Café de Paris is the most prominently situated brasserie in Monaco, occupying the corner of the Place du Casino opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris. It has operated in some form since the mid-nineteenth century and claims the historic distinction of being the birthplace of the Crêpe Suzette in 1895, when a young assistant waiter — Henri Charpentier, in the most widely told version — accidentally flambéed a sauce for the Prince of Wales and presented the result as a new creation. The contemporary Café de Paris operates on a vast scale relative to most Monaco restaurant addresses: it seats several hundred covers across an interior of polished marble floors, mirrored walls, belle époque lamps, and a terrace that spreads across the Place du Casino with front-row views of the casino's facades and the parade of supercars that circles the square. The menu covers the full brasserie range: steak tartare, croque-monsieur, club sandwich, moules marinières, and seasonal fish preparations, alongside the house Crêpe Suzette flambéed table-side. Prices are Monaco-scaled; a full brasserie meal with wine typically costs €60–100 per person. The Café operates from 08:00 through to 02:00, making it one of the few Monaco dining options available for late-evening supper after the casino. The terrace is the most sought-after component; booking or early arrival is advisable to secure a square-facing position.
Signature dishes
- Steak tartare
- Crêpe Suzette (invented here)
- Club sandwich
Good to know
- Known for
- Historic Monaco brasserie opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo; birthplace of the Crêpe Suzette in 1895
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–02:00
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
43.7395, 7.4275 View on map
Highlights
- Place du Casino terrace — front-row view of Monaco's Casino de Monte-Carlo
- Birthplace of the Crêpe Suzette in 1895: the dish is still flambéed table-side
- Open from 08:00 to 02:00 — one of Monaco's few late-night dining options
- Classic French brasserie menu in the grandest setting in the principality
- Steak tartare and moules marinières prepared to reliable standards at all hours
Tips for visiting
- Request a terrace table facing the casino when booking — interior tables miss the primary reason to come.
- The Crêpe Suzette is best ordered for two and presented as the dessert course; ask the waiter to flambé it table-side.
- Prices are significantly higher than equivalent brasserie fare in Nice or Cannes — budget accordingly.
- The café is ideal for a late supper after an evening at the casino; service continues until 02:00.
- Breakfast at Café de Paris (08:00–11:00) on an empty Place du Casino is the most peaceful time to experience the setting.
Accessibility
The Café de Paris has a flat, wide entrance from the Place du Casino. The interior dining rooms and main terrace are accessible at ground level. Monaco has lift access across most of the Casino Square infrastructure. Contact the restaurant for specific requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Crêpe Suzette genuinely invented here?
The Café de Paris is the most widely cited location for the 1895 invention, attributed to Henri Charpentier. The historical record is somewhat disputed, but the dish has been associated with this address for over a century.
How expensive is a meal at Café de Paris?
Mains run €25–45. A full meal with wine per person typically costs €60–100 — high by French standards but consistent with Monaco's pricing across most venues.
Is it possible to visit just for coffee or drinks?
Yes. The café serves coffee, drinks, and snacks throughout the day without requiring a full meal. The terrace is particularly pleasant for an afternoon coffee.
Is booking required?
Reservations are not strictly required, but booking a terrace table is advisable, particularly at lunch and dinner during the peak Monaco summer season.