Zeffirino

The name goes back to Zeffirino Belloni, who opened his first restaurant in Genoa in 1939 and became known for his pesto, according to the Guide MICHELIN also among American celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. In summer 2024 the Bellonis, together with the group of Riccardo Giraudi, known for Beefbar, opened a branch on Rue du Portier, near the Carré d’Or.

The interior plays with retro elements: almond-green walls, cane work, marble and brass, plus black and white photographs. At the centre is an open kitchen with a pasta station, and there are Italian wines and house cocktails. The pesto genovese is made in the traditional way from basil, pine nuts, pecorino, parmesan, olive oil and a little garlic; according to the restaurant, the basil comes from Prà, the Genoa district known for growing basil.

Besides pesto dishes, the menu features Ligurian and pan-Italian classics, such as rigatoni alla gricia with guanciale, cured pork cheek, and pecorino. At lunchtime there is the weekly changing ‘Pranzo Lampo’ offer of a starter or main course and a glass of wine. This makes it an accessible address for an easy lunch in Monte Carlo. The restaurant also includes the hidden vinyl bar Rumore, which opens every evening from 7pm.