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Monarca led by Chef Alfonso Brito, embodies the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine with a strong emphasis on quality and authenticity. The menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting a commitment to sustainability while maintaining the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Mexico. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with simple yet elegant decor that complements the culinary experience. The bar features a carefully curated menu showcasing artisanal mezcal and premium tequila varieties, each with unique flavor profiles that reflect the diverse regions of Mexico. In addition to the mezcal and tequila offerings, the bar also embraces American classics, blending them seamlessly into the experience.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 268 S State St Suite 110, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 214-0111
Website: http://monarcaut.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Monarca: Must-Visit Fine Dining Restaurant in SLC
Traditional Mexican fare with modern flair and award recognition. Warm, neighborhood dining with thoughtful service.
Monarca (@monarca_dining) · Salt Lake City, UT – Instagram
We are Monarca! Salt Lake’s Traditional Mexican restaurant and bar with modern flair and fare. 268 South State | SLC, UT. Follow. Message …
Monarca Restaurant – Salt Lake City, UT | OpenTable
A Mexican bistro, we constantly change our menu with our chef’s new creations, such as Ceviches, Enchiladas, Steaks, and other specialties.
Reviews
V Gnz
Amazing place for Mexican Cuisine! I was referred to try the Omakase Taco experience $200 a person which is a tasting of different chef prepared dishes paired with alcoholic drinks if you drink. Be prepared to expand your palate because everything is delicious! From the seafood to Elk! Also something you should know is it does cost more when you do include the alcohol. They require $50 per person reserve fee plus $20 gratuity as this does take place at the bar. This is pricey but worth it IMO. Also recommend having a designated driver or Uber/ Lyft if you’re drinking. The ambience, servers and Chef are amazing! This was a tour of culture, flavors and colors! Treat yourself to this experience like no other. A few pics I captured before devouring.
… moreGerardo Sumano
We went to Monarca with our family to celebrate my birthday, and it was an exceptional experience. This was not our first time at Monarca. We genuinely love this restaurant, and it is easily one of our favorite places in Salt Lake City.
One of the reasons we love Monarca so much is its deep respect for Mexican cuisine. It treats the food with seriousness, intention, and cultural understanding. In Utah, Mexican food is often reduced to places like Red Iguana, which in our opinion represents a lazy and outdated interpretation of the cuisine. In contrast, Monarca is part of a newer wave of restaurants that have elevated how Mexican food is perceived by executing it thoughtfully, authentically, and at a very high level. Monarca sits at the top of that list for us.
The chef is award winning, deeply trained, and clearly passionate about his craft. He travels extensively, brings global influence into his work, and co owns the restaurant with his wife. What really stands out is that he is present. He is there constantly, leading the kitchen and overseeing execution, and it shows in every dish.
They recently changed their menu after the chef returned from Spain, and somehow it is even better than before.
Several people at our table ordered the duck with mole, and it was outstanding. Rich, layered, and deeply flavorful, it was one of the best moles we have ever had. I ordered the Chile en Nogada, which is a complex and technically demanding dish in Mexican cuisine, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The salsa nogada was perfectly balanced, nutty, elegant, and authentic. The presentation was stunning, served on a beautiful plate that elevated the entire experience.
Others at the table ordered the salmon and the Pollo a las Brasas, both of which were cooked to perfection. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the potatoes were equally well executed.
We also shared several starters including the ceviche, tostadas de atún, and sopesitos. Nearly everything was exceptional. The only dish that did not fully meet our expectations was the tostadas de atún. They lacked a bit of depth, and the mayo leaned slightly too sweet for our taste. That said, it was still good, just not as remarkable as the rest of the menu.
Overall, Monarca is one of the best Mexican restaurants we have ever experienced outside of Mexico. It is thoughtful, refined, and deeply respectful of the cuisine. This is a restaurant that understands what Mexican food can be when it is done right.
… moreOne of the reasons we love Monarca so much is its deep respect for Mexican cuisine. It treats the food with seriousness, intention, and cultural understanding. In Utah, Mexican food is often reduced to places like Red Iguana, which in our opinion represents a lazy and outdated interpretation of the cuisine. In contrast, Monarca is part of a newer wave of restaurants that have elevated how Mexican food is perceived by executing it thoughtfully, authentically, and at a very high level. Monarca sits at the top of that list for us.
The chef is award winning, deeply trained, and clearly passionate about his craft. He travels extensively, brings global influence into his work, and co owns the restaurant with his wife. What really stands out is that he is present. He is there constantly, leading the kitchen and overseeing execution, and it shows in every dish.
