Monaco – Guide to the Glamorous Principality on the Rock
Nestled between France and Italy, Monaco is a destination bathed in fantasies whose skyline we seem to know, without even having set foot there. The world’s second smallest country is well known for its classic casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo), its royal family and the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix… is where the rich come to play. But there’s a lot more to Monaco than first meets the eye.
Here, we bring you all of the restaurants not to be missed for a memorable weekend by the Mediterranean.
RESTAURANTS:
Gaia
Located in Galerie Charles III, Gaia restaurant indulges you in a journey of discovery with an all-encompassing experience: homegrown food, beverages, and a lifestyle concept unlike any other. Named after the Greek goddess and mother of all earth, Gaia reflects the Greek Mediterranean sun, sea, and mountains. Imagined by the culinary experts Chef Izu Ani and Chef Orestis, the GAIA’s menu is fueled by flavors and memories. Blending traditional flavors, fresh produce and the simplicity of home cooking, each dish celebrates the essence of Aegean cuisine, catering to cosmopolitan cuisine. With a harmonious approach of flavors, carefully prepared plates, each dish complements the previous one in order to create a gastronomic experience at each visit.
Coya
Overlooking the glittering Mediterranean, COYA, a Peruvian-inspired hotspot, delivers incredible food that is complemented by incredible views. Famed for its bespoke décor (incorporating Peruvian artefacts, eye-catching plant features and bespoke hand-crafted furniture), COYA offers contemporary Peruvian cuisine with a colourful and vibrant ambience. The menu is a provocative blend of flavour infusions which will delight seasoned gourmands and fussy eaters alike. From the art on the walls to the tribal beats of COYA Music, allow yourself to be taken on a multi-sensory journey from the moment you walk in.
And because the spirit of the Latin American fiesta is not just on the table, COYA Monte-Carlo is also home to the now legendary Pisco Bar & Lounge where guests can enjoy a wide choice of signature cocktails, as well as a collection of rare and refined wines and spirits. A DJ’s booth next to the bar is where the COYA Monte-Carlo DJs take up residence throughout the season.
Maya Bay
Located in Larvotto, Maya Bay is one of the most luxurious addresses in Monaco in a chic Zen ambience. With its refined cuisine and elegant, authentic décor, the restaurant offers a choice between two tempting culinary journeys to Thailand or Japan. The Thai side of Maya Bay will stimulate all your senses as if you were on the paradise island of the same name. A soft and warm musical ambiance with an elegant and refined decor reminiscent of Asia, both traditional and contemporary, the harmony of materials, the subtle flavours of delicate and refined cuisine, make Maya Bay an invitation of enchantment. On the Japanese side, your eyes will appreciate the careful presentation of the dishes and your palate will be delighted by the Asian flavours. From Japan to Monaco is just a step away!
Cipriani
Cipriani Monte Carlo is located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, at the bottom of the prestigious building “Le Mirabeau”. The ultra-modern glass facade is a remarkable introduction to the refined and warm interior, where mahogany and polished steel walls, mirrors and marble floors are complemented by Cipriani’s signature brown leather armchairs. The ambience is that of a luxury yacht and the nautical theme is enhanced by strong blue and white accents. The menu emphasises all the famous signature dishes and the establishment offers its patrons the warm hospitality and the sparkling atmosphere of Cipriani trademarks conquering the world at the same time. The restaurant upstairs features a private bar and a sea-view terrace, exclusively available for Club Cipriani Monte Carlo members.
FESTIVE DINING:
Sass cafe
Inaugurated in 1993 and named after its owner, Sass Cafe is one of the most historical venues in Monaco where you can dine, drink and dance all night long. Located on avenue Princess Grace in Monte Carlo, the Sass Cafe has become known as the ‘in’ spot for the international jet setter. For the last 20 years, the Sass Cafe has been a unique concept in the Principality of Monaco: Restaurant, Piano Bar and Club. For all hedonists with sophisticated pallets, SASS offers fine-dining at its best. Enticing discerning diners with its mouth-watering fresh seafood paired with heavenly Mediterranean flavours, as well as its exceedingly good selection of wines and cocktails, the restaurant is always a hit with charter guests. However, once your dinner is over, a magic happens as SASS CAFE transforms itself… Musicians appear, voices soar, and live music enthrals you. Later on the eclectic mixes from our DJs take over, and the party goes on until the break of dawn. A celebrated landmark in the Principality de Monaco, Sass Cafe is renowned internationally for its exclusive soirées!
BARS:
American bar at Hotel de Paris
Probably the most famous bar in Monaco. With its terrace surveying Casino Square, the American Bar at the Hôtel de Paris is the classic place for a glass of champagne or a negroni while listening to live jazz from the grand piano and watching the moneyed Monaco crowd at play. With its shiny wood and leather armchairs, the interiors are straight out of the 1920s, while the outdoor terrace looks onto the casino. In short, the bar looks like it belongs in the Great Gatsby. The champagne list is long and even the cocktails contain champagne: the classic one is La Roseraie with vodka and champagne infused with rose, rhubarb, cranberry and lemon juice. The cocktails all have poetic nicknames that change with the seasons, a claim to fame for the Bar Américain.
