An institution on the Place du Casino since 1868, the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo has regained all its sparkle after a major renovation. History, menu, terrace, rooftop and insider tips: follow the guide.
It is impossible to cross the Place du Casino without pausing in front of its white parasols: the Café de Paris Monaco is far more than a restaurant. Since 1868, this legendary Monte-Carlo brasserie has welcomed the whole world, from crowned heads to Formula 1 drivers. Fully renovated and reopened in November 2023, the Société des Bains de Mer institution has regained all its sparkle, complete with an upstairs panoramic terrace and a spectacular rooftop. History, menu, opening hours, crêpe Suzette and insider tips: here is our complete guide to making the most of this landmark, just a ten-minute walk from the Port Palace.
The Café de Paris Monaco, an institution since 1868
Few addresses can claim such longevity. Born in 1868, a few years after the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Café de Paris quickly became the meeting point of the "Tout-Monaco". People came here to see and be seen, between two gaming rooms, beneath the gilded splendour of the Belle Époque.
From the Belle Époque to the 21st century
In 1897, architect Henri Schmit transformed the building with Oriental inspiration, adding minarets and domes that caused a sensation on the Place du Casino. The venue then sailed through the decades and successive rebuilds while keeping its status: the brasserie where the heart of Monte-Carlo beats. Princes, artists and celebrities have crossed paths here, drawn by a unique atmosphere blending Parisian elegance with Mediterranean ease.
The 2023 renaissance
After 19 months of works, the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo reopened its doors on 14 November 2023. The renovation preserved the Belle Époque spirit while considerably enlarging the space: the brasserie now spreads over two levels and can seat around 500 guests, with 300 inside and 200 on the terrace. The big novelty? An upstairs terrace with an unobstructed view of the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris. In the kitchen, chef Victor Marion leads the menu, while a team of sommeliers headed by Noël Bajor, formerly of the Louis XV, watches over the cellar.
☉ Good to know
The Café de Paris is open 7 days a week with all-day service, from 8am to 2am (last orders around 1.15am). It is one of the rare places in Monte-Carlo where you can sit down to eat at any hour, from breakfast to a late-night supper.
What to eat at the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo?
The menu at the Café de Paris Monaco fully embraces its identity as a French brasserie. Expect the great classics executed with the savoir-faire of the Société des Bains de Mer: seafood and raw-bar platters, sole meunière, tartare prepared tableside, roast poultry and the inevitable flambéed desserts.
Service runs non-stop from morning until late at night, which makes it a precious address in Monaco: breakfast facing the Casino, a business lunch, afternoon tea on the terrace, dinner before an evening at the gaming tables or supper after a show. Prices are those of a prestigious Monegasque brasserie: expect a comfortable budget, in keeping with the exceptional setting. The full menu is available on the official Société des Bains de Mer website.
The crêpe Suzette, born here in 1896
It is the story everyone tells at the table. According to legend, the crêpe Suzette was born at the Café de Paris in 1896, from an accidental flambé that occurred while a dessert was being prepared in front of the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII. Ever the gentleman, the prince asked that the crêpe be named after the young lady accompanying him that day: Suzette. More than a century later, the crêpe Suzette flambéed tableside remains the house signature. Ordering it here, on the very spot of its supposed birth, is one of those experiences to have in Monaco.
💡 Concierge's tip
« To enjoy the crêpe Suzette at its best, aim for mid-afternoon on a weekday: the room is quieter and the maître d'hôtel takes his time perfecting the flambé in front of you. In high season, our guests often ask us to book a table on the upstairs terrace, where the view of the Casino is superb at sunset. »
The most famous terrace in Monaco
Taking a seat on the terrace of the Café de Paris means securing one of the finest observation posts in the Principality. In front of you: the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Hôtel de Paris and the endless parade of exceptional cars gliding across the square. The new upstairs terrace, open since the renovation, adds an elevated perspective that regulars fight over on sunny days.
The atmosphere shifts throughout the day. In the morning, the square is calm and the light is soft: this is the time for a quiet coffee. At noon, the energy rises. In the late afternoon and evening, the terrace becomes the stage for the quintessential Monegasque spectacle, somewhere between elegance and effervescence. After your break, the luxury boutiques of the Carré d'Or are just steps away.
