La Rascasse, one of Monaco’s most storied bars, reopened its doors on Thursday 9 April after four months of renovation, emerging as a chic motorsport-themed venue that pays tribute to Monaco’s most defining obsession.
Situated on Port Hercule at the famous hairpin of the Grand Prix circuit, the bar has been transformed by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s construction and heritage division into something that feels less like a renovation and more like a reinvention. The ceiling is now sculpted from car engines and spare parts. The floor is a chequered pattern evoking a race start line. The colour palette is red and white throughout, with vintage race photography lining the walls and a podium displaying drivers’ helmets and race suits — including that of Monaco’s own Charles Leclerc.
More than 70-years-old and a fixture of Monaco’s nightlife since long before SBM acquired it in 2011, La Rascasse has always occupied a unique position: a former fishermen’s hut that became one of the great party venues of the Principality. The new identity leans into that history while giving it a sharper, more contemporary edge.
The programme
Doors open from 17h30 Tuesday to Saturday, with discounted cocktails available from 17h30 to 22h on weekdays and 19h to 22h on Saturdays. Live bands play Thursday to Saturday, with DJ sets from 23h.
The largest screens in the venue will broadcast major sporting events throughout the season, cementing its role as the natural gathering point during Grand Prix weekend and beyond.
The cocktails
Signature cocktails are priced at €18 and built around the motorsport theme — the Rascasse Paddock with mezcal, cassis and ginger beer, the Pit Stop with tonka-infused vodka and coffee, and the Pôle Position with rum, melon liqueur and pineapple.
During afterwork hours — 17h30 to 22h on weekdays and 19h to 22h on Saturdays — prices drop across the board: classic cocktails at €12, mocktails at €10, and wines, spirits and beers are priced around €8, making the early evening the most wallet-friendly window to settle in before the night picks up.
The food
The finger food menu, priced from €16 to €26, is designed for sharing and grazing across a long evening. Savoury highlights include Rascasse Croquettes at €16, Smoked Salmon Tacos at €18, an Iberian Platter at €16, and Grilled Octopus at €24.
The most substantial options — the Crying Tiger Tropical Smoke and the Nikkei Salmon — each come in at €24 to €26. The Signature Mini Cheeseburgers and Crispy Fusion Chicken are priced at €20.
Desserts, including the standout Finger Signature Casque N°16 — a shortbread biscuit with a molten caramel centre coated in milk chocolate, a nod to Charles Leclerc’s helmet number — and Mini Doughnuts, are €12.
La Rascasse is at 1 Quai Antoine Ier, open Tuesday and Thursday 17h30 to 3h, Friday 17h30 to 4h, Saturday 19h to 4h.
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Photo source: MCSBM