The enticing scent of chargrilled meats, combined with warm Italian hospitality and the Michelin-star expertise of Mauro Colagreco, fills the air at Casa Fuego, a cosy family restaurant nestled near the Italian border in Menton, a short drive from Monaco.
When Casa Fuego opened in 2020, Menton was once again gifted with a drawcard restaurant by the famous three Michelin-star Chef Mauro Colagreco. Just a year earlier, the Argentine-Italian marvel claimed best restaurant in the world by ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list for Mirazur, located just a stone’s throw from his new “family canteen”.
Like its famous three Michelin-star sister, Casa Fuego is known for its use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a garden-to-table philosophy. Some of their fruits and vegetables come directly from the garden of Chef Colagreco, while others come from the covered market in Menton or Ventimiglia, over the border in Italy.
At Casa Fuego, Colagreco brings Argentinian classics to life with a focus on shared dining, all centred around the traditional wood-fired grill, known as the asado in Argentina.
Affordable fine dining at Casa Fuego
The menu leads diners through the flavours of Colagreco’s childhood and the cherished family secrets that shaped his cooking. Argentine-inspired sauces like chimichurri, the bright and tangy flavours of aguachile (akin to prawn ceviche), the rich smokiness of escalibada and the most incredible empanadas I’ve ever had burst with flavour in every mouthful, offering a perfect umami balance alongside the vibrant tastes of South America.
Celebrating Colagreco’s dual Italian heritage, the restaurant offers a variety of pastas, all homemade using organic flour from the chef’s artisanal Mitron Bakery and ground at the Menton mill.
What’s an Argentine restaurant without excellent meats? Casa Fuego delivers with premium French ingredients, and the selection is mouth-watering: pork ribs, filet de boeuf, homemade Cordon Bleu, grilled free-range chicken, lamb shoulder and beef picanha – all expertly prepared on a wood-fired grill. I couldn’t resist the Côte de Boeuf, aged 45 days, seasoned and seared to perfection, served with French fries and Béarnaise sauce, and carved table side.
One of the most surprising aspects of Casa Fuego is the affordability. With starters at around €15, pasta dishes close to €20 and very reasonable prices for seafood and meat dishes, diners can indulge in fine-dining quality food at a fraction of the usual cost.
They say desserts can make or break a restaurant, and here, despite being full to bursting, we devoured the heavenly dulce de leche flan and the stunning mojito semifreddo.
A warm and inviting atmosphere with great views
The hacienda-style ambiance and décor at Casa Fuego creates a warm, rustic and welcoming atmosphere, embodying a family-friendly dining experience. The restaurant’s centrepiece, its asado, gives the space a cosy, earthy vibe, where diners can share and enjoy food with family and friends in a laid-back setting. Meanwhile, a large covered terrace offers beautiful views of the Menton harbour.
With all his culinary prowess, Mauro Colagreco, alongside his talented team, has shaped a truly unique dining experience at Casa Fuego. It’s a perfect example of how relaxed fine dining can be both affordable and sophisticated.
See more of our experience at Casa Fuego in the video below…
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Photos source: Casa Fuego