Cantina Monarca
Mexican restaurant · Bellevue ·

Cantina Monarca

Mexican restaurant · Bellevue ·

Modern Mexican dishes, cocktails, tequila flights, and tasty tacos

tulum vibe
margarita flight
sea bass taco
gluten-free
attentive service
date night
upscale
guacamole
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by Cantina Monarca
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null
Cantina Monarca by null

Information

504 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 Get directions

$100+

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Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Dinner reservations recommended
Trendy

Information

Static Map

504 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 Get directions

+1 425 531 7206
cantinamonarca.com
@cantinamonarcabellevue

$100+ · Menu

Reserve a table

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Trendy
•Fancy
•Family friendly

Last updated

Jan 25, 2026

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@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

8 Previously Impossible Reservations That Are Easy Now - Seattle - The Infatuation

"How Far In Advance Should You Book? A week or two out for prime weekend times; less than that for weeknights. You needed to be a Love is Blind cast member to get into this glitzy Bellevue restaurant when it first opened in 2022. Now, even just Love Is Blind watchers can get in. It’s still a tad difficult to find Friday and Saturday availability before 6pm, but weeknights are wide open. And if you're feeling the call of a flashy night out and strong margaritas on a whim, grab seats at the bar." - gabe guarente

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/guides/previously-impossible-reservations-you-can-get-now-seattle
Cantina Monarca
@infatuation
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Where To Eat At T-Mobile Park - Seattle - The Infatuation

"Location: Cantina Nachos, Sections 109, 143, 195, 212, 319, 333 If you’re going to buy gimmicky food when three seltzers deep, this is the place to do it. Yes, these nachos come in a helmet you could reuse for a six-year-old batter, and yes they are $24 dollars before tax—but they’re also really tasty. A big scoop of creamy white queso makes its way to every chip, and the nachos come topped with mounds of smoky carnitas and what looks like an entire jar of jalapeños." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente, kayla sager riley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/guides/best-tmobile-park-food
Cantina Monarca
@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Cantina Monarca - Review - Bellevue - Seattle - The Infatuation

"Cantina Monarca is a self-proclaimed “modern Mexican” spot that has likely set out to transport you to a tropical day club. In reality, it’s a corporate restaurant covered in warped blonde wood at a Bellevue shopping mall right next to Nordstrom Rack. Unfortunately, this setting is the most interesting part of the whole experience. Cantina Monarca is an overpriced and underwhelming Mexican restaurant that adds ingredients to simple dishes until we no longer recognize them. This amount of bad remixing should only happen between a Las Vegas DJ and literally any ‘90s Europop song. We’ll start with what works. The tacos are reliable, with fillings like wagyu steak or pork belly with pineapple pico de gallo. By far, the battered sea bass taco is Cantina Monarca's best dish, with a crunchy exterior, soft and flaky middle, and an apple slaw that brightens it up. Stick with tacos if you’re stuck here. Onto the bad. It’s seemingly hard to screw up chips and guacamole, and yet, Cantina Monarca’s lineup of luxe topping combinations ruin it, like pungent goat cheese and “compressed watermelon” (a.k.a. just watermelon). Not to mention that the avocado could have spent some more time ripening in the fruit bowl. The tostada de atún looks like a dollhouse appetizer. Three measly shards of fried tortilla are topped with avocado hunks in desperate need of salt, and tuna overpowered by chipotle sauce to the point where the tuna's only purpose is to hike up the price tag. For salsa and enchilada-induced bliss, look elsewhere. There are plenty of delicious Mexican restaurants in Seattle that are more reasonably priced and just straight-up better. Sure, you could use Cantina Monarca to swipe your corporate card in exchange for margaritas with your team. But you'd probably have more fun doing that at Cactus. Food Rundown Tostada de Atún No need to order this tiny tostada trio with tuna overshadowed by chipotle sauce and sour pickled onion. Truffle Potato Taquito Think gummy mashed potatoes topped with too much truffle oil, wrapped in a corn tortilla, and deep-fried. They're three great ingredients, only gone horribly wrong. Enchiladas Divorciadas Like the name suggests, we are also torn on these chicken tinga enchiladas topped with guajillo tomato sauce on one side, and poblano tomatillo broth on the other. Not bad, but not great either—it’s a boring, safe choice. Taquito Cangrejo This blue crab-stuffed taquito drizzled with guajillo aioli tastes like something you could get in the frozen section of Costco. And we love Costco food, but would prefer to pay a reasonable member-discounted price for it. Cazuela Plate with Birria The cazuela plate is essentially a burrito bowl with elevated ingredients, like power greens, queso panela, and xni-pec. It’s a safe bet when you need something a bit more filling than tacos. However, your wallet will probably be happier at a counter spot. Baja Sea Bass Taco We would like to be eating these poolside under an umbrella. Wagyu Chingon Taco The meat in this taco is nicely charred. But a heavy pour of salsa and guacamole masks the wagyu and makes the whole thing fall apart. Sakura Pork Belly Taco Complete with a tropical pico de gallo and earthy achiote, this tender pork belly taco is a good move to make—order one of these and a fish taco." - Kayla Sager-Riley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/reviews/cantina-monarca
Cantina Monarca
Cantina Monarca

Sameet S.

