If you’ve ever wished for a cozy, soul-hugging Italian trattoria with Monaco flair, one that also knows when to hand you a glass of champagne on cue, Maison Gigi Monte-Carlo has arrived.
Perched along Port Hercule, Maison Gigi bills itself as a contemporary Italian trattoria, but don’t be fooled by the modesty. The moment you step through the door, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that feels like your nonna’s kitchen… if your nonna had a keen eye for retro design and lived somewhere between Milan and Monte-Carlo.
Comfy textile-covered seating, shelves lined with homemade preserves, and soft lighting give the space a vintage, lived-in charm. It’s elegant without being intimidating, chic without the chill. Even the bar leans into the nostalgia: its front is clad with ceramic kitchen cabinet and oven doors, and charming retro fittings that look like they were lifted straight from a 1960s Italian home. It’s a clever design choice that adds a unique, playful warmth and sets the tone before the first spritz even lands.
Pasta to Write Home About
Let’s get straight to the point: the pasta is the standout. The kind that makes you pause after the first bite, raise your eyebrows across the table, and say, “Wait — this is really good.”
Take the linguine with sea urchin: briny, creamy, perfectly al dente. Or the risotto with saffron and oxtail—comforting, rich, and deeply satisfying. Even the simpler plates, like a classic pomodoro or lemony aglio e olio, sing with freshness. There’s no over-complication here. Just high-quality ingredients, cooked with respect and restraint.
Maison Gigi is serious about its food, and it shows. The citrus sea bream carpaccio is delicate and bright, the meat dishes hearty but refined. It’s all presented with the kind of confidence that comes from knowing you’ve nailed the flavours.
And the prices? Surprisingly down-to-earth — for Monaco, at least. Dishes are generously portioned, fairly priced, and arrive with warm, attentive service that never feels rushed.
A Button for Bubbles
But now, to perhaps the most delightful surprise of all: the champagne call button.
Yes, you read that right.
At Maison Gigi, if you excuse yourself to freshen up in the ladies’ room and suddenly think, “You know what would make this moment better? Champagne,” you simply press a discreet button. When you reemerge — lipstick reapplied, mood elevated — a server will be waiting with a perfectly chilled glass on a tray.
It’s that kind of playful, thoughtful detail that elevates Maison Gigi from great to unforgettable. It also speaks volumes about how well this team understands its clientele. Monaco loves a bit of glamour, and Maison Gigi delivers it with a wink.
Monaco’s New Must-Visit
Whether you’re dropping in for a long lunch, celebrating something special, or simply craving the kind of Italian food that feels like a warm embrace, Maison Gigi hits every note: excellent food, stylish interiors, thoughtful service, and a few fun surprises along the way.
It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, where nonna’s recipes get a Monaco makeover, and where — let’s be honest — you’ll want to bring all your friends, just to show them the champagne button.
See more in our video below…
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All photos courtesy of Maison Gigi