Balzi Rossi (*)

While actually just across the border in Italy, we dined here during a trip to Menton just a couple of kilometers away. The restaurant overlooks the sea towards Menton, and while we had probably the best view they had to offer we were there early enough that it was fairly blinding sunlight for a decent amount of time. We opted for the 7 course tasting and opted for a bottle of franciacorta in lieu of the wine pairing. I wasn't at the time thinking much about writing anything and wasn't terribly diligent about photos but I noticed no on else seems to have written anything about them on Reddit so I hope the moderate detail is better than nothing.

Overall, I felt the meal was somewhat average, and waa more akin to the American 1* experiences than what we've had elsewhere in Europe, including some details of the service. Several courses – including the pigeon entree included on the 7 vs 5 course option were simply very mild to the point of being dull rather than subtle or even seemed to reuse components (sauces, garnishes) of others. The wine list at least was decent and reasonably priced which does carry a fair amount of weight for me. All in, I believe we were at around €400.

• The meal started with what feels unfair to describe as "whipped cheese between crackers" (picture 1) but was a very light and herbal beginning that paired well with the champagne we started with.
• The first course (picture 2) was pleasant, gently cooked fish. Agreeable but nothing particularly interesting in my opinion.
• This was followed by a green potage, featuring principally chard, basil, and green beans. Very interesting and flavorful.
• Next I believe was a crudo, possibly gamberi? But imminently forgettable unfortunately.
• The fourth course was a very enjoyable fish lasagna (picture 4). Probably our favorite course, something I'd love to try riffing on at home in the future.
• The first entree was – in my opinion – mildly overcooked fish (picture 5). Very underwhelming; the garnish of beans and flowers seemed like they added very little.
• The second entree was pigeon, which seemed also more cooked than I would have expected and with what felt like quite similar elements as to how the prior entree was served.
• The dessert was lavender ice cream with a somewhat pie-like peach accompaniment; not bad by any means but seemed somewhat out of place.

The night we were there coincidenced with an evening of … club music, I guess, followed by fireworks from Menton. The fireworks were a nice touch but Eiffel 65 was unexpected. Nothing to do with the restaurant ot course but we found it pretty amusing.

Overall, probably a 3-3.5 out of 5; while I am sure the location and view is a large part of the draw, relative to other 1* restaurants I'd place in that category (Aroma, for example) I found them less impressive albeit at least also cheaper.