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.
Paid 140$ to get food poising. Every meal was worst that the last. I don't know why every single dish was salty & sweet at the same time. Mozzarella cheese & an orange slice… yeah I think not. The tuna was mushy & stringy & don't get me started on the duck… I've had better airplane food. idk the flavour combo of every meal was just off. The first bite of dessert was good but then it got really heavy. Trying too hard to be different & miserably failing. The servers were really nice though.
Monarque is a beautiful spot with a classy yet comfortable feel. The food is thoughtful & just really well done. Service was warm & professional, & the wine list is top notch. Definitely a must-try when you're in Old Montreal.
Nov 19, 2025
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Le restaurant est très beau & propre, personnelle accueillant, le plat de résistance était pas frais, goût bizarre, j'ai commandé l'espadon immangeable, le serveur me l'a remplacé par le bar rayé qui etait plus frais & plus bon.
Mon mari a commandé même chose que moi, je l'ai goûté c'était plus du congelé, ça n'a pas du goût d'un poisson & complètement différent que le mien & pourtant sont commandés au même moment deux goûts bisarre.
Had dinner here in the main dining area, & it was exceptional across the board. Very extensive wine list (think >500 options) for those who know their way around a bottle. Service was attentive & friendly but not overbearing. Favorite main dishes were the tuna tartare, venison, braised leek / tortellini, & roasted duck, but the single best thing I ate was probably the passion fruit pavlova - still dreaming of it!
We are Anglophones & had some reservations that we might not get great service at a higher end establishment in Montreal, but it was not an issue at all. The staff clearly take their jobs seriously - if you reciprocate by appreciating the experience & being engaged (i.e. not staring at your phone all evening), you can expect to receive good service :)
Nov 6, 2025
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Un de mes restaurants préférés à Montréal & toujours eu d'excellentes expériences. Samedi était une journée spéciale pour l'anniversaire de ma conjointe & nous avons eu un service VIP : de la réservation de la salle privée, les réponses rapides de Mika (un gros merci encore Mika), de l'accueil & la complicité de Guillaume pour surprendre ma conjointe, l'excellent service de Maryline & Louis (vous êtiez remarquables), l'extraordinaire menu (des entrées, plats & dessert - tout était parfait) - les 23 convives ont adoré leur soirée. MERCI MERCI !!
My wife & I had an amazing dinner at Monarque while in town for a long weekend. We started with the steak tartare (pictured). I had the duck confit, which I loved. She had the veal cheeks & said it goes into her dining hall of fame. It was that good. Service was friendly with the right balance between tending to us while giving us space to enjoy our food & conversation. Oh & the dessert: we had the apple cider donuts. That might sound funny at a place like this. But wow! What a way to end a fantastic dining experience.
We stayed in Old Montreal, & it was walkable from our hotel, which was a plus.
