I’d been waiting for this address. Ever since the caviar house closed. I walked past it for months, trying to catch a glimpse of what the place would become. Well, it’s happened! Le Fernet Monte-Carlo opened its doors just a month ago, and ever since, all of Monaco has been flocking there. You absolutely need to book a table if you want a spot! Some addresses you can just tell are going to be good before you’ve even pushed open the door, and this Monegasque take on a Parisian brasserie is one of them.

The story of Le Fernet was born from a simple moment: someone wasn’t feeling quite themselves, and the idea took shape over a generous meal among friends. The goal: to create a gourmet refuge where you come as much to recharge as to indulge. The result? A decor by Parisian interior architect Rodolphe Parente (trained under Andree Putman), which plays beautifully with warm woodwork, patinated brass, white tablecloths and soft lighting. You could easily believe you’re in a timeless grand Parisian brasserie, with the added bonus of that Mediterranean softness that smooths everything over.

In the kitchen, chef Mathieu Dorlac is at the helm. His philosophy? A cuisine he proudly calls “canaille”, rustic, generous, direct, elevated by precise cooking and respect for the produce. Reworked brasserie classics, Mediterranean fish, prime meats, seasonal vegetables and desserts rooted in French pastry heritage. The menu evolves with the seasons, with fresh spring dishes now on offer. On the wine side, head sommelier Florine Huby has put together a lovely selection of French and local terroirs, with some real discoveries in store. There’s no set lunch menu, but a weekly rotation: a different dish of the day, every day.

Le Fernet is exactly the kind of place Monaco needed: neither too stiff nor too casual. You can come for a weekday lunch, dinner on a Friday night (until 11pm!), or just to sip a drink at aperitif time between 5pm and 7pm. Pascal Cotillon, the director, sums up the spirit of the house perfectly: “At Le Fernet, happiness is homemade.” I can confirm it, and I’ll be back very soon.

Agathe’s little tip: booking is a must! Don’t hesitate to ask Florine for wine advice, she comes straight from the Louis XV and her selections are brilliant!

Le Fernet Monte-Carlo – 1 avenue Saint-Charles, Monaco – Lunch 12pm-2:30pm – Dinner 7pm-10:30pm (11pm Fri & Sat) – Aperitif 5pm-7pm – Closed Sunday evening – Reservations: +377 93 30 80 06 – lefernet.com