Can we let you in on a secret? Les Perles de Monte-Carlo is something of a hidden gem amongst Monaco restaurants. Ask the locals and many don’t know of its existence. That’s because it wasn’t originally a restaurant but Monaco’s only oyster farm, the famous “Perles de Monte-Carlo”. They opened the restaurant as a sideline to make the most of the incredible location and haven’t looked back since.
Les Perles de Monte-Carlo Review
The owners, Brice and Frédéric, are charming marine biologists, originally from Brittany in France. They have used their technical skills and the particular quality of the water to produce exceptional sea bream, oysters and sea bass.
They sell their sea food to the very best hotels and restaurants in Monaco and France and invited us for a taste of it.
As their work takes place inside the building, seating is almost exclusively outside. Whilst this might not work too well somewhere like London, in Monte-Carlo it’s sunny virtually the whole year round.
You’ll dine right next to the rocks, and if you start whistling “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”, it’s perfectly understandable ;-). On top of the hill or Rock, as it’s known, you can see the Cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married, just one of the many visitor attractions in the area.
Believe it or not, we ate here in December. You can soak up the sun, and enjoy a glass of delicious rosé wine.
Dining at Les Perles de Monte-Carlo
At Les Perles de Monte-Carlo, the menu is quite simple and everyone has the same tasty starters. As the owners have travelled extensively and spent time living in the Far East, it’s a great selection of mezze including hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh salad and baba ganoush dip with aubergine, onions and tomatoes.
Next we feasted on giant prawns, with a fantastic texture and flavour. They looked very appetizing, nestled on their bed of ice.
However the price for best looking seafood must surely go to this rock lobster, ordered by a fellow diner. It sent everyone present into a frenzy of photo snapping 😉
Our main course was a succulent sea bass with a very distinctive taste. They’re fed sardines here, giving them a really unique flavour.
The accompanying purple potatoes are packed with antioxidants. Some experts believe that they can help beat cancer as they contain a starch that boosts the immune system of the gut. In tests they helped to halt the growth of bowel cancer. At any rate, they taste great.
For dessert, try the homemade salted caramel ice cream and raspberry sorbet. It makes a light but satisfying end to a wonderful meal.
Whilst we savoured our desserts, we watched this dog cavorting around on the rocks. He was having as good a time as we were.
After our meal, Brice kindly showed us around his workplace…We loved the fact that his son also works there, it’s a real family affair.
There’s a cheerful pirate theme going on inside.
Les Perles has a private dining room that can be hired out for events. The windows have unspoilt views over the bay.
The oysters are hatched here, then taken to Brittany to mature and finally returned to Monte-Carlo where they are affined. One interesting aspect of the aquaculture is that there are tubes bringing water directly from the Mediterranean.
Therefore, if something were to go wrong with the fish here, it would be an advanced warning call that a disaster has happened in the Ocean. For now, all the fish are thriving, like this beauty!
We can’t recommend Les Perles de Monte-Carlo highly enough and we promise that you won’t be disappointed if you visit. Its a very casual place and they don’t have a website or email, so you’ll need to book by phone but it’s worth the effort.
We’re already plotting my return to Les Perles and to Monaco. Don’t forget to climb up the stairs next to the restaurant, where you’ll find a deck beloved of local fishermen. The views towards the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco are fantastic.
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Les Perles de Monte-Carlo, Quai Jean-Charles Rey, 98000 Monaco
Book by phone: +377 97 77 84 31
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Beautifull place!!! and I love the dishes there are so funny!!!
First trip “Urban Château” totally Milan inspired World of Fairytales
It really is a stunning location and the rock lobster looked amazing!
Gorgeous!! I love the fact that you sat right on the rocks!
It almost felt like a dream being there, it was so idyllic!
I have to return to Monaco! Clearly just one long afternoon wasn’t enough. I missed out on the Oceanographic Museum and all… and next time I will go with a friend so I can enjoy great meals as well.
www.luxessed.com
You still managed to cram lots in. I missed the Botanical Garden so definitely want to see that next time
I’ve never really thought about visiting Monaco but after seeing this delicious food I think I need to plan a trip!
