The 11 Best Restaurants in Monaco

A new culinary movement is making waves in Monaco, one that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

By Sophie Park |  May 13 2022

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[See also: 1 Hotel Chef Denevin Miranda on Making Dining Sustainable]

La Table d’Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi

First up on our list of the best restaurants in Monaco is Table d’Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi. Housed in a former cigar lounge, the eatery serves diners an intimate taste of modern Monegasque cuisine. The venue has only five tables, and the art deco interior complements the witty, creative plating of each dish.  

Looks aren’t the only thing that will make you do a double-take – the blend of Southern Italian and French influences showcases the gorgeous ingredients sourced from local organic producers. Experience it for yourself when you order the rosso di San Remo (tagliolini in a gamberoni broth) or the limoni di Sorrento (white chocolate mousse with a mint and candied lemon heart). 

Maya Bay 

For atmosphere and variety, head to Maya Bay. Music softly drifts through the contemporary space. A team of both Thai and Japanese chefs, led by Christophe Dupuy and Ryuji Kakizaki, bring an unforgettable experience to the table.  

As a supporter of the Slow Food movement, the restaurant uses seasonal ingredients. A prime example of this philosophy in action is the lunchtime bento box, a creative response to the pandemic that showcases whatever’s in season. At the end of the day, there’s something for everyone. 

La Montgolfière-Henri Geraci  

Tucked away on a small side street by the Cathédrale de Monaco, La Montgolfière-Henri Geraci is a down-to-earth respite from the glitz and glamor of the city. Run by partners in business and life Henri and Fabienne Geraci, the couple goes above and beyond to make everyone feel at ease.  

The food honors local specialties like Stockfish à la Monégasque but has hints of Asian influences. The wine list is also quite versatile. No matter the seasons, come for the food and stay for the company. 

Elsa

Located at the Monte-Carlo Beach, Elsa has a stunning waterfront terrace and a dedication to sustainable practices. As the first restaurant with 100% organic food and wild-caught fish to earn a Michelin star, it has been a forerunner of ethical fine dining both locally and internationally.  

Executive chef Manon Fleury has renewed its commitment to caring for the environment and community that has allowed it to flourish. Plans include continuing to work closely with local producers to source seasonal and sustainable ingredients, offering plant-forward menus, and transitioning to a zero-waste business model. 

[See more: A Green Guide to a Luxury Long Weekend in Monaco]

Les Perles de Monte-Carlo

Perched on the edge of the Port de Fontvieille, Les Perles de Monte-Carlo is a hidden gem. Run by biologists Brice Cachia and Frédéric Rouxeville, the seafood bar is an extension of their sustainable mariculture operation, which supplies some of the area’s best restaurants. 

Perfect for a casual meal or an exuberant celebration, charming wooden tables and super friendly staff set the scene, but the ultra-fresh seafood is the star of the show. Dig into a seasonal array of oysters, crustaceans, and urchins galore paired with a glass (or more) of organic wine. 

Yoshi 

One of the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo’s highly regarded eateries, Michelin-starred Yoshi is also hailed as the best Japanese restaurant in the French Riviera. Try chef Takeo Yamazaki’s signature ebi shinjo (shrimp balls with kombu) or ghindara (black cod marinated for 72 hours) and you’ll understand why. 

Whether you order sushi or teppanyaki or anything in between, the precision and balance of each dish will blow you away. To accompany the food, sip something from the thoughtful selection of sakes, whiskies, and green teas. And as you savor your meal, enjoy the intimate dining room, which opens up to a tranquil Japanese garden. 

Le Grill

Situated on the top floor of the Hôtel de Paris, Le Grill provides unobstructed views of the Principality. The sliding roof also allows guests to bask in sunbeams over lunch or share dinner under a starry sky. If you prefer to dine indoors, the grand interior dining room has recently been refurbished. 

The food is as pleasurable as the surroundings. Though classics like the restaurant’s legendary soufflés weather the test of time, most offerings change with the seasons. As the name suggests, anything from the charcoal grill is sure to satisfy. 

Yannick Alléno à l’Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo 

Our list of the best restaurants in Monaco would not be complete without mentioning the restaurant at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. Following the recruitment of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, the menu has become more ethical. Produce comes from a permaculture vegetable garden, and seafood is local and sustainably caught.  

Additionally, the terrace has blossomed into a Mediterranean Eden shaded by citrus and olive trees and perfumed by jasmine. The next phase of this transformation will be the renovation of the restaurant’s interiors. Headed by Alléno’s partner Chahan Minassian, the space will be ready by the spring of 2022. 

Le Blue Bay 

At Blue Bay, chef Marcel Ravin seamlessly combines the flavors of Martinique and the Mediterranean in dishes like his signature egg with truffled cassava and passion fruit juice. Every item on the menu is thoughtfully plated on bespoke tableware, a collaboration between Ravin and Caribbean ceramicist Peggy Desmeules.  

On top of its inventive cuisine, the restaurant sources many of its ingredients from an organic garden designed and operated by Terre de Monaco, an urban agriculture initiative. This partnership not only ensures that diners get to taste the freshest produce, but it also reduces the restaurant’s carbon footprint. Sit inside for an exciting tête-à-tête with Ravin and his team by the open kitchen or make your way outdoors to admire panoramic views of the sea. 

Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris

Over three decades ago, Alain Ducasse made his mark with Le Louis XV, and it has remained a Monte-Carlo institution ever since. A member of the Grandes Tables du Monde, it was the first hotel restaurant ever to receive three Michelin stars, a rating it has never lost, and some of the world’s finest chefs have trained in its kitchen. 

With Ducasse, executive chef Dominique Lory has created a menu that stays true to the restaurant’s founding philosophy: respect for ingredients and classic technique. Dishes like gamberoni from San Remo with rockfish gelée and caviar showcase local products and the culinary traditions of the Riviera. Recently, the restaurant has made an effort to reduce its food waste. 

Aside from the food, the wine list is legendary, and the overall ambiance is truly exceptional. No trip to Monaco is complete without a meal here. 

Les Perles de Monte-Carlo

Last but by no means least on our roundup of  Monaco’s best restaurants is Les Perles de Monte Carlo. Tucked away at the very tip of Fontvieille pier, the rustic oyster bar is run by two charming marine biologists – Brice Cachia and Frederic Rouxeville – who also supply fresh seafood to the most luxurious hotels in the area. Expect stunning views of the Meditteranean coast and plenty of beautiful sustainably sourced fish including clams, wild prawns, royal lobster and caviar.

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