Sun loungers are popping up on beaches and around pools,
terraces are bustling again, parks and gardens are bursting into life... The
Principality is already looking forward to the summer, and that inimitable
local art de vivre, is just waiting to be experienced. Where better to
get a taste of it all, than at one of the many established restaurants as they
re-open for the season, or perhaps one of the new additions to Monaco’s
gastronomical landscape?
The mild spring is already putting locals and visitors
to the Principality in the mood, with the rising mercury a little appetizer for
the warm weather ahead. Come this way, and discover the best places to eat,
drink, and be merry under the Riviera sunshine!
1 - Restaurants in “summer mode”
Re-opening in time for the summer, here are some great
dining inspirations that will make your stay in the Mediterranean sun even more
special.
MAONA (Re-opening on 23 May 2024)
A restaurant that aims to revive the legendary jet-set
party nights of the 60s and 70s ... International stars including Jerry
Lewis, Josephine Baker, and Liza Minnelli all partied here, soaking up the
dolce vita on those balmy summer evenings. This open-air cabaret hosts great
live music and Monegasque culinary traditions with typical family recipes from
the region. Maona Monte-Carlo, which takes its name from a portmanteau of Maria and
Onassis, better known as the iconic couple Aristotle Onassis and the famous
opera singer Maria Callas, offers a vibrant atmosphere with live DJ sets, in a
sumptuous setting overlooking the Mediterranean.
ELSA (Re-opening on 5 April)
Elsa is a gastronomical restaurant with a unique,
sustainable menu created by the two Michelin-starred chef Marcel
Ravin with delicate, endlessly creative dishes inspired by
the sea. A marine hanging garden, with the Mediterranean as its backdrop.
MUSE (Re-opening in May 2024)
No, not one of the Greek goddesses, nor the British
rock band, but rather the exclusive venue at the Méridien Beach Plaza! Nestling beneath the pine trees and private
beach, Muse is the ideal place to take a moment and savour the
dolce vita. With a cocktail bar, a menu heavily inspired by local and
Mediterranean cuisine, Sunday brunches, and DJ sets, it’s the place to be this
summer!
LE DECK (Re-opening in April 2024)
Settle down on the Hôtel Monte-Carlo Beach's terrace, better known simply as Le Deck. The stylish, relaxed vibe will have you instantly
forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city, especially with its Olympic-sized
brine pool heated to a pleasant 28°C and surrounded by lush palm trees, all
overlooking the majestic Mediterranean.
EM SHERIF (Re-opening on 3 May 2024).
The gastronomical restaurant Em Shérif will take your tastebuds on a journey to Lebanon. Sit
at a table in a beautifully verdant garden and savour the fabulous sea view, as
you sample fragrant dishes from the Middle East.
LAS BRISAS (Re-opening in July 2024)
Get away from it all for an hour or two and discover
the sun-drenched Mediterranean cuisine of acclaimed Marcel Ravin at
the Hôtel Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort. Take a moment out of time and soak up the warmth as
you admire the azure sea. And to add a little dash of something extra, there’s
live music to accompany your Sunday lunch.
MALIZIA MAR (Re-opening on 28 March 2024)
You’ll find this little corner of paradise hidden away
by the water’s edge, in the solarium on Quai Casiraghi. The fresh and inviting
Mediterranean-style menu goes perfectly with the idyllic setting, making the
Malizia Mar a great place to sit and enjoy the sunset or the striking views of
Monaco.
LE COYA (Re-opening on 10 April 2024)
For an authentic taste of Peru, head to COYA! Take your senses on an adventure to South America with
exciting fusion cuisine in a magical setting, decorated with stunning art and
tribal rhythms, and the beautiful blue sea providing the backdrop.
L’ODYSSEY (Re-opening for the summer season)
There are poolside delights to be savoured too! With
its elegant Karl Lagerfield-designed decor and light, fresh menu, l’Odyssey at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo is a veritable oasis of calm in the heart of the city.
This exclusive restaurant will be opening for the summer season.
2 - Other sun-kissed eateries you won’t want to miss
Some of the Principality’s finest restaurants are
getting their summer vibe on, ready to bring you the best dining experiences
under the sun.
AMAZONICO (OPENING 5 APRIL)
It’s the latest arrival in Monte-Carlo that’s making
the headlines. On the spacious rooftop of the refurbished Café de Paris, Amazonico is making its debut in the Principality with a vibrant
voyage to the Amazon rainforests amid a Latino-Brazilian atmosphere and
gorgeous greenery! Its creative cuisine with a blend of tropical and Latin
American influences will wow your tastebuds. What could possibly be better
than relaxing in one of the world’s most stunning locations and enjoying the
classic view as you sip a cocktail?
AMU MONTE-CARLO (Opening end of May)
The latest addition to the Fairmont Monte-Carlo can be found perched on the rooftop, a little seventh heaven on the hotel's seventh floor. A real foodie's delight, Amù Monte-Carlo is a celebration of love for the cuisine of the Côte d'Azur. Amù is the Monegasque word for love, and the restaurant is a tribute to the city and its heritage. As soon as you step inside to be greeted by the spectacular view of the Riviera and the Mediterranean, you just know you're in for an experience like nowhere else.
LE BLUE BAY MARCEL RAVIN
Completely refurbished earlier this year, the
award-winning Blue Bay is back with a fresh new look, and a slightly new
name: Blue Bay Marcel Ravin. Boasting two coveted Michelin stars, the restaurant
now has an elegant mineral-style interior design inspired by the natural world
and the five elements, with an open kitchen so diners can watch their food
being prepared by the busy team. The menu has been given an impressive makeover
too, with signature dishes now offered alongside some new creations dreamed up
by chef Marcel Ravin, with a poetic combination of Creole and Mediterranean
influences. And while some subtle changes were made to the terrace in late
2023, the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean remain.