They recently changed their menu after the chef returned from Spain, and somehow it is even better than before.
Several people at our table ordered the duck with mole, and it was outstanding. Rich, layered, and deeply flavorful, it was one of the best moles we have ever had. I ordered the Chile en Nogada, which is a complex and technically demanding dish in Mexican cuisine, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The salsa nogada was perfectly balanced, nutty, elegant, and authentic. The presentation was stunning, served on a beautiful plate that elevated the entire experience.
Others at the table ordered the salmon and the Pollo a las Brasas, both of which were cooked to perfection. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the potatoes were equally well executed.
We also shared several starters including the ceviche, tostadas de atún, and sopesitos. Nearly everything was exceptional. The only dish that did not fully meet our expectations was the tostadas de atún. They lacked a bit of depth, and the mayo leaned slightly too sweet for our taste. That said, it was still good, just not as remarkable as the rest of the menu.
Overall, Monarca is one of the best Mexican restaurants we have ever experienced outside of Mexico. It is thoughtful, refined, and deeply respectful of the cuisine. This is a restaurant that understands what Mexican food can be when it is done right.
Tatiana Gonzalez
The vibe of the restaurant was amazing. The music takes you on an adventure like your traveling and then paired with the food. The flavors were phenomenal. We got the ceviche, light and citrusy. And the salmon w/ chorizo. The salmon was cooked so perfectly, and layered on a corn salad. The bistec ranchera was also just as delicious served with warm tortillas, almost like eating in your abuelitas kitchen.
… moreManuel Matos
One of the best Mexican Restaurants in Salt Lake City. I always get birria tacos and guacamole appetizers and it never disappoints.
The Piña colada mock tail is also one of the best in town.
… moreThe Piña colada mock tail is also one of the best in town.
John U Guzel
We had such a great experience at Monarca! From the small plates to the shareables, everything was on point. We tried the ceviche veracruz, tostaditas de atún, guacamole, esquites de elote, empanada, and sopesitos, all super flavorful, fresh, and beautifully put together.
For the main, I went with the carne asada, which was delicious, especially with the demi-glacé sauce. It paired perfectly with a glass of Malbec.
But the real player of the game was the cheesecake, absolutely amazing, especially with an Americano on the side!
And shoutout to our server Kaylie! She’s the sweetest and made the whole experience even better.
… moreFor the main, I went with the carne asada, which was delicious, especially with the demi-glacé sauce. It paired perfectly with a glass of Malbec.
But the real player of the game was the cheesecake, absolutely amazing, especially with an Americano on the side!
And shoutout to our server Kaylie! She’s the sweetest and made the whole experience even better.
Jorge Morales
The food was very good, the atmosphere was nice, and the service overall was good. However, when it came to asking the waiter about certain items that were supposed to come with the dishes such as the molcajete salsa they didn’t seem to understand. One of the dishes specifically mentioned it, but nothing came on the platter.
There were also a couple of other small issues. For example, I asked for a Coke with no ice, but it was brought with extra ice. When I pointed it out, the waiter apologized and said it was on the house, but we never received the Coke without ice, which made things a bit awkward.
Other than that, the food was great and the service was above average. Maybe the staff just needs a bit more training on the menu and what each dish includes. ♂️
I’ll definitely come back and give it another try.
… moreThere were also a couple of other small issues. For example, I asked for a Coke with no ice, but it was brought with extra ice. When I pointed it out, the waiter apologized and said it was on the house, but we never received the Coke without ice, which made things a bit awkward.
Other than that, the food was great and the service was above average. Maybe the staff just needs a bit more training on the menu and what each dish includes. ♂️
I’ll definitely come back and give it another try.
Jose Arzate
Found Monarca on my way to another restaurant as I had struggled to find healthy vegan options. After reviewing the menu, I found a salad & tacos that could be modified to make them vegan. I was thrilled to have found Monarca – staff, interior design, service and food exceeded my expectations. I flexed my diet so I could enjoy the Flan de Elote, well worth the flex!! Special thanks to Lilly, Elmer, Finley & Gio for making my visit memorable.
… moretaylorwso
A very upscale Mexican restaurant, had poblano chicken legs and the birra tacos.
The slightly deconstructed poblano chicken dish was amazing. Poblano Chili’s and cream sauce were very good. Tacos were amazing, there’s tortillas were perfect.
Slightly expensive for slc, but very very good food for this town. Worth it!
11/24
Okay 2nd round.
Had ceviche, soup, and carne asada.
