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Monarca, Vancouver, BC

Monarca

4.4
4.4
239 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 29 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
  • Lively
The name refers to the ancient Mexican monarchy honouring the influence both his parents made on his culinary style. While his mother inspired our sister restaurant, Ophelia, the familial tradition has continued here at Monarca where you’ll find playful dishes and a lively atmosphere inspired by Chef Higareda’s father.

Francisco’s father lived near the famous Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico’s Michoacán region. Chef Higareda spent several summers here with his family enjoying the local Tlahualiles (defeated warriors) Festival. The festival celebrates the feast of Santiago Apóstol, patron saint of Sahuayo. The battle depicted in the festival is still debated today in Mexico and refers to military conflicts before, during, and after the arrival of the Spanish. It’s a memory he cherishes from his childhood.

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Wed 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (604) 569-2258
  • Website
    https://monarcavancouver.ca/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Francisco Higareda
  • Location
    181 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1
  • Neighborhood
    Gastown
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 239 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Vancouver

    Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Monarca offers a vibrant dining experience with "amazing" food and a lively atmosphere. Known for its "great service" and diverse menu, it's a hit for those seeking high-end Mexican cuisine. While some diners note service inconsistencies, standout dishes like the Tostada Mixta and ribeye are frequently praised.

239 Reviews

  1. Sara

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was disappointing but the drinks were really good! Great music too. I'd go back just for drinks and music next time

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  2. Nazanin

    Vancouver

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Rude staff, overly loud, and obnoxious atmosphere. It feels like they’re trying to emulate Bagatelle but seem confused about their identity. The food was terrible, and the tequila selection was disappointing for a Mexican restaurant. While the music was good, they need to decide if they’re aiming to be a club or a restaurant. We were seated at a terrible high-top table near the bathroom and kitchen, even though I had reserved a proper table for a date. The food quality was underwhelming, and the music was so loud it felt like a club—at 7 PM! We’re young and love a good party, but this was excessive and completely out of place. Not coming back.

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  3. Antonella

    VIP

    Vancouver

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    The music was too loud. Couldn’t even enjoy our meal or chat with friends.

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  4. Lauren

    VIP

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A fun, celebratory, and delicious restaurant!! Service was excellent. Food was perfectly executed.

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  5. wsail

    VIP

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was ok but it was too noisy when the DJ began. I really liked the music, but it was too loud for dinner.

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  6. Barbara

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The enchiladas were a but salty. The washrooms smelled.

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  7. Lauren

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We are first timers to Vancouver, and had a amazing dinner here. Everything was delicious! Sitting by the kitchen area would not be my first pick,(the lighting in that spot affects the vibe a bit) but not a deal breaker. It was a fun great place to be. Loved the music, cocktails and food. Will definitely be back!

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  8. Binnie

    VIP

    Vancouver

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food and service! The cocktails were great as well. We left after dinner for a show and came back to enjoy the late night dj and for some dancing. Best times!

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  9. Scott

    VIP

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Was happy that the section I sat in the speaker wasn’t working. Found the noise level too much. Food excellent as always. Nice to see something different from an ambiance perspective.

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  10. Mike

    VIP

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Everything was great, but the drink prices were too high.

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FAQs

Monarca does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Monarca also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (604) 569-2258.

Monarca is rated 4.4 stars by 239 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Monarca

181 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Gastown
  • Hours of operation
    Wed 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Francisco Higareda
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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