LES PERLES DE MONTE-CARLO
As the locals will tell you, Les Perles de Monte-Carlo is the place to go if seafood is your thing. In a
sheltered spot at the end of the seawall at the Port of Fontvieille, in an
authentic setting, you can taste the outstanding local oysters at the foot of
the Prince’s Palace.
LA CONDAMINE MARKET & NORMA
For an authentic taste of local life, head to the
popular heart of the Principality and La Condamine Market. Fall under the spell of the colourful market stalls,
red cobblestones and friendly traders. Settle down at a table and admire the
view of the Rock of Monaco, do some people-watching, or head inside the
bustling market hall and grab some local delicacies from one of the many stalls.
Then make your way up to Norma,
an Italian restaurant perched on the roof of La
Condamine market hall. Its shaded terrace with views of the square is the ideal
place to pause and cool off, out of the summer heat.
AZZURA KITCHEN
In the heart of the buzzing Principality, slow things
down a notch and take a little time out to sample the superb fare to be found
at Azzurra Kitchen at the Novotel. Share a spot of lunch under the bioclimatic Pergola or
dinner by the pool, Mediterranean style.
LE CASTELROC
Nestling on the Rock of Monaco, as if suspended
between heaven and earth, you’ll find Castelroc and its Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the very
best Monegasque traditions. Experience a moment out of time in an idyllic
setting, facing the Prince’s Palace and with unmatched views over the Port of
Fontvieille.
Fall in love with Monaco-Ville, the
Principality’s old town
and its picturesque narrow streets. They come to life
in summer with busy restaurants and souvenir shops, the carnival, and all kinds
of live music.
BEACHSIDE RESTAURANTS
With its shaded promenade, large public beach, shops
and private beaches, the Larvotto seaside complex is popular with locals and
visitors of all ages.
Relax and savour the delicious food from the generous selection of nearby
eateries, with something to suit every palate. Dine with your toes in the water
on one of the three private beaches of Le Neptune, Le Miami or La Note Bleue, or grab some Italian specialities from Giacomo,
the latest addition to the popular Big Mamma chain.
With Mediterranean-style cuisine, wood-fired pizzas, and subtle inspirations,
there’s no shortage of options if the cool sea air is making you feel hungry.
On the promenade you’ll find Sexy Tacos, a Mexican restaurant with a friendly vibe and
authentic cuisine, and Bistro Coe, an elegant diner that opened recently.
ORANGE VERTE
Give in to the exoticism of L’Orange
Verte at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Its refreshing “bistronomic” cuisine will transport
you to far-flung shores with gourmet dishes to savour on the terrace on in the
winter garden.
In addition to that generous selection of fantastic
places to eat, here are some of the Principality’s finest bars, perfect for a
summer cocktail or two.
ALANG BAR (Re-opening in April 2024)
Head to the exotic Alang Bar at the Méridien Beach Plaza in the Larvotto district. There you’ll find rosé
cocktails, fresh and zesty salads, and delicious fruit platters to share by the
private beach, for the ideal day by the sea. While away an afternoon at the
Alang Bar until the sun goes down, for the ultimate in relaxation.
BLUE GIN
The Blue Gin, also known as the “Waterfront” at the Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort,
promises a great evening with a DJ providing the
music, spectacular views of the Mediterranean, a selection of imaginative
cocktails, and a menu concocted by acclaimed chef Marcel Ravin.
LE BAR
Fall under the spell of LE BAR at the Columbus Monte-Carlo, in its summer setting on the hotel’s terrace. There,
you can sip classic cocktails as you relax and admire the peaceful views of the
Princess Grace Rose Garden.
AZZURA POOL BAR
Azzura Pool Bar will be your very own cool oasis of peace and
tranquillity when the mercury rises in the Principality. In the ultra-exclusive
Monte-Carlo district, the Azzura Pool Bar at the Novotel offers a selection of refreshing cocktails served by
the pool, for the ultimate way to relax.
LE ROUGE & LE BLANC
Take a leisurely stroll along the quay at the Port of
Fontvieille and you’ll soon see "Le Rouge et le Blanc"! A convivial place where those with a taste for good
wine and good times come together for unforgettable moments in an authentic
setting, overlooking the yachts.
L’EQUIVOQUE
This rooftop bar, perched above the Avenue Ostende,
commands stunning panoramic views over Port Hercule and part of the Formula 1
Grand Prix circuit. There you’ll find the signature “fragrance-inspired
cocktail”. But what is it, exactly? A unique sensory experience, that’s what!
Take a sniff of different fragrances created by the master perfumiers of
Grasse, and pick the one that takes your fancy. You’ll then be served a
cocktail expertly selected to match your choice.
All that remains is to sit back and savour it, as you admire the spectacular
view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Photo credits:
©Société des Bains de Mer Monte-Carlo / Méridien Beach Plaza / Malizia Mar / hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo - miramirafr- Studio Phenix - Les Perles de Monte-Carlo / Mairie de Monaco / Benjamin Vergély / Norma Monte-Carlo / Direction du Tourisme et des Congrès de Monaco / hôtel Novotel / CastelRoc / BistroCoe / Le Neptune / Miami Plage / La Note Bleue / Sexy Tacos/ Giacomo-NawelOdin