Monarque

“Elegant” “Outstanding” “Stunning”: the reviews are in and everyone is raving about Monarque, a splendid restaurant in the heart of Old Montréal led by the father-son duo of Richard and Jérémie Bastien, both experienced chefs and restaurateurs in their own right.

Simply jaw-dropping for both elegance and size, Monarque impresses with stunning fenestration, exposed stone and brick walls, plus a sparkling marble-tiled floor. The restaurant features three fabulous spaces: the brasserie with its magnificent counter backed by a wall of wine bottles which is reflected by large mirrors, and a graceful dining room accentuated by wooden tabletops and chic curved banquettes. And in between, a transitional space where a fishbowl window offers a prime view of the kitchen. 

Offering meticulously prepared French classics with a focus on market cuisine, the brasserie menu features tried-and-true favourites such as bouillabaisse, tartare, and Cornish hen, while the up-scale dining room menu proposes a four-course format. To begin, line-caught tuna tartare with foie gras custard, beef cheek pot-au-feu or Hamachi crudo will whet your appetite for more, while delectable mains including guinea fowl ballotine, Beaurivage farm piglet and monkfish saltimbocca will have you booking your next reservation. A four-chocolate bento box with Japanese flavours puts the perfect finishing touch on this extraordinary dining experience.

And the service? Impeccable!