Petit Portier Mareterra: A New Marina & Commercial Space in Monaco

The Petit Portier, nestled between Place Princesse Gabriella and the Renzo Piano-designed residential building, represents a distinct sector of Monaco's Mareterra district, offering an intimate marina with 16 berths for boats up to 16 meters. We previously guided you through an initial Mareterra fisrt look tour, and today we will focus on the new small port, which is also set to become a future commercial area and living space for residents.

This area, is directly connected to the Neuehouse Monaco, a new building located in the prestigious Portier district, a transformation of the former Ni Box site into a modern hub for culture, business, and leisure. Designed by architects Emmanuel Deverini and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, it offers 5,730 m² of flexible workspaces, cultural facilities like an amphitheater, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Mareterra.

The Petit Portier, is home to 12 commercial spaces, envisioned as a future hub for dining and leisure.

Currently, two establishments stand out within the Petit Portier: Marco, which opened on December 10, 2024, brings the expertise of the team behind La Rose des Vents at Larvotto, offering a refined menu centered on fresh seafood. Meanwhile, the 99 Sushi Bar, renowned for its exceptional Japanese haute cuisine, is preparing for its opening as it awaits final deliveries of key ingredients and supplies to ensure an impeccable dining experience.

Petit Portier Monaco: Future of Seafront Living

It is essential to distinguish the Petit Portier from the neighboring Place Princesse Gabriella, where other major openings are underway. On this esplanade, the luxury Italian menswear brand Stefano Ricci is in the final stages of preparation, and Marlow, the first restaurant in Monaco's Mareterra district, operated by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), will open on January 16, 2025. Marlow, designed as a sophisticated yet approachable dining venue, draws inspiration from Monaco's iconic Café de Paris while offering a distinct British flair.

While 4 of the 12 commercial spaces in the Petit Portier have been spoken for, with Marco and 99 Sushi Bar leading the way, the remaining units are set to attract further tenants as the area develops.

The 99 Sushi Bar, renowned for its high-end Japanese cuisine, has earned international acclaim, particularly at its flagship location in Abu Dhabi at the Four Seasons - Al Maryah Island. Awarded a Michelin star in 2023 and retaining it in 2024, the restaurant is also recognized by Gault&Millau for its culinary excellence.

The menu features meticulously crafted dishes that showcase premium ingredients, such as the flambéed red mullet with kumquat leche de tigre, highlighting a delicate balance of spice, fruit, and acidity. The atmosphere is chic and intimate, ideal for a refined dining experience. Guests can also enjoy a sophisticated lounge bar and curated offerings like the Omakase Business Lunch during weekdays.

Building on its success in Abu Dhabi, 99 Sushi Bar is set to open soon at the Petit Portier marina in Monaco, bringing its signature expertise in Japanese gastronomy to the heart of the principality.

Marco - La Rose des Vents
Marco, known for its original location at La Rose des Vents on Larvotto Beach in Monaco, is a culinary institution cherished by locals and visitors alike. Led by Marco and Maddalena, the restaurant is celebrated for its refined Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include spaghetti alle vongole, bottarga pasta, and perfectly grilled fish, offering an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

The original Larvotto location features a private beach, complete with sun loungers, showers, and bar service, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious seaside experience.

On December 10, 2024, Marco expanded its renowned culinary offering with a new restaurant in the Petit Portier marina. This modern and elegant setting continues the tradition of La Rose des Vents, providing residents and visitors with a welcoming space to savor exceptional Mediterranean seafood and hospitality.

As the district matures, the Petit Portier is poised to establish itself as a key destination within this ambitious eco-district, offering residents and visitors a unique blend of luxury, leisure, and connectivity.

A small port in the style of Port Hercules, designed for small boats.

The Petit Portier, located within the new Mareterra district in Monaco, is a modern marina designed to accommodate up to 15 boats, with a maximum length of 16 meters. Primarily intended for small to medium-sized yachts and sailing boats, it offers a serene and exclusive mooring solution for residents and visitors. While specific depth figures have not been officially detailed, the marina has been constructed to ensure sufficient draught for vessels of this size, reflecting careful planning to meet the needs of luxury leisure craft.

The Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM) manages the Petit Portier, implementing a proven “optimization contract” in partnership with AQUA, similar to the successful strategies applied at Port Hercule. This approach guarantees effective allocation and maintenance of the moorings. Residents of Mareterra will have priority access to these berths, offering the convenience of keeping their boats close to their homes, though availability remains limited due to the marina’s boutique size.

The Petit Portier’s design integrates advanced maritime engineering, including protective caisson structures that safeguard the marina from waves and adverse sea conditions, ensuring a calm and secure environment for moored boats. This construction reflects Monaco’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, blending seamlessly into Mareterra’s eco-conscious vision. By incorporating environmentally friendly features and preserving the surrounding marine habitat, the Petit Portier exemplifies how modern urban developments can coexist harmoniously with the natural environment, further enhancing Monaco’s luxurious waterfront offerings.

Art and Cultural Integration at Mareterra

A key highlight of Mareterra’s commitment to art and culture is the inclusion of Alexander Calder’s masterpiece, Quatre lances. This iconic sculpture, renowned for its kinetic brilliance, reflects the harmony between nature, movement, and modern art, making it a focal point within the district. Positioned beside serene reflecting pools, Calder's work not only enriches the aesthetic appeal of Mareterra but also creates a vibrant space for residents and visitors to gather, appreciate, and connect.

By featuring such a significant piece of modern sculptural art, Mareterra seamlessly integrates culture into its urban environment, underscoring Monaco's dedication to blending innovation, sustainability, and artistic heritage. The presence of Quatre lances transforms the district into a dynamic cultural hub, aligning perfectly with the community’s modern and refined identity.

Mareterra District Overview

The Mareterra district, Monaco's latest urban extension, is a thoughtfully designed pedestrian-friendly area seamlessly integrated into the principality’s iconic coastline. Stretching from the Grimaldi Forum to the Formula One Grand Prix tunnel, this district features a lush park, a tranquil waterfront promenade, and the Petit Portier, an intimate marina for small boats. Designed to offer both residential and retail spaces, Mareterra combines modern urban development with the Mediterranean’s natural charm, creating a unique balance between luxury and community living.

Beyond its commercial offerings, Mareterra introduces outdoor spaces tailored for relaxation and recreation, including the Place Princesse Gabriella and the Promenade Prince Jacques, making it a key gathering point for residents and visitors. With its green hillsides, native flora, and elegant architecture—including contributions by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop—Mareterra embodies Monaco’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. This district’s strategic location not only enhances connectivity to major landmarks like Larvotto Beach and Port Hercule but also solidifies its role as a tranquil, residential haven within Monaco’s vibrant urban landscape.

Natural and Recreational Spaces

Mareterra’s design celebrates Monaco’s natural beauty through its integration of green and recreational spaces. At the heart of this development lies a 1-hectare pine forest, complemented by numerous wooded areas and clusters of native Mediterranean flora, providing a serene and sensory experience for residents and visitors. Inspired by the region’s natural terrain, the La Pinède & La Vallée pathways wind through clusters of trees, shrubs, and landscaped gardens, creating an immersive journey that highlights the ecological richness of the district.

A key feature of Mareterra is its waterfront promenade, a scenic route offering uninterrupted sea views and connecting seamlessly to Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s iconic seaside destination. This elegant pathway not only enhances accessibility but also invites leisurely strolls, fostering a deeper connection to nature and the coastline. Through the preservation of natural elements such as protective sea grass and the incorporation of artificial reefs, Mareterra reinforces its commitment to ecological sustainability, balancing urban innovation with the protection of its marine environment.

Together, these thoughtfully designed spaces transform Mareterra into a lush, pedestrian-friendly sanctuary that harmoniously blends recreational opportunities, natural landscapes, and modern urban living.

A Promising Future for Petit Portier’s Commercial Spaces

While the Petit Portier marina already showcases its potential with dining destinations like Marco and the soon-to-open 99 Sushi Bar, the area’s 12 commercial spaces remain largely available. For businesses seeking a prestigious foothold in Monaco, the Petit Portier offers an exceptional opportunity to establish themselves in a growing district that will undoubtedly become a central hub for leisure, dining, and retail.

If you are considering setting up in this emerging commercial space, Petrini Exclusive Real Estate is here to assist you every step of the way. Though still in its early stages, this new waterfront zone promises to evolve into a major point of interest for Monaco’s residents, tourists, and visitors alike—an area poised to bring vitality and elegance to the heart of Mareterra.