Small yet mighty Monaco packs a culinary punch, squeezing 11 Michelin stars into its two square kilometre radius. But its dining scene is also constantly on the move; over the last few years, the tiny principality has attracted swathes of world-class chefs, restaurants, and brands, all keen to make their mark on Monaco. So, whether you’re a permanent resident or here for a high-flying holiday, these are the restaurants to have on your radar.
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, 1 Sq. Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco
L’Abysse Monte-Carlo
L’Abysee doesn’t aspire to much. Only to redefine the art of sushi against the background of the Mediterranean Sea. And it might just do that, thanks to an all-star team of Yannick Alléno (France’s most Michelin-starred chef) and sushi master Yasunari Okazaki. Opened in July, it’s more of a four-hands menu than a culinary fusion, with traditional Japanese dishes like nigiri joining Alléno’s alchemic creations (e.g., lobster-filled courgette flower with pollen sauce).
Marius Monaco
In contrast to some of the flashier menus in Monaco, the aim of Marius – created by double Michelin-starred chef Sébastien Sanjou – is to offer something authentic and accessible; simple, hearty plates plucked from Provence’s kitchen. The idea is to load your table with big sharing platters (like slow-cooked lamb shoulder or a whole roasted fish) and dig in as a group – although it might be tough to share desserts like chocolate mousse or peaches poached in Champagne.
6 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco
11 Rue du Portier, 98000 Monaco
Zeffirino
Despite opening in Monaco this summer, the Zeffirino story begins in 1930s Genoa, when Zeffirino himself opened his first-ever trattoria – it’s said Frank Sinatra was a fan. It became known for its pesto (a Ligurian speciality) and, in 2024, the family-owned restaurant opened its first Monaco site. There’s pesto pasta, of course, which you can see the chefs stretching and stirring in the open kitchen, as well as other Italian classics including veal saltimbocca and made-to-order gelato.
Amazónico Monte-Carlo
Amazónico arrived in Monaco in April – marking the group’s fourth global location. It brought its signature tropical twist to Place du Casino, complete with artist-designed interiors and chandelier-rattling live music inspired by the Amazon. But the best bit by far is its showstopping terrace, which offers views over the twisting turrets of Golden Square and the Grand Prix track – amazing on race days.
Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco
26 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
COYA Monte-Carlo
It’s a COYA restaurant, so you already know there’ll be plenty of Pisco sours and Peruvian flair. But this is also a Monaco restaurant, so there’s also a huge (and recently renovated) terrace overlooking the yacht-dotted French Riviera and a handful of Monaco-inspired dishes. And everything has been designed to feel light on the body, meaning there’s nothing stopping you from busting out your best moves when the DJ kicks in.
GAIA Monte-Carlo
GAIA offers a glimpse of Greece in Monaco – a flower-strewn, white marble glimpse, with a taverna-inspired menu by chef Izu Ani (of LPM and La Maison Ani fame). Start with a crudo from the fish market (we love ceviche but couldn’t turn down a tuna carpaccio either) before moving onto plates like slow-cooked baby goat and seafood orzo – although save room for a pile of loucoumades (Greek doughnuts) for dessert.
15 Galerie Charles III, 98000 Monaco
42 Quai Jean-Charles Rey, 98000 Monaco
Beefbar
You might have been to Beefbars in Dubai or London, but the Monaco restaurant is the original. It was opened in 2005 by the Giraudi Group, one of Europe’s leading meat import/export groups, and offers – as you might expect – premium cuts of meat, as well as street food-style starters (bonjour, croque sandos) and a selection of pizzas and pastas.
