The Principality of Monaco is one of the most popular ports of call on any south of France yacht cruise. This tiny country is renowned as one of the most glamorous yachting destinations in the Mediterranean and fans of gastronomy will not be disappointed, with everything from 3 Star Michelin cuisine to simple hearty Mediterranean food on offer in Monaco’s restaurants. Monaco is home to some legendary restaurants including the 3 Star Alain Ducasse at the Hotel de Paris in Casino Square and the 2 Star Joël Robuchon at The Metropole in Monte-Carlo. In this article, we are going to focus on three of the best restaurants in Monaco which we highly recommend visiting when in town on a luxury yacht charter!
The Blue Bay is located in the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort on Avenue Princesse Grace in the Larvotto beach area of Monaco. Whilst this large hotel very much has a Vegas feel to it, this restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and is something of an oasis of calm in the middle of Monaco. Chef Marcel Ravin hails from Martinique in the French Caribbean and has brought to Monaco his unique take on traditional French cuisine with strong Caribbean and Asian influences. Delightful flavours abound and the style of cuisine is perfectly suited to Monaco’s hot summers. Standout dishes include Foie Gras with Candy Flos and a dessert of Dim Sum made with tropical fruits! Ravin’s cuisine has received universal acclaim since the restaurant opened and he has been awarded one Michelin Star! The interior is stylish, light and airy but the most coveted tables are on the terrace and offer stunning views over the Mediterranean. Blue Bay offers surprisingly good value for Monaco with exquisite tasting menus available from €88 per person. Watch the wines though as they can do some serious damage to the wallet!
Le Blue Bay, Monte Carlo Beach Hotel, 40 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco – Tel. +377 98 06 03 60
Venice comes to Monaco via Mayfair and New York City… Cipriani offers classic Italian cooking in a fun and wonderfully glamorous atmosphere. Arriving at this restaurant, you will be greeted by a parade of Bugattis and Bentleys being dropped off with the valet by ultra chic diners. The menu will be instantly recognisable to anyone that has visited a Cipriani restaurant before. Standout starters include the stellar King Crab Salad and the delightfully simple “Pasta e Fagioli”. Mains are all the Italian classics, fantastic grilled fish, meat and of course truly exceptional pasta! You have not lived until you’ve tried “Tagliardi with veal ragù”! The dessert menu is delivered “live” at the table with all the sweet delights paraded around your table in a swirl of waiters’ arms! This is Italian restaurant theatre at its’ best and it works very well in Monaco! Cipriani Monte-Carlo is owned by the equally flamboyant Flavio Briatore, one time owner of the Benetton F1 team and longterm resident of Monaco. Briatore also owns the excellent Twiga nightclub nearby and it is here that many diners head to after dinner at Cipriani. Located under the tunnel that you’ll instantly recognise from the Monaco Grand Prix, Twiga offers a fantastic waterfront location to enjoy a glass or six of champagne and sets from the world’s superstar DJs, the glimmering lights of assembled superyachts providing a stunning backdrop! Twiga is without a shadow of a doubt the best nightspot in the Principality of Monaco!
Cipriani Monte-Carlo – 1 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco – Tel. +377 93 25 42 50
Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitan is an excellent restaurant in the vibrant Rue du Portier area of Monaco. This delightful establishment utterly disproves the theory that it is impossible to eat in glamorous surroundings in Monaco without breaking the bank! Cosmopolitan is owned by an Italian/British couple and that is reflected in reflected in the menu, superb Squid Ink Pasta sits comfortably alongside Roast Beef and Fish and Chips! The food is consistently good and offers exceptional value for money in this prestigious location. Guests can dine either inside in a modern, funky interior or outside on a fabulous terrace enjoying the parade of supercars that are a constant feature in this street!
Cosmopolitan – 7 Rue du Portier, 98000 Monaco – Tel. +377 93 25 78 68
This restaurant has very sadly now closed!