Google
Solid tacos, the sea bass and Wagyu tacos were great. Wish it came with salsa for each. The chips and guac were decent but wish there was more guac and it was seasoned more. The drinks were good too, loved the idea of the flight.. but the margaritas could have been 10% stronger and my favorite was the smoke and spice one. I loved our waiter though, he was very attentive and checked on us often but was very informative.

Gisel S.

Google
Definitely did not know what to expect as this place had mixed reviews but I had to try for myself and had a really a great experience—our service, and food exceeded all of our expectations! I would highly recommend!! I tried their traditional guac, salsa and chips as part of our appetizer, as well as their ceviche de hamachi (so incredibly delicious!). As main entree I ordered their Wagyu Chingon gourmet tacos with a side of rice, and to drink I had their zero-proof Jamaica hibiscus which was really good!! Whole experience was a 10/10.

Julie Ben D.

Google
Amazing experience, middle of January we felt like we step in to vacation in tulum, beautiful decor ( I am interiors designer) , great food, delicious drinks! great service Stephanie is the best ! . But so much potential if changing the quiet music for house electronics Spanish music to fully embrace Tulum vibes. Can wait to be back for dj night !!

Ryan B

Google
I don’t know what others are talking about that are leaving a 1 star review, we have not had any of the issues. We came in last weekend and it was wonderful. It was so good we came back 2 days later to eat again. The pastor taco is by far our favorite. The pork belly taco with the tropical pico is so flavorful it’s my 2nd favorite. The quessobirria taco is my third and last unfortunstely is the waygu taco. The waygu taco just had too much guac at the bottom for me. The ceviche is also amazing as well

B V

Google
Cantina Monarca is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Bellevue! The ambience is absolutely stunning — modern, vibrant, and perfect for a night out with friends or a date night. 🌟 What really stood out to me were their innovative drinks. The cocktail menu isn’t just creative, it’s an experience in itself — beautifully crafted, unique flavors, and Instagram-worthy presentation. 🍹✨ The food is equally impressive, with bold flavors and fresh ingredients that make every dish memorable. The staff is warm and attentive, making the whole dining experience feel special. If you’re looking for a spot that combines delicious Mexican cuisine, a lively upscale vibe, and drinks that wow, Cantina Monarca is the place to be in Bellevue. Highly recommend!

Varsha P.

Google
We came to celebrate my daughter’s birthday and, unfortunately, the experience didn’t meet expectations. We were seated upstairs at one of the smallest tables, where my husband and I were practically hanging off the edges. Meanwhile, just in front of us, two people were seated at a much larger table. The energy and buzz we noticed downstairs was completely missing upstairs—it felt quiet and disconnected, which took away from the lively atmosphere we were hoping for. For a special occasion, it just didn’t feel like the experience we expected. That’s the main reason I’m giving only 3 stars.

Laura A.

Google
Service was great, but the drink I ordered didn't have anything special and was very expensive. The tacos were good, but I was very disappointed because this is such a beautiful restaurant with a great atmosphere, and we went there to celebrate a friend's birthday party, and they sat us on the second floor in the corner. That part of the restaurant is not beautiful at all, and it looks like a storage room, and I don't feel like it was a good experience.

Sophie C.

Google
We enjoyed our dinner here at Cantina Monarca! All of the staff members were super nice and took great care of us. They went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of with our food and drinks. The best part of the experience was the margarita flight. They had the option to swap in a seasonal flavor (cranberry) even though the flight menu is usually limited.

Kristin B.

