From dine-in restaurants for important client meetings to quick and tasty cafés for those trying to pack every single business opportunity into their schedule, here’s the Monaco Life guide to the best lunch spots to visit during your time at the Monaco Yacht Show—all of them within an easy five to 10-minute walk from Port Hercule.
Between the business meetings, the conferences, the networking events and, of course, the yacht tours, the Monaco Yacht Show is always a busy time for the thousands of visitors and exhibitors who come to this major industry affair each year.
All this activity can leave little time to grab a meal or even a snack, so knowing where to go is key. No one wants to be left grabbing the last sorry sandwich from a supermarket shelf when there are so many other excellent options in the area—if you know where to look.
See more: Monaco’s must-visit restaurants without a Michelin star
We couldn’t do a guide to cafés and restaurants in the port area without featuring the Marché de la Condamine. In fact, you could probably come here every day of the show without getting bored of the excellent food on offer at this vibrant address, located mere minutes from the port in the direction of central Place d’Armes.
From Truffle Bistro to sushi, and from the flavourful Mezze Deli counter to the fresh and locally-inspired seafood snacks down at Maison Mer, there really is something for everyone at this covered market. The best bit is that no reservations are required. Simply turn up, grab a seat at a counter or a spot at one of the communal tables in the centre of the market and place your order.
A good place to head if you’re in a group is Norma Monaco, which is found on the rooftop of the market. There are several round tables suitable for a catch-up over lunch as well as long dining tables for larger numbers.
CLOSE TO PORT HERCULE
All of the eateries on this list are located either within the Condamine neighbourhood or just outside of it, such as La Môme on Avenue J. F. Kennedy, which we have featured previously in a round-up of our favourite brunch spots in the Principality. It’s a lively and highly Instagrammable address, with a menu that includes all the classy ingredients one would expect from a glamourous rooftop restaurant in Monaco, from caviar and truffles to lobster and Kobe beef.
Read more: Getting to know Monaco: The lively La Condamine, a favourite with locals
There are lots of Italian options in the Condamine, from the hearty portions of La Bionda on Rue Suffren Reymond to Bella Vitta on Rue Princesse Caroline and Casa Amadio on Boulevard Albert Ier. These aren’t fine dining establishments by any measure, but the food is good, the prices are fair, the service is warm and you certainly won’t be leaving hungry.
If you need to stay even closer to the show, try Caffè Milano, which has a great open-air dining setting overlooking the port. Meanwhile, Crazy Pizza will tempt any pizza lover with its luxury take on the Italian staple. Other go-to eateries near the show include the recently opened Marius Monaco and the Quai des Artistes, a classically Parisian-style bistro.
For something altogether more healthy, try a Buddha bowl, salad or sandwich from Woo at the top of Rue Princesse Caroline. This fully organic café is open most days of the week from 7am until 5pm, so it’s a great option for those who need to replenish their energy levels outside of standard lunch hours.
Nearby is Supernature, a wine shop that specialises in natural wines, but also serves up some really delicious plates. Their colourful salads and sharing boards are perfect for a light lunch, paired with an excellent glass of wine, of course.
Another popular restaurant on this street is Huit & Demi, which is found on the Rue Langlé corner. The menu flits from Italian to Asian-inspired, which might sound like a peculiar combination, but it actually works rather well. One guest can enjoy spaghetti alle vongole while another orders fricassée of prawns with coconut milk and green curry.
Meanwhile, Il Pacchero on Rue de Millo brings the flavours of the sea and the land together in a sophisticated setting where authenticity is everything.
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Main photo source: La Môme, Facebook
*Adapted from an original article published on 25th September 2024