Amazónico, the festive rooftop of the Café de Paris
Since April 2024, the roof of the Café de Paris has been home to Amazónico Monte-Carlo, the Monegasque edition of the festive concept born in Madrid in 2010. On a lush planted terrace of around 945 sqm, the restaurant serves Latin American inspired cuisine, creative cocktails and live music, with a private club to carry the night on. The address has quickly earned its place among the best spots for going out in Monaco at night. Two moods now live under one roof: the timeless brasserie downstairs, the exuberant party upstairs.
Stay a 10-minute walk from the Place du Casino, facing the yachts of Port Hercule.
Check availabilityNot to be confused: the Casino Café de Paris next door
Visitors ask about this all the time. The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is the brasserie; the Casino Café de Paris is the neighbouring gaming venue, home to one of the largest slot machine offerings in Europe, with free entry. Both establishments belong to the Société des Bains de Mer but offer distinct experiences. To understand everything about gaming in Monaco, read our complete guide to the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Practical information: opening hours, access and reservations
The Café de Paris Monaco sits on the Place du Casino, in the heart of Monte-Carlo. From the Port Palace, allow a pleasant ten-minute walk along Port Hercule and up towards the Carré d'Or.
Do you need to book?
The brasserie has a large capacity, which often makes it possible to get a table by simply walking in, especially during the day. However, for dinner on the terrace, at weekends or during major events such as the Grand Prix or the Monaco Yacht Show, booking is strongly recommended. Smart casual attire is the norm, in keeping with the Place du Casino.
The Port Palace experience: stay steps from the Place du Casino
Staying at the Port Palace means enjoying an ideal base for exploring Monte-Carlo on foot. Our rooms and suites overlooking Port Hercule place you around ten minutes from the Place du Casino, in the calm of the harbour. When you stay with us, your concierge can book your table at the Café de Paris or suggest other gems among the best restaurants in Monaco, thanks to our concierge service reserved for hotel guests.
And for dinner facing the yachts rather than the Casino, La Môme restaurant, on the hotel rooftop, serves Mediterranean cuisine by Chef Benjamin Zannier.
Port Palace Monaco
Monte-Carlo on foot, the harbour beneath your windows
Our 50 rooms and suites facing Port Hercule place you minutes from the Place du Casino and the Café de Paris. Your dedicated concierge takes care of reservations throughout your stay.
Book your stayFAQ: your questions about the Café de Paris Monaco
Who owns the Café de Paris in Monaco?
The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo belongs to the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the group that also runs the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Hôtel de Paris and the Hôtel Hermitage. It is one of the group's historic addresses, present on the Place du Casino since 1868.
What are the opening hours of the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo?
The brasserie is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 2am, with last orders taken around 1.15am. Service runs all day, so you can sit down to eat at any hour, from breakfast to a late-night supper.
Where was the crêpe Suzette born?
According to legend, the crêpe Suzette was born at the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo in 1896, during an accidental flambé in front of the future King Edward VII. It remains the house's signature dessert, flambéed tableside in front of guests.
Are the Café de Paris and the Casino Café de Paris the same establishment?
No. The Café de Paris is the brasserie on the Place du Casino, while the Casino Café de Paris is the neighbouring gaming venue, known for its slot machines. Both belong to the Société des Bains de Mer but are two distinct places.
Is the Café de Paris far from the Port Palace?
No, the Place du Casino is about a 10-minute walk from the Port Palace. The route runs along Port Hercule and then climbs towards the Monte-Carlo district, passing close to the Casino gardens.
Final word
A witness to more than 150 years of Monegasque history, the Café de Paris Monaco has pulled off its transformation: the legendary brasserie of the Place du Casino now combines Belle Époque heritage, a panoramic terrace and a festive rooftop. Whether you come for a crêpe Suzette flambéed by the book, a seafood platter or simply a coffee facing the Casino, the address deserves a place in any Monte-Carlo stay. And to enjoy it without constraints, the Port Palace awaits a few minutes' walk away, facing the yachts of Port Hercule.
