Monaco’s Essential Summer Spots

The mild spring is already putting locals and visitors to the Principality in the mood, with the rising mercury a little appetizer for the warm weather ahead. Come this way, and discover the best places to eat, drink, and be merry under the Riviera sunshine!

1 - Restaurants in “summer mode”
Re-opening in time for the summer, here are some great dining inspirations that will make your stay in the Mediterranean sun even more special.

MAONA (Re-opening on 23 May 2024)
A restaurant that aims to revive the legendary jet-set party nights of the 60s and 70s ... International stars including Jerry Lewis, Josephine Baker, and Liza Minnelli all partied here, soaking up the dolce vita on those balmy summer evenings. This open-air cabaret hosts great live music and Monegasque culinary traditions with typical family recipes from the region. Maona Monte-Carlo, which takes its name from a portmanteau of Maria and Onassis, better known as the iconic couple Aristotle Onassis and the famous opera singer Maria Callas, offers a vibrant atmosphere with live DJ sets, in a sumptuous setting overlooking the Mediterranean. 

ELSA (Re-opening on 5 April)
Elsa, is a gastronomical restaurant with a unique, sustainable menu created by the two Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin with delicate, endlessly creative dishes inspired by the sea. A marine hanging garden, with the Mediterranean as its backdrop.

MUSE (Re-opening in May 2024)
No, not one of the Greek goddesses, nor the British rock band, but rather the exclusive venue at the Méridien Beach Plaza! Nestling beneath the pine trees and private beach, Muse is the ideal place to take a moment and savour the dolce vita. With a cocktail bar, a menu heavily inspired by local and Mediterranean cuisine, Sunday brunches, and DJ sets, it’s the place to be this summer!

LE DECK (Re-opening in April 2024)
Settle down on the terrace of the hôtel Monte-Carlo Beach, Le Deck. The stylish, relaxed vibe will have you instantly forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city, especially with its Olympic-sized brine pool heated to a pleasant 28°C and surrounded by lush palm trees, all overlooking the majestic Mediterranean.

EM SHERIF (Re-opening on 3 May 2024).
The gastronomical restaurant Em Shérif will take your tastebuds on a journey to Lebanon. Sit at a table in a beautifully verdant garden and savour the fabulous sea view, as you sample fragrant dishes from the Middle East.

LAS BRISAS (Re-opening in July 2024)
Get away from it all for an hour or two and discover the sun-drenched Mediterranean cuisine of acclaimed Marcel Ravin at the hôtel Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort. Take a moment out of time and soak up the warmth as you admire the azure sea. And to add a little dash of something extra, there’s live music to accompany your Sunday lunch.

MALIZIA MAR (Re-opening on 28 March 2024)
You’ll find this little corner of paradise hidden away by the water’s edge, in the solarium on Quai Casiraghi. The fresh and inviting Mediterranean-style menu goes perfectly with the idyllic setting, making the Malizia Mar a great place to sit and enjoy the sunset or the striking views of Monaco.

LE COYA (Re-opening on 10 April 2024)
For an authentic taste of Peru, head to COYA! Take your senses on an adventure to South America with exciting fusion cuisine in a magical setting, decorated with stunning art and tribal rhythms, and the beautiful blue sea providing the backdrop.

L’ODYSSEY (Re-opening for the summer season)
There are poolside delights to be savoured too! With its elegant Karl Lagerfield-designed decor and light, fresh menu, L'Odyssey at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo is a veritable oasis of calm in the heart of the city. This exclusive restaurant will be opening for the summer season.

2 - Other sun-kissed eateries you won’t want to miss
Some of the Principality’s finest restaurants are getting their summer vibe on, ready to bring you the best dining experiences under the sun.

AMAZONICO (OPENING ON 5 APRIL)
It’s the latest arrival in Monte-Carlo that’s making the headlines. On the spacious rooftop of the refurbished Café de Paris, Amazonico is making its debut in the Principality with a vibrant voyage to the Amazon rainforests amid a Latino-Brazilian atmosphere and gorgeous greenery! Its creative cuisine with a blend of tropical and Latin American influences will wow your tastebuds. What could possibly be better than relaxing in one of the world’s most stunning locations and enjoying the classic view as you sip a cocktail?

LE BLUE BAY MARCEL RAVIN
Completely refurbished earlier this year, the award-winning Blue Bay is back with a fresh new look, and a slightly new name: Blue Bay Marcel Ravin. Boasting two coveted Michelin stars, the restaurant now has an elegant mineral-style interior design inspired by the natural world and the five elements, with an open kitchen so diners can watch their food being prepared by the busy team. The menu has been given an impressive makeover too, with signature dishes now offered alongside some new creations dreamed up by chef Marcel Ravin, with a poetic combination of Creole and Mediterranean influences. And while some subtle changes were made to the terrace in late 2023, the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean remain.