Yelp
My best friends and I came here for our annual friendship dinner, and it was incredible from start to finish. It was our first time, recommended by one of the girls, and we're already planning to return. Two of us tried the mini margarita flights -- the passion fruit, Piña Niña, and watermelon were all bright, creative, and perfectly made. We shared queso and their tropical guacamole topped with cojita, and both were delicious with the warm homemade chips. For tacos, we followed our server Becca's enthusiastic recommendation and all ordered the sea bass taco. She was absolutely right -- it was amazing. Our second-round tacos (pork belly, queso birria, al pastor) were also full of great flavor, and we shared rice and beans on the side. But the real standout of the night was Becca. She didn't just serve us -- she connected with us. Her recommendations felt genuinely thoughtful, and she made us feel celebrated for getting together as longtime friends. She even shared her own story of reuniting with her closest girlfriends each year, which made the night feel even more special. To top it off, she surprised us with complimentary ice cream with butterflies. We left full, happy, and appreciated. Thanks to the amazing food and Becca's warmth, this spot is officially part of our tradition now.

Ranne M.

Yelp
We had a great time at our first visit Cantina Monarca. Blake made excellent suggestions from the menu and took great care of us. We will definitely be back!
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Rachel B.

Yelp
Cantina Monarca has such a pretty vibe--the decor, the food, the drinks--just all of it. Our server, Blake, took such good care of us. He was attentive, did special things (like a citrus smoke experience) to make sure our birthday celebration was on point, and more. He made sure our table was cleared and had space and gave us suggestions when we asked. He really impressed me by how kind and accommodating he was--a real professional. He even put up with our constant need for photos and videos like a champ! The food and drinks were spectacular as always. I love Cantina Monarca and Blake made me love it even more.
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Nick E.

Yelp
Let me put it this way... this restaurant really is here to serve vibes. It's a great spot for an occasion- a birthday, celebration, anniversary, etc. But for the prices and the food quality - it's not worth the money. I doubt you would "crave" any of the food here. The food is good but it is nothing more incredible than food you'd get from a family taqueria in the suburbs, honestly. Bottom line: if you're looking for a spot to celebrate something special, somewhere you wanna treat yourself, dress up and take cute IG pics - this works. If you're just looking for a casual place to grab a bite, this is not worth the money.
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Maxine L.

Yelp
My friend and I came in on a random Sunday afternoon and it was pretty empty! We were greeted and sat immediately. The interior is very aesthetic that feels tropical and woodsy and warm. As we weren't super hungry, we each ordered a taco. I had the lengua taco and a lychee margarita. The lengua was melt in your mouth tender and so flavorful. I liked the toppings as well. The tortillas didn't hold up very well though, and broke apart pretty quickly. The margarita was delicious, no notes. Tbh so many of their drinks sound so good Overall, this was a pretty good experience. It is definitely upscale, so a lot more expensive than your average truck taco. I do like the extra fun ingredients and their expansive drink menu, so that's a plus, but not quite good enough to be a regular spot for me. Definitely worth a try though!
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Ryan G.

Yelp
I've been excited to try Monarca for a while but was sadly disappointed with the overall experience... to start, the average cocktails were over $20, which is high even for Bellevue standards and were just OK. We got chips & a tiny cup of salsa. The server asked "would you like some more chips?" and were then charged extra for both chips and salsa when we said yes! At this point we just ordered a couple tacos - these were the highlight but the whole meal was over $100 and we had to supplement from home :(
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Katherine S.

Yelp
Amazing night out! The atmosphere was great, the drinks were on point, and the service really made the experience. Our bartenders Jorge and Felix were fantastic; super friendly, attentive, and clearly know their craft. They made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down and kept the good vibes going all night. Definitely a place we'll be coming back to. Highly recommend! Buena onda todos!
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Sophia C.

Yelp
Definitely on the pricier side but this is a great spot for fancier occasions or to treat people visiting from out of town! I visited for dinner before and had a great time, so decided to stop by for lunch this time. The lunch menu is more affordable; you can select 2 items from the menu for $17. I chose 2 tacos but there's also a salad option as well as quesadillas, tostadas, and etc. I thoroughly enjoyed my tacos, especially the sakura pork belly taco. My party all ordered different things so I tried some of the salad as well, which was solid. I didn't think the quesadilla was as good as the taco options, but it wasn't bad, just didn't stand out. We also ordered the chips, guac, and salsa combo, which was a good starter. I wish there was more guac though, for the price. I love the margaritas here, they taste so fresh and are decorated with a lot of flair. Look at how beautiful they are! I highly recommend grabbing a drink here. Service was great and the elevated beach club ambience is stunning. Great place to snap pics and have an aesthetically pleasing meal that tastes good too. I'd come back for the tacos and drinks!
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Alexis C.

