Truly exceptional. They have nailed the upscale tasting menus. There are plenty of add ons, but zero pressure to upsell anything. Each course features a couple of different options, ensuring there's something you'd like to eat. Usually with these types of restaurants there are multiple selections you don't want. It's beautifully tucked away near Old Town. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angel Rubio
This restaurant has amazing food and service, top notch. As a professional chef, dinning in. The food was very delicious. The owner is a really nice genuine person. Great place to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Maine Diver Scallops, Confit Pork Belly, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Big Eye Tuna Crudo
Anna Y
It will be very difficult to eat elsewhere after you’ve been to Monarch. Hardly anything can beat this place. The food, the service - exquisite!
Dan Barracliff
Fantastic high end dining experience. I went with business colleagues. This spot would be great for date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Maine Diver Scallops, Lamb Rack
Tommy Tomov
“No good breakfast” - I posted this review 9 years ago when I was 13 because they didn’t have chicken tenders or something. Went back a while back and it was solid. My bad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Francis Caron-Roy
Surely the best restaurant in all of Phoenix! Incredible cuisine, service, ambiance and alcohol selection + recommendations. Would recommend for any big celebration or to anyone looking for a memorable culinary experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thomas S. Painter
It is one of our Top 5 food experiences ever.Right alongside The French Laundry, Single Thread, State Provisions and Chez Panisse.Every detail is attended to, executed with intent and grace! They even titled our menu with a personalized anniversary message.The food was as perfect as humanly possible with clearly the best wine list in Arizona and maybe rivaling some of the world's greatest.Every encounter with staff was meaningful, and nothing overly excessive or frivolous. They each are empowered to be owners, and their entrepreneurial spirit shines through.Each course was unique, beautifully structured, exquisitely plated, and near perfect in flavor and texture.Plan on 3 + hours. Take time to explore the wine book, use the sommelier services!And I always teyto include something about the bar and cocktails- the Black Manhattan was perfect in its build and a small but nice touch of leaving the small bottle of Fever Tree Tonic with my wife's G&T.We'll be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Charred Spanish Octopus
Stasia Mobbs
This is the most beautiful dining experience we have ever had. We have eaten at many fine dining restaurants all over, but this takes the cake. It is overwhelmingly beautiful from the time you valet to the time you leave. I was a bit emotional at the table from how gorgeous, classic and romantic it was. Every single sense is awakened and indulged here. Our service was top of the line!Savannah is the hostess who assisted with changes to our reservation over the phone— so pleasant to finally meet her in person once the time arrived.Nick was our server’s assistant. He was so knowledgeable that we didn’t know he wasn’t our primary server until Ricky arrived lol. They were both awesome and communicated/worked very well with each other. Jacob was the sous chef who came after dessert to wish me a Happy Birthday, but we also requested to give our personal compliments to a chef before we left. It was PERFECT. There was no bad bite during any course. They truly and clearly know what they are doing here at Cafe Monarch. It’s worth every dollar!Kid-friendliness: Children need to be a certain age for a reservation here, and I respect that. Please adhere to it. This is last place anyone wants to hear a crying baby or parents trying to hush a toddler.
Exquisite. Beautiful atmosphere and decor. Exceptionally knowledgeable sommelier and utterly inspired cuisine. The chef’s 8 course tasting menu with wine pairing. Flawless.
Easily one of the most romantic restaurants on the continent, and the service from Dan at the bar was perfection. The shrimp dish, which adds cornstarch for a little crispiness, is world class. Sauces on many dishes equal the very best of America, such as Le Bernadin NYC. A triumph!
If you have one meal in Scottsdale let it be Cafe Monarch! It is one of the best restaurants that we have ever been to.. bar none. The food was exquisite, service phenomenal, and the beauty of the space is like walking inside a Faberge egg- absolutely gorgeous!