Sophie
x
A Story of a Girl
It’s one of those destinations that really repays a visit – the food is fantastic and actually quite reasonable in many places
Purple potatoes? Why I haven’t seen them before! Sea bass is one of my favourite fish, it just tastes so good! This place and the food looks good!
Ela BellaWorld
You should definitely try some purple potatoes Ela, they’re very tasty!
Sunshine and seafood in the South of France – just what’s needed to cheer up this grey and freezing cold January!
Yes, wish I was back there right now! Let’s hope January warms up a bit
such a great place,the food looks delicious
The food really was fantastic and it was such a lovely experience
Mmmmm as a seafood addict, this looks heavenly! Those giant prawns look great. Your last few posts have really made me want to visit Monte Carlo!
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
I’ve got a few more foodie Monte-Carlo posts coming up, it really was a great place for restaurants!
I will be dying to eat in here.
Fresh seafood is my fave!
That lobster makes me crave right now.
http://www.thebandwagonchic.com/
We didn’t try the lobster though it looked very impressive! Will make sure to do so if we go back
I love seafood!!!!! Great place!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
You have to try this place when you’re next in Monte-Carlo, Paola – great for photo shoots too!
What a lovely location and so close to the water! As always, my eyes are drawn to the desserts – they look delicious – and for some reason, it strikes me as a very ‘happy’ place 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
You’re right Gabrielle, it’s a very happy place due in part to the relaxed owners I think
Before I became veggie, seafood was my favourite thing to eat! This all looks lovely and the location is stunning.
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I really like seafood as it’s so healthy yet filling. They do also have some great vegetarian mezze and mains
Such wonderful weather for December! Worth a visit just for the gorgeous views alone, me thinks 🙂
We were so lucky, it was great to get a dose of sunshine and take in those views
*starts whilsting & craving amazing seafood*
Very understandable Emma 😉
This looks spectacular! Thanks for sharing the background and behind the scenes. The food looks so appetizing and delicious. Have to get to Monte Carlo!
Http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
You’ll love it in Monte-Carlo, it’s glam but very unpretentious
This looks AMAZING. I’ve always wanted to go. And now I’m craving lobster 😛
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
I can see why you want to visit, Pia!
I love finding great restaurants! That food looks so fresh and yummy and what pretty views!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
This is one of those gems that I almost wanted to keep to myself, but I just had to share 😉
This looks like such a beautiful restaurant and the food looks divine!
Best Wishes,
Camille xo
www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
The food was amazing, so fresh and healthy
Beautiful place and the food looks so yummy, I hope I can visit there one day 🙂
imaginarymi
Fingers crossed that you get the chance, thanks for stopping by
Absolutely amazing pictures!! Les Perles deMonte-carlo seems worth visiting. Thanks for sharing your Experience and thoughts in the Post.
My pleasure, we were blessed with great weather for the photos and our lunch that day
What a beautiful place, I wish I was there right now
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
I do too, it’s grey and a bit chilly in London
I absolutely adore a family owned restaurant, just has such a lovely vibe and I often find that they really take care of you/go the extra mile. The food sounds absolutely delicious too, what a treat!
Elle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
That’s so true, family run places like this have an extra friendly atmosphere
Such a cute restaurant! I have never seen purple potatoes before, would love to try them some time.
Ash | Liakada
They taste quite similar to normal ones but with a bit more savouriness
That food and scenery is basically my idea of Heaven *swoon*
C x | Lux Life
I’m a big fan of seafood! That place is perfect for a healthy lunch! The view is so so beautiful! Thanks for sharing this lovely place! Have an amazing week, Suze!
xx
cvetybaby.com
Now doesn’t Mr Luxe look dapper, nothing beats fresh fish by the sea. Lobster is a favourite Lucy x
Delicious sea food… your husband’s outfit is so classy!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
I know this post is about the food, but I’m in love with those plates and dishes. So pretty!