From atmospheric dinners at GAIA Monte-Carlo to late-night revelry at NYX Monte-Carlo, this dual-venue concept takes guests on a seamless progression from refined dining to after-dark energy in the heart of Monaco.
In the colder months, when several French Riviera hotspots take a seasonal pause, Monaco continues to thrive. Among the principality’s most sought-after addresses this winter is GAIA Monte-Carlo, a restaurant and lounge pairing that offers a sophisticated setting for winter dining and celebrations. Open throughout the year, GAIA has become a reliable and stylish choice for those looking to enjoy the Principality in all weathers.
Created by hospitality visionaries Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, GAIA takes inspiration from its namesake, the Greek Goddess of Earth, weaving heritage and modern Mediterranean cooking into a menu shaped by quality ingredients and technique. The concept is rooted in authenticity and Greek hospitality, resulting in a dining experience that feels refined and yet welcoming.
Located in the heart of Monte Carlo, just set back from the bustle of Casino Square, the restaurant’s warm, elegant interior makes it ideal for long winter lunches or celebratory evenings. The menu—designed to be shared—brings together signature mezze, impeccably fresh seafood and slow-cooked meats, with each dish reflecting the region’s culinary traditions through a contemporary lens. Recommended starters include a baked feta served with honey and olive oil, a crisp Greek salad bright with tomatoes, cucumbers and Kalamata olives, and succulent lamb meatballs simmered in rich tomato-oregano sauce.
One of GAIA’s highlights is its approach to seafood. Guests are invited to choose from an impressive display of fresh fish, charged by weight and presented at the table before it is carved—the fish is expertly deboned and plated for ease, and a touch of theatre.
The experience extends beyond the dining room to the terrace, where tables are framed by beautiful bougainvillea and soft pink geraniums that bring a romantic, Mediterranean note to the setting. A DJ adds to the atmosphere with a carefully chosen soundtrack, making the space feel as suited to a leisurely lunch as it is to a lively evening with friends.
For those looking to continue the night, NYX Monaco offers an atmospheric club experience with the exclusivity often associated with private lounges. Located a two-minute stroll from the restaurant and hidden behind a discreet entrance, the venue, named after the Greek Goddess of the Night and sister of Gaia, has been imagined as a members-only speakeasy. Designed by award-winning studio First Within, the characterful space is dressed in dark, glamorous tones that create a sense of intimacy from the moment you step inside.
The cocktail list is carefully curated with Champagne-led signatures sitting alongside the South Side, a refined take on a classic blend of gin, lemon, sugar and mint. Open from 9pm, the lounge offers a relaxed, low-lit setting before shifting into a vibrant late-night destination. Resident and guest DJs play house, deep house and afro-influenced sets, supported by an impressive sound system. For those seeking something more private, a dedicated lounge can even be transformed into a personal karaoke room.
The two venues form a single concept, created to take guests from dinner to after-dark glamour with style. Together, GAIA and NYX offer one of Monaco’s most compelling winter experiences: exceptional Mediterranean dining followed by a refined after-dark escape. Step inside and, even on the darkest of winter evenings, the season feels a world away.
