Ah, summer nights. The soft breezes drifting across Monaco‘s port. The massive yachts lined up along the quay. Sweet-smelling, sun-bronzed and fashionable young couples stroll under a setting sun.

The scene is romantic and elegant, just like Monaco’s new lounge/nightclub/restaurant/bar, the Black Legend. The name says it all, as the ambient music is devoted to the giants of Black American music: Motown, Funk, Soul, R & B, Pop and Disco.

Our evening began on the spacious outdoor terrace with stunning views over the port and  tables far enough apart to enjoy an intimate tete a tete. The DJ spun soul standards while we examined an enticing menu of salads, pastas, fish and meat dishes. The cuisine melded American, Asian and Mediterranean themes. Between us we managed to devour a delicious small pizza with sliced truffles and arugula, Caesar salad, Asian shrimp salad, “Black Cod” (flakey cod in sweet sauce) and an entrecote. Nothing overly complicated but the dishes were perfectly executed and portions were copious.

Around 10.30 the live band started and we headed inside to the sumptously decorated interior which includes a restaurant. I hate minimalist decor and was instantly at easy in the cushy sofas, soft lighting and gleaming wood floors. The band, Soul Tigers, did covers of  R & B, Soul and Motown hits of the 70s and 80s which got people dancing. I loved that you could dance if you wished or chat away in a corner, taking in the music and luxuriating in beautiful surroundings.

Black Legend is everything that Monaco is supposed to be–glamorous, chic, luxurious and fun–plus it’s actually quite affordable. A hearty salad starts at €18 and cocktails run from €12 to €25. There’s no cover.

Black Legend is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5am (midnight on Tuesday) serving meals non-stop. (Hooray!) Wednesday through Sunday, a top-flight DJ spins dance tunes from midnight on for an increasingly frenzied crowd. See more.

See more about nightlife in Monaco.