La Montgolfière — Henri Geraci
8.1Friend Score / 10#3 of 18 Restaurants in Monaco
Known forblack codfoie gras makituna tartare with avocadoteriyaki-marinated cod
A roughly 20-seat family-run gem hidden on Rue Basse in the old town, where Monaco-born chef Henri Geraci cooks Mediterranean food with Asian accents from his travels. Lunch is a steal for Monaco (mains €16-31 off the slate); dinner menus run €59-70. Book ahead — with this few seats, walking in rarely works. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Monaco-Ville (the Rock) — CAM buses 1 and 2 to Monaco-Ville/Place de la Visitation, then a short walk; from the port it's a steep 15-minute climb |
| Time needed | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Lunch on a weekday, when the old town crowds thin and the slate menu is best value |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.1/10- Value8.0
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level7.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is it Michelin-starred?
- No star, but it's listed in the Michelin Guide and widely considered one of the best-value serious kitchens in the Principality. The chef trained in top houses before opening his own place.
- Where is it exactly?
- 16 Rue Basse, a narrow lane in Monaco-Ville a few steps from the Prince's Palace square. It's easy to walk past — the entrance is discreet.
- What kind of food is it?
- Mediterranean base with Asian influences from chef Henri Geraci's travels — think local fish and seasonal produce with Thai or Japanese accents. The menu changes with the seasons and his inspiration.
- What days is it open?
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner — closed Wednesday and Sunday. Confirm when booking, as small family places adjust for holidays.
- How do I get up to Monaco-Ville without the climb?
- Take CAM bus 1 or 2 to the Monaco-Ville stops, or drive into the Parking des Pêcheurs and ride the lifts up. Walking up from the port is a steep 15 minutes.
- Is it touristy given the old town location?
- Rue Basse is tourist-central by day, but La Montgolfière's tiny room fills with regulars and food-focused visitors rather than tour groups. It feels like eating in someone's home, deliberately.
- Do I need to book La Montgolfière in advance?
- Yes, genuinely — there are only about 20 seats and the chef's wife runs the room. Call +377 97 98 61 59 a few days out, more for weekend dinner.
- How much does it cost?
- Lunch is the bargain: starters around €13-16, mains €16-31, desserts €8 from the daily slate. Dinner is a 3-course menu at €59 or 4 courses at €70.
Nearby in Ask Monaco
- Musée du Palais Princier (State Apartments of the Prince's Palace)Museum0.08 km · 1 min walk
- U CavagnetuRestaurant0.11 km · 1 min walk
- Prince's Palace (Palais Princier)Attraction0.12 km · 1 min walk
- Plage de FontvieilleBeach0.12 km · 1 min walk
- Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens et Collection des Archives Historiques du PalaisMuseum0.16 km · 2 min walk
Where to stay near La Montgolfière — Henri Geraci
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