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.
Me & my colleagues were recommended Monarque & we weren't disapointed. At first they looked fully booked but they had room for the 6 of us in the dinning room (not the Brasserie). It's worth knowing that the restaurant is split with two different menus. We were looked after by Colin who was brilliant. He was immedietly helpful explaining the menu & instantly built a great report with everyone. The food was amazing. Each dish was presented well & tasted great. I personally really enjoyed the Lobster & Monkfish & the others at the table equally loved their food with every plate left empty. At the end of the evening, Colin dealt with our difficult requests concerning the bill & how it was split with no problems. Even though it meant some quick maths were needed everything eventually was sorted out. We all left happy & were telling our other colleagues about our experience the next day. I would absolutly return when we are next in Montreal & recommend it to anyone who is visiting.
Upscale restaurant in the older part of Montreal. The hostess was very welcoming & accommodating we had a reservation for 8pm which we were able to move forward to 7pm. We really appreciated the flexibility after a long day at the Montreal Grand Prix. We had seats at the bar which worked well for us. The bar staff were friendly & it was fun watching them work. The stand out dish for us was the Bone Marrow appetizer. The only improvement would be to add an extra slice of toast because there was too much bone marrow for just one slice. Entrees were solid at a price I'd expect for a higher end restaurant. Highly recommend the passion fruit pavlova for dessert. It was the right balance of sweet & tart in a huge slice.
Jun 10, 2024
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Went here for the first time last night to celebrate my anniversary with my partner. I wrote a comment in the reservation but never spoke about it during the dinner. They came out with a dessert tasting menu & a candle to celebrate it. Our waiter recommended a sparkling wine & I accepted but didn't love the taste so he immediately got me something that speaks more to my pallet preferences without charging us. He managed our expectations well when I ordered the beef cut & told us it would take about 25 mins. We accepted. Highly recommend the lobster farroto. The flavour profile was impressive! The attention to detail, the responsive staff, the quality of the food - absolutely worth the price.
Consistently underwhelming: the food is satisfactory, although there is nothing on the menu that would draw me back. Regarding the service, greeter & waiter can be occasionally snobbish, but employees in other roles are pleasant. :) I've been there twice in the space of three months & will aim to avoid going there a third. Recommend Bar George or Birks.
We made reservations here for our anniversary dinner & it did not disappoint! We sat at the bar (highly recommend!) & really enjoyed our dining experience from start to end. Staff were amazing, friendly & was evident they really enjoyed their environment. Service was prompt & attentive. Loved the vibe & atmosphere of the restaurant. Last but not least, the food. Incredible dishes all around. We ordered oysters, bone marrow, pear & prosciutto salad, steak & braised veal cheek. Every single dish blew us out of the water. Finished with their chocolate cake that was also a hit. Highly recommend. Thank you for a lovely evening!
Encore un repas exceptionnel au Monarque! Tous les plats étaient parfaits, des croquettes de morue fumée à l'apéritif jusqu'à l'éclair du dessert. Je recommande fortement la pièce du boucher( de l'onglet),savoureuse, croustillante en surface & parfaitement saignante . Le dessert était un parfait équilibre de saveurs & textures
The food was so good. The duck was perfectly cooked & they have the best chocolate cake I have ever had in my life. I highly recommend if you want a nice dinne
Incroyable! Une expérience montréalaise à vivre absolument. Je vous recommande le tartare de thon, ensuite la morue ou le ris de veau, & en plat principal définitivement la côte de boeuf, un pur régal. La carte des vins est surprenante. Si vous aimez le vin rouge, le bordeaux Beau village était Un délice pour nos papilles gustatives. Le service est exceptionnel & professionnel. L'ambiance est enveloppante, tout est parfait. Nous avons déjà hâte de revenir.
On 31st December, we had the pleasure of dining at Monarque, a restaurant that truly stands out for its exceptional service. Our New Year's celebration took an unexpected turn when our 10-month-old puppy became ill & distressed, necessitating our immediate departure. The response from Monarque's staff during this unforeseen situation was remarkable. Despite the holiday rush, the team at Monarque was incredibly accommodating. They expertly packaged our set menu meal, ensuring we had everything to enjoy it in our hotel room. This gesture of kindness & efficiency was a beacon of comfort during a stressful moment. The culinary experience was also outstanding. Each dish showcased the chef's expertise & creativity, making us eager to revisit Monarque & enjoy the full dining experience without interruptions. Monarque's combination of exquisite food & extraordinary service left an indelible mark on us. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience, especially for their unparalleled customer service. We wholeheartedly recommend Monarque & look forward to our next visit. Thank you to the wonderful people at Monarque. Duke thanks you too!
Jan 27, 2024
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Beautiful bistro style restaurant. We had a beer, a glass of wine & an order of the lamb poutine. It was delicious. Such a lovely spot to grab a nice drink & some light bites. Would highly recommend.
Great ambiance & great attention from the service. The dishes were great but the Tarte Tatin was especially devine! I highly recommend it! Perfect to be shared!
J’ai dîné au Monarque & tout était excellent, du cocktail, au repas, au service, à l’ambiance. La nourriture était fraîche & de qualité, avec des saveurs incroyables. Le service était aussi très précis & les recommandations étaient géniales.
Nous avons été très satisfaits du restaurant. Le service toujours impeccable avec beaucoup d’attention vers le client. Côté cuisine tout était parfait, cuisine simple avec des bons produits. Leur carte de vin est impressionnant. Hautement recommandé pour un dîner avec des amis ou bien en couple.
I went to this restaurant with my husband for his birthday & we had an exceptional gastronomic experience. The dishes were exquisite, from the taste to the presentation. We could savour every flavour that was written on the menu. The restaurant’s decoration was very cozy & we felt very comfortable there. The only downside was that the desserts were not as refined as the main courses, even though they had pastry chefs. They also could not make a cake for less than 8 people, which was a pity. But overall, it was an amazing meal & I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves fine dining
