Il fornaio — Restaurant in Nice

When you visit Monte Carlo, you expect prices to be high and value difficult to find, but a short walk over the border (a couple of streets away from the port) and a few hidden gems are crying out to be found. Il Fornaio is prime amongst them.

The experience starts with the booking process. We booked via the Fork app. Our booking secured for a Wednesday evening; we were about to embark on the short walk to the restaurant when the phone rang. It was Stefano, the owner, full of apologies that the day had been busier than expected and as a result the best dishes were gone. We decided to defer our booking to lunch the following day.

Beausoleil is adjacent to Monte Carlo, narrow streets and interesting architecture give the feeling of a bustling town. We arrived right on time for our lunchtime table, announced ourselves. Minutes later the chef, in his whites, came out to greet us. A beautiful sunny day, he suggested that the dining room might be nicer. He was right. It was like being in someone’s parlour, replete with objets-d’art and curiosities. This was a room to enjoy any meal. What was to follow was a meal to enjoy anywhere.

Stefano, the Chef-Patron, took our order and upon reflection advised us that we had ordered too much food. A deletion later the enjoyment began. Burrata with Speck, lovely. Mains of Ravioli Bolognese, Tagliolini with gorgonzola & pistachio, and a penne alla pesto (specially done for the children) were all superb. The Tiramisu and the Cannoli desserts—sublime.

We finished the meal with excellent coffee. All for under €100 for four with wine and Evian! Superb value.

Stefano is clearly a very capable chef however he is an even better host. He alternated between stove and table with words of wisdom for each valued customer. He speaks four languages fluently. Ably supported by Victoria, Stefano’s Il Fornaio is a “must visit” particularly with the Grand Prix weekends about to start in Monte Carlo.

Grazie Stefano e Victoria.

Fino al nostro prossimo incontro,

Caroline, Mark, Isabelle, and Tom (La...

Chef Stefano and his delightful wife truly embody the essence of exceptional hospitality and culinary brilliance. Their restaurant exudes warmth and authenticity, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment we walked in, their genuine passion for food and people was palpable, creating an inviting and familial atmosphere. The Italian dishes they served were nothing short of divine, transporting my taste buds to the heart of Italy with each delectable bite. The flavors were an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation, crafted with the utmost care and expertise. Every dish seemed to reflect the chef's profound love for his craft, as each element on the plate harmoniously contributed to an explosion of delightful sensations and flavor we will never forget. I found myself savoring each mouthful, realizing that this meal could rival even my mother's cooking - a true testament to Chef Stefano's exceptional skills and dedication to perfection. The attention to detail and the use of the finest ingredients showcased a level of culinary mastery that is rare to come by. This dining experience undoubtedly stands as one of the most unforgettable culinary journeys I've ever...

5 stars is absolutely not enough. The food is tasty and great, and the service is awesome

Drinks: do yourself a favor and ask for a Limoncello Spritz. It's wonderful

Food: you have all the options for vegans, vegetarians, and lactose intolerants like me. It's absolutely tasty and great prepared, with a brilliant flavors mix and in nice serving sizes.

Prices: approx 35 eur / person. For Monaco, this is incredibly cheap with great quality

Service: This is the game changer. It turned this restaurant from nice to amazing. Chef Stefano wrote the day I made the reservation just to let me know that they will be waiting for us. When we arrived he was friendly and nice, not only with us but with everybody. He and his wife are amazing. He speaks great spanish, english, and portuguese besides the local languages.

*Pet Friendly: they accepted my dog to sit inside and spoiled her. It was simply wonderful

Don't think it twice and go to try the greatest italian...