Jazz On The Menu

LOVE AND THE SEA AS YOUR HORIZON AT “LA NOTE BLEUE” IN MONACO

A magnificent setting, refined cuisine and vibrant evenings. This is what “La Note Bleue” in the heart of Larvotto, Monaco, is all about. A true place to be for all jazz fans, its stage has been graced by the greatest musicians and singers. Patrice Rushen, John McLaughlin, Omar, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Marcos Valle, Joyce Jonathan just to name a few…

This restaurant is, in fact, a beautiful story of family traditions and love. Love for music, of course, but also for well-being, joy and conviviality with its close-knit, hospitable team. Using the above ingredients, 25 years ago, the Tanzi family created a venue that has long become a must for music lovers and gourmets alike. Today, Arthur Tanzi is pursuing this adventure just as passionately. Having completely renovated the beach in 2021, he has given it a new impetus embracing jazz to groove, soul and new contemporary music.

Coming from a great musical lineage, for him it couldn’t be any other way: “On my mother’s side, there was a legendary jazzman, at the origin of a magnificent jazz album aptly titled “La Note Bleue”, Barney Wilen … On my father’s side, there’s also a long lineage of amateur jazz drummers.” This passion has therefore always been there, growing stronger from year to year.

Nowadays, “La Note Bleue” stands out as the only private venue on the French Riviera capable of hosting international celebrities. Its concert ground, particularly the acoustics, are worthy of the grandest concert halls. Unsurprisingly, it’s been incredibly successful in bringing together a large community of discerning music lovers from all over the Riviera.

Its audacious Chef is yet another one of its bonuses. Over the years, Laurent Paya has perfected his mostly Mediterranean, sometimes a trifle exotic dishes, making them real bestsellers. Here you can thus delight both your palate and ear alike, which is not so common…

During the winter months, music is on the menu every Wednesday. Transformed into a cosy stage, the restaurant’s interior is often home to local musicians. From May onwards, Friday and Saturday nights move outside. Renowned international artists are creating a vibrant atmosphere by the sea. Two vibes, two opportunities to discover this unique venue and experience a moment of pure delight.

“La Note Bleue”
Larvotto Beach – Monte-Carlo, Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco
For bookings: +377 93 500 502
Open daily from 9 am to midnight.

“LA TRINQUETTE,” THE JAZZ CLUB IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

It has all started as a small restaurant. Popular for its local produce and healthy yet delicious cuisine, its owners have also always enjoyed great live music. These days, “La Trinquette” has transformed into a must-see, French Riviera jazz club where you can have a nice dinner before or after the concert. Priorities having thus evolved, the spirit still remains the same.

Conveniently set at the entrance to the historic port of La Darse (absolutely recommended for exploring), “La Trinquette” has taken over a family property, once a refuge for sailors and smugglers. A true haven for musicians nowadays, a truly friendly and festive vibe always reigns here.

On the food side, explore its lovingly prepared daily specials. Simple yet flavourful dishes are all made with preciously selected local ingredients.

On the music side, the Trinquette Jazz Club is a favourite with both local, French and international celebrities. Its program is eclectic: pure jazz on Fridays and Saturdays, other genres on Thursdays and Sundays. Offering everyone a means of expression, introducing us to new talents, poetry and art exhibitions are also occasionally scheduled here.

“La Trinquette” Jazz Club
30 avenue Général de Gaulle,
Port de la Darse, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Tel: +33 6 63 88 05 06

FROM DUSK TO DAWN: “BISTROT ROSSETTI” AND “SHAPKO” IN OLD NICE

“Shapko” is well familiar to all the Riviera night owls, keeping the beat going up until dawn. Just a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral, in the very heart of Old Nice, this bar is renowned for its refined decor, baroque and festive atmosphere and top-notch music. Every night, musicians take over the stage giving it their all. Jazz, soul and funk are played from 10 p.m. and late into the night.

Early birds who may not be into this kind of style will find something to their liking, however, just across the street. “Bistrot Rossetti” opposite the iconic “Shapko” is open for more intimate concerts and tasty snacks to fuel you up until late at night. Homemade tapas (falafels, goat cheese toast with honey, foie gras etc.) and small daily specials are served by a very pleasant young man, Morgan. A warm welcome being essential for this kind of place, even the best musicians can’t help having a peep in…

You’d often see a regular, Claudio Citarella, performing on stage with his friends. A pure musical aperitif delight, with every note perfectly blending with its wines and cocktails. A haven of conviviality and good live music, this place is indeed unique.

“Bistrot Rossetti”
2 rue Rossetti, Nice
Tel. 06 17 98 00 95
Open from 5 p.m.

“Le Shapko”
5 rue Rossetti, Nice
Tel. 07 55 67 89 89.
Open from 10 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.

“LA CAVE ROMAGNAN,” AN ICONIC VENUE FOR JAZZ MUSICIANS IN NICE

A quick trip to the Romagnan cave on a Saturday night will wipe your blues away. This venue is absolutely unique. It may not look like much, but it’s a true delight to the heart all the same. Located in the train station area, every Saturday night “La Cave” is welcoming the very cream of the French Riviera jazz scene, with occasional musicians coming from far and wide. Everyone wants to perform at this place, bringing together the most discerning jazz enthusiasts. To delight their ears, they won’t even shy from crowding outside.

Its highly skilled musicians are swinging, improvising and composing sumptuous scores as best they can. It’s amazing how the owner of this warm and poetic venue actually managed to bring together the best of the best! Manu has indeed transformed this bar into a theatre scene, at times poetic, at times philosophical cafe, a bookstore, an exhibition space, and, above all, a crazy jazz club. “La Cave” does not have its own restaurant, but there are plenty of small Asian bars in the area to welcome the partygoers after a concert that never ends very late.