Ceviche was amazing, shrimp were firm, very well balanced, thats a theme here. I would suggest jalapeños on the side if you want it more spicy, but not needed. Greens were perfect, not wilted. The kicker was the tostados, omg. The deep corn flavor, crunchy with firm shrimp and the lime w/ avacados, it like does a yin yang thing, you cannot descibe it.
As I’m writing this, Alfanso, the chef just talked to me. Such a humble guy. He loves what he does, it shows.
Tortilla soup, first words: delicate, with bumps of flavor. The broth was subtle, when you taste it, its slow, not like a thick heavy soup, but a wow I keep tasting it over and over. The chicken might have been cotton candy, just melted, the cheese and small bites made for a different taste eveytime you take a bite, so good
Lastly carne asada.
Ill just say wow, I only eat prime beef but this melted like wagu. No need for a knife.
Seasoning was perfect, you tasted beef beef, then the slightly spices, green sauce balanced with the grilled lemon(very good with the fat) was perfect, but the corn/cheese/Chile combo was divine. The sweet corn w sweated onion and poblano worked so well.
Oh portions are huge imo, but I eat here for the quality
My mouth is happy. Thanks Alfonso
… moreThe slightly deconstructed poblano chicken dish was amazing. Poblano Chili’s and cream sauce were very good. Tacos were amazing, there’s tortillas were perfect.
Slightly expensive for slc, but very very good food for this town. Worth it!
11/24
Okay 2nd round.
Had ceviche, soup, and carne asada.
Ceviche was amazing, shrimp were firm, very well balanced, thats a theme here. I would suggest jalapeños on the side if you want it more spicy, but not needed. Greens were perfect, not wilted. The kicker was the tostados, omg. The deep corn flavor, crunchy with firm shrimp and the lime w/ avacados, it like does a yin yang thing, you cannot descibe it.
As I’m writing this, Alfanso, the chef just talked to me. Such a humble guy. He loves what he does, it shows.
Tortilla soup, first words: delicate, with bumps of flavor. The broth was subtle, when you taste it, its slow, not like a thick heavy soup, but a wow I keep tasting it over and over. The chicken might have been cotton candy, just melted, the cheese and small bites made for a different taste eveytime you take a bite, so good
Lastly carne asada.
Ill just say wow, I only eat prime beef but this melted like wagu. No need for a knife.
Seasoning was perfect, you tasted beef beef, then the slightly spices, green sauce balanced with the grilled lemon(very good with the fat) was perfect, but the corn/cheese/Chile combo was divine. The sweet corn w sweated onion and poblano worked so well.
Oh portions are huge imo, but I eat here for the quality
My mouth is happy. Thanks Alfonso
Alejandra Garcia
I’ve visited Monarca a couple of times, and overall, I’ve enjoyed the experience. The presentation of the dishes is excellent—thoughtful and elegant. The ceviche is tasty, and the food in general is quite good and satisfying, though the prices are a bit on the higher side.
It’s a great option if you’re looking to try Mexican dishes with a gourmet twist. Their cocktails are also very well made, both in flavor and presentation.
The space itself is a bit small and can get somewhat noisy during peak hours, but the atmosphere is stylish and well-decorated, giving it a modern, upscale feel.
Service on both of my visits was relatively pleasant, with no major complaints. Another detail to keep in mind is that there’s a private parking lot right across the street, which makes access easier.
In summary, Monarca is a solid choice if you’re in the mood for elevated Mexican cuisine in a beautiful setting. I’d recommend it for a more dressed-up outing—perfect for a special dinner or a stylish evening with friends.
… moreIt’s a great option if you’re looking to try Mexican dishes with a gourmet twist. Their cocktails are also very well made, both in flavor and presentation.
The space itself is a bit small and can get somewhat noisy during peak hours, but the atmosphere is stylish and well-decorated, giving it a modern, upscale feel.
Service on both of my visits was relatively pleasant, with no major complaints. Another detail to keep in mind is that there’s a private parking lot right across the street, which makes access easier.
In summary, Monarca is a solid choice if you’re in the mood for elevated Mexican cuisine in a beautiful setting. I’d recommend it for a more dressed-up outing—perfect for a special dinner or a stylish evening with friends.
Mike Fletcher
We had such a lovely experience at this spot! The food was delicious, and our waitress was so kind and attentive. What made it even more memorable was that the owner/chef and his wife came out to greet diners and spent some time talking with us. That kind of personal touch is almost unheard of nowadays and really made the evening feel special. Cozy atmosphere, amazing food, and attentive, warm service—definitely a dining experience worth returning to.
… more