As the Mediterranean sun begins to shine in full splendor, the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo unveils the return of its most vibrant seasonal culinary experience. From May 2 to October 1, 2025, ZIA returns to Odyssey, the hotel’s legendary poolside venue originally imagined by the late Karl Lagerfeld, to offer a taste of Italy under the Riviera sky. This year, ZIA embraces a more complete Italian journey—starting with breakfast, moving into breezy lunches, and culminating in festive aperitivos and dinners beneath the stars.
More than just a restaurant, ZIA is a summer ritual, a sensory escape, and a celebration of Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
La Dolce Vita, Monaco-Style
ZIA captures everything guests love about Italian dining: warmth, simplicity, authenticity, and joy. Set beside the Odyssey pool, surrounded by Lagerfeld’s iconic murals and shaded by white parasols, the atmosphere is both luxurious and effortless. The space radiates a contemporary Riviera glamour—cool marble, azure water, chic table settings—and yet it feels relaxed, like an Italian summer lunch at a seaside villa.
This year’s edition of ZIA offers a seamless experience from morning to night, with a refined yet accessible menu that evolves with the sun. Whether you're a hotel guest, a local epicurean, or a traveler seeking something unique, ZIA welcomes all who wish to indulge in la dolce vita à la monégasque.
A Morning in Italy: Breakfast with a View
For the first time ever, ZIA opens its doors to outside guests for breakfast. Mornings here begin slowly, in true Italian fashion. The smell of fresh-baked brioche and espresso fills the air, and the menu features a selection of sweet and savory delights. Think homemade pastries, fluffy ricotta pancakes, seasonal fruit, and a standout Pandoro French toast—a twist on the traditional Milanese holiday cake, now reimagined as a morning indulgence.
Enjoy a cappuccino as the light dances on the pool, or sip a fresh juice while flipping through a newspaper. This is more than breakfast—it’s a mood.
Lunchtime in Modena or Palermo?
ZIA’s lunch service transports guests across Italy, from the north’s refined simplicity to the bold flavors of the south. The menu, curated by chefs Manon Santini and Rocco Seminara, is light yet generous, ideal for poolside dining.
Highlights include:
- Sicilian-style branzino, grilled and served with citrus and herbs
- Modena-style tigelle, warm flatbreads filled with cured meats or creamy cheeses
- Caprese with heirloom tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil from Liguria
- Handcrafted pastas of the day, light enough for summer but rich in flavor
Each dish reflects a commitment to seasonal ingredients, vibrant colors, and soulful recipes handed down through generations—but elevated with the finesse of fine dining.
Aperitivo & Evening Magic: The Return of Dinner at ZIA
Beginning May 28, aperitivo and dinner return to ZIA, transforming the pool deck into a lively evening destination. Aperitivo hour is a social ritual: guests gather for spritzes, Negronis, and inventive cocktails, paired with delicate bites—olives, focaccia, marinated anchovies, and more. The golden light of sunset, the soft hum of conversation, and the clinking of glasses set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
As night falls, ZIA shifts into dinner mode. The menu expands to include wood-fired truffle pizzas, slow-cooked meats, and elegant seafood preparations. A particular favorite is the lobster linguine with Amalfi lemon zest, a dish that encapsulates both indulgence and freshness.
Live music and curated playlists provide a mellow backdrop, and the open-air setting makes each dinner feel like an elegant garden party. The service is attentive yet relaxed, and the ambiance—intimate, chic, unforgettable.
A Culinary Duo with Passion
Chefs Manon Santini and Rocco Seminara bring authenticity and creativity to ZIA’s culinary identity. Santini, known for her refined approach to Italian pastry, crafts delicate desserts like tiramisu al limone and pistachio panna cotta, while Seminara ensures that every dish carries the sun-soaked spirit of the Italian peninsula.
Their collaboration embodies the best of tradition and innovation, producing a menu that is indulgent without being heavy, and luxurious without being pretentious.
More Than a Meal: The ZIA Experience
ZIA is not just about food—it’s about feeling. The sound of laughter, the clink of cutlery, the perfume of herbs and sea breeze. It’s an atmosphere where time seems to slow down, where every meal becomes a memory, and every guest feels like part of the family.
For the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, ZIA represents more than a summer pop-up—it’s a symbol of the hotel’s commitment to seasonal elegance, creative cuisine, and warm hospitality.
A Destination Within a Destination
Whether you’re starting your day with espresso and biscotti, indulging in a sun-kissed lunch, or dancing with shadows over a candlelit dinner, ZIA is where the flavors of Italy meet the soul of Monaco.
Open until October 1, this seasonal restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in the Principality looking to experience summer through the lens of taste, style, and emotion.metropole.com
