I think what I love most are the slightly hidden places. The ones you hear about in hushed tones. An address whispered over dinner. A name slipped discreetly into a conversation. And for the past few weeks, one name keeps coming back: SEN. I feel almost guilty revealing the details… because between you and me, it’s so much better to be surprised…
Tucked away in the heart of Le Meridien Beach Plaza, this new gastronomic Japanese table is a true immersion into Japanese culture. I promise you, it feels like Japan has landed in the Principality. SEN literally means the number 1000 in Japanese, and paired with its logo, it symbolises excellence and abundance. Here, everything has been designed the Japanese way: from the decor to the hospitality, the Chef and, of course, the plate.
Imagined by the Kodera family, the essential reference in Monegasque gastronomy, SEN was conceived as a true Japanese speakeasy. In other words: a discreet, almost secret address, where you enter like a hidden refuge far from the bustle of Monaco. And above all, you have to look for it before you find it.
From the entrance, the atmosphere is immediately striking. Soft lighting, acoustic wood, minimalist lines, deep textures… Studio ARCHIEE, with Japanese architect USUKE, designed an ultra-sensory space inspired by contemporary Tokyo codes. A decor that never tries to impress, but rather to make you feel something.
In the kitchen, chef Hiroki Hiyama brings the same philosophy. Trained in Tokyo, then in Kyoto, London and Italy, he offers an extremely pure approach to Japanese gastronomy: absolute respect for the produce, precision in every gesture, and seasonality at the heart of it all. Nigiri, sashimi, omakase… here, there’s no unnecessary showmanship. Every detail feels perfectly calibrated. You can choose the OMAKASE, placing total trust in the Chef (dinner only), at the bar or a la carte. A lunch formula is also available: starter, main, dessert, water, coffee (48 euros).
But what makes SEN particularly interesting is perhaps this desire to offer more than just a meal. The service draws on omotenashi, the Japanese art of hospitality, where every attention remains discreet, almost invisible. An oshibori presented with delicacy, a silent gesture, a constant sense of fluidity…
More than a culinary experience, SEN is a gastronomic journey. And something tells me this address will quickly become one of the most sought-after in Monaco.
SEN Monaco – Le Meridien Beach Plaza, 22 av Princesse Grace. Reservations: +377 37 70 43 47 — www.senmonaco.com