Pamela Jane
We’ve been to top restaurants in NYC like Jean Georges, Daniel, and The Modern, as well as the 3 Michelin star Inn at Little Washington in Washington, VA, among others. Cafe Monarch, which we come back to yearly when we visit Arizona, ranks at the very top of this list. If Michelin ever comes to Arizona, which it should, Cafe Monarch will absolutely earn this coveted award. From checking in to the thoughtful “How was your meal” call from Hayley the following day, and everything in between, every single thing was extraordinary! Every member of the staff we interacted with was professional, attentive, warm, and accommodating. Loved them all! In particular, Todd took such good care of us making sure everything was perfect. What an amazing gift he is to the restaurant world! We were so lucky to be among his diners last night! There’s no one better! Also, a shout out to Angelo, who was absolutely wonderful. Great young man and a real asset to Cafe Monarch. He is excellent at his job, and surely has a bright future . Of course a restaurant review would be incomplete without mentioning the food! It deserves the highest praise! Creative, interesting, terrific blends of the best foods and spices, all beautifully presented. We loved every spectacular bite! Last but not least, Cafe Monarch is one of the most beautiful restaurants we’ve ever seen! The decor and ambiance are second to none…absolutely gorgeous. Cafe Monarch is truly special. Can’t recommend it enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelin star quality food and service. A magnificent property built to look a couple generations older than it is. I sat at the bar which permitted me to order the 4 course dinner instead of the 8. A tuna dish, pork belly, venison which tasted like a great filet and rack of lamb. Unless you're a large eater this was more than enough. Bar servers were terrific and friendly. No pretense. Finally they recommended Waymo a driverless taxi service. Look it up the ride was perfection. Finally plan on spending $250-$300 minimum per person.
Foodie
Better than it has every been....that was our assessment. We have dined at Cafe Monarch numerous times over the years and this latest experience was far and away the best. The menu now has 4 and 8 course options, we chose the 4 course one. The choices were a mix of fish and meat selections. We added the foie gras which was outstanding. Every course was luscious. Our NZ lamb choice was perfectly cooked. The Sea Bass was amazing...Cafe Monarch has some of the best wine selections anywhere and its service is over the top. Attentive but never hovering with numerous well trained individuals each performing their jobs impeccably. We have already made return reservations. Absolutely one of the top restaurants anywhere.
Rick F
Food was amazing, but I was disappointed with the hostess. She was rude to my quest. I asked to speak to a manager, but never heard back from them. You're spending a lot of money to have a trashy hostess greet you.
Truly exceptional. They have nailed the upscale tasting menus. There are plenty of add ons, but zero pressure to upsell anything. Each course features a couple of different options, ensuring there's something you'd like to eat. Usually with these types of restaurants there are multiple selections you don't want. It's beautifully tucked away near Old Town. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant has amazing food and service, top notch. As a professional chef, dinning in. The food was very delicious. The owner is a really nice genuine person. Great place to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Maine Diver Scallops, Confit Pork Belly, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Big Eye Tuna Crudo
It will be very difficult to eat elsewhere after you’ve been to Monarch. Hardly anything can beat this place. The food, the service - exquisite!
Fantastic high end dining experience. I went with business colleagues. This spot would be great for date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Maine Diver Scallops, Lamb Rack
“No good breakfast” - I posted this review 9 years ago when I was 13 because they didn’t have chicken tenders or something. Went back a while back and it was solid. My bad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Surely the best restaurant in all of Phoenix! Incredible cuisine, service, ambiance and alcohol selection + recommendations. Would recommend for any big celebration or to anyone looking for a memorable culinary experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It is one of our Top 5 food experiences ever.Right alongside The French Laundry, Single Thread, State Provisions and Chez Panisse.Every detail is attended to, executed with intent and grace! They even titled our menu with a personalized anniversary message.The food was as perfect as humanly possible with clearly the best wine list in Arizona and maybe rivaling some of the world's greatest.Every encounter with staff was meaningful, and nothing overly excessive or frivolous. They each are empowered to be owners, and their entrepreneurial spirit shines through.Each course was unique, beautifully structured, exquisitely plated, and near perfect in flavor and texture.Plan on 3 + hours. Take time to explore the wine book, use the sommelier services!And I always teyto include something about the bar and cocktails- the Black Manhattan was perfect in its build and a small but nice touch of leaving the small bottle of Fever Tree Tonic with my wife's G&T.We'll be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Charred Spanish Octopus
