Monaco pour ‘Emploi sees record turnout with tech taking centre stage

Minister of State Christophe Mirmand and Minister of Social Affairs and Health Christophe Robino officially opened the fourth edition of Monaco pour l’Emploi Friday morning at the Grimaldi Forum, with this edition marking its biggest turnout to date.

The fourth edition of the employment forum attracted over 4,500 pre-registered attendees as of the day before the event. Since its first edition in September 2023, which drew 3,600 visitors, attendance has grown steadily – marking 5,000 in 2024, 6,000 in 2025, and reaching 6,300 total participants this year.

“The Principality comprises exactly 78,364 jobs, of which nearly 84% belong to the private sector,” Mirmand told attendees. “These figures illustrate both the vitality of our economic fabric and the structuring role of employment in the organisation of our society.”

Christophe Mirmand during his address, photo credit: Monaco Life.

Nearly 120 exhibitors participated in the forum, representing sectors from banking and hospitality to yachting and construction, with a dedicated space for digital careers.

Why tech is this year’s focus

After focusing on luxury industries last year, this year’s forum put digital careers in the spotlight with a dedicated exhibition space and multiple tech-focused sessions taking place.

The Chambre Monégasque du Numérique (Monaco Digital Chamber) had a prominent presence, engaging with both training institutes and students from Lycée Rainier III about future career prospects in the sector.

Christophe Mirmand, Christophe Robino and members of the Government and Town Hall at this year’s employment forum. Photo credit: Monaco Life.

The forum’s spotlight on digital careers and AI reflects both opportunity and uncertainty. Robino was honest about the challenges artificial intelligence presents.

“I really believe that today, it’s a current topic. The digital professions, the jobs of tomorrow, raise questions,” he said. “It also generates all these questions linked to how we understand and integrate artificial intelligence into the world of work. It generates concerns, it generates hopes. We don’t yet have a very clear idea of what the consequences will be depending on the sectors of activity.”

Christophe Robino during his address, photo credit: Monaco Life.

A new format for deeper dialogue

This year’s forum also introduced seven ‘rendez-vous croisés’: 30-minute focussed sessions bringing together institutions, employers, training providers and job seekers on specific topics.

“Rather than having a single vision, the aim was to cross perspectives,” explained Nathalie Julien, the project coordinator. “That’s why we call them cross-appointments, where we have different people who address the same theme.”

Sessions covered cybersecurity with the Monaco Public Security and insurance representatives, seasonal housing solutions involving CROUS student accommodation, and disability inclusion in the workplace.

During one of the rendez-vous croisés sessions, photo credit: Monaco Life.

Another positive outcome from this year’s edition was the employers’ confidence. According to Robino, “at the first version, they were a little reluctant. They had the impression that they would be competing with each other. Then finally, they realised that it was a good way to exchange.”

The February timing now targets seasonal recruitment ahead of the high season, though Robino acknowledges the forum’s growth may soon test the Grimaldi Forum’s capacity. “We will arrive at a saturation level at some point,” he admitted, suggesting future editions might span multiple days or additional events throughout the year.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

Zenirō: Nice’s stunning new Japanese-Provençal restaurant worth leaving Monaco for

A new dining destination has arrived in Nice that’s already drawing crowds – and deserves to. Zenirō, which opened just two weeks ago, presents a sophisticated fusion of Japanese precision and Provençal soul that feels both luxurious and remarkably accessible.

The restaurant was packed on a Wednesday night – unusual for an establishment barely out of its soft launch. Word has clearly spread that Nice has a serious new player in its dining scene, and the early verdict suggests the hype is justified.

Zenirō occupies three levels in central Nice – opposite the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum – though currently only the main restaurant across the first two floors is operating, offering 120 covers alongside an intimate private dining room. The rooftop cocktail bar, complete with a three-metre bonsai-shaped olive tree, is scheduled to open in spring 2026.

The private dining space at Zeniro is luxuriously enveloped in the wine and champagne display

Japanese technique meets Riviera ingredients

Head Chef Ricardo Pérez, whose experience includes stints at Nobu London Shoreditch and Tapasake at One&Only Portonovi, leads a kitchen that celebrates Provençal seasonality through Japanese technique. The charcoal grill features prominently, bringing smoky depth to dishes like grilled artichoke hearts with salmon tartare and locally sourced red mullet with sesame sauce and rice salsa.

Main courses include Angus beef grilled on toban and a refined interpretation of ratatouille that elevates the classic Provençal vegetable medley.

The grilled lamb chops deserve particular mention – worth returning for even if they don’t exactly scream Japan.

Mediterranean touches to classic Japanese dishes offer a nice take on the traditional, while the flame grill is a highlight

Desserts like baba au limoncello with vanilla cream and raspberries, and a perfectly executed chocolate soufflé topped with black sesame ice cream also prove you can successfully bridge two cuisines without leaving anyone at the table disappointed.

Luxe without the luxury pricing – for now

The stunning interior, designed by Cannes-based architect Samy Chams (known for La Guérite Cannes, Bagatelle Courchevel and Jimmy’z Monaco), blends Japanese minimalism with Provençal warmth. Rich, tactile materials, softly backlit surfaces and an earthy palette create an intimate, cocooning atmosphere. Sculptural banquettes, textured upholstery and refined brass detailing nod to mid-century design, while low ambient lighting allows the space to evolve throughout the evening.

The level of finish and service feels decidedly luxurious, yet prices remain surprisingly reasonable – though one suspects this accessibility may not last as Zenirō establishes itself and word continues to spread.

Attention to detail includes the ‘Z’ stamped crystal clear ice cubes

Cocktails with precision

The bar programme reflects the same balance and precision found in the kitchen. Classic Japanese cocktails receive French Riviera reinterpretation: Raku combines Roku Gin with yuzu, sparkling sake and soda, while Yume blends Belvedere Vodka with red shiso, umeshu and grapefruit cordial. The signature mocktail Nami offers a non-alcoholic option with kombucha, apple-quince, ginger and lemon.

Ambitious plans ahead

“We wanted to showcase what Zenirō is really about – bringing Japanese technique together with the incredible produce we have here in Provence,” says Thomas Barazer, the restaurant’s General Manager. With multiple restaurant openings in Paris under his belt, Barazer brings both expertise and an approachable professionalism that immediately puts diners at ease.

“Right now we’re focusing on getting the restaurant experience perfect, and then the rooftop bar opens in spring – that’s when you’ll get the complete Zenirō experience.”

Dining options are spread out over three levels

Later in 2026, Zenirō will establish an exclusive farm in Provence dedicated to cultivating regional ingredients, allowing the kitchen to work in harmony with the seasons. Future expansion plans aim to bring the Japanese-Provençal philosophy to other Riviera destinations and beyond.

Verdict

This is the kind of restaurant worthy of drawing you out of Monaco for dinner, worth seeking out if you’re already in Nice, or simply worth trying if you want something new and genuinely good. The combination of sophisticated execution, beautiful design and accessible pricing makes Zenirō an early contender for one of the Riviera’s most exciting restaurant openings this year.

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All photos courtesy of Zeniro