A new Japanese fine-dining address is coming to Monaco. Sen, conceived as a discreet speakeasy-style restaurant at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, is set to open in April 2026 — the latest venture from the Kodera family, official purveyor to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.
Positioned as a tribute to Japanese culinary tradition, Sen will be guided by seasonality, precision and the hospitality philosophy of omotenashi. Tokyo-trained Chef Hiroki Hiyama will lead the kitchen, bringing a menu spanning nigiri, sashimi, hot dishes and an omakase experience, built around a single guiding principle — allowing the ingredient to speak in its purest form. Hiyama most recently headed Auberge Tokito, a four-suite retreat in Tachikawa awarded one Michelin Key.
“Japanese cuisine is a language of gestures and seasons. In Monaco, I want to convey the spirit of Tokyo: respect for the ingredient, beauty in the details, and serenity in execution,” said Chef Hiroki Hiyama, adding that he will only use local, fresh produce in his dishes.
A restaurant still taking shape
During an exclusive press preview on Wednesday 18th March, journalists were given a private daytime tour of a space still very much under construction, before being treated to a tasting of the menu that will be served when Sen opens. The interior, designed by Archiee Studio, is taking deliberate shape: acoustic wood panels, Terra Red mosaic tiles and bespoke furniture are being assembled to create an atmosphere intended to reveal itself gradually, in keeping with the speakeasy concept.
Art meets gastronomy
Wednesday’s event was brought to life by a striking artistic performance that offered an early taste of what Sen aims to become. Kensaku Sato, a contemporary taiko drummer with more than two decades of international experience, delivered a set that focused on rhythm, control and quiet intensity rather than showmanship.
He was joined by Mimosa Koike, principal dancer with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Their collaboration reflected a meeting of cultures, where Japanese tradition and Monaco’s artistic elegance came together through movement, timing and subtle expression.
View this post on Instagram
The vision
“Monaco is our home. Excellence is our language,” said Aya Kodera, co-founder of Sen. “With Sen, we envisioned a Japan that is both faithful and contemporary — a discreet address guided by omotenashi, where guests come as much for precision as for emotion.”
Vincent Clinckemaillie, General Manager of Le Méridien Beach Plaza, said the arrival of Sen aligned with the hotel’s broader ambition to offer singular dining experiences for both local and international guests.
Reservations for Sen are set to open shortly ahead of the April launch.
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.