While Monaco may be the world’s second smallest country, with Vatican City taking the pole position, it has a great deal to offer its visitors. Known as the playground of the rich and famous with its world-famous casino, Formula One Grand Prix circuit, royal family, luxury hotels, designer shopping, and of course, superyachts, it still has plenty to offer those without such grand resources, including its world-class fine dining.
So, you’ve cruised into Monaco, guests have disembarked, and you find yourself with a free evening and a hunger for fine food. Luckily, Monaco boasts a sizzling nightlife scene with a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to suit all tastes. Read on to discover our favourite restaurants in the Principality. Dining out in Monaco is an experience your taste buds will never forget.
La Montgolfière
We’ve reserved the top of our list for the Michelin Star La Montgolfière. Owned and run by chef Henri Geraci, La Montgolfière can be found on the charming streets of Monaco’s old town, close to the Prince’s Palace. This small, unpretentious restaurant serves a three or four-course evening menu using fresh local products to create true Monegasque-style dishes with the occasional hint of Asian influences.
With its Michelin star, you may be surprised to learn that the three-course evening menu is priced at just €54 and four courses at €61, with dishes evolving with the seasons. There’s also a large selection of wines. With only 10 tables available per seating, be sure to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Visit their website here.
Mayabay
MayaBay is one of Monaco’s hottest eateries and is the place to go if you’re in the mood for Thai or Japanese food. Start your dining experience with an extraordinary TukTuk ride through the streets of Monaco. This special transport service is available to guests within Monaco upon request. The restaurant is split in two, one side serving Thai flavours and the other Japanese. Upon arrival, expect to be wowed by the welcoming ambience and stunning décor featuring a blend of contemporary and traditional Asian designs. The new Thai terrace offers a peaceful setting with views of the beautiful exotic zen garden with a waterfall at its centre.
The menu features a wide selection of mouth-watering gourmet dishes, including delicious steamed dumplings, sushi, sashimi, spring rolls, tempura, exotic salads, oriental curries, and noodle, meat, and seafood dishes. You’ll need to make a reservation to dine at MayaBay.
Visit their website here.
Buddha Bar
Buddha Bar is perhaps one of Monaco’s most famous nightlife venues. Since 2010 Buddha Bar has occupied the former cabaret and concert hall located in the heart of Monte Carlo. With luxurious décor inspired by the Garnier Opera House in Paris, the seven-metre high ceiling, and a giant Buddha playing host to the venue’s revellers, an evening in Buddha Bar will not be forgotten quickly.
Enjoy a cocktail and the chilled sounds of DJ Papa in the ground-floor Lounge Bar that extends onto two open-air terraces. Or, take a seat upstairs and dine on exotic flavours with influences from Japan, Thailand, China, and South-East Asia. Dishes include roasted black cod with miso and yuzu sauce, Wagyu Rib Eye steak in Chimikucho sauce, and Peking-style duck with exotic fruits.
Visit their website here.
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse
For a taste of pure opulence and exquisite fine dining, there is nowhere else other than Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, located at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. This three-star Michelin restaurant is arguably the most prestigious dining experience in Monaco. The Mediterranean-inspired menu makes use of fresh, locally grown and caught produce to create an end product that is nothing short of sublime.
Take your pick from dishes such as Fire roasted blue lobster, claw condiment, fennel cooked in blackcurrant bush branch, or Lamb from Quercy in the fireplace, courgette, crushed fig leaves, and fig-infused cooking jus. The restaurant’s sommelier will then select from what is one of the world’s best wine cellars to find the perfect wine to pair with your meal.
Visit their website here.
Gaia
If you’re feeling hungry, Gaia should be your first port of call. This restaurant prides itself on serving generous plates full of its Greek-Mediterranean style flavour. Chefs and culinary experts Izu Ani and Orestis Kotefas have created a delectable menu combining fresh ingredients, traditional flavours, and Greek-Mediterranean home-style cooking.
Munch on dishes like Greek salads, Tuna Carpaccio in truffle sauce, caviar, moussaka, fried calamari, and Kobe beef. They also boast an impressive list of signature cocktails. The Santorini Spritz made with vodka, hibiscus and lychee puree, lemon juice, and Victoria prosecco will transport you to the Greek island that bears its name.
