MONARCA || Enjoy Authentic Mexican Flavours in a Stylish Setting at Historic Gastown
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican flavours in an eclectic dining environment, you should add Monarca Cocina Mexicana to your list.
Located at the corner of Carrall and Water Street in historic Gastown, the restaurant was alive with conversation when we visited on a Wednesday evening. The interior design with candlelight at each table, backlit bar and floral pattern-wrapped pillars ensure an impactful entrance. The setup allows for gatherings of all occasions, with cozy two-seater tables against a plush velvet sofa, tables for four by the large windows, and round tables for families and larger get-togethers.
Dining room.
An eclectic interior design featuring captivating murals is a signature of Chef Francisco’s first restaurant, Ophelia, as well.
The menu offers plenty of sharing options, with comfort food appetizers like Aguachile Verde con Fresas, with Cured Prawn, Scallops, Avocado, Strawberry, and Red Onion in a spicy Jalapeño Lime Broth to kickstart your appetite. It comes with tortilla chips so you can dip them in the tasty broth. Another item we savoured on the appetizer menu would be the Queso con Chorizo, which our waitress shared is one of her favourite items. With Melted Oaxaca + Asadero Cheese, House-Made Chorizo, and Mushrooms for you to pile onto Flour Tortillas, this is the perfect comfort food option on a cold winter day. We picked at this dish even when our entrees arrived and long after.
Aguachile with prawns and scallops.
AAA Beef Ribeye Taco.
The other highlight of our visit would be the AAA Beef Ribeye Taco served on a Milpa Tortilla with Grilled Cheese, Avocado, Onion, Cilantro, Salsa Verde and Salsa Roja. A lovely medley of flavours plus the super soft texture of the beef (without it being the least bit oily) made this a memorable dish for us. The beef taco was another recommended dish, thanks to our waitress! One order comes with three generously-portioned tacos, so we were quite stuffed after finishing three tacos between the two of us. We’ll have to come back to try her other suggestion for the Mexicana Prawn Grilled Tacos, which she shared is another popular item amongst guests.
The beverage menu also has a range of specialty cocktails for you to find the perfect pairing with your meal. The Monarca cocktail and the Smugglers Sour were delightful pairings for the spicy flavours. Whether you’re visiting for a sit-down meal or drinks, you can expect an evening of fun and flavour at Monarca.
You know where to visit the next time you crave spicy Mexican food!
The beverage menu boasts a range of cocktails that would pair perfectly with your meal.
Visit
(604) 569-2258
181 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC
Photography by Florence Leung