The legendary institution of Monegasque life reopens its doors from Tuesday November 14th. The new Café de Paris Monte-Carlo finally unveils itself again on the Place du Casino after 19 months of metamorphosis. The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, a place based on the legend of Monte-Carlo and called „Le Café Divan“ when it was founded in 1868, embodies the spirit of a brasserie that has constantly reinvented itself, far from fashion trends and to which all generations are connected. The brasserie, the symbol of the Principality, now extends over two floors and from the new terrace on the upper floor there is a completely new view of the legendary Place du Casino, the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. By spring 2024, the shops along the building as well as the Amazonico Monte-Carlo restaurant, which will take its place on the rooftop, will be open. Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer continues to reinvent its legend with the reopening of its historic establishment.
The new Café de Paris as the heart of the further development of the Place du Casino
The new Café de Paris Monte-Carlo puts the finishing touches to the metamorphosis of the historic heart of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, which began in 2014 with the renovation of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the creation of the One Monte-Carlo district Redesign of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the restructuring of the Jardins des Boulingrins and the Place du Casino began.
The volume of the restructured building will be harmonized over three floors, two for the brasserie of the Café de Paris and one for Amazonico Monte-Carlo, the future Monegasque address of the international concept of festive restaurants expected next spring. By then, the Chopard, Arije, Tag Heuer and Tiffany & Co. boutiques along Avenue François Blanc, Avenue des Spélugues and the Casino gardens will also be fully furnished. The Casino Café de Paris, which will remain open during the renovation, will offer its guests new, exclusive access in early 2024.
This extensive real estate development project was entrusted to the Monegasque architect Alexandre Giraldi and Alain-Charles Perrot, chief architect of historical monuments, under the direction of Luc Leroy, director of construction and built heritage.
The reinvented Brasserie du „Tout-Monaco“
The philosophy of the new Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is the classics of the French brasserie, which are interpreted with enjoyment and simplicity. In addition, the art of sommelier as a new master trump card and new experiences at any time of the day. Be it in the bistro or restaurant, at the table or at the counter, in the lounge bar or outdoors with a new, unique view of the Place du Casino from the new terrace on the upper floor.
On the ground floor, the sophisticated bistro spirit welcomes residents and visitors in a magnificent Art Nouveau setting. Restored historic stained glass windows, Damier marble, terrazzo mosaic, leather and wood paneling, shades of green, pastel pink or burgundy, high ceilings – all the classic codes of the French brasserie are brought together here, with a whole new attention to light.
In the middle of the hall, directly under the monumental chandelier, there is a large zinc counter. Here you can sit down to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine, accompanied by an accompaniment from the new snack menu or seafood from the famous oyster bar, which is making a comeback. The experience continues on the iconic terrace, level with the bustling Place du Casino, to see and be seen. Upstairs there is a more elegant version in a subdued atmosphere characterized by warm tones, parquet floors and set tables. The perfect setting for a business lunch, dinner for two or with friends, where you can relax before or after a performance at the opera or a visit to the casinos. The hall also serves as a backdrop for the warmly curved bar and extends over the other big novelty of the restaurant, namely the 200 m² terrace, which overlooks the legendary Place du Casino.
The brasserie’s DNA has been reinvented by design and interior design firm David Collins Studio.
A new brasserie experience
In its new version, Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is pulling out all the stops, with a team gathered around Eric Gorjux, who took over the management of the Monegasque institution in January 2022. Victor Marion, who made a name for himself at the Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo a few years ago, takes charge in the kitchen. „The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a Parisian brasserie on Mediterranean soil,“ quotes the chef, who adds: „While maintaining the continuity of this great culinary history, we will work closely with local producers and bring more seasonality, more zest to the menu .“ The menu includes the classics of the café’s gastronomic heritage, such as the onion soup gratin, leeks with gribiche sauce, pâté en croute, eggs with mayo and a touch of caviar or the Millefeuille monté minute… which was made in 1896 during a visit by the prince Wales‘ Crêpe Suzette, which was flambéed in front of the guests for the first time at the Café de Paris, will continue to amaze!
The art of sommelier arrives at the Hôtel de Paris with the arrival of Noël Bajor, a career changer from Louis An expertise that gives new accents to the basics of the brasserie and is appreciated by the international clientele who understands and loves French wines. A new mixology spread across three bars to satisfy every desire under the aegis of twenty bartenders. In the service area, French elegance will be at the forefront, cultivating the joy and sharing that make up the vibrant spirit of the establishment.
Stéphane Valeri, deputy chairman of the Société des Bains de Mer: „The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is the very first restaurant concept that our group launched in 1868. It is more than a concept, it is a real institution: an unmissable must for the Monegasques, an essential must for every traveler in the Principality. I thank all the teams that have worked on its reinvention while preserving its DNA so that the legend of Monte Carlo can continue to be written.“