Visit their website here.
The Niwaki
The Niwaki, located by Larvotto beach, is relatively new to the Monaco dining scene. But since its opening, it has proved to be one of the must-visit restaurants in the principality. The “couture” menu offers contrasting colours and unique flavours to create a sophisticated and mouthwatering twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. The owner, Monaco-born Samy Sass, is no stranger to the local dining scene as he’s also the owner of the famous Sass’ Café.
The interior, designed by architect Rashid Rivani, feels warm and inviting with its statement shoji ceiling, strategically placed mirror, marble, and wooden details. The bar lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling wooden wall, serves a fantastic selection of saké, beers, whiskies, and signature cocktails. On the menu, dishes like the Wagyu tartare with wasabi miso yolk, the Lobster tempura with creamy truffle yuzu, and the Pork ribs with soy glaze and pistachio shiso dare might tempt you, as long as you have room for their delicious selection of sushi.
Visit their website here.
Giacomo
Located at the far end of Larvotto Beach, Giacomo is another newbie to hit the Monaco dining scene. Giacomo is the 20th restaurant opened by the Big Mamma Group which owns some of the most Instagram-famous restaurants around the world and is known for the unique concept of a visual and culinary trip to Naples with swoon-worthy food & interiors. Big Mamma’s first beachside restaurant, Giacomo, is an Italian-themed trattoria with a relaxed lounge vibe on the terrace and bold décor & seating on the interior. Enjoy the sun and some of the best views of the Mediterranean sea in Monaco as you sip on spritzes and tuck into dishes like fresh pasta, or the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozzarella, farmhouse bread topped with slices of mozzarella, grated pourtague, and orange peel. And don’t forget to check out the quirky powder rooms to capture the ultimate Insta moment.
Visit their website here.
Planet Sushi
If you’re in the mood for a slightly more casual dining experience or have a small time window to leave the boat and grab a bite, then Planet Sushi can be found just opposite Port Hercule on Boulevard Albert 1er. Dine in, take away, or even order for delivery. Planet Sushi makes it easy to get your favourite sushi dishes fast. Their menu features a range of rolls, sushi, maki, ramen, and dishes such as katsu curry, satay chicken noodles, and ceviche. They also offer catering services when the chef needs a day off.
Visit their website here.
Marché de La Condamine
For a taste of local Monegasque life, head to La Condamine market, located at the foot of the Rock on the Place d’Armes. La Condamine market is open every day from 7 am till 3 pm, and you’ll find stores selling everything from flowers, cheeses, deli goods, and homewares. But it’s the food hall, or Les Halles Gourmandes, where the real excitement lies.
The gourmet food hall is open all year round from 6 pm to 9.30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday and is the perfect place to eat when you don’t fancy getting all dressed up for a formal dinner or simply want to enjoy good food alone. Inside you’ll find a range of vendors offering everything from local street food delicacies such as Barbagiuan and Socca to pizzas, salads, patisseries, fresh pasta, sushi, and Lebanese cuisine. There’s even a truffle bar serving pasta, pizza and other dishes cooked with their delicious truffle sauce. Pair your meal with a beer, wine, or coffee from the bar and soak up the local atmosphere.
Visit their website here.
Order In
Alternatively, if you’ve been lumped with watch duties or don’t fancy leaving the comforts of the yacht, there are always delivery options. UberEats serves a large number of Monaco restaurants. Or try Delovery – an app dedicated to delivering gourmet foods from high-end restaurants. Your food is cooked and delivered by the same team. Restaurants on Delovery include the famous Twiga restaurant, Le Petit Beef Bar, Grubers Burgers, Izakaya Cozza, and the gourmet Chines restaurant Song Qi. Delovery is a great option for superyacht chefs that have to sort food for the crew or agents & brokers during Monaco Yacht Show, whilst keeping the galley sparkly clean for yacht show viewings.
Where ever you choose to dine in Monaco, you can be sure it will be a tantalising experience. Let us know if you try any of our recommendations next time you’re in Monaco. Or, let us know your own personal suggestions. We’re always hungry to try out new Monaco restaurants.
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