Overlooking the sea, at the far end of the Monte-Carlo Beach Relais & Châteaux, La Vigie Zanoni is getting a makeover and kicking off a new culinary season by entrusting its kitchen to Simone Zanoni, a chef who, in recent years, has forged his own identity by drawing on his Italian roots and reinterpreting them with a contemporary twist.
Official Photos of La Vigie Zanoni Monte Carlo
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The project bears his name and embodies a specific vision of hospitality. The concept draws inspiration from the Italian Dolce Vita, but avoids reducing it to a mere exercise in nostalgia. Instead, Zanoni chooses to interpret that world through a vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, built on seasonality and the quality of ingredients, with a particular focus on seafood. Working alongside him is resident chef Sacha Perrin, with whom he shares the same culinary philosophy. The menu ranges from timeless classics to personal interpretations. Among the signature dishes are raw tuna with strawberries, arancini, and some of the pasta dishes that have come to define Zanoni’s culinary universe, such as tortellini alla carbonara, ravioli stuffed with braised veal shoulder, and ravioli with three types of ricotta. These dishes embody a recognizable Italian cuisine that is nonetheless open to new textures and flavor combinations.
The rhythm of the day also changes the character of the restaurant. At lunch, the menu features fresh flavors and dishes designed for sharing, while in the evening the atmosphere becomes more intimate, and the view of the Mediterranean complements a dining experience that emphasizes elegance without sacrificing a sense of togetherness. The interiors reflect this same vision through a color palette inspired by the hues of the sun, with references to lemons and bees—elements that have become an integral part of the chef’s visual narrative in his latest projects. Trained in Europe’s most prestigious kitchens, Simone Zanoni cemented his reputation at the helm of Le George at the Four Seasons Hotel in Paris, where he developed a refined Mediterranean cuisine. His arrival at La Vigie represents another milestone in this journey and confirms his desire to bring his vision of Italian gastronomy to one of the most exclusive destinations on the French Riviera.
The collaboration with Sacha Perrin stems precisely from this shared vision: to highlight Italian flavors through seasonality, authenticity, and balance, letting the ingredients guide each dish. Even the journey to the restaurant helps make it special. La Vigie can be reached by walking through the pine forest that starts at Monte-Carlo Beach or by sea, thanks to a private pier designed for those arriving by boat during a day trip along the coast. This detail reinforces the connection to the Mediterranean and to a lifestyle that has always defined this place.
The history of the establishment dates back to the 1930s, when La Vigie became part of the Société des Bains de Mer. Although closely associated with the Principality of Monaco, the venue is located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, on French territory. Today, this historic venue is embarking on a new chapter, entrusting its kitchen to a chef who has made contemporary Italian cuisine the hallmark of his career, in a setting where panoramic views, hospitality, and fine dining come together as one.
