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.
Great first experience dining at Monarque after hearing so many good things about it. Did not disappoint. The interior was classy & the service was excellent. We especially enjoyed the fois gras & the lamb. Highly recommend if you're looking for great French cuisine in Montreal!
Mar 31, 2026
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A lively spot for dinner with all the French classics. A little something for everyone. My boyfriend wanted to have a steak & I wanted something other than a steak. Did not disappoint. We had the most tender grilled octopus here (melt on your mouth), crispy cod fritters, striploin & fries with a side of sauteed mushrooms, duck confit & finished off the evening with an eclair. I would come back here just to devour a plate of their fries. Crispy on the outside, creamy & soft on the inside & bursting of potato flavor. They have a fantastic wine list also. Highly recommend the Hidalgo Albert Fina (red wine).
Best French food I've had. The staff was very kind to adjust us to the Brasserie from Selle a Manger upon request because of the confusion in reserving. The Foie Gras is perfection. The main entrees (duck confit & fish of the day) are fantastic. We especially enjoyed all the little vegetables in the main dishes, although they are not the star of the show but every single one of the vegetables (turnips, brussels sprout, potatoes, eggplant, etc) are just little jewels of nuanced natural flavor by themselves. We finished everything on the plate & would hope to come back in the future.
Enjoyed some excellent vegetarian options while celebrating an anniversary. My husband had the bone marrow with escargot as well as the duck confit & enjoyed those as well!
Mar 27, 2026
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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.
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.
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!!
Mar 17, 2026
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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.
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.
