language within the first moments, so diners know they will taste flame-charred meats and seafood brightened by Mediterranean produce. Casa Fuego’s location in Menton places it steps from the Italian border and minutes from the old town, making it a convenient stop for Riviera itineraries. Mauro Colagreco opened Casa Fuego in 2020 as a family-style counterpart to his flagship Mirazur, bringing Argentinian grilling traditions to the French Riviera. Colagreco, a Michelin three-star chef at Mirazur, designed Casa Fuego to highlight convivial dining and honest technique. The restaurant carries a Michelin Guide mention for “Good cooking” and has received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice recognition, reflecting steady guest praise. Casa Fuego focuses on seasonality and local sourcing, with some produce drawn from the chef’s own garden and markets in Ventimiglia. The kitchen balances Argentine heritage with Italian and Mediterranean influences, offering a casual price point of €€ while maintaining culinary precision. The result is a place where heritage recipes meet local terroir and sustainable sourcing practices. The culinary journey at Casa Fuego centers on the Asado—wood-fire grilling that imparts a gentle smokiness central to each signature dish. Aguachile San Remo white shrimps arrive bright and spicy with citrus, chile, and sea-salt finish, while grilled octopus is charred over coals and served with soft potatoes and herbs. Beef picanha is presented as a shared main, dry-aged in house when available, salted and seared for a crisp crust and tender center. Empanadas are made in a traditional style and rotate with seasonal fillings that reflect garden produce or Riviera seafood. Razor shell clams and seasonal shellfish are quickly kissed by flame, preserving brine and texture. Homemade pastas make occasional appearances, linking Colagreco’s Italian roots to the grill program. Desserts like dulce de leche flan provide a familiar Argentinian finish, balanced by regional dessert wines or a simple espresso. Wine pairings focus on French and Italian whites and Argentine Malbecs to complement smoky and fresh elements. Design at Casa Fuego emphasizes a relaxed, hacienda-inspired aesthetic with practical details that enhance convivial dining. A large covered terrace offers uninterrupted sea and harbour perspectives, while inside there are wood-slab tables that echo the warmth of the open fire. Lighting is soft for evening service and natural at midday, allowing the terrace to function as a bright lunch room on Saturday and Sunday. The open wood-fired grill is visible from most tables, offering theater without intrusive heat. Service prioritizes friendly, family-style pacing, with staff suggesting sharing portions and guiding wine choices. The atmosphere shifts from lively weekend lunches to intimate dinners by the embers. For planning, Casa Fuego is closed on Mondays and operates Tuesday to Friday evenings from 19:00 to 22:00, with Saturday and Sunday lunch service from 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 22:00. Dress is smart casual; guests often wear Riviera daytime clothes or relaxed evening attire. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend lunches and summer evenings, and can be made via the official website or by phone at +33 4 93 17 13 15. Expect a moderate €€ price guide and a sharing format that favors groups and family-style dining. Whether you are seeking a relaxed alternative to a formal tasting menu or want a memorable seaside meal, Casa Fuego delivers wood-fired flavors with coastal freshness. Book early for terrace seating and plan to share several plates to experience the full range of smoky, briny, and sweet flavors that define Casa Fuego in Menton.