Monaco encompasses an area of 2.08 square kilometres, making it the second smallest sovereign state in the world after Vatican City. Think New York City’s Central Park – Monaco is approximately that size. Despite its scale, Monaco is packed with activities and happenings including urban developments, casino nights, theatre shows, and a big gastronomy scene.
A definitive list of top dining spots
Whether you’re craving fine dining, casual eats, or hidden gems, this curated list highlights the best spots to satisfy your taste buds. From innovative cutting-edge culinary concepts to timeless classics, Monaco’s gastronomy scene promises to enthral both local and international diners, while globally recognised establishments guarantee unforgettable flavours and experiences.
Café de Paris Monte-Carlo
Café de Paris – reopened earlier this year – is a very popular eatery in Paris serving French, Mediterranean and European cuisines. The Monte-Carlo branch will relaunch with an additional floor featuring a unique rooftop, luxury boutiques, and innovative dining concepts.
Amazónico
First established in Madrid, Dubai, and London, this well-known restaurant specialises in combining Japanese and Latin American flavours. You’ll see signature dishes like Arroz Chaufa – a combination of red, black, and white whole grain rice with duck breast, and a fried egg. Also, the Amazónico Maki which combines mango, avocado, coconut, and chocolate nibs is well loved by the locals. The restaurant is designed with a stunning interior like lush plants, plush velvet couches, and stunning tropical décor to put diners in a calm mood.
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac
Christophe Cussac’s two-Michelin-starred Les Ambassadeurs transports diners on a remarkable culinary adventure by fusing modern elegance with Mediterranean flair. This restaurant embodies sophisticated luxury and was inspired by the storied Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. Renowned French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia created the restaurant’s interiors, which highlight Christophe Cussac’s culinary creativity.
Blue Bay Marcel Ravin
After undergoing substantial renovations, Monaco’s two-Michelin-starred culinary jewel has reopened. In order to improve the dining experience, the restaurant now has a gorgeous new layout, updated décor, and a welcoming terrace. Under the direction of Chef Marcel Ravin, this restaurant has been renovated into a contemporary Creole restaurant where Mediterranean and Caribbean flavours combine to produce an unmatched culinary experience. With this makeover, Blue Bay is embarking on a new era that promises a setting that stirs feelings and culinary brilliance in each dish.
L’Abysse Monte-Carlo by Yannick Alléno
Chef Yannick Alléno’s new culinary masterpiece, L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, is housed in the exclusive Hôtel H, offering a singular culinary experience by skilfully fusing the robust aromas of Monaco with cutting-edge cooking methods. The collaboration with professional sushi chef Yasunari Okazaki, who contributes his knowledge from Tokyo’s famed Ginza neighbourhood, is the foundation of this endeavour. Visitors will find meals that celebrate regional freshness and the best ingredients, with each plate serving as a monument to Okazaki’s sushi expertise and Alléno’s extraordinary inventiveness.
Société des Bains de Mer unveils a new concert space
The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, which has been producing events since 1879, has reopened its cosiest concert space, dubbed New Moods. Known as Moods back in 2008 until 2011, it featured up-and-coming musicians from the local rock and folk scene. After being formally inaugurated on 30 November, this legendary location on Place du Casino reopened on 5 December under the direction of Stéphane Lobono.
Along with DJ sets, stand-up comedy, rock, folk, blues, and live music, the program will also feature chef-prepared finger cuisine. Stéphane Valeri, Chairman & CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, is the driving force behind this comeback, which aims to further expand the Group’s optimistic offer in the Principality, especially during the off-peak months.
Stay at these luxury hotels
For a land that small, Monaco is brimming with lavish hotels and resorts. There are plenty of accommodations in each district, such as Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo that’s located on the legendary Place du Casino. You’ll see seven Diamond Suites, a three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant named Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris, and a one-MICHELIN-starred restaurant, Le Grill.
If you prefer somewhere more private, then opt for The Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. This resort offers tranquillity and opulence, while being only a stone’s throw away from Casino de Monte-Carlo and One Monte-Carlo, a new shopping district.
Other grand hotels to consider when you’re in Monaco are Hôtel Métropole, Hôtel Fairmont, Port Palace Hotel, Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, Hotel Columbus, The Méridien Beach Plaza, and Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort.
Play at the finest casinos
Monaco is also well-known for its casino culture, which basically shaped the Principality since 1863. Most travellers are there to experience the finest and most luxurious casinos like Casino Café de Paris and Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Casino Café de Paris – one of the most popular casinos in Monte-Carlo has the widest selection of slot machines. Undoubtedly, there are also traditional table games like Black Jack, English Roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker. This is definitely the best playground for high rollers from all over Europe.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo has a Belle Époque architecture – think James Bond vibes – and is one of the finest gaming venues around the world. If you are travelling to Monaco, visiting this casino must be on your itinerary.
Monaco practices sustainability
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has implemented a proactive sustainable development policy since 2005, focusing on greenhouse gas reduction, resource management, and biodiversity. The Principality expects to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Anse du Portier, a new district also known as Mareterra, is a new urban development project that will focus on sustainability. Built on reclaimed land from the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco will see greener infrastructures in the near future.
Be it a romantic getaway, family retreat, or even a solo trip, Monaco has got you covered with attractions like the Prince’s Palace, The Cathedral, and the must-visit Oceanographic Museum. The diversity of Monaco makes it very suitable for people of all ages. Frequent visitors often return to Monaco once or twice every year to explore different spots. Therefore, new travellers are encouraged to stay for more than three days to discover the wonders of the cities.
Images: Benjamin Vergely
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