An early adopter of the ‘clubstaurant’ vibe, the Amazonico concept was first introduced to the good people of Madrid by husband-and-wife team Sandro Silva and Marta Seco back in 2016. Since then, its blossomed: the London iteration followed in 2018 and has been a mainstay on the swanky Berkeley Square circuit ever since. An equally swanky Dubai outpost launched in 2019.
This month, though, the Latin American-inspired concept returns to European shores with the opening of Amazonico Monte Carlo, which launched amid an expectedly grand party, attended by the Prince of Monaco himself, HSH Prince Albert II.
In the same vein as its elder siblings, Amazonico Monte Carlo is already promising to be a riot of wild décor, punchy flavors and late-night dinners; “quiet” is not the vibe here. Later this year, Amazonico is touted to be heading over the Atlantic for its first stateside opening in the party mecca that is Miami – watch this space.
[See also: The Best Restaurants in Monaco]
While the Amazonico concept now spans continents, the initial idea for a buzzy, Latin American-inspired restaurant was the brainchild of co-founder, Silva. Inspired by his upbringing in Brazil and subsequent travels, Silva created his inaugural Madrid menu around a culinary journey along the Amzon.
Together with his partner in life and work, Seco, he has created a number of successful food and drink destinations under the Paraguas Group umbrella since 2004.
[See also: Jara by Martín Berasategui Opens in The Lana Hotel, Dubai]
Amazonico Monte Carlo’s menu wisely doesn’t veer too far away from that of its predecessors and that founding Latin American influence still weaves its way through. However, there are plenty of other things to discover, from a gourmet sushi selection to a full caviar service (served with guac, to keep things on brand).
The star of the show are charcoal-cooked meats: think racks of lamb, baby chicken and even a Chilean wagyu. If you’re in the mood to push the boat out, get the sharing T-bone. Accompanying ‘Amazonico Bites’ are a bit more international – there is duck croquettes and fried frogs legs.
The drinks list is as fun-loving (and extensive) as you’d expect, with a serious number of fun, fruity cocktails and a staggering wine menu. There are a lot of French labels (champagne service is a big deal, here), but you’ll find a lot of South American varieties too.
[See also: The Chefs with the Most Michelin-starred Restaurants]
Again, Amazonico is sticking to its tried and tested formula here – after all, as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke – so you can expect some out-and-out lavishness.
Located at the top of the recently renovated Le Café de Paris, a grand alfresco terrace, complete with Amazon-esque foliage, acts as a chic place to absorb the European sun. The views here are excellent too, with one of the best vantages of Monaco’s Golden Square and, when the time rolls around, the Formula 1 racecourse.
Inside, its classic Amazonico glamour, with lush palms, rich jewel tones and gilded edges at every turn. For those who distain at the thought of ending the night after dinner, The Club, hidden away at the bottom of a leopard-print staircase, beckons. Open til late, the glitzy destination is set to host world-class DJs.
Amazonico Monte Carlo, Place. du Casino, 98000 Monaco, amazonicorestaurant.com
[See also: The Most Significant Restaurant Openings of 2023]