New Opening: 'Les Ambassadeurs by Chef Christophe Cussac' in Monte-Carlo
The long-awaited return of the Hotel Metropôle Monte-Carlo’s restaurant is finally here. The completely redesigned restaurant is giving name and place to their longtime chef as well honouring the hotel’s own legacy.
Opening in June 2023, “Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac”, the new 5-star restaurant in the century-old palace, will feature gourmet contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by Chef Cussac's own gastronomic heritage. With a culinary career of over 40 years, Christophe Cussac has been at the head of the Metropole’s kitchen since 2004 when the world-famous and much-loved Chef Joël Robuchon called him to run his signature restaurant at the hotel. Cussac had been Robuchon’s protégé for years, acting as his mentor and "spiritual father”. With no one better to teach French Cuisine, Cussac’s training led him to the burners of Hotel Nikko**, Jamin***, Abbaye Saint-Michel**. Les Frères Troisgros***, and La Réserve de Beaulieu** before his role as Executive Chef at the Metropole.
After nearly 20 years with the hotel and always working diligently under Robuchon’s name, the owners felt it was time to give Chef Cussac his well-deserved signature to their new restaurant. With his menu, Chef Cussac will invite guests to rediscover the flavours of the Mediterranean redesigned and transformed by his skills of French culinary art.
Honouring the past
From the day it opened its doors in 1897, the Hotel Metropole has attracted an elite international clientele. Its patrician palace facade in the flamboyant neoclassical style typical of the Belle Époque and its lush landscaping made it a popular holiday destination and one of the most coveted establishments on the French Riviera.
In the 1920s, the hotel opened the restaurant “Les Ambassadeurs”, which became an emblematic address for French gastronomy. The great names of the aristocracy and diplomats from all over the world in search of refined luxury met there. The restaurant quickly became a success with a Monegasque and international clientele. This legacy was important to recall for all those involved. To this end, the hotel called upon an expert in marrying this illustrious past with a contemporary setting.
Designed by Jacques Garcia, the new space has been under construction since the end of 2021, completely rebuilding the kitchen and giving the stately dining room and terrace a new elegant, refined and subtle ambience. An expert on period buildings and lavish interiors of the Belle Époque, Jacques Garcia has decorated numerous luxury hotels and restaurants throughout Paris, as well as the Period rooms of the Louvre. Here, he has chosen timeless elegance, light cream and soft woods to complement the rich velvets and mahogany of the Lobby Bar and foyer. After the restaurant, he will be designing the renovation of the rooms from September of this year.
Tea Time
Until the restaurant officially opens in March, make sure to visit for a truly opulent afternoon tea in the Lobby Bar. Served in a garden-like setting with turn-of-the-century conservatory garden decor, the Teatime offers delectable pastries such as Passion Pavlova and their intoxicating orange flower brioche, to savoury mini sandwiches, like smoked salmon and dill in croissant or mini vitello tonnatos. Designed in tandem with head Chef Cussac and their skilled Pastry Chef, Patrick Mesiano, this is a Tea-Time not to miss, especially when complimented by a bubbly coup de Champagne!
Visit the Metropole website for bookings.
Hotel Metropôle
4, avenue de la Madone
98007 Monaco
(+377) 93 15 15 15