Detec’Table, a new app concept developed by Monaco resident Denis Thomas, is set to revolutionise how restaurant bookings are made in Monaco. With its curated selection of top dining spots and a seamless reservation process, its objective is to forge stronger – and lasting – connections between food lovers and local restaurants that are rated and reviewed according to strict criteria.
In an interview with Monaco Life, Thomas, who arrived in Monaco 20 years ago and spent eight years working at the Hôtel Métropole, explains his inspirations behind the Detec’Table concept and how he hopes it will improve the restaurant scene in the Principality for both patrons and venues.
It was during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Thomas was studying the hospitality market, that the idea for an app such as Detec’Table came to him.
“I asked myself: if I were a restaurant owner, what would I need? And as a customer, what would I want?” he explains.
Through his research, Thomas discovered that 90% of people check online before choosing a restaurant and prefer to book through a digital platform rather than by phone. He also observed that 80% of bookings are made by women, who often check ratings and menus before deciding where to dine.
“The goal is always to get people to book, and they want a clear and easy way to do so,” he says.
Instead of focusing solely on high-end gastronomy, Detec’Table prioritises restaurants based on key customer needs, such as child-friendliness, accessibility for people with disabilities, quality service, seasonal menus and good value for money.
“It’s not just about fine dining—it’s about what truly matters to customers,” he adds.
Building trust
Launching the platform wasn’t easy. Thomas spent time analysing customer preferences and speaking with friends to refine Detec’Table’s quality criteria, then faced the challenge of convincing restaurants to trust the platform.
“It took a while to get restaurants on board, but once they saw the concept, they understood the value,” says Thomas.
So far, eight Monaco restaurants have joined Detec’Table – such as Castelroc, Chez Pierre, Il Pacchero, Amici Miei, Norma, La Môme, The Niwaki and Azzurra Kitchen – and others are in the pipeline.
“I hope to have Quai des Artistes soon in the Detec’Table collection,” he reveals.
However, the goal is not to list every restaurant in Monaco.
“If we included all restaurants, we would become just another large platform like The Fork. Our aim is quality, not quantity,” he says.
Dining made simple
Detec’Table operates via a website and app, allowing users to browse restaurants, view menus and check availability. Each restaurant listing on Detec’Table includes six photos showcasing the venue and its dishes. The profile provides details on the cuisine type and pricing, along with a message from the chef that offers insight into the restaurant’s philosophy. Users can view speciality dishes and event menus, as well as check the accepted payment methods. A rating out of five is also displayed, helping diners make informed choices.
The platform also offers a membership programme for €4.99 per month, which includes benefits such as a complimentary welcome drink for the table and access to exclusive events, such as wine tastings and business dinners.
“Monaco is known for hosting major events, and our platform allows members to book restaurant spaces for corporate or private gatherings,” he says.
Beyond Monaco, Detec’Table has expanded to restaurants in Beaulieu, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet and more. In total, 23 restaurants are currently listed.
“We are close to 800 members now. The challenge is keeping them active, but we offer a lot in return for the membership fee,” he notes, adding that to keep members engaged, a bi-monthly newsletter provides updates on new restaurants in the area, upcoming events and special offers.
A local and personal approach
While expansion is on the horizon, Detec’Table’s focus remains on local and quality-driven partnerships.
“By being local, we can be more precise. We personally know the restaurants and their staff, and they know us,” he says. “This makes the partnership clear—we both understand what we can do for each other.”
Thomas’s focus is now on growth and development.
“Nice is a natural next step for us. There’s demand, and we want to bring the same quality-driven approach there,” he explains.
Detec’Table is not currently available on the App Store but can be downloaded directly from the website: www.detectable.fr.
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Main photo by Monaco Life