Reviews portray Monarque as a refined Montreal dining destination that blends a chic brasserie vibe with a formal dining room, offering an elegant yet lively atmosphere. The cuisine is repeatedly described as superb, with standout dishes including bone marrow with escargots, bouillabaisse, tartare, duck, veal cheeks, and a highly praised seafood selection, though a few items are noted as overly salty or uneven in texture. The presentation is praised, ingredients are described as high quality and carefully balanced, and the open kitchen and kitchen-facing tables are frequently highlighted as special touches. Service is described as professional, attentive, and knowledgeable, with many guests feeling well taken care of, while some reviews mention variability in service levels, language gaps, or occasional delays. The wine list is extensive and a strength, though prices can be high. Ambiance is consistently described as beautiful, classic, and Montreal style, with some comments that the space can be loud or the temperature a bit cool, and a few complaints about dessert quality or portion sizes. Reservations are recommended given popularity and the two-menu structure, and many leave eager to return for another memorable meal. Overall, Monarque is viewed as one of Montreal's top dining experiences for technique, presentation, and hospitality, albeit with occasional inconsistencies in service and value.
We had a really nice experience overall at Monarque. The starters were absolutely amazing , both the cold & hot appetizers were delicious, so much so that we ended up ordering two of each. Every bite was full of flavor. Dessert was also excellent & definitely a highlight of the meal.
That said, the main courses were a bit disappointing compared to how strong the beginning & end of the meal were. The veal, unfortunately, wasn't very good in my opinion. The sauce felt lacking, & the veal had a slightly too earthy taste for my liking. The fish was okay, but nothing particularly memorable.
Overall, the appetizers & desserts really stood out & made the experience enjoyable, but the mains didn't quite live up to the same standard. A little disappointing, but it is what it is.
Nous étions venus au Monarque avec une idée enthousiaste de l'endroit, & nous en sommes repartis non seulement confortés, mais ravis au-delà de nos attentes. Dès les premières bouchées, nous avons compris que cette adresse était bien plus qu'un simple restaurant : c'est une véritable célébration de la gastronomie.
Nous avons eu le plaisir de déguster une succession de plats tous plus remarquables les uns que les autres : les gougères légères & savoureuses, les huîtres fraîches & iodées, le tartare d'une finesse rare, l'os à moelle farci d'escargots de Bourgogne (un délice audacieux & parfaitement exécuté), le boudin des Bastiens riche en saveurs, & enfin la joue de boeuf braisée, fondante & généreuse. Chaque bouchée était une révélation, tant par la qualité des produits que par la maîtrise technique évidente de l'équipe en cuisine.
& que dire des fromages ? Même si nous ne les mentionnons pas en détail ici, ils restent, comme toujours au Canada, une valeur sûre. - un incontournable qui mérite à lui seul le détour.
Côté desserts, l'éclair & le fondant au chocolat ont clos le repas en apothéose : des textures parfaites, des équilibres de saveurs subtils, & une présentation soignée.
Ce qui nous a le plus marqués, c'est l'excellente « machinerie » qui se cache derrière cette expérience. Tout fonctionne à la perfection, comme une horloge suisse, mais avec une âme & une chaleur bien québécoises.
Nous étions venus pour profiter d'une expérience digne d'un grand restaurant, & nous avons été comblés. Un grand bravo à toute l'équipe du Monarque ! Nous reviendrons sans hésiter & recommandons chaleureusement cet écrin gastronomique à tous ceux qui recherchent l'excellence.
Mar 26, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Without doubt the rudest, most high on their own supply Maitre'd ever encountered, who is a detriment to an otherwise adequate showing worthy of a cold night with little on the calendar. Food good if not inspired, winelist a gem or two. Bar staff knowledgeable & friendly.
A very fancy restaurant with delicious food & lots of varieties. I really enjoyed our dinner there. The service was top, excellent, the food well served & tasty. Loved my experience.
Mar 17, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Such a great restaurant...
Depending upon your palate & food tastes, you can book accordingly... The last time I was there my wife & I sat at the bar... It was sooo fun! Same food & wine - but the bartender repartee was amazing!!
Loved this restaurant! A great place to go for a special occasion. The service was great, the ambiance was nice & the food was incredible - great flavours, perfect portions so you could enjoy everything. My compliments to the Chef & everyone in the kitchen.
Monarque offers fantastic service & sophisticated decor. The trout tartare is divine-fresh & expertly textured-while the octopus & lamb use high-quality ingredients. However, the brasserie lighting is too bright, & the atmosphere could be warmer & cozier for diners.
Mar 13, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Très belle expérience dans ce restaurant. L'accueil était chaleureux dès notre arrivée & le service est resté excellent tout au long du repas. Les plats étaient savoureux & bien présentés. On sent que les ingrédients sont frais. Je vais certainement revenir.
Très belle découverte ! Le restaurant a une super ambiance & le service est vraiment chaleureux. Les plats étaient délicieux & bien présentés, on voit que les ingrédients sont frais. L'équipe prend le temps de s'assurer que tout est parfait pour les clients. Je vais définitivement revenir & recommander la place à mes amis.
Had an absolutely wonderful dining experience here! The atmosphere was warm & welcoming from the moment we walked in. Our server was attentive & knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations. The food was exceptional - fresh ingredients, perfectly seasoned, & beautifully presented. Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor. The portions were generous & well worth the price. The restaurant was clean & well-maintained, & despite being busy, we didn't feel rushed. The dessert was the perfect ending to our meal. We'll definitely be returning soon & would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal & excellent service. Five stars!
Service was fantastic. Some of the best I've ever experienced. All servers are very attentive at Monarque.
Food was tasty. I got the trout tartare, octopus, & lamb dish. My favourite was the trout tartare. It's divine - very fresh & full of unique textures & flavours. The other two dishes were good but too salty for my personal preference. Everything served was made of high quality ingredients, beautifully presented, & made with intentionality.
In terms of ambiance, Monarque is well decorated & sophisticated but lacks cozyness. I felt that the temperature of the restaurant could have been slightly warmer & lights dimmer. The lighting especially in the Brasserie is far too bright. I was noticed it as soon as I walked in.