This is the most beautiful dining experience we have ever had. We have eaten at many fine dining restaurants all over, but this takes the cake. It is overwhelmingly beautiful from the time you valet to the time you leave. I was a bit emotional at the table from how gorgeous, classic and romantic it was. Every single sense is awakened and indulged here. Our service was top of the line!Savannah is the hostess who assisted with changes to our reservation over the phone— so pleasant to finally meet her in person once the time arrived.Nick was our server’s assistant. He was so knowledgeable that we didn’t know he wasn’t our primary server until Ricky arrived lol. They were both awesome and communicated/worked very well with each other. Jacob was the sous chef who came after dessert to wish me a Happy Birthday, but we also requested to give our personal compliments to a chef before we left. It was PERFECT. There was no bad bite during any course. They truly and clearly know what they are doing here at Cafe Monarch. It’s worth every dollar!Kid-friendliness: Children need to be a certain age for a reservation here, and I respect that. Please adhere to it. This is last place anyone wants to hear a crying baby or parents trying to hush a toddler.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Citrus Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, Confit Pork Belly, Big Eye Tuna Crudo
Exquisite. Beautiful atmosphere and decor. Exceptionally knowledgeable sommelier and utterly inspired cuisine. The chef’s 8 course tasting menu with wine pairing. Flawless.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Citrus Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, Big Eye Tuna Crudo
Easily one of the most romantic restaurants on the continent, and the service from Dan at the bar was perfection. The shrimp dish, which adds cornstarch for a little crispiness, is world class. Sauces on many dishes equal the very best of America, such as Le Bernadin NYC. A triumph!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
If you have one meal in Scottsdale let it be Cafe Monarch! It is one of the best restaurants that we have ever been to.. bar none. The food was exquisite, service phenomenal, and the beauty of the space is like walking inside a Faberge egg- absolutely gorgeous!
We’ve been to top restaurants in NYC like Jean Georges, Daniel, and The Modern, as well as the 3 Michelin star Inn at Little Washington in Washington, VA, among others. Cafe Monarch, which we come back to yearly when we visit Arizona, ranks at the very top of this list. If Michelin ever comes to Arizona, which it should, Cafe Monarch will absolutely earn this coveted award. From checking in to the thoughtful “How was your meal” call from Hayley the following day, and everything in between, every single thing was extraordinary! Every member of the staff we interacted with was professional, attentive, warm, and accommodating. Loved them all! In particular, Todd took such good care of us making sure everything was perfect. What an amazing gift he is to the restaurant world! We were so lucky to be among his diners last night! There’s no one better! Also, a shout out to Angelo, who was absolutely wonderful. Great young man and a real asset to Cafe Monarch. He is excellent at his job, and surely has a bright future . Of course a restaurant review would be incomplete without mentioning the food! It deserves the highest praise! Creative, interesting, terrific blends of the best foods and spices, all beautifully presented. We loved every spectacular bite! Last but not least, Cafe Monarch is one of the most beautiful restaurants we’ve ever seen! The decor and ambiance are second to none…absolutely gorgeous. Cafe Monarch is truly special. Can’t recommend it enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelin star quality food and service. A magnificent property built to look a couple generations older than it is. I sat at the bar which permitted me to order the 4 course dinner instead of the 8. A tuna dish, pork belly, venison which tasted like a great filet and rack of lamb. Unless you're a large eater this was more than enough. Bar servers were terrific and friendly. No pretense. Finally they recommended Waymo a driverless taxi service. Look it up the ride was perfection. Finally plan on spending $250-$300 minimum per person.
Better than it has every been....that was our assessment. We have dined at Cafe Monarch numerous times over the years and this latest experience was far and away the best. The menu now has 4 and 8 course options, we chose the 4 course one. The choices were a mix of fish and meat selections. We added the foie gras which was outstanding. Every course was luscious. Our NZ lamb choice was perfectly cooked. The Sea Bass was amazing...Cafe Monarch has some of the best wine selections anywhere and its service is over the top. Attentive but never hovering with numerous well trained individuals each performing their jobs impeccably. We have already made return reservations. Absolutely one of the top restaurants anywhere.
Food was amazing, but I was disappointed with the hostess. She was rude to my quest. I asked to speak to a manager, but never heard back from them. You're spending a lot of money to have a trashy hostess greet you.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1