Samy Sass, of Sass Café fame, has opened a new Japanese restaurant, The Niwaki, alongside partners Dean Carr and Daryl Foster, promising a “chic contemporary and traditional establishment offering a memorable culinary experience”.

Samy Sass is a Monaco legend, and his Sass Café is nearly as legendary as the man himself. He has been involved in the family restaurant business since he was 18, and has since developed a catering and hospitality consulting company in parallel. 

Now, he is taking his love of restaurants and his love of Japan to a new level, combining them in a whole new way to create The Niwaki. The name is poetic, meaning “garden tree” in Japanese, and vows to take diners on a voyage to the East through flavours and artistic presentation.

The Niwaki gardens are said to embody the essence of nature and, following this same spirit, The Niwaki hopes to give guests “the essence of Japanese cuisine blended with contemporary Japanese flavours and influences from the Mediterranean basin”, using the best and freshest ingredients and unexpected combination of flavours, textures and colours to make for a culinary event.

The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the new Palais de la Plage on Avenue Princesse Grace, opposite Larvotto beach.

Head Chef Shahar Dahan, who laughingly says he never ate sushi before joining The Niwaki, took up the task to extraordinary measure, assisted by Executive Chef Hendry Tjan and Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio.

Sashimi hamachi, truffle ponzu, lobster tempura, creamy truffle with yuzu, Black Angus fillet, black garlic miso butter, textured chokorēto with runny caramel miso heart are all on the menu, tempting diners with delights they may never have experienced before. Dishes are meant to be shared, allowing maximum enjoyment for all.

With a capacity of 140 people, the space is open and warm, with elegant architectural features and neutral colours made up of an indoor dining area, a bar-lounge and an outdoor terrace.

In addition to the cuisine and live sushi bar, The Niwaki offers Japanese sakes, beers and whiskeys.

Photos provided