Founder of Urbanologie, Hugo Campbell-Davys, the invitation-only private club and international community reveals his favourite dining haunts to be seen in and around Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show.
Coya Monte-Carlo
The multi award-winning Latin American restaurant group opened its first European site (coincided with the Monaco Grand Prix), outside of London on the terraces of the Summer Sporting – just a stone’s throw from Jimmy’z and the Salle des Étoiles. Famed for its bespoke décor (incorporating Peruvian artefacts, eye-catching plant features and bespoke hand-crafted furniture), designed by the London based design team Sagrada, Coya links stylish, contemporary Peruvian cuisine with a colourful and vibrant ambience. The menu features their renowned dishes, combining traditional elements of Peruvian cuisine with Modern European cooking techniques and Asian influences to creating naturally light and healthy dishes. Head to the terrace, home to their Pisco Bar & Lounge with sweeping views of the ocean and the French Riviera. This is Monaco’s new hotspot. Open May to October.
Twiga Monte Carlo
Charismatic and flamboyant businessman Flavio Briatore has expanded his Twiga Monte Carlo operation and relocated (since May 2018) the restaurant, lounge and club to the second floor of the Grimaldi Forum – with panoramic views of Monaco and the Mediterranean sea – joining his seafood restaurant Crazy Fish. As before (and with the London outpost) the restaurant offers a quintessential Venetian-inspired Italian menu alongside the innovative Japanese cuisine that Sumosan has been famous for ever since the first outpost opened in Moscow in 1997. An undeniably and uniquely glamorous destination ideal for indulgent dining and late night high jinx.
Ilios Restaurant and Beach Lounge
Set in ideal location between Larvotto Beach and the private beach at Le Méridien Beach Plaza hotel, Ilios is this year’s must visit dining destination. Situated beneath the shelter of the surrounding pine trees and a large, light-wood pergola; Ilios is a delightful oasis and boasts spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Established by Pascal Ramette, who’s has been behind fashionable and jet-setting dining establishments in New York, St Barts and St Tropez. The understated decor has been overseen by designer Samy Chams (also responsible for Mayfair’s Maddox Club). Food-wise, expect creative and delicate dishes prepared by chef Mattia Bonnisoli using seasonal produce with Mediterranean flavours. Ilios can be accessed via the main entrance of Le Méridien Beach Plaza hotel, and also offers sea access with its own private pontoon and shuttle boat service – booked on request.
Buddha Bar Monte Carlo
This exotic and chic venue in the heart of Monte Carlo, offers décor inspired by the Garnier Opera House in Paris (also the inspiration for the Monte Carlo Opera), with a subtle mixture of gilded moldings, ancient sculptures and a colonial Asian setting. It offers diners a unique ambiance with a chic, elegant and cozy atmosphere. For the food, expect to be served traditional Chinese food with a range of innovative dishes such as, beef fillet mignon cooked “Teppan Yaki” style’ or Chilean Sea-bass, Japanese style. The Lounge Bar on the ground floor extends onto two open-air terraces either side of the entrance to the restaurant, so you can enjoy the balmy summer evenings. The bar is also an ideal place to relax in before dinner or after work. Sashimi, maki, sushi and other Asian specialities are an ideal accompaniment to one of many creative cocktails or sakés. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:00pm to 2:00am.
Cipriani Monte Carlo
A name synonymous with elegance and tradition, and world renowned for its classic Italian cuisine, Cipriani have cast their spell on Monaco. Cipriani Monte Carlo (housed in the Mirabeau building) stays true to the Cipriani’s elegant and timeless setting, buzzy atmosphere and an eclectic crowd. The chic decor of this fashionable outpost has a decidedly nautical feel (reminiscent of Italian luxury yachts from the 1920s and ‘30s), with walnut-covered walls trimmed in polished steel, striped Venetian flooring, portholes beside the bar and their signature brown leather chairs. The menu features all the celebrated traditional Italian dishes and classics from Harry’s Bar in Venice. A favourite haunt of the celebrity jet-set.
Urbanologie has been described by the FT and Town & Country magazine as “the must have VIP lifestyle app” and have recently launched a new guide to Monaco. Designed to keep members in the know with up-to-the-minute insider news and exclusive content of all the new hip hangouts, pop-ups, recommended events and the most anticipated restaurant, bar, club and hotel openings; also discover interactive editorials featuring insider knowledge, from recommending the best tables to signature dishes and access daily updated editorial content as selected by in-house editors, local contributors and influencers. “The Financial Times called it “the must-have VIP lifestyle app”, and we can understand why.” Vanity Fair.
Urbanologie has daily-updated, insider guides to London, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dubai, Paris, Ibiza, Monaco and Mallorca, with more to follow. To access your FREE membership just enter the invitation code FOMO at www.urbanologie.com Discover the world according to U.
