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Monarca, Vancouver, BC

Monarca

4.5
4.5
234 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Mexican
A photo of Monarca restaurant

Monarca

4.5
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Mexican
Gastown

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 25 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.

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 16:00–23:00 Thu, Fri 16:00–00:00 Sat 12:00–00:00 Sun 12:00–22:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:30
  • Phone number
    (604) 569-2258
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Francisco Higareda
  • Area
    Gastown
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 234 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 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.

234 Reviews
  1. Barbara

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    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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  2. Lauren

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    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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  3. Binnie

    Vancouver

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 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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  4. Scott

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 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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  5. Mike

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 23 November 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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  6. Stephen M

    Vancouver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 November 2024

    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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  7. Ian

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 10 November 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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  8. Vicki

    Vancouver

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 November 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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  9. Kevin

    Vancouver

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 27 October 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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  10. Kern

    Vancouver

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 October 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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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 234 OpenTable diners.

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

A photo of Monarca restaurant

Monarca

4.5
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Mexican
Gastown

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Monarca

181 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Area
    Gastown
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Wed 16:00–23:00 Thu, Fri 16:00–00:00 Sat 12:00–00:00 Sun 12:00–22:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:30
  • 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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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