The Principality has welcomed the talents of another Michelin-starred chef to its ever-growing list of restaurants and vibrant gourmet scene, this time in the form of Sébastien Sanjou, who is collaborating with Marc Dussoulier and Stars’n’Bars’ Didier Rubiolo to run the recently unveiled Marius Monaco on the Quai des Artistes in Port Hercule.
Prince Albert II of Monaco was among the many guests invited to the opening of Marius earlier this month. The concept, which was launched on 14th June in the premises that were once home to Stars’n’Bars and then later Conscientiae, is a nod to classic Mediterranean and Provençal traditions, blended with a vision that only a Michelin-starred chef can offer.
The new restaurant is a joint effort between the former manager of Le Plongeoir in Nice, Marc Dussoulier, Didier Rubiolo from Stars’n’Bars and the two-starred chef, Sébastien Sanjou, who has previously headed up the kitchens of Le Relais des Moines in the Var, Trente-Trois and La Residence in Paris, and La Voile d’Or in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
“An ode to the Mediterranean”
Speaking about the new venture, Sanjou said, “Marius is a new opportunity for Monaco to discover a simple, authentic and sustainable approach to food: tasty, generous and accessible with the freshest high-quality ingredients from local producers. Marius is in essence an ode to the Mediterranean and its Provençal traditions.”
The menu features familiar yet elevated ingredients, from violet artichokes à la barigoule, braised octopus and Mediterranean langoustines to sage-smoked chicken and a Piedmont beef fillet.
There are sharing plates as well, including the perennial favourite of aïoli, lamb shoulder with a thyme and garlic confit, and roasted fish with a sauce vierge.
For a sweet treat to finish off the meal, there’s a comforting rice pudding made with Tahitian vanilla, tarte aux fraises or chocolate mousse, as well as many other tempting choices. Meanwhile, the wine menu boasts a selection of over 400 vintages, rounding out the overall experience.
As for the interior, it is inviting: all softly curved chairs, bench seats and sofas, beautiful marble-top tables and ambient lighting. The outdoor space overlooks Port Hercule and boasts a classically nautical feel with blue and white striped seating.
Marius Monaco is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner.
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Photo source: Marius Monaco