The Best Bars and Restaurants in the South of France
While exploring art shows during the splendid summer months, Whitewall recommends finding rest and refreshment in the lap of luxury at these nearby culinary havens.
Courtesy of Maona.
Maona
The new Maona Monte-Carlo kicked off in June as the premier summer cabaret of Monaco. With rich history as a cherished nightlife destination in a terrace atop the rocks—once home to vibrant gatherings in the 1960s and 70s, seeing Aristotle Onassis, Prince Rainier, and Grace Kelly dance the night away—the space now offers exquisite shared meals and shimmering live performances. Today, its storied seasonal menu, rare cocktails, and festive music draw crowds from around the globe. In pursuit of a thoroughly authentic menu, local staff also share their prized family recipes, resulting in an offering of soulful dishes. Arrive at 7 p.m. for the full experience of the pianist, the Diva, and the DJ under an ethereal Mediterranean sky.
Whitewaller recommends: Celebrating with friends in the glistening Tam Tam room—a VIP gem that can accommodate 12 people, designed in homage to the stylish Josephine Baker.
Courtesy of Club La Vigie.
Club La Vigie
Club La Vigie, which also opened in June, offers a mod 1950s atmosphere in the form of a private club and lounge. Open to guests from noon to 8 p.m., the refined venue allows for ceremonious afternoons along the sun-drenched Mediterranean sea, which seamlessly make way for smoldering sunsets and romantic dinners; fresh haute cuisine and effervescent summer cocktails leave guests sensationally satisfied. With renowned musical programming, and decadent French House remixes that recall rhythms from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, every evening is a festival of love and light.
Whitewaller recommends: Reserving one of the club’s five private bungalows, famously known as the “Love Nests,” for a storybook evening.
Courtesy of COYA Monte-Carlo.
COYA Monte-Carlo
For the ultimate sensorial escape, COYA Monte-Carlo fully embraces Latin American culture, art, and cuisine. Energizing music by top-notch DJs flows throughout the picturesque bar and lounge, where visitors can be found enjoying superb cocktails and traditional dishes from the passionate Chef Victoria Vallenilla. Peruvian classics such as the Pisco Sour and the Nikkei Cooler pack a mesmeric punch, brimming with infusions of passion fruit, lychee, and jasmine. Unforgettable appetizers like the Margarita con Caviar make way for citrus-cured fish and Spicy Chilean Wagyu Rib-eye. Surrounded by compelling art across COYA’s walls, guests may luxuriate after dinner with hookahs and otherworldly sea views.
Whitewaller recommends: Ordering the one-of-a-kind Dream Catcher Sharing Cocktail—a blend of Kaffir lime leaves infused with Yaguara Cachaça, complemented by green matcha and coconut cream.
Courtesy of Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo.
Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo
Buddha-Bar is a lively two-floor combination of bar, restaurant, and lounge, majestically designed in homage to the Garnier Opera House in Paris. Fused with the elegance of Ancient Asia, the intimate space is a soulful, stylish hideaway in the South of France, never ceasing to amaze its international visitors and glitterati. Immersed in glowing, multi-colored lighting and sumptuous seating, guests revel in innovative Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and South-East Asian cuisine spearheaded by Monaco’s own Chef Eric Guillemaud. The distinguished Papadia Donato, aka DJ Papa, spins hypnotic world beats over the Lounge Bar, where mystical nights unfold for all.
Whitewaller recommends: Leaving it up to Chef Eric with the glamorous Omakase Sushi Experience.
