From pop-up venues to new restaurants and some famous addresses
opening their doors once more, there’s always something special waiting to be
discovered in Monaco.
The Principality has mastered that magic formula of a destination that’s
able to reinvent itself constantly, while always staying true to its core DNA.
Throughout the year, it welcome a steady stream of new concepts. Some are
temporary, others permanent, but every one is an instant must-visit!
At the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort’s Blue Gin, for instance, you’ll find a wonderful winter pop-up venue. The Blue Ice is a polar delight overlooking the Mediterranean, a stylish and relaxed
bar with a delightful decor worthy of Jack Frost himself. Open until the end of
February, it's the perfect place to sip a cocktail by the sea, surrounded by a
frostbound forest of white pine trees, icicles, and polar bears.
For another typical winter experience, head to the Tradiswiss pop-up restaurant at the Novotel Monte-Carlo, where you’ll find fondue
and racelette served every evening in the heart of the Principality. Experience
the mountains Riviera-style, in a warm and cosy, typically Alpine wood-panelled
setting. A little taste of après-ski, open until the end of February.
Feast on caviar, without harming the environment. That’s what Conscientiae
is offering, thanks to its partnership with Caviar House Group. A new, limited-time concept bringing you guilt-free gastronomy this
winter! Customers can look forward to a taste of unique caviar from Prunier,
the French ethical caviar pioneers.
In addition to the numerous pop-up venues, other exciting establishments
are preparing to open, and in some cases re-open. One of the Principality’s best known restaurants is undergoing a
transformation. Fresh from earning a second coveted Michelin star in 2022, the Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is set for a major revamp. It
will re-open in early February with a new-look layout, new decor and a new
terrace, in keeping with the philosophy of top chef Marcel Ravin, who has
overseen the kitchens at the iconic establishment since 2005.
There are changes afoot at the Méridien Beach Plaza too! At the end of January, the luxury establishment in the Larvotto
district will welcome a new restaurant, specifically a modern Belgian brasserie
called Smakelijk, which means “bon appétit” in Flemish. Savour typical dishes in the
Riviera sunshine as you admire the views of the Mediterranean, in a setting
inspired by the classic Belgian brasserie blended with a generous dash of art
nouveau style.
The Principality’s hotels are constantly reinventing themselves. The Métropole Monte-Carlo, for instance, has extended the Lobby Bar designed by Jacques Garcia.
With its cosy atmosphere and private sitting-room feel, the new lounge area is
the ideal place to relax. Velvet couches, elegant armchairs, objets d’art and a
delightful water vapour fireplace add a touch of style to an already enchanting
setting. Cigar lovers will find a
selection of the very finest quality in this area designed just for them, which
also includes a terrace with views of the Casino gardens.
These new venues follow hot on the heels of numerous other openings in
the Principality in recent months. The Méridien Beach Plaza got the ball rolling with Muse, a new-look summer restaurant. Nestling between the pine trees and
private beach, it’s the ideal place to take a moment and savour the dolce vita.
A little further along the same avenue, Maona Monte-Carlo revives the legendary jet-set party nights of the 60s and 70s. This
open-air cabaret hosts great live music and Monegasque culinary traditions with
typical family recipes from the region.
The nearby Club La Vigie is a veritable picture postcard by the sea, with its comfy bungalows and
upbeat vibe. Open during the day, the
summer beach club promises afternoons of fun in the sun with a lively
atmosphere.
The Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo also has something new to offer, with
the opening of its new fine dining restaurant. The beautiful Belle Epoque
establishment invites you to a convivial culinary experience like no other at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, a restaurant that pays tribute to the 1920s with modern and inventive
Mediterranean-style cuisine.
Right aound the corner, still in Monte-Carlo, a new pop-up concept opened in
the autumn: Taera.
On the patio at the Hôtel de Paris, the elegant restaurant serves
traditional Venezuelan fare. A stunning slice of South America, just a stone’s
throw from the Place du Casino!
Finally, a few weeks ago the Principality saw the re-opening of one of
its most iconic venues: the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo. The famous restaurant welcomed customers once more after several years
of refurbishment. With an elegant room inside, a chic and cosy terrace on the
Place du Casino, and an upper floor, the Café de Paris is the embodiment of the
brasserie style, perfect for lazy lunches in the sun, delicious tea time
treats, or fine dining into the night.
Photo credits:
©Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer / Studio Phenix- hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo / Méridien Beach Plaza / Novotel Monte-Carlo / Marion Butet - Conscientiae / Manuel Vitali - Direction de la Communication