Blast From the Past: Monaco's Beloved Waterfront Gathering Place Returns as Stars of Monaco

 

For many residents of Monaco, the announcement feels less like the launch of a new restaurant and more like the return of an old friend.

 

In a move that is already generating excitement across the Principality, the iconic waterfront venue at 6 Quai Antoine Ier is preparing for a new chapter with the arrival of Stars of Monaco, a concept that revives the community-first spirit that made Stars’N’Bars one of Monaco’s most cherished destinations for more than three decades.

 

Set to officially open on June 16, Stars of Monaco represents a nostalgic return to the atmosphere, energy and inclusiveness that transformed the original Stars’N’Bars into far more than a restaurant. For countless residents, it was a second living room — a place where children grew up, friendships were formed, business ideas were born and visitors were welcomed into the unique social fabric of Monaco.

 

When Stars’N’Bars first opened in 1993, it quickly became one of the Principality’s most recognizable gathering places. Families shared meals overlooking Port Hercule, sports fans packed the venue during major events, and locals from every corner of society found themselves drawn to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that became its trademark.

 

Following the passing of co-founder Kate Powers, the venue entered a period of transition with the introduction of Marius, a more refined dining concept that sought to reimagine the historic address. While Marius brought its own identity to the waterfront location, many residents continued to long for the vibrant community spirit that had made Stars’N’Bars such a beloved institution.

 

Now, after listening to years of feedback from loyal patrons and the wider Monaco community, the venue’s operators have chosen to embrace those roots once again.

The result is Stars of Monaco — a concept that combines the warmth and familiarity of the past with a contemporary approach designed for today’s Monaco.

 

At its heart is a simple philosophy: create a place where everyone feels comfortable, whether stopping in for a quick coffee, a business lunch, after-work drinks, a family dinner or an evening with friends. Rather than catering to a narrow audience, Stars of Monaco aims to become a destination for all generations and all occasions.

 

The social calendar reflects that ambition. Happy Hour gatherings, Girls Night events, Aperitivo evenings, live Jazz Nights and themed weekend celebrations are all planned as part of a broader effort to restore the sense of connection and spontaneity that once defined the venue. The bar area will once again become a focal point of the experience, bringing people together through live entertainment, special events and the revival of several cocktails remembered fondly by long-time patrons.

 

The menu also delivers a healthy dose of nostalgia.

 

Many of the signature dishes that became synonymous with Stars’N’Bars are making a highly anticipated comeback. Guests can once again enjoy the famous guacamole, cheese nachos, signature salads, legendary burgers and the much-loved Banana Split that became a rite of passage for generations of Monaco families.

 

Alongside these familiar favourites, the kitchen will introduce a selection of contemporary dishes showcasing premium ingredients including Puglian burrata, fresh truffle, wild king prawns and Charolais beef, creating a menu that balances comfort with culinary refinement.

 

Perhaps the most celebrated return of all is the Kids Club.

 

For years, it was one of the defining features that set Stars’N’Bars apart from virtually every other venue in Monaco. Under the new concept, the Kids Club will once again welcome young visitors every evening, offering supervised entertainment, dedicated activities and a safe space for children while parents enjoy the waterfront setting. 

 

A dedicated children’s menu and family-focused facilities further reinforce the venue’s commitment to remaining one of the Principality’s most family-friendly destinations.

 

While Stars of Monaco draws heavily on the legacy of Stars’N’Bars, those behind the project are careful to position it as an evolution rather than a replica. The goal is not to recreate the past but to capture the qualities that made the original so successful: accessibility, warmth, diversity and a genuine sense of belonging.

 

For a location that has occupied such a special place in Monaco life since the early 1990s, the transformation carries significance beyond hospitality.

 

In many ways, Stars of Monaco represents a rare blast from the past — a return to an era when community gathering places formed the heart of local life. At a time when many cities are losing these kinds of shared spaces, Monaco appears poised to welcome one back.

 

When the doors open on June 16, many residents won’t simply be visiting a new restaurant. They’ll be revisiting a piece of Monaco’s collective memory — and perhaps creating a new generation of memories for years to come.