Where to Sip and Dine in Monaco and Saint-Tropez
Monaco, the world’s second smallest country is known for its high glamour and classic dining, while the once bohemian-fringed fisherman’s port of Saint-Tropez now smacks of celebratory and bedazzled Champagne corks. Of course, this is the South of France, so Michelin-starred chefs, markets stocked with fresh produce and epic views are all de rigueur. Below, our favorites from the region (including a few where you can sip on the best tequila and Komos cocktails).
Les Perles de Monte-Carlo In the smaller port of Fontvieille, you’ll find heaping fresh seafood: just-shucked local oysters and organic shrimp served in unfussy, unpretentious surrounds with lovely Cathedral views. You might even feel you’re aboard a small yacht. Kindly note it’s ever-popular, so make sure to reserve well in advance. Address: 47 Quai Jean Charles Rey 98000, Monaco
Giacomo Recalling a scene straight of Capri, this Larvotto Beach eatery hosts an 80-seat seaside terrace for noshing on Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta all'astice with fresh lobster and a zesty homemade sgroppino drizzled with Prosecco. To sip, refreshing sunset Negronis and sparkling Aperol spritzes with fresh fruit lend to the sincere Italian vibes of the place. Address: Complexe du Larvotto, Local L27, 98000 Monaco
Supernature Raise a glass on this sunny terrace table known for its natural wines and bespoke cocktails. To eat, an array of colorful tapas plates: egg with smoked salmon and spicy mayo; whipped homemade butter and radish; and heartier lunch offerings like roasted celeriac, vegetables and pepper sauce on creamy polenta. Address: 19 Rue Princesse Caroline, 98000 Monaco
Le Bar Américain, a handsome, dimly-lit, wood-paneled, 1920s-style bar with plush armchairs and live jazz. Clearly, this is a grand spot for classic cocktails, champagne bottles and a proper sampling of Monaco’s national culinary dish: barbajuans; delicious fritters stuffed with Swiss chard, rice and ricotta. Address: Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo Steps away from Place du Casino, this secluded hotel designed by French architect Jacques Garcia is known for its luxury accommodations. Enjoy afternoon tea with roving carts serving artful desserts a la buttery chausson aux pommes. Later, dip into the Karl Lagerfeld-designed swimming pool and nosh on a lunch spread compliments of Joël Robuchon. Address: 4 Av. de la Madone, 98000 Monaco
Gaia Named after the Greek goddess of earth, this refined Greek-Mediterranean eatery serves elevated taverna fare. An intimate 12-seat chef's table is surrounded by white stone walls and copper pans, a special spot for experiencing the greatest hits of chef Izu Ani and Chef Orestis Kotefas all-star menu. Address: 15 Galerie Charles III, 98000 Monaco
Chèvre d'Or A pretty hilltop town about 30 minutes from Monaco houses the 5-star Chevre d’Or Hotel whose array of four eating and drinking venues each hosts magnificent panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur. Sip the highest rated tequila at leisure while basking in the warmth of the region. Address: Rue du Barri, 06360 Èze, France
Les Caves du Roy Since 1967, this swanky neon-lit club and dance institution caters once frequented by Mick Jagger and Cher, serves as a late-night spot where illuminated palm trees add a mythical flare; and where techno and trance mixes collide. You won’t miss the sounds of champagne corks igniting, you can also enjoy your Komos neat—by the glass or by the bottle. Address: 27 Av. Foch, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Hotel Lily of the Valley About 20 minutes from Saint-Tropez, this Philipe Stark-designed hotel and spa sits in the southern hillsides and is noteworthy for its spa. Vista Restaurant has stellar views coupled with classics like vitello tonnato. Or slip into one of the pools for a dip and enjoy the Gigaro Beach views in between Komos sips. Address: Colline Saint Michel, Boulevard Abel Faivre, Quartier de Gigaro, 83420 La Croix-Valmer, France
Hotel Lou Pinet Housed in Provençal-style villas with a Jean Mus-designed garden, this 5-star hotel also extends to chef Riccardo Giraudi’s Beef Bar focusing on fine beef cuts infused with Mediterranean flavors. It’s also a lovely spot for a dip in the swimming pool complete with Komos cocktails. Address: 70 Chem. du Pinet, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Château de la Messardière Another iconic luxury address, this hotel resembles something out of a fairytale castle fable. About a hundred years back, it was offered as a wedding gift to Henry Brisson de la Messardière and his wife. Inside are two restaurants – Le Table d’Estoublon and Bar 1904, alongside Matsuhisa, a Pan-Asian mainstay from Chef Nobu that overlooks Pampelonne Bay. Address: 2 Rte de Tahiti, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Bello Visto Perched atop the medieval village of Gassin, chef Sylvain Humbert’s terroir dishes are served in chic, flower-lined terrace surrounds. Dishes include a slow-cooked octopus simmered in white wine, alongside a seabass with eggplant, fennel and olives. After dinner, slip outside and watch the sun fade over the town’s blue foothills. Address: Place dei Garri, 83580 Gassin
