Monaco, the glittering billionaire’s playground where Ferraris outnumber bicycles – and a yacht plays as basically the family car.
This tiny yet opulent paradise (we're talking smaller than Central Park, yet somehow crammed with more wealth than most countries) is famous for its casinos, superyacht parades and sporting events where the rich and famous gather to be, well, richer and more famous.
Naturally, the dining scene here is as indulgent as everything else. Monaco boasts 11 Michelin stars across restaurants, serving up dishes where caviar is practically a condiment and truffles and foie gras are more common than ketchup. From three-star temples of haute cuisine to trendy spots with “just” one star, the food is as inventive as it is expensive.
So, in a place where “budget” means anything under $1,000 a night, let's dive into the very best restaurants in Monaco to indulge in a taste of the high life – if you're fortunate enough to find yourself here.
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac
Roots
- Monaco, Monaco
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, situated within the iconic Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, offers a contemporary and authentic Mediterranean culinary experience. The restaurant, designed by Jacques Garcia, evokes a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of the hotel's Belle Epoque extravagance. Chef Christophe Cussac, a former disciple of Joël Robuchon, masterfully blends classic French techniques with modern recipes, always keeping the essence of Mediterranean flavors at the forefront. Les Ambassadeurs earned two Michelin stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide, a testament to Cussac's dedication to gastronomic excellence. The cuisine emphasizes simplicity and the natural flavors of seasonal produce, sourced locally to highlight the region's culinary treasures.
Jondal a La Vigie Monte-Carlo
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Once you reach Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, follow the hidden path beneath the pine trees to Pointe de la Vigie, a protected bird sanctuary, and you’ll find Jondal at the very tip of the peninsula, perched above the waves. An offshoot of the chic Ibiza hotspot, Jondal Monte-Carlo brings the spirit of the Balearics to Monaco’s coastline, serving lunch and dinner in a relaxed seafront setting. Secluded wooden tables, both sun-drenched and shaded, overlook the bay with views stretching across Monte-Carlo Beach Club and out to sea. The Mediterranean-led menu showcases exceptional seafood, with decadent dishes designed to impress the summer yachting crowd. A dedicated caviar section features indulgent pairings, spooned over stracciatella, folded into pasta and layered between grilled bread, with the option to add to any dish. Cocktails are equally considered, with crisp Palomas proving especially popular among the glamorous crowd. For those arriving by sea, the restaurant also offers direct access via its private pontoon.
Blue Bay Marcel Ravin
Roots
- Monaco, Monaco
Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, situated within the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, offers a culinary journey guided by chef Marcel Ravin's innovative vision. The restaurant currently holds two Michelin stars, a testament to Ravin's skill in blending Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors. Ravin, drawing inspiration from his Martinique heritage and experiences in Europe, crafts dishes that tell a personal story. The cuisine incorporates local ingredients, such as Mediterranean fish and vegetables from the kitchen garden, alongside echoes of his upbringing, reimagining dishes from his childhood with panache. Diners can savor this experience in the lavish setting, with a terrace offering superb sea views. The open kitchen provides a glimpse into the artistry and passion behind each creation, making for an unforgettable and immersive gastronomic adventure.
Maona Monte-Carlo
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Maona Monaco brings the napkin-waving fiesta of Mykonos to the Riviera, alongside fresh Greek cuisine to match. Located next to Monte-Carlo Beach Club, the restaurant eases in with a more relaxed first lunch sitting, where branded blue-and-white Maona fans flutter in the breeze as live singers serenade laid-back tables. But around 3 pm, the tempo shifts. Waiters start clapping, the DJ cranks it up, and the party begins. Glasses are raised, plates are smashed, and everyone dances until sundown in a bright, white-and-blue setting filled with light and energy. All meals begin with fresh pitta and a sundried tomato dip, then move into generous sharing dishes: table-side Greek salads, raw and grilled seafood, and hearty mains. The expansive menu brings finesse to traditional favorites like lamb souvlaki, tzatziki, keftas and seafood orzo. For dessert: pistachio baklava, Greek yogurt with morello cherry caramel and honey rock, or strawberries with ouzo. The cocktail list is inventive and spirit-forward, with Greek flavors leading the charge.
Le Grill
Roots
- Monaco, France
Le Grill, perched atop the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, offers an unparalleled dining experience with sweeping views of Monaco and the Italian coast. This elegant restaurant, with its retractable roof, allows for sun-drenched lunches and romantic dinners under the stars. The cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, with a focus on grilled meats and seafood. Helmed by chef Dominique Lory, Le Grill earned one Michelin star for its high-quality cooking. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, featuring thousands of references to perfectly complement the Mediterranean flavors. With its sophisticated ambiance and refined cuisine, Le Grill promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Elsa
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Elsa offers seafood-forward fine dining on the balcony of the esteemed Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel. Helmed by Martinique-born chef Marcel Ravin, the restaurant pays homage to fishing heritage and maritime traditions, a theme echoed in everything from its intricate tableware to each amuse-bouche, main and dessert. Seaweed, spider crab, langoustines and caviar appear throughout the menu, whether you opt for à la carte or the chef’s tasting menu. Inside the dining hall, interiors, redesigned by India Mahdavi, nod to the glamour of the 1930s with a palette of oceanic blues and crisp whites. While the pared-back dining room is serene, we recommend sitting on the terrace, where lunches unfold under white parasols and dinners are candlelit affairs under the stars. A gracious sommelier is on hand to guide you through thoughtful wine pairings that highlight the best of French vineyards. As Ravin describes it, Elsa is his “marine garden,” a delicate harmony of sea and land. The restaurant currently holds one Michelin star.
