One of Monaco’s most recognisable dining institutions, Quai des Artistes, has emerged from a complete architectural and culinary reinvention that balances its iconic heritage with a modern sensibility. The full redesign, overseen by new owner Bertrand Letartre, has now reached completion three years after he acquired the restaurant, unveiling a brasserie that respects the past while confidently writing its next chapter.

Bertrand Letartre, who has lived in Monaco since 2019 and is known for his work in viticulture and hospitality, described the acquisition as a personal decision driven by affection rather than strategy. “I had been coming here for years, often for lunch or dinner,” he said. “One day the owner mentioned he was considering selling after 20 years. I told him, ‘I’ll take it.’ I didn’t hesitate, because I genuinely love this place and what it represents – it’s the finest location in Monaco for a true brasserie.”

Reinventing a classic, from floor to ceiling

Letartre’s vision involved a total renovation of both the interior and exterior, stripping the venue back to its bones to allow for a faithful reinterpretation of a traditional French brasserie. “I removed everything, including the outdoor bar,” he explained. “This is the first year that everything is finally complete. Now that it’s open, I can see how people are responding—they love it.”

To bring his vision to life, he collaborated with interior design firm Bleu Gris, who reimagined the space in the style of a 1930s brasserie, complete with velvet banquettes, art deco lighting, and an elegant library wall that adds a personal, almost domestic charm. “We wanted guests to feel at home,” Letartre explained, and the resulting ambience is both refined and welcoming.

Honouring tradition through cuisine and service

The menu, created by chef Étienne Barrier, is firmly rooted in French culinary heritage. From foie de veau in persillade to veal sweetbreads, sole meunière and house-made pâté en croûte, every dish evokes a sense of nostalgic familiarity. “Our aim was to recreate flavours that bring back memories,” said Barrier. “The taste of childhood, of Sunday lunches, of dishes from home.”

The service, too, has been carefully preserved and elevated. A significant portion of the original team was retained—a decision Letartre considers fundamental to the restaurant’s identity. “I changed the décor entirely, but I kept the team,” he noted. “Some of them have been here for 25 or 30 years. Their experience and connection with the guests are invaluable.”

Ezio Lugano, who has worked at the Quai since 2003, reflected on the restaurant’s enduring spirit: “Some clients I’ve known since they were children. Now they return with their own families. They come for the food, yes—but also because they feel recognised, remembered.”

The Bar des Artistes: a new rhythm by the water

Part of the transformation includes the rejuvenated waterfront space now called the Bar des Artistes. With sweeping views of the Port of Monaco and a curated cocktail menu, it welcomes guests into a more festive and artistic environment. Live music, comedy nights, and an evolving event programme have turned the bar into a vibrant after-dark venue that complements the brasserie’s refined atmosphere.

Designed for social moments and late-night energy, the bar features signature cocktails and a relaxed menu of sharing plates. “In the evening, it takes on a life of its own,” said artistic director Daniel Tristan. “It’s a celebration of culture, community and good humour—true to the name, and to the spirit of the artists who once inspired this place.”

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All photos courtesy of Quai des Artistes