Over the years, Monegasque culinary savoir-faire has produced a diverse
array of superb restaurants, each with its own unique character. They are run
by locals with a passion for fine food and drink, who also happen to be
committed to reviving some of the most legendary venues in France, whether on
the edge of the Mediterranean or high in the Alps. Here are three of the best!
Loulou
Pirate, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
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Photo credits: Loulou Pirate / Famille Viale / DR
Thousands upon thousands of flavours!
Such might be the verdict of gourmets when they taste the dishes served up at
Loulou Pirate. This seaside restaurant has for many years flown the standard
for elegance and atmosphere. A few months ago, the venue was taken over by
siblings Gilles and Claire Malafosse, accompanied by Samy Sass, owner of the
Sass’ Café and the Japanese restaurant The Niwaki in the Principality. He was
familiar with the Loulou in his childhood, and set about reviving the Riviera
spirit of the 1960s and 70s, when you could come for lunch in this stunning
location and find yourself rubbing shoulders with stars like Frank Sinatra,
Roger Moore, and Brigitte Bardot… and of course, the enigmatic donkey, mascot
of the restaurant!
A taste of the dolce vita by the majestic Mediterranean, with friendly people
and great food: that’s the Loulou Pirate recipe.
African
Queen, in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
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Photo credits: Cedou - African Queen
A fifty year-old French institution is reborn... The African Queen
re-opened her doors this summer! The legendary restaurant at the port of
Beaulieu-sur-Mer has retained all of its original character combined with a
fresh new design, including an exotic and timeless dining room, and the same
amazing southern-style cuisine. Riccardo Giraudi, one of the three owners of The
African Queen who also runs restaurants in the Principality, has revived the
classic dishes for which it became famous, and kept the original staff. And the restaurant could even be set to go
international as there are plans to open an African Queen in Dubai.
Refuge de
la Traye, in Méribel
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Photo credits: Sylvain Aymoz - Refuge de la Traye
This mountain refuge was created in 1982... Residents of Méribel and the
area, along with regular visitors to the resort, flocked to this unique place
for a total immersion in nature. Open from June to October and fully
refurbished in 2019, Le Refuge de la Traye takes hospitality to a whole new
level with a prestige restaurant serving unforgettable food and six guest rooms
for a stay like no other. The luxury
refuge deep in the Alps offers a friendly family welcome in a little corner of
paradise. It is run by Maya Collection, which also has several establishments
in the Principality.
Photo credits:
Benjamn Vergély / Loulou Pirate / Famille Viale / DR / Cedou - African Queen / Sylvain Aymoz - Refuge de la Traye