Fiesta time at Coya Monte-Carlo just kicked up a notch thanks to a funky restaurant revamp, a lighter menu and – the pieza de resistencia – a large new terrace with dedicated cocktail bar and Peruvian finger food.
The multi award-winning Latin American restaurant group opened its first European site outside of London on the terraces of the Summer Sporting – just a stone’s throw from Jimmy’z and the Salle des Étoiles – in 2018.
Now, the restaurant that sparked Monaco’s obsession with Latin American cuisine and culture has undergone a make-over.
“It’s been exciting for the whole team to work on a new project,” Head Chef Victoria Vallenilla told Monaco Life’s Cassandra Tanti. “Yes, it is the same restaurant with the same identity, but we wanted to make Coya Monte-Carlo stand out within the brand, and with so many new places opening in Monaco, it is important to continue to evolve.”
The entire restaurant has been remodelled to feature even more eye-catching plant features and hand-crafted furniture, as well as signature Peruvian artefacts, in a vibrant and colourful setting.
The DJ booth is now front and centre, energising the atmosphere with pulsing vibes that amplify the spicy dining adventure.
Large new terrace embraces Mediterranean lifestyle
The most exciting part of the revamp is the expanded terrace, now featuring dining tables, lounge areas and its own cocktail bar. With splendid views of the Mediterranean horizon, fresh sea breezes and the allure of dining under the stars, it’s a perfect spot for the hot summer months.
The addition of this large terrace has allowed for the creation of two unique experiences. Friends can gather to unwind after work on the terrace, enjoying finger foods and inventive cocktails under the sun or stars, or they can immerse themselves in a drawn-out meal, soaking up the restaurant’s vibrant party ambience.
A new lighter menu
The restaurant revamp was an opportunity for Head Chef Victoria Vallenilla, or the Queen of Coya as I like to caller her, to rethink the menu and respond to new dining trends.
“We completely changed our food strategy because the whole world is changing their eating habits,” revealed the Venezuelan-born chef. “Now, we are offering more seafood and raw fish options – we have a larger selection of ceviches and tiraditos. For the meats, we have more premium meats, like Wagyu cuts, as well as grilled octopus and more salads.”
With a diverse selection of appetisers, salads, crudos, fish and seafood, meats and vegetables, the only issue with Coya’s menu is figuring out what to choose.
If you’re unsure what to pick, opt for the Menu Bagua, which features all of your guaranteed favourites.
“It’s not about being low calorie, it’s food that feels light on the body so people can still dance and party afterwards,” explained the chef.
Meanwhile, in line with its “dual-vibe” ambience, the new terrace menu is designed for sharing alongside cocktails or wine. It features a tempting variety of finger foods like empanadas, fresh oysters, wagyu beef skewers and Chilean sea bass croquettes. Make sure to try the mini chorizo sausages, I highly recommend them!
The adventure continues
Embracing a new, lighter philosophy, Coya invites guests on a culinary journey that transcends borders, offering a beautiful and enjoyable destination for foodies and culture enthusiasts alike.
It is, more than ever, the perfect place to spend the early part of a fashionable evening before heading to Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, the ‘Grand Art of Clubbing’.
See more of the Coya vibe in our Instagram reel below…
View this post on Instagram
Join the Monaco Life community – sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
All photos courtesy Monte-Carlo SBM