Dining in Style: Michelin-Starred Restaurants of Monaco

Every corner of Europe tells its own unique story through food. While walking through the historic squares and landmarks in Italy, it’s all about scrumptious street food. In Switzerland, artisanal delicacies like cheese and chocolate reign supreme. But in the lavish, luxurious sovereign state of Monaco, the culinary world hinges on the ultimate fine dining experience.

Food is one of the most common reasons people travel to Monaco. It’s not a country known for casual bites but is instead a poster child for sophisticated Mediterranean and French cuisines rolled into one, presented on a silver platter. And at every turn, Monaco’s streets will greet you with a world-class, Michelin-starred establishment.

For a country that loves all things opulent and luxurious, it’s no surprise that Monaco has more Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre than anywhere else in the world. There are currently eight restaurants in the city-state with those coveted Michelin stars, all of which push the boundaries of culinary artistry but still bring something unique to the table. 

Not sure which ones to try on your holiday to the French Riviera? Here’s a round-up of all the Michelin-star restaurants Monaco has to offer to help you decide.

Le Louis XV

Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV is the only restaurant in Monaco with three Michelin stars, and for good reason. Tucked in the Belle Epoque dining hall of the Hôtel de Paris, this restaurant celebrates Mediterranean cuisine at its finest and most flavourful. For a taste of seafood perfection, try the raw gamberoni with rockfish jelly and caviar or the poached langoustine tails. The restaurant has access to a wine cellar with a selection of over 400,000 bottles, ensuring a perfect wine pairing for every dish.

L'Abysse Monte-Carlo

L’Abysse in Square Beaumarchais is one of the most unique Michelin-star restaurants Monaco has to offer because it’s the only Japanese restaurant to nab the distinction. This two-star restaurant was created by Chef Yannick Alléno and master sushi chef Tomizawa Katsutoshi by marrying the meticulous art of Japanese culinary techniques with the flavours of the Mediterranean Sea. Try the Omakase menu paired with wine from the cellar for the perfect dinner.

Pavyllon

Another establishment by the renowned Yannick Alléno is the open and airy Pavyllon, which has one Michelin star. This restaurant sits on the terrace of the Hermitage Hotel in Monte Carlo, where the views of the sea are unmatched. It also has an open kitchen, which only adds to the theatrics and vibrant, refreshing ambience of the restaurant. In line with the “fresh” theme, the food hinges on health and well-being, inspired mainly by plants, seafood and not-so-sweet desserts, all highlighting the cuisine of the South of France. While there, don’t sleep on the caviar-infused Badaboum egg, steamed cheese soufflé and fresh oysters.

Elsa

One-star restaurant Elsa is a seafood restaurant perched right on the private shores of a luxury hotel called Monte Carlo Beach, making it the perfect way to indulge in a lavish, Mediterranean gastronomic adventure. There are tons of exquisite seafood dishes to try here, from the ravioli stuffed with shellfish and leeks to the mouthwatering spider crab prepared with yuzu, fennel and kiwi.

Blue Bay

In the two-Michelin-star Blue Bay, Chef Marcel Ravin brings to life West Indian cuisine with a touch of French flavours. Although the restaurant is sophisticated and innovative, the dishes are homey and hearty, having been inspired by food that his grandmother prepared. Instead of regular Mediterranean fish, seafood here is elevated with the most aromatic herbs and spices in West Indian fashion. And to finish off your meal, you can try the fruity yet spicy pastries prepared by renowned pastry chef Floriane Grand.

Les Ambassadeurs

Christophe Cussac’s Les Ambassadeurs has two Michelin stars, thanks to the chef’s meticulous cooking techniques and culinary creations that bring to life Gallic and Mediterranean cuisine combined. Some of the stand-outs in this restaurant include the langoustine, caviar cannelloni, lobster lasagna and the famous cheese carts and dessert trolleys.

Le Grill

For classic Mediterranean food in Monaco, you can’t go wrong with Le Grill, Chef Dominique Lory’s elegant restaurant on the rooftop of Hôtel de Paris that has a stunning view of the sea. As the name suggests, the restaurant is all about grilling seafood and meat. Try the marinated gamberoni and the rich, heart rack of lamb while you’re here. And for dessert, indulge in their mouthwatering raspberry and pistachio soufflé.

La Table d'Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi

Looking for Italian food in Monaco? This one-Michelin-star restaurant, orchestrated by chef Antonio Salvatore, serves up the most delectable French-Italian cuisine using produce from the south of Italy, from bottony pasta dishes to slow-cooked suckling lamb. In this restaurant, it’s all about marrying genuine, home-style Italian cooking with the refined techniques of French culinary artistry.

Tips for Fine Dining in Monaco

Dining out in Monaco is serious business. You can’t just show up at the city-state’s extraordinary Michelin-starred restaurants without a plan. One wrong move, and you could be turned away, or worse, not be seated at a table at all. To make sure your indulgent Michelin-star meal goes smoothly, take note of these tips for fine dining in Monaco:

• Book a reservation: Monaco’s best restaurants are often packed, especially in peak seasons like summertime or when the Grand Prix is in town. So, it’s always best to book Monaco restaurant reservations weeks or even months in advance to get a guaranteed table.

• Check the dress code: These Michelin-star restaurants are incredibly high-profile and upscale, and so are their dress codes. Check what guests are and aren’t allowed to wear when they enter the restaurant. As a rule of thumb, smart casual is always best for these establishments.

• Try the tasting menu: Ordering from a long list of entrées can be overwhelming. If a restaurant offers a course meal from a tasting menu, consider trying it out. These curated sets showcase every flavour the restaurant takes pride in, so it’s a great way to try multiple dishes in small bites.

Go on Your Dream Gastronomic Holiday with Entire Travel Group

Dining in Monaco isn’t just about satiating yourself. It’s an indulgent experience on its own. Whether you’re dining at a legendary restaurant in a historic, five-star hotel or indulging in fresh seafood with magnificent French Riviera views, Monaco’s line-up of exquisite Michelin-star restaurants showcases the country’s love for all things special and decadent. 

Experience the French, Italian and Mediterranean flavours as they come to life in Monaco’s best restaurants when you book a European holiday package with Entire Travel Group. A luxurious gastronomic adventure awaits!