Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has announced that Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno will be joining the team at Hotel Hermitage and taking the helm of Vistamar restaurant, which will become Yannick Alléno à l’Hôtel Hermitage.

Vistamar restaurant will undergo a transition, establishing Alléno’s position on the Côte d’Azur for the first time. His arrival in Monte-Carlo in April 2021 will start the first phase of the changeover including a menu transformation and the reformation of the famous restaurant terrace. 

The second phase includes a new look for the restaurant interiors and the introduction of the chef’s emblematic trademark – the famous Pavyllon in Paris, which will be headed up by Alléno’s partner Chahan Minassian – to be completed by Spring 2022.  

Born in Puteaux, just outside of Paris, Alléno spent his childhood in the kitchens of family-run bistros across the French capital. He has received many accolades throughout his career including his first Michelin star in 1999, followed by his second in 2002. 

In 2003 he took over at Le Meurice and was awarded two Michelin stars the next year, followed by further chef positions at Gault&Milau, Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris, where he opened Alléno Paris, and Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc Courchevel, where he was awarded his third Michelin star. 

More recently, L’Abysse at Pavillon Ledoyen was awarded its second Michelin star and Alléno’s Pavyllon was awarded its first Michelin star, making Pavillon Ledoyen the most star-rated independent establishment in the world.  

Louis Starck, Managing Director of Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, comments: “With Jean-Philippe Borro and our restaurant teams, we are delighted to welcome Yannick Alléno to Monte-Carlo this spring.”

He adds: “The talent and the visionary approach of this multi-starred chef, combined with our history and know-how, promise exciting times ahead for our discerning local and international clientèle.”

On the announcement, Yannick Alléno says: “My thanks go to Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer for its confidence and I am very honoured to join the teams of this emblematic location at the heart of the Principality.”

He continues: “L’Hermitage is everything I love – a historic and utterly charming hotel – and I am looking forward to cooking there. For me, Monaco is a destination with a genuine culinary life, a varied and multicultural city, an extraordinarily joyful spot in which excellence reigns.”

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer remains the most Michelin-starred resort in Europe. Alléno’s multi-Michelin-star reputation will join three Michelin-starred restaurant Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris, 100% organic restaurant Elsa at Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, Blue Bay at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Mada One restaurant at One Monte Carlo.