As summer arrives and the Med is on the mind, we look at the top dining experiences from across Monaco for this season.
The heart of the principality beats with anticipation as it looks to embracing innovative culinary concepts. A globally renowned establishment reopened its doors with a fresh outlook, while fine dining is taken to new heights as the latest restaurant openings promise to captivate both local gourmands and international epicureans. Here are nine new and upcoming establishments that you need to discover this summer.
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Cafe de Paris: A Captivating Rebirth
Café de Paris Monte-Carlo ushers in a new era while retaining the echoes of its history. With its grand reopening that took place in January of this year, Café de Paris promises a classic brasserie ambiance with modern touches, inviting patrons to savour iconic dishes against a backdrop of timeless elegance.
Revamped by the David Collins studio, the café unveils an additional floor featuring a unique rooftop, luxury boutiques, and innovative dining concepts; standing as a testament to Monaco’s commitment to evolving while honouring its rich heritage.
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Established in 1868, the café has been a witness to the evolution of Monte-Carlo’s culinary landscape. Over the decades it has undergone various architectural renditions, and its latest incarnation will no doubt preserve the essence of its legacy while introducing modern elements that redefine the culinary experience.
Amazónico: Tropical Splendour that Transcends Borders
Amazónico, the acclaimed rainforest-themed restaurant, takes flight from its origins in Madrid, Dubai, and London. It has established its latest branch in Monaco since April of this year. Embarking on a tropical voyage, Amazónico seamlessly blends Latin American flavours with Japanese cuisine, with dishes such as Amazónico Maki, with mango, avocado, coconut, and cacao nibs and Arroz Chaufa, a red, black, and white whole grain rice, duck breast, and a fried egg.
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Its ambiance will enthral guests with live Bossa Nova tunes amid a living ecosystem of verdant plants, opulent velvet seating, and exquisite tropical décor. Amazónico was first conceived in 2010 as a sensory journey with a focus on “Nikkei” cuisine. Over time the brand garnered acclaim, and now its global appeal has extended to Monaco’s Place du Casino. Patrons can also expect a cigar terrace that faces the Mediterranean, and a lounge bar that sets the stage for ‘electro-tical’ beats with a private speakeasy.
Maona Monte-Carlo: A Cabaret Beneath the Stars
Maona Monte-Carlo heralds a summer cabaret under the stars, paying homage to Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis, who founded the first Maona club on the Riviera in 1962. Nestled near Monte-Carlo Beach, Maona welcomes guests to savour the culinary heritage of Monaco accompanied by live music. Bar Sauvage curates cocktail creations that celebrates Monaco’s distinct districts, while a vibrant atmosphere of divas, DJs, and pianists create an energetic backdrop.
The allure of Maona lies in its seamless union of history and innovation, with its open-air lounge that revives the glamorous spirit of the 1960s, beckoning modern revellers to create their own memories.
Club La Vigie Monte-Carlo: A Celebration of Joie de Vivre
Club La Vigie Monte-Carlo, located next to Villa La Vigie the former home of Karl Lagerfeld, embodies the essence of summer celebrations against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Situated at the end of the Monte-Carlo Beach peninsula, this intimate club exudes 1950s elegance while embracing the vivacious spirit of the Riviera. Deep house music, Mediterranean sharing dishes by chef Pascal Garrigues, and an array of social gatherings await.
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The club’s Love Nests, perched on the rocks, offer an exclusive retreat, where delectable dishes, stunning sunsets, and vibrant rhythms beckon travellers who love the good life. Club La Vigie is only during the summer season from June to September.
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac: The Culinary Odyssey
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac ushers guests into an extraordinary gastronomic journey, blending Mediterranean flair with contemporary finesse. Inspired by the legendary Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, this dining establishment captures the essence of refined luxury. Chef Christophe Cussac’s culinary artistry takes centre stage within the restaurant’s redesigned interiors, envisioned by renowned French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia.
The space also sets the stage for a sensory feast, where you can expect degustation meals featuring dishes such as sea bream tartare with caviar cannelloni, tomatoes and baby squid with roasted guanciale and Mediterranean blue crab with a green wheat salad. The restaurant was recently awarded two Michelin stars.
TAERA: Latin American Heart
TAERA, a pop up Venezuelan restaurant located on the Patio at Hôtel de Paris, opened to fanfare in October 2023. Helmed by renowned chef Victoria Vallenilla who is barely 30 years of age, TAERA promises an extraordinary dining experience that seamlessly blends authentic Venezuelan flavours with creativity, underneath the feminine guidance of chef Victoria.
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The restaurant’s artisan-inspired setting provides a stunning backdrop, featuring a stunning fresco from South American artist Viviana Grondona. Savour on classics with a twist such as arepas, ceviche and ‘Arroz con Leche’ paired with flavourful cocktails, and embark into an abyss of culinary heart and soul.
Blue Bay Marcel Ravin: The Finest Michelin Star Caribbean Cuisine
The Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, a two-Michelin-starred culinary gem in Monaco, has reopened following an extensive renovation. The restaurant now features a stunning new layout, refreshed décor, and an inviting terrace, all designed to enhance the dining experience. Chef Marcel Ravin’s vision has transformed Blue Bay into a modern Creole space, where Caribbean and Mediterranean flavours merge to create an unparalleled gastronomic journey.
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This renovation marks a new chapter for Blue Bay, promising an atmosphere that evokes emotion and culinary excellence in every dish. Additionally, guests can indulge in the exclusive La Table de Marcel experience, a “restaurant within a restaurant” concept that offers an exceptional gastronomic adventure reserved for just eight privileged guests. Here, Chef Ravin introduces diners to his world of culinary arts and culture, providing a sensory experience that is both intimate and extraordinary.
L’Abysse Monte-Carlo: The Epitome of Modern Cuisine
L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, a new culinary masterpiece by renowned chef Yannick Alléno, is set to be unveiled on July 3, 2024. Nestled within the prestigious Hôtel Hermitage, this extraordinary restaurant promises a unique gastronomic experience, harmoniously blending the rich flavours of Monaco’s hinterland with precise, innovative cooking techniques. At the heart of this venture is the partnership with master sushi chef Yasunari Okazaki, who brings his expertise from Tokyo’s renowned Ginza district.
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Guests will discover dishes where every plate is a testament to Alléno’s exceptional creativity and Okazaki’s sushi mastery, offering a celebration of local produce and the finest ingredients. L’Abysse Monte-Carlo is poised to become a beacon of modern cuisine in Monaco, inviting gourmands from around the world to indulge in an unparalleled dining experience.
Zeffirino: A Legend Opens Its Doors In Monaco
Zeffirino, the legendary Italian restaurant celebrated for its unparalleled expertise in the art of pesto, has now graced the heart of Monaco at Rue Du Portier. In the epicenter of the glamorous Principality, Zeffirino brings to life the rich traditions and artistic flair of the Zeffirino family. The original restaurant first opened its doors in Genoa in 1939, and now its Monaco counterpart offers a menu that flawlessly merges traditional Italian flavours with contemporary culinary techniques, with a particular emphasis on their renowned “pasta Genovese”.
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Every dish is paired with a meticulously curated selection of Italian wines and innovative cocktails, while the restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance cements it as an essential destination for both food enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Zeffirino continues to uphold its legacy as a bastion of Italian gastronomy.
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