99 Sushi Bar: A Refined Japanese Lunch by the Mediterranean

On the Mareterra waterfront, contemporary Japanese cuisine meets the unmistakable elegance of the Monaco lifestyle — a long, sophisticated lunch beside the water.

There are certain places where the setting immediately tells you that you are somewhere special.

99 Sushi Bar, in the Mareterra quarter of Monte Carlo, is one of them.

Set directly on the waterfront, the restaurant brings together contemporary Japanese cuisine and the unmistakable elegance of the Monaco lifestyle. From the terrace, the view over the marina and the Mediterranean creates an amazing backdrop, particularly as the light changes throughout the lunch.

It is the kind of setting that invites you to slow down, enjoy the view and give yourself time to appreciate every course.

And that is exactly what makes the experience at 99 Sushi Bar so enjoyable.

A delicate beginning

The tasting began with Tuna Maki, a beautifully presented combination of fresh tuna and seasoned rice, accompanied by wasabi and pickled ginger.

There was something wonderfully clean about the dish. The presentation was understated and elegant, allowing the tuna to remain the focus. It was a delicate introduction to the meal and set the tone for what followed.

Tiger Prawn Tempura

The experience then moved towards something richer with the Tiger Prawn Tempura.

Crispy prawns were served with a creamy, lightly spicy sauce and fresh greens, creating a lovely contrast of textures. The crispness of the tempura worked beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce, while the fresh elements kept the dish balanced.

It was an indulgent course, but still elegant and refined.

Signature Sushi

The Signature Sushi brought a more colourful and contemporary element to the lunch.

Tuna, avocado, sauces and tobiko came together in beautifully composed pieces, with the creamy avocado complementing the tuna and adding another layer of texture.

Even the presentation contributed to the experience. Served on turquoise ceramics, the colours of the dish felt particularly vibrant and almost seemed to echo the Mediterranean surroundings outside.

A Warm and Savoury Moment

After the lighter sushi courses, the menu moved towards a warmer preparation.

The glazed main course, served with a Japanese style glaze, onigiri and edamame, brought a deeper and more savoury character to the meal.

The glossy glaze added richness, while the seasoned rice and edamame provided a simpler, cleaner contrast. It was a comforting course that gave the tasting menu another dimension.

Alongside the richer dishes, the edamame and fresh seaweed salad offered lighter savoury elements, adding freshness and balance to the overall experience.

The Sweet Finale

The final course was a beautifully presented chocolate dessert, accompanied by cream and crumble.

The dessert had an elegant, delicate appearance, with a soft cream quenelle, buttery crumble, edible flowers and a touch of gold.

After the savoury progression of the meal, it provided the perfect sweet conclusion. Refined rather than excessive, it finished the experience on a particularly elegant note.

More Than the Food

What makes 99 Sushi Bar particularly memorable is that the food is only one part of the experience.

The Mareterra setting is extraordinary. Sitting beside the water, surrounded by the marina and Mediterranean atmosphere, gives the lunch a sense of place that is difficult to replicate.

There is also a lovely balance in the atmosphere. The restaurant feels polished and sophisticated, but at the same time welcoming.

The personal deserves particular mention. They were very nice, attentive and friendly, and were happy to guide us through the dishes. That warmth made the experience feel relaxed and personal rather than overly formal.

The Beauty of Simplicity

One of the things I appreciated most about the experience was the attention to detail.

The dishes were carefully presented, the ingredients were allowed to speak for themselves, and each course offered something slightly different.

From the delicate Tuna Maki, to the crispy Tiger Prawn Tempura, the colourful Signature Sushi, the warm glazed main course and the elegant chocolate dessert, the meal moved naturally between different flavours and textures.

Nothing felt rushed.

Nothing felt out of place.

And with the Mediterranean just beyond the table, there was always another reason to pause and enjoy the moment.

The Final Impression

99 Sushi Bar is an experience that brings together three things beautifully: food, setting and service.

The Japanese cuisine is elegant and carefully presented. The waterfront location in Mareterra provides an amazing view and an unmistakably luxurious Monaco atmosphere. And the friendly, attentive personal adds a warmth that completes the experience.

It is not simply about coming for sushi.

It is about sitting beside the water, enjoying beautifully prepared Japanese dishes, taking in the view and allowing yourself to enjoy a long, sophisticated lunch.

99 Sushi Bar captures a very particular kind of Monte Carlo luxury: understated, elegant and effortlessly beautiful.

And sometimes, that is exactly what makes a lunch unforgettable.