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Monarca, Vancouver, BC

Monarca

4.5
4.5
231 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Innovative
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (604) 569-2258
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Francisco Higareda
  • 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

What 231 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Vancouver

    Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Monarca offers an exceptional dining experience with "excellent service, excellent food, excellent atmosphere." Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "great ambiance." While some find the noise levels high, the vibrant atmosphere is perfect for those seeking lively dining. For delicious Mexican cuisine in a stunning setting, Monarca is a must-visit.

232 Reviews
  1. Scott

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined today

    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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  2. Binnie

    Vancouver

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined today

    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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  3. Mike

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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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  4. Stephen M

    Vancouver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great margarita, very good food but not many vegetarian options. The music is not too loud so a conversation is possible

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  5. Ian

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Ambience very nice. Could easily hear table conversations. Lots of options on the menu. Try the happy hour. Portion size was a bit small for the price on the regular menu. We would try again

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  6. Vicki

    Vancouver

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Oh I wanted to love this place! Food was great….ambience amazing…derive just so terrible It wasn’t a busy nigh Our server took 45 mins to take our initial food and drink order and then it didn’t come for an additional 30mins on top of the 45mins While he was taking our order he literally stopped mid order and left half the table and told us that another table had been waiting (they came in after us) and went to take their order. Just terrible

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  7. Kevin

    Vancouver

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Honestly, this could have been turned around multiple times. Arrived 20 minutes early for reservation. Was sat promptly as it wasn't busy. Our server asked if we wanted drinks and ordered 2 margaritas. 10 minutes later they arrived. The server came and took our order but almost walked away without me ordering my entree. Didn't take our menus after so we had to put them on the table beside us. Our appetizer came out and it was delicious but we weren't even finished and someone tried to bring our mains but took them back. Eventually they came back about 10 minutes later which were the same dishes from earlier. They offered to change our plates which was nice and then gave our entrees. It took us 5 minutes to flag someone down for a fork. No one came to check on us. My steak was overcooked and very rich in flavor but not warm and extremely tough. Upon returning to the table from the washroom, my dish was gone. I only ate half of it. No server came by to ask how anything was. We then decided to get 2 more drinks. These eventually came 15 minutes later. We asked for the bill which took another 10 minutes only to see the steak was still on it. Again, an opportunity to recover but was completely missed. Overall, this is my second time at Monarca and I'm thoroughly disappointed. After trying Ophelia a few weeks ago and really enjoying the food and service we hoped the same for Monarca but, sadly, this was not the case.

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  8. Kern

    Vancouver

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Service was amazing and we ended getting 2 complimentary dishes from our server. Decor is funky and different. Great stop before a hockey game. A must try!

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  9. NatachaU

    Vancouver

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambiance was amazing. The food was underwhelming. The brought all the food at once. It felt like they wanted you out of there quickly. Did not enjoy that

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  10. Miguel

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious, I can recommend the shrimp and lobster enchiladas. The service from our waiter Emanuel was also excellent.

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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 4.5 stars by 231 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 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
    Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 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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