Lobby bar at Metropole
In the heart of one of the most beautiful hotels in Monaco, the Hôtel Métropole, glamorous, elegant and warm, the Lobby Bar is the place for all gourmet pleasures. The hours pass quietly, around a coffee or tea-time, to enjoy a cocktail, lunch or intimate dinner. Senses awaken in the ephemeral atmospheres, with artistic floral touches of the season, as well as the warm presence of antique and collector’s items. The architect and designer Jacques Garcia reinvented the bar and lobby areas to create a living space where you can sit, read or meet up with friends. The musical atmosphere designed by Béatrice Ardisson accompanies each of these delightful gourmet moments.
DRINK WITH A VIEW:
Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach Monte Carlo is located on the 7th floor of the Fairmont Monte Carlo, this is not only a beach club, it’s a rooftop beach club. Surrounded with breathtaking views of the city and Mediterranean Sea, Nikki Beach offers a lively and luxurious setting to soak up the sun, high above Monaco. Equipped with chic and comfy cabanas and sunbeds around the rooftop pool, as well as a stylish restaurant terrace, the rooftop combines the elements of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art into one. Reserve a daybed and indulge in relaxing poolside hours, or book a table at the restaurant for a delicious lunch and creative cocktails. Or best of all: do both and get an elevated day-to-night experience in Monaco out of the ordinary.
Ceto at Maybourne Riviera
On the top floor of the Maybourne, the culinary journey continues at the dazzlingly lit Ceto restaurant. Inspired by Greek mythology and the water constellations of the heavens, Mauro Colagreco’s Michelin-starred Ceto looks back at the traditions of the past while looking forward, focusing on sustainable fishing in harmony with nature. A true parallel between the sky and the sea, Ceto reflects Mauro’s ambition and passion. However, Ceto is more than just a restaurant, it is also a “culinary marine workshop” with the aim of deepening knowledge of the region’s aquatic life and exploring sustainable ecological solutions. The menu represents the entire Mediterranean in harmony with the seasons, using not only fish and shellfish, but also ingredients such as seaweed, marine herbs, sea fennel, sea cucumbers and snails. Experience the rich diversity of the green landscape of the Riviera and the Mediterranean- from the sea decor to the panoramic view of the sea, you will be immersed in a sea of emotions and sensations.
Terrace bar at La Chèvre d’Or
La Chèvre d’Or offers an indefinable je ne sais quoi that sets it apart. Life doesn’t get much better than sitting on the castle terrace overlooking Cap Ferrat, with chance sightings of leaping dolphins. Come for the romance, the retro vibe and the tranquillity of a mediaeval castle converted in the 1920s. Stay for the coastal views, secret sun terraces and jasmine-scented gardens. The steeply terraced grounds reveal museum-worthy sculpture, from a menagerie of mythical beasts to a lion roaring in a rocky waterfall and a fountain of dancing dolphins. A languorous retreat for movie stars, this castle attracts the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio; Walt Disney is said to have dreamed up his Magic Kingdom after a stay here.
NIGHTCLUB:
Jimmy’z
Jimmy’z is one of the world’s legendary nightclubs and hosts the Riviera’s most glamorous nights out on the town. Where the decks are spun by the world’s top DJs and Methuselahs of champagne reign supreme. For more than 40 years, Jimmy’z legendary club has attracted celebrities thanks to its outstanding setting, electric atmosphere and cutting-edge programming. Some of the hottest names in electronic dance music have hit the club’s turntables, including Black Coffee, Martin Solveig and Bob Sinclar. The Jimmy’z is the temple of Monegasque nights, an institution where you can party in a chic and sophisticated setting. It’s the place where you want to end the night in Monaco and the place to be seen.
Twiga
The Twiga concept was created from the experience reaped from the Billionaire Clubs – one of the world’s most legendary nightclubs and worldwide well-established brand. Overlooking the sea, in the heart of the Grimaldi Forum, on the Larvotto, Twiga Monte Carlo is a centre of luxury and exclusivity that meets all the needs of its VIP visitors, down to the smallest detail. Born from a love of the stunning and meandering landscapes of Africa, Twiga exists at the crossroads of wild and sophisticated. Speaking to its cosmopolitan clientele through eclectic design and unrivalled multi-sensory experiences, it’s a haven rooted in good times. The decor is chic and is brightened up with stylish lighting. The dance floor beckons with its sultry charm as the shadows dance through the room. You’ll find yourself enveloped in the rhythm with the drum of the bass coursing through you. Pair this escape with the selection of cocktails to keep you company and you’ve got the makings of a memory.