LES PERLES DE MONTE-CARLO
As the locals will tell you, Les Perles de Monte-Carlo is the place to go if seafood is your thing. In a sheltered spot at the end of the seawall at the Port of Fontvieille, in an authentic setting, you can taste the outstanding local oysters at the foot of the Prince’s Palace.

LA CONDAMINE MARKET & NORMA
For an authentic taste of local life, head to the popular heart of the Principality and La Condamine Market. Fall under the spell of the colourful market stalls, red cobblestones and friendly traders. Settle down at a table and admire the view of the Rock of Monaco, do some people-watching, or head inside the bustling market hall and grab some local delicacies from one of the many stalls.

Then make your way up to Norma, an Italian restaurant perched on the roof of La Condamine market hall. Its shaded terrace with views of the square is the ideal place to pause and cool off, out of the summer heat.

AZZURA KITCHEN
In the heart of the buzzing Principality, slow things down a notch and take a little time out to sample the superb fare to be found at Azzurra Kitchen at the Novotel. Share a spot of lunch under the bioclimatic Pergola or dinner by the pool, Mediterranean style.

LE CASTELROC
Nestling on the Rock of Monaco, as if suspended between heaven and earth, you’ll find Le Castelroc and its Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the very best Monegasque traditions. Experience a moment out of time in an idyllic setting, facing the Prince’s Palace and with unmatched views over the Port of Fontvieille.

Fall in love with Monaco-Ville, the Principality’s old town and its picturesque narrow streets. They come to life in summer with busy restaurants and souvenir shops, the carnival, and all kinds of live music.

BEACHSIDE RESTAURANTS  
With its shaded promenade, large public beach, shops and private beaches, the Larvotto seaside complex is popular with locals and visitors of all ages.
Relax and savour the delicious food from the generous selection of nearby eateries, with something to suit every palate. Dine with your toes in the water on one of the three private beaches of Le Neptune, Le Miami or La Note Bleue, or grab some Italian specialities from Giacomo, the latest addition to the popular Big Mamma chain. With Mediterranean-style cuisine, wood-fired pizzas, and subtle inspirations, there’s no shortage of options if the cool sea air is making you feel hungry.

On the promenade you’ll find Sexy Tacos, a Mexican restaurant with a friendly vibe and authentic cuisine, and Bistro Coe, an elegant diner that opened recently.

ORANGE VERTE
Give in to the exoticism of L’Orange Verte at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Its refreshing “bistronomical” cuisine will transport you to far-flung shores with gourmet dishes to savour on the terrace on in the winter garden.

In addition to that generous selection of fantastic places to eat, here are some of the Principality’s finest bars, perfect for a summer cocktail or two.

ALANG BAR (Re-opening in April 2024)
Head to the exotic Alang Bar at the Méridien Beach Plaza in the Larvotto district. There you’ll find rosé cocktails, fresh and zesty salads, and delicious fruit platters to share by the private beach, for the ideal day by the sea. While away an afternoon at the Alang Bar until the sun goes down, for the ultimate in relaxation.

BLUE GIN
The Blue Gin, also known as the “Waterfront” at the Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort, promises a great evening with a DJ providing the music, spectacular views of the Mediterranean, a selection of imaginative cocktails, and a menu concocted by acclaimed chef Marcel Ravin.

LE BAR
Fall under the spell of LE BAR at the Columbus Monte-Carlo, in its summer setting on the hotel’s terrace. There, you can sip classic cocktails as you relax and admire the peaceful views of the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

AZZURA POOL BAR
The Azzura Pool Bar will be your very own cool oasis of peace and tranquillity when the mercury rises in the Principality. In the ultra-exclusive Monte-Carlo district, the Azzura Pool Bar at the Novotel offers a selection of refreshing cocktails served by the pool, for the ultimate way to relax.

LE ROUGE & LE BLANC
Take a leisurely stroll along the quay at the Port of Fontvieille and you’ll soon see "Le Rouge et le Blanc"! A convivial place where those with a taste for good wine and good times come together for unforgettable moments in an authentic setting, overlooking the yachts.

L’EQUIVOQUE
This rooftop bar, perched above the Avenue Ostende, commands stunning panoramic views over Port Hercule and part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. There you’ll find the signature “fragrance-inspired cocktail”. But what is it, exactly? A unique sensory experience, that’s what! Take a sniff of different fragrances created by the master perfumiers of Grasse, and pick the one that takes your fancy. You’ll then be served a cocktail expertly selected to match your choice.
All that remains is to sit back and savour it, as you admire the spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea.