The Café de Paris, Monaco’s iconic institution on the Place du Casino, will be reopening its doors to reveal its grand metamorphosis on 14 November, after over a year and a half of work.
The restructured building has a total of three levels, two for the Café de Paris brasserie and one for Amazonico Monte-Carlo, which is expected to open next spring. According to a recent press release by the SBM, the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo embodies a “brasserie” spirit, is capable of reinventing itself and is loved by all generations.
First named “Le Café Divan” when it was created in 1868, the iconic brasserie now boasts a new terrace upstairs, offering a unique view over the legendary Place du Casino. By spring 2024, shops lining the building, including Chopard, Arije, Tag Heuer and Tiffany & Co will open along Allée François Blanc, Avenue des Spélugues and the Casino gardens.
The major real estate development project was 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 new Café de Paris is the final touch in a long line of renovations, revamps and upgrades for the Société des Bains de Mer. It all started in 2014 with the renovation of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the creation of the One district, new developments at the Monte-Carlo Casino, the restructuring of the Jardins des Boulingrins and the new Place du Casino.
Reinventing the “Tout-Monaco” Brasserie
The ground floor welcomes visitors in an Art Nouveau setting with restored historic stained glass windows, checkerboard marble, terrazzo mosaic, leather and woodwork, green, pastel pink and burgundy tones.
On the next floor, all the classic French brasserie codes come together with special attention to light. In the centre of the room, under a monumental chandelier, sits a zinc counter, ready for customers to enjoy a cocktail, a glass of wine, something from the new snack menu or seafood from the famous “banc de l’écailler” which is making a comeback.
Upstairs, elegance and coziness come together with warm tones, parquet flooring, and rich tablecloths, perfect for a business lunch, a romantic dinner or dinner with friends. The bar features warm curves and the space extends onto the new 200 m² terrace, which overlooks the bustling Place du Casino. The brasserie was reinvented by interior design and architecture firm David Collins Studio.
What’s on the menu?
“The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a Parisian brasserie on Mediterranean soil,” says Chef Victor Marion, who is now in charge of the kitchen, “While ensuring the continuity of this great culinary history, we will work closely with local producers and introduce more seasonality, more movements on the menu.”
The menu includes essentials from the Café’s gastronomic heritage: French onion soup, leeks with gribiche sauce, pâté en croute, eggs with mayonnaise and a touch of caviar, millefeuille monté minute. Crêpe Suzette, which was born at the Café de Paris in 1896 during a visit by the Prince of Wales, will continue to be flambéed in front of customers! The fine art of sommellerie for customers who understand and love French wines and new mixology comes to all three bars, staffed by about twenty bartenders.
