Mentone

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Mentone Restaurant in Aptos, CA – Modern Riviera Cuisine from David Kinch | Michelin Bib Gourmand

Mentone: A Modern Take on Riviera Cooking in Aptos

In Aptos Village, Mentone brings the flavors of the Mediterranean coast to the California shore. The restaurant’s menu is defined as “a modern twist on the cuisine of the Riviera, from Nice to a bit past Genoa.” That Ligurian-Italian thread runs through the kitchen, paired with a distinctly Californian approach to sourcing and seasonality.

The restaurant was created by David Kinch, the chef behind the legendary Manresa in Los Gatos. Here, he turns his attention to the coastal ingredients and rustic techniques of the French and Italian Rivieras. The result is cooking that feels both sun-soaked and precise—bright with citrus, olive oil, and herbs, and grounded in the local produce of the Central Coast.

Mentone earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, a recognition that highlights its delivery of “good quality, good value cooking.” That distinction is well earned: the menu changes with the seasons, and the kitchen favors clear, direct flavors over fussy presentation. The wine list is curated to complement the cuisine’s Mediterranean bent.

The dining room is welcoming and unfussy, with air conditioning, wheelchair access, and parking available. Lunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2:30pm; dinner runs Wednesday through Monday from 5pm to 9pm. Whether you come for a relaxed weekend lunch or a weekday dinner, Mentone offers a taste of the Riviera in the redwoods of Aptos.