On Tuesday 14 November, Café de Paris Monte-Carlo reopens on Place du Casino following a 19-month renovation project. The founding site of "Le Café Divan" which opened in 1868 and has become a veritable institution of Monte-Carlo, Café de Paris Monte-Carlo embodies a classic brasserie spirit which has always managed to reinvent itself, immune to the effects of fashion, and won the hearts of every generation. The Principality's iconic brasserie has been extended across two levels, including a new upstairs terrace offering exceptional views of the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. By spring 2024, the boutiques that line the building will have opened their doors, along with the new Amazonico Monte-Carlo restaurant which will take up residence on the rooftop.
The new Café de Paris at the heart of the evolution Place du Casino
The new Café de Paris Monte-Carlo adds the final touch to the metamorphosis of the historical heart of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, which started in 2014, with the renovation of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the creation of the One Monte-Carlo district, the new facilities of Casino de Monte-Carlo, the restructuring of Jardins des Boulingrins, and Place du Casino.
The restructured building now has three levels, two for the Café de Paris brasserie and one for Amazonico Monte-Carlo – scheduled to open next spring, bringing an international concept of festive dining to Monaco. Furthermore Chopard, Arije, Tag Heuer, and Tiffany & Co. boutiques will be unveiled along Allée François Blanc, Avenue des Spélugues and the Casino gardens at the same time. The Casino Café de Paris, which has stayed open throughout this transformation, will offer its customers a new exclusive entrance at the beginning of 2024.
This vast real estate development project has been led by Monegasque architect Alexandre Giraldi, and Alain-Charles Perrot who is the Chief Architect for Historic Monuments – under the direction of Luc Leroy, the Director of Construction and Building Heritage.
The "Tout-Monaco" Brasserie has been reinvented
The philosophy of the new Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is based on delicious and simple interpretations of the great classics of French brasserie. With the addition of a sommelier and new experiences all day long, whether in bistro or restaurant mode, at a table or countertop, in the lounge bar or in the open air – all guests will soon savour this fresh chapter for Café de Paris Monte-Carlo with a new and unique view over Place du Casino from the upstairs terrace.
On the ground floor, the refined bistro atmosphere welcomes residents and passers-by in a magnified Art nouveau setting. With restored historic stained-glass windows, chequered marble, terrazzo mosaics, leather and wood panelling, shades of green, pastel pink and burgundy, and a high ceiling, all the classic codes of French brasserie are reunited with particular attention on lighting. In the centre of the room, carefully placed under the monumental chandelier, a large zinc counter has been installed. It's a place for enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine, with a suggestion from the new snack menu, seafood from the famous "banc de l'écailler", which is making its great comeback. The experience continues on the iconic terrace, in the heart of the action on Place du Casino.
Upstairs, an elegant, hushed atmosphere marked by warm tones, parquet flooring and tables covered in tablecloths, awaits guests. The ideal setting for a business lunch, a romantic dinner, sharing a meal with friends, or place to spend time before a performance at the Opera. The space also has a bar featuring warm curves and carries on to the venue's other major new feature: a 200 m² terrace that overlooks the legendary Place du Casino.
The brasserie's identity has been reinvented by the interior design and architecture company, David Collins Studio.
A new brasserie experience
Café de Paris Monte-Carlo pulls out all the stops with a team working around Eric Gorjux, who became head of this Monegasque institution in January 2022. Victor Marion, who started out a few years ago at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, oversees the kitchen. "Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a Parisian brasserie in the land of the Mediterranean", says the Chef, going on to specify: "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."
The menu features dishes from the Café's gastronomic heritage: French onion soup, leeks with sauce gribiche, pâté en croute, eggs mayonnaise with a touch of caviar, millefeuille monté minute, and more. Most notably, the menu boasts its famous Crêpe Suzette, which was first invented at Café de Paris in 1896 during a visit from the Prince of Wales and flambéed in front of customers.
Sommellerie makes its début with the arrival of Noël Bajor, formerly from Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris, and will share his expertise with the support of a team of six sommeliers. Additionally, new mixology will be spread over three bars to meet every taste under the aegis of twenty barmen.
For Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer: “Café de Paris Monte-Carlo was the very first dining concept created by our Group in 1868. More than a concept, it’s a veritable institution: an essential venue for Monegasques and a must for all visitors to the Principality. I would like to thank all the teams that worked on its reinvention, in keeping with its DNA, so that the legend of Monte-Carlo continues to be written.”
