Inaugurated in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix is the jewel in the Formula 1 crown. It’s not just a race, but an emblem of heritage and prestige. The bygone glamour of the European Championship lingers, with legends like Graham Hill, “Mr. Monaco,” and the unparalleled Ayrton Senna, who claimed the circuit as his own realm.
The Monaco Grand Prix is an event that tantalises the senses beyond the roar of engines—it’s a spectacle of opulence where gastronomy and luxury intersect. Attracting some of the most well respected business leaders, along with their super yachts, a huge part of the weekend festivities involves food and drink. So I have curated my personal recommendations for the very best restaurants to enjoy during the spectacular event.
Le Grill
Found on the rooftop of the iconic Hôtel de Paris, Le Grill – and its sliding roof – has lost neither its mythical aura nor its breathtaking view over the many years of its tenure. The establishment remains a staunch advocate of high-flying craftsmanship that calls upon excellent and bountiful local produce, adding a whole new dimension to barbecue cooking along the way.
Examples include agnolotti piemontesi al plin, slabs of local turbot, rack of lamb or young free-range chicken steeped in Provençal aromas. Other signature dishes include traditional soufflés, such as their mind-blowing hot raspberry and pistachio soufflé.
Le Grill offers consistently great food, great views, and great wine, what’s not to love!
La Table d’Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi
Born in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, chef Antonio Salvatore has travelled incessantly, including Spain, England, and Russia – influences of which can be found in his decidedly unique dishes. During his travels, chef Antonio he met the owner of Rampoldi, who was so impressed, that he offered a permanent residency, and was awarded a Michelin Star in 2021.
In the former cigar lounge, chef Antonio has created a tailor-made intimate setting with just five tables, where he applies himself with unfailing rigour to serving top-notch contemporary Italian cuisine that is both tasty and precise. The sourcing – no surprise here – cannot be faulted; he draws on small-scale producers around Menton and San Remo, but certain produce is also imported from the south of Italy.
Some of the standout dishes for me include bottoni di vitello tonnato, Cabri Dodici ore, and the texture di Cioccolato. Each a masterpiece in its own right, and deserve full credit.
YOSHI
YOSHI is the only Japanese restaurant on the Côte d’Azur to have been awarded a Michelin star since 2010. In the kitchen, Chef Takeo Yamazaki and his team give their all to make this star shine.
Nigiris, makis, sashimi’s, fish, or meat… All ingredient-driven dishes are created with the freshest premium produce and prepared on the Teppanyaki. The Head sommelier has selected the best and rarest Japanese sake, whiskies, and green teas for a perfect pairing with your meal.
The sober and chic decoration is designed by French interior master Didier Gomez. Venturing through the restaurant, guests are invited to a beautiful Japanese-inspired garden created by landscape architect Jacques Messin.
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac
This two Michelin starred restaurant is based in The Métropole Monte Carlo Hotel, an iconic Belle Epoque extravaganza (1886), it has been entirely revamped by Jacques Garcia, including the luxurious restaurant that sports the graphic palette so dear to the interior designer (bronze, ivory, warm yellow and gold). At the helm, virtuoso chef Christophe Cussac (former disciple of Joël Robuchon who ran the two-star restaurant before it closed for works) brilliantly navigates between a pure-bred Gallic culinary line-up and more modern recipes, all of which feature the Mediterranean as baseline. Examples of the chef’s consummate skill include two sweet juicy langoustine tails, green beans and a Maltaise sauce. His high-flying, meticulous cuisine, enhanced by perfect seasoning, cooking and plating, gives rise to dishes that are the quintessence of harmony and balance.
A special mention goes out for the incredible fresh bread and sumptuous dessert trolleys.
Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris
I finish my guide with one of the world’s best chefs – Alain Ducasse. Ducasse became the first chef to own restaurants carrying three Michelin Stars in three cities, and he now has fifteen stars across his restaurants worldwide. This classic French restaurant based in Monte Carlo holds three Michelin stars and has appeared in lists of The World’s Best Restaurants.
This is Ducasse’s flagship restaurant. The cuisine naturally enriches the Mediterranean repertoire of Le Louis XV, for which the chef, inspired by the recipes and produce of the Riviera, translates it into a modern, light, and energetic version.
The wine cellar boasts an impressive 400,000 bottles for the fine wine enthusiast, so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
The menu is elegant and deep with standout dishes like Gamberoni, Saffron & Caviar to begin with, showcasing provenance and luxury including gold caviar. Then the mains include Jerusalem Artichoke, Sea Cucumber & John Dory or Swiss Chard, Cuttlefish, Milk-Fed Lamb using Lamb from the Pyrénées cooked over fire.
Desserts offer the perfect finish to the exquisite menu with the standout being the Pear, Praline, Liquorice using Abbé Fétel Pear which is seared and then burnt to create a unique flavour.
Reservations are made many months in advance, and gentlemen are reminded to wear a dinner jacket.
If you’re attending The Monaco Grand Prix this year, then make sure you dine in at least one of these restaurants and I guarantee you a memorable culinary experience.