At the end of May, the Formula 1 race once again plunges the Principality of Monaco into a state of gastronomic frenzy. Here’s a look at the culinary offerings, how much the most expensive Grand Prix menu can set you back, and the best restaurants across various categories.
The French Riviera meets superlative luxury. Yachts from all over the world head for Port Hercule. Fast cars can also be found off the racetrack. Monaco is in the starting blocks for the event of the year: May 25 marks the 82nd anniversary of the Formula 1 race.
A rider covers around 260 kilometers in the final race. With a top speed of "only" 290 km/h - instead of 350 km/h in Monza, for example - and a high use of first gear, the cars wind their way through the narrow and winding streets of Monaco. A look at the timetable from above makes it clear why people talk about the "craziest racetrack in the world".
What begins with Formula 1 also extends to the culinary arts. With an area of two square kilometers and eight Michelin-starred restaurants, Monaco has the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. The brightest star in the gastronomic firmament: Le Louis XV.
Le Louis XV at Hôtel de Paris was awarded three stars by gastronomic legend Alain Ducasse in less than three years in the 1980s (to be found in the best restaurants in Monaco). The now Monegasque citizen was 33 years old at the time. Ducasse is famous for his Jardins de Provence vegetable menu, focusing on all things natural and has been a milestone in French gastronomy since 1987 at Le Louis XV. His right-hand man Emmanuel Pilon has been head chef since 2022. He implements his path of plant-based depth and careful handling of products, spices and temperatures.
Le Louis XV also sets high standards in terms of price. On Grand Prix Sunday, a visit to the 3-star restaurant can cost up to 1,800 euros. This includes a menu with accompanying drinks on the terrace, less than ten meters, a crash barrier and a fence away from the Formula 1 cars speeding past. In comparison: the most expensive menu, the Agape, otherwise costs 420 euros without accompanying drinks.
Monaco on Grand Prix Sunday is even more expensive. A Grand Prix menu including half a bottle of wine on Sunday on the terrace of the Em Sherif Monte-Carlo restaurant costs a hefty 2,000 euros. While the finest flavors of Lebanon are on the table, you have a direct view of a strategically important part of the race track that offers the opportunity to overtake.
Monaco combines French and Italian cuisine thanks to its Mediterranean location. What you should definitely try are regional dishes such as barbajuans - dumplings filled with chard or spinach, the onion pie-like pissaladières or the pancake-like soccas made from chickpea flour. A good place to try this type of street food is Marché de la Condamine - a Monegasque cultural heritage, older than any car. The flower and vegetable market, which has been held since 1880, is open daily all year round and is located in the district of the same name, La Condamine.
Le Salon Rose (one of the best lunch spots in Monaco) offers an authentic insight into the finesse of Mediterranean cuisine and a view of the sea. After spending at least 40 euros, admission to the associated Casino de Monte-Carl is free. In contrast to the casino, the restaurant is open to all guests from midday to midnight. Here, you can relax and unwind.
International cuisine also sets high standards in Monaco. You can find one of the world's most highly awarded chefs in Monte-Carlo: Yannick Alléno continues his successful concept of the sushi counter at Hôtel Hermitage with L'Abysse(The best sushi restaurants). Alléon is known for its light but more aromatic sauces thanks to innovative extraction techniques. His chef Yasunari Okazaki is a sensitive artist of the Japanese sushi tradition.
Away from the Michelin-starred restaurants, Monaco also has eateries if you're on a smaller budget. Stylish beach bistros, places for the best cocktails and the finest coffee or restaurants with the finest wines: There's something for every gourmet in Monaco.
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