The rebirth of an iconic Monaco establishment
For more than two years, the Monegasque Palace had closed one of the Principality's most prized restaurants (Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo** 2004-2020 and Restaurant du Métropole** 2020-2021) in preparation for a major renovation.
Summer 2023 marks the opening of a new gastronomic establishment, located in the heart of the elegant Hôtel Métropole and orchestrated by talented chef Christophe Cussac.
August 2023. A look back at an admirable dinner where we had the privilege of discovering this exceptional new restaurant....
On this warm summer evening, we enter the prestigious Monegasque palace, discovering a refined yet intimate universe, leaving behind the vibrant hubbub of the Principality...
A totally reinvented design
As soon as you enter the new dining room, you're struck by the sheer size of the space and the luminosity it exudes. Jacques Garcia, the architect in charge of the renovation, completely redesigned the décor in a resolutely luminous style, featuring tones such as bronze, yellow, ivory and gold. The result is a prestigious, convivial and spectacular atmosphere... the wow effect is guaranteed! Vast bay windows open onto the city.
A new challenge for chef Christophe Cussac
A former student of Joël Robuchon, the chef joined the establishment in 2004 to oversee the culinary offering at the Métropole Monte-Carlo, in collaboration with his multi-starred master. Since then, he has managed the kitchens of the hotel's prestigious restaurant, earning two Michelin stars in 2006. Following the death of Joël Robuchon in 2018, the restaurant had to be renovated, and the COVID-19 pandemic forced its temporary closure.
Today, Christophe Cussac is embarking on a new adventure with a restaurant that bears his name! He offers a menu that resembles him, marked by his own identity, without being a copy of the Robuchon style (with the exception of the famous purée): a cuisine that is both delicate and sophisticated, and that shines through its ultra-technical simplicity.
over time," he says, "I've learned to simplify, to go straight to the products, without complicating them
The Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo's historic restaurant, inaugurated in 1920, was known as "Les Ambassadeurs". Today, this prestigious establishment pays tribute to its past by proudly displaying Christophe Cussac's signature, guaranteeing an exceptional culinary experience.
Time for a tasting..
Comfortably seated on the terrace, we begin our culinary journey with the arrival of the in-house baker and his impressive bread cart! Enthralled by the profusion, we remain stoic so as not to let our greed get the better of us and be prematurely satiated! We wisely sample just a few atypical breads, each as delicious as the next.
The maître d' explains the menu's variations and we opt for the "fines bouchées", an ideal solution for discovering the diversity of the menu with dishes served in smaller quantities. The parade of flavors begins with the sublime tartare de Sar, cannelloni de caviar, followed by the famous sardine marinated in caviar and Menton lemon, tian de rouget de roche, lobster lasagne and baby lamb chops, not forgetting the legendary house purée!
All our dishes were of course accompanied by precious beverages, and the sommelier was able to surprise us by blindly suggesting appellations that were not in our preferences! An excellent, light white wine from Alsace, the Chasselas Wolfhag from the Zusslin family, followed by a great Burgundy wine, a Pinot Noir Savigny les Beaune from Michel Noëllat's domaine.
We were obliged to skip the cheeses, even though they were very much on our minds, to conclude with the sublime dessert cart! It was time to indulge our sweet tooth, as our appetite had disappeared for good! A myriad of sweet treats to sample, including a lemon tartlet (a big favorite), a chocolate religieuse and an invigorating fruit salad! We rounded off this dream dinner with delicious red and white macaroons in the colors of Monaco.
Our verdict?
It's "very, very good", as our friends on Paris Première would say! An address of excellence, staff as friendly as they are professional, a chic atmosphere without being pretentious, impeccable service and a resolutely talented chef.
#CoupDeCoeuPetitFute
RESTAURANT LES AMBASSADEURS BY CHRISTOPHE CUSSAC
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, 4 Avenue de la Madone BP 19, MC 98007 Monaco
Open Thursday to Monday for dinner only: 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Reservations: +377 93 15 15 10
Tasting menu at €295
