Monaco, 2023

Café de Paris Monte Carlo

Cafe de Paris in Monte Carlo is the epitome of timeless glamour, where opulent interiors and a bold design palette create an immersive, all-day experience. The space exudes sophistication with a modern take on the classic French brasserie.

The café itself reopens in a two-floor reinvention by David Collins Studio, with a ground-floor bistro illuminated by the historic stained-glass windows, and a second-floor restaurant offering refined fair and, best of all, a 2,150-square-foot terrace with never-bettered views of the place and its fashionable populations.

Jesse Doris, Surface

On the ground floor, the refined bistro atmosphere welcomes residents and passers-by in a magnified Art Nouveau setting. With restored historic stained-glass windows, chequered marble, terrazzo mosaics, leather and wood panelling, shades of green, pastel pink and burgundy, and a high ceiling, all the classic codes of French brasserie are reunited with particular attention on lighting.

Vicky Lewis, Hospitality Interiors

On the ground floor, in the heart of the brasserie – which David Collins Studio imagined as ‘the ultimate grand café’ and infused with Art Nouveau references – linear booths are cushioned by red-wine-coloured leather. Each booth is separated by dark wood panelling and spectacular stained-glass, zodiac-themed dividers, with warm lighting that sets an intimate mood.

Tianna Williams, Wallpaper*

Situated at the heart of Place du Casino, the reimagined Café de Paris Monte Carlo has undergone a transformative 19-month renovation, reaffirming its status as a timeless icon of the Principality. Commissioned by Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, this legendary brasserie has been revitalised with an emphasis on preserving its Belle Époque charm while embracing modern sophistication.

The design draws on the venue’s Art Nouveau heritage, with its restored stained-glass Zodiac screens serving as a central inspiration. These vibrant panels, depicting celestial motifs, now frame intimate dining spaces, while green Vere Tinos marble columns punctuate the ground floor, adding rhythm and grandeur. Bespoke terrazzo mosaics in soft greens, dusty pinks, and burgundy complement the checkerboard marble flooring, creating an interplay of texture and colour that references classic Parisian brasseries.

Central to the design is a dramatic double-height wine display, encircled by an asymmetric sweeping staircase with a Bordeaux red carpet and polished brass rods. This structure connects the vibrant ground floor to the more intimate first floor, where darker tones of burgundy and rich oak dominate. The upstairs features parquet de Versailles flooring, bespoke furnishings upholstered in ribbed velvet, and a 200-square-metre terrace offering panoramic views of the Casino gardens.

The artistic narrative extends throughout the brasserie. Louise de Lima’s mixed-media pieces, created using archival photographs and menus, provide a nostalgic nod to the Café’s illustrious history, while Coline Rohart’s vivid oil paintings capture the dynamic landscapes of the Riviera. Handcrafted lighting, including floral and shell-inspired sconces, adds a layer of refinement, with materials such as opal glass and polished brass reinforcing the connection to the Café’s Art Nouveau roots.

Café de Paris Monte Carlo celebrates the fusion of historic craftsmanship and contemporary luxury, offering a design narrative as compelling as its setting in the heart of Monaco.

Photography courtesy of Société des Bains de Mer