Many associate Monaco with glitz and glamour but what might not be so well-known is that this sparkling Principality is home to a range of local gourmet experiences to suit every taste and budget. Every corner of Monaco is positively brimming with places that use local traditions to offer a real, authentic taste of the Principality.
Here are some of the highlights that you might want to try:
The Classic of Classics: Barbagiuàn
Barbagiuan ©Fabbio Galatioto
Starting with the classic barbagiuàn, a small pastry treat stuffed with rice and chard that every visitor should try once, not to mention the famous local socca and pissaladière at Chez Roger, for the ultimate taste of the Côte d’Azur. For those with a sweet tooth, Monegasque fougasse Principality’s signature dessert. You will find specialities galore in the market halls of La Condamine, in the very heart of the city, where locals gather every morning to browse the fresh fruit and vegetable stalls.
Explore the hidden Gourmet Treasures of Monaco-Ville
Place du Marche Condamine©B.Vergely
While you savour the Monegasque delights, look up and you will see the Monaco-Ville district, a short walk away via the Rampe Major and its breathtaking views. Monaco’s history was partly written on the Rock, and it is the ideal place to take the Principality’s proverbial pulse. Beneath the pine trees on the Place du Palais, the Castelroc serves Mediterranean cuisine inspired by local traditions, including Monegasque stockfish or stocafi. A quintessential dish that you will also find in the colourful streets of the old town, at La Montgolfière with its menu of contemporary takes on traditional offerings. Continuing through the narrow streets, just past the Place de la Visitation and the buildings that house the country’s political institutions, look out for a hidden treasure. With its homemade dishes and unrivalled atmosphere, the Club Bouliste du Rocher is the perfect place to relax in the shade on the restaurant’s terrace overlooking Port Hercule. A guaranteed change of scenery - especially if there happens to be a game of pétanque in progress!
Eat like Royalty
© Michael Alesi
If local experiences are what you seek, pique your curiosity with a visit to the Chocolaterie de Monaco, an institution founded in 1920 and the Official Supplier of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince. Monegasque crowns, Prince's rocks, and other gianduiotti chocolates can be enjoyed on-site or purchased as gifts for friends and family.
Lush seaside Dining
Brice Cachia and his Oysters at Les Perles de Monaco©Les Perles de Monaco
At Port Hercule, overlooking the sea, the Brasserie de Monaco invites visitors to taste its selection of beers brewed on-site using organic malts, in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Also by the water, this time at the Port of Fontvieille, is a rather special place. In a region where oyster farms are few and far between the Perles de Monte-Carlo offers the chance to appreciate their quite exceptional Monaco-raised oysters, along with all kinds of other seafood from clams to bream. These marine delights can be savoured on-site or purchased to take away.
Made in Monaco Highlights:
L'Orangerie Liqueur de Monaco © la Distillerie de Monaco
-Craft Beer at Brasserie de Monaco
-Locally made spirits at La Distillerie de Monaco
-Limoncello at La Maison du Limoncello
-Oysters raised in Monaco at Perles de Monte-Carlo
By France.fr
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