Reviving Elegance: The Rebirth of Café de Paris Monte-Carlo
The Monaco insitution has reopened with a complete transformation, offering a Parisian Brasserie style ambiance with stunning views both inside and out!
In the heart of Monaco's fabled Casino Square, where opulence dances with tradition, a venerable institution has unveiled a breathtaking transformation. The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, steeped in 155 years of history, has emerged from an extensive 19-month metamorphosis as an opulent French Brasserie exuding the timeless allure of Art Nouveau, an homage to the founding location, "Le Café Divan", born on the same spot in 1868.
The Principality's iconic brasserie is now spread over two levels, and its new upstairs terrace offers an unparalleled view of the legendary square, the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. By spring 2024, the boutiques lining the building, Chopard, Arije, Tag Heuer and Tiffany & Co, will open their doors, as will the Amazonico Monte-Carlo restaurant on the rooftop. The company behind this project, and most of the hotel and restaurant projects in the Principality, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), continues to reinvent its legend with the reopening of this historic establishment.
This veritable institution of Monegasque life reopened its doors on Tuesday, November 14, but wasn’t officially inaugurated until the 22nd of November, when the illustrious café welcomed the distinguished presence of H.S.H Prince Albert II and H.S.H Princess Charlene of Monaco, marking a new chapter in its storied legacy.
A revamped district
The new Café de Paris Monte-Carlo puts the finishing touches to the complete restructuring of the historic heart of Monte-Carlo, which began in 2014 with the renovation of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the creation of the new district, One Monte-Carlo, the new layout of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, and the restructuring of the Jardins des Boulingrins and Casino Square.
This vast real estate development project has been entrusted to Monegasque architect Alexandre Giraldi and Alain-Charles Perrot, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments, under the direction of Luc Leroy, Director of Construction and Built Heritage. The interior of the brasserie has been reinvented by the design and interior architecture firm David Collins Studio.
A Journey Through Timeless Elegance
As one steps into the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, a visual symphony unfolds across two floors, with restored historic stained-glass windows that bathe the space in a kaleidoscope of hues, checkerboard marble floors resonate with the echoes of a bygone era, and terrazzo mosaics whisper tales of opulence. The marriage of leather and wood paneling against the high ceilings evokes a sense of grandeur, while the harmonious shades of green, pastel pink, and burgundy infuse an air of intimacy and warmth.
On the ground floor, just beneath the monumental chandelier, a large zinc counter has been placed. Here, you can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine, with a suggestion from the new snack menu or seafood from the famous "banc de l'écailler", which is making a comeback. One can indulge in a curated selection of signature cocktails crafted by master mixologists. Sip on a classic French aperitif or tantalize your senses with a bespoke concoction, savored amidst the rich tapestry of the café's renewed charm. The experience continues on the iconic terrace, on the same level as the lively Place du Casino, where you can see and be seen.
The second-level bar and terrace views. © SBM
Upstairs, a more elegant version takes up residence in a hushed ambience marked by warm tones, parquet flooring and tablecloths. The perfect setting for a business lunch, romantic dinner or dinner with friends, where you can take your time before or after a show at the Opera or a moment in the casinos. The space is also home to a warmly curved bar, and extends to the venue's other new feature: a 200 m² terrace overlooking the legendary Place du Casino.
A 'haute' brasserie experience
Amidst the allure of the revamped Café de Paris, patrons can partake in a delightful interlude—a light meal resonating with the flavors of tradition and innovation. The menu, a testament to culinary artistry, offers a medley of French brasserie classics and contemporary gastronomic delights.
Chef Victor Marion, who cut his teeth a few years ago at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, takes charge of the kitchen, offering fresh seasonal produce and delectable seafood creations, each dish is an ode to finesse and flavor. "Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a Parisian brasserie on Mediterranean soil," says the chef, adding: "While ensuring the continuity of this great culinary history, we will be working closely with local producers and introducing more seasonality and movement to the menu."
Photos by Canabae ©SBM
On the menu, the Café's gastronomic heritage: onion soup au gratin, leeks with gribiche sauce, pâté en croute, mayo eggs with a touch of caviar, millefeuille prepared table-side, and crêpe Suzette. Did you know that the Café de Paris is the origin story of this famous dessert? The crêpe Suzette, born at the Café de Paris in 1896, during a visit by the Prince of Wales, is still flambéed in front of the customers and continues to amaze!
"Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a Parisian brasserie on Mediterranean soil"
Sommellerie makes its debut with the arrival of Noël Bajor, who transferred from Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris, where he passes on his know-how with the support of a team of six sommeliers. An expertise that will bring relief to the fundamentals of the brasserie, and will be appreciated by the international clientele who understands and loves French wines.
A new brasserie experience
The philosophy of the new Café de Paris Monte-Carlo: delicious and simple interpretations of the great classics of French brasserie, sommellerie as a new core asset, and new experiences all day long, in bistro or restaurant mode, at the table or around the counter, in the lounge bar or in the open air, with a new and unique view over Place du Casino from the new upstairs terrace.
In this haven of allure and elegance, whether it's savoring an aperitif, relishing a light meal, or indulging in an extravagant dinner, patrons embark on a transcendent journey—a convergence of history, opulence, and the timeless allure of the French brasserie. Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, in its sixth metamorphosis, continues to etch its legend in the annals of Monaco's illustrious heritage, beckoning connoisseurs to immerse themselves in an unparalleled tapestry of refined indulgence.
Café de Paris
Place du Casino - MC 98000 Monaco
Open 7 days a week, 8am to 2am (last order 1:15am)
Reservations: +377 98 06 76 23