Thinking about Monte Carlo, suddenly evokes the dream of aristocratic life, prestige and tax relief. Part of the “Principality of Monaco”, this tax heaven is carved in the hill, right on the sparkling Tyrrhenian sea, framed by the lovely French countryside and just one step from Italy. For its location on the Cote d’Azur, surrounded by picturesque small villages like Cap d’ Ail, Eze, Jean Cap Ferrat, it is the ideal destination for a romantic escape
Even if it’s one of the smallest nations in the world, the “Principality of Monaco” has always been one of the most discussed, especially for the turbulent life of its royal family, the Grimaldi dynasty, who rule the principality since 1297.
Since when Rainier the III came into the limelight for marrying the unforgotten actress Grace Kelly, dead tragically before her time in a car accident, the principality has always been in the spotlight: Stephanie, Caroline and Albert are always on the first pages with scandals and sensational news. Last but not least this year’s royal wedding between Prince Albert and the South African Olympic swimming champion Charlene Wittstock.
Monte Carlo is also a glamour destination where the jet set heads to attend the most followed events, first among many, the “Formula One Grand Prix”.
While strolling around the panoramic promenades, you will have some unforgettable gourmet experience if you follow World Top7 advices on the best restaurants in Monte Carlo.
BEST RESTAURANTS MONTE CARLO
RAMPOLDI
Sophisticated French Riviera Dolce Vita
Opened in 1950, close to Monte Carlo Casino, RAMPOLDI is always been the preferred stop for jet setters and celebrities: the famous Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld and even the teenage American superstar Miley Cirus are some of the recent celeb names the restaurant hosted.
Well known for its unbelievable caviar, it offers a brasserie style menu and during the weekends it is crowded with an international clientele that want to taste some of the glamorous dolce vita just like in the good old days.
3, Avenue des Spélugues – 98000 Monaco+377 93 30 70 65 http://rampoldi.restaurants-montecarlo.com/
METROPOLE BAR
Relaxing lunch
If you want to detach from the bustle of mundane life in Monte Carlo, head to the Metropole and lay back. Let yourself go to the tunes of the “sound designer” Beatrice Ardisson, who will cradle you with excellent lounge music and indulge in the best
Cocktails in town while snacking some lunch.
Maybe the best bar in Monte Carlo, it’s the perfect hideaway to get some rest before diving again in the crowd or to close the evening freeing your mind with a drink.
4 Avenue de la Madone, BP 19 – MC98007 Monaco Cedex +377 93 15 1515 http://www.metropole.com/
LE GRILL
Sophisticated romantic dinner & great view
Wear your best suit and head to LE GRILL for a perfect romantic dinner in a sophisticated atmosphere. Located on the top floor of the “Hotel de Paris”, it offers one of the most luxurious and chic dining experiences in the whole Cote d’Azur for its stunning view over the sparkling sea, the gourmet cuisine and the first class service.
Make sure you get a table by the window and try to avoid the tables next to the bar as they are elevated and you will feel observed by the other guests.
Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco, France + 377 98 06 88 88 http://en.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com/Le-Grill,252.html
RESTAURANT LA PINEDE
Romantic sea food with view in Cap d’ Ail
A ten minutes drive from Monte Carlo, in the picturesque “village of Cap d’Ail”, you will find this absolute gem set in the cliff right on the sea shore.
Once a fishermen’s snack spot it is now one of the best fish restaurant in the Cote d’Azur with a very romantic atmosphere, the ideal venue for languishing cheek to cheek dinners.
10, Bd Raymond Gramaglia, 06320 Cap d’Ail+33 4 93 78 37 10 http://www.restaurantlapinede.com/
SASS CAFÉ
Fun jetset institution
SASS CAFE is the ultimate destination if you want to be in the middle of the jet set action, not exactly the place to go for a romantic evening.
The restaurant is pretty good, but the real deal is the piano bar, where you will listen to excellent live music while sipping some delicious cocktails and enjoying the funny atmosphere all around you.
When you feel you have lounged enough on the sofas, get in the middle of the gossips shaking your booties together with VIPs and ciprian folks on this trendy venue’s the velvet seats.
Traditionally run by Samy and his father, it is the place to go for a last drink and an easy dance before getting in the real groove in the world famous “Jimmy’s night club”.
11 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
+377 93 25 52 00 http://www.sasscafe.com/
More destinations: http://www.worldtop7.com/