Yelp
A cute little cantina located inside the mall... You'll definitely need a reservation if you're coming here it's pretty busy on weekends. Ambiance: is very cute for a date or to hang out with friends. Very vibey for Instagram pictures if you're into that too! Service: We arrived on time for our reservation, yet still had to wait. Waiters not as attentive as they could be.. Food: We mostly ordered drinks. Chips and guac are pretty pricey here, as well as food but i enjoyed my taco. Tacos are about $10/piece. Recommend coming here for convenience if you're going out to dinner, followed by hitting the clubs in the mall here!
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Sahithi Y.

Yelp
The vibe of the restaurant was amazing. We had gotten a reservation a week in advance, but apparently if you don't call them a couple days ahead of time and specify you want a table downstairs they stick you upstairs and it's definitely not as pretty upstairs the way it's downstairs. Being a vegetarian there weren't a lot of options for me maybe one or two dishes, but they were able to make some of the dishes that had meat with meat on the side so that my friends could still have it. The margarita flight looked so cute and tasted almost like juice. We were doing a girls night so we split the appetizers. The portions were kind of small and the taste was decent but for the price I would expect a bit more but we knew it was an expensive place. Something to keep in mind is that one taco was $11-$13 minimum, we all assumed we'd get at least two tacos for each dish.
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Shawn G.

Yelp
Ambiance - this spot is very pretty inside. Feels like Tulum Service - the team here is super friendly, and attentive! Food - queso has some serious cheese pull it's not like a typical creamy queso sauce. It comes with soft tortillas and easy turned into a quesadilla Carne asada - cooked medium well, was very delicious but pricey I thought ($69 I think) and only came with tortillas. For that price they should include rice and beans at the very least Corn side was delicious, the rice side is fluffy and had good flavor. Drinks - margarita flight $26 great way to try a few. My favorite was the pina marg
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Packy F.

Yelp
Only ate chips and salsa, plus some beers, but really enjoyed their salsa trio, lots of flavor, highly recommend. Maria our server was wonderful, would go back just to have her service with a smile.
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Emma S.

Yelp
Came in for a family birthday late lunch and it was empty! They left a birthday card on the table which we appreciated! The decorations are gorgeous and they opened the huge windows about half way through and it honestly was 10/10 vibes. We started off with the queso fundido and corn esquites and really enjoyed both! They both were packed with flavor and perfectly warm when they came out. I do wish the cheese stayed warm a bit longer though, it harden after about 5 minutes but otherwise really enjoyed! For drinks we tried the Cabo azul (4/5), spicy pepino (4/5), and the el pasion (5/5). They were all yummy but the el pasion really stood out to me. The flavor was so fresh and not overwhelming with the taste of alcohol. Would come back again purely for this! We loved the display of the Cabo azul! For food we got the seabass (4.5/5! The piece of fish was almost too big for the tortilla! It was perfectly crispy, the apple slaw and chipotle aioli were yummy and fresh, and it was super flavorful!), the pastor (5/5! Everyone loved it!), the chayote (4.5/5), and the pork belly (3.5/5). Everyone very much enjoyed their tacos and agreed they were flavorful, despite what many of the reviews say. Thanks to the birthday, they brought out 2 desserts for us - the helado (I can't remember the flavors now, one was fruity I believe? All delicious though!) and the Bosque magico! They told us that the Bosque magico was supposed to look like a little scene with the almond crumble as dirt, cilantro sponge cake as moss, with chavre (goat cheese-ish) and berry puree under, and a poached apple on top with huckleberry ice cream. They add "fog" to the plate too! I wasn't a huge fan of the chavre on the bottom and the almond crumble didn't have much flavor but it was such a fun dessert and my sister enjoyed the chavre! On the helado bowl, they had the ice cream on top of a bed of pumpkin seeds that were so delicious! I could've eaten those by themselves. I would definitely come again just for the tacos and drinks! Now that I know the food is good, I am more willing to try the more expensive dishes next time!
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Avi L.

Yelp
Cozy space with a lot of creative dishes and drinks. My cocktail came with a lime Jell-O shot on the side, like the chic, well-traveled cousin of my college Tuesday nights. The waitress tried to encourage us to have three tacos, but after sharing some of the appetizers, I can tell you that you two are MORE than enough. Don't pass up the guacamole or the street corn! Also the fish taco and the chicken, yes - chicken, al pastor are a must.
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Rachel C.

Yelp
ambiance: 5/5 service: 4/5 food: 4.5/5 The restaurant is well decorated. I really enjoyed the atmosphere here- private and cozy!
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Marina B.

Yelp
PHENOMENAL! I'm usually hesitant to try new-age mexican food because they stray too far from the real thing, but this was beyond expectation. My husband and I went for our anniversary and got the margarita flight (HIGHLY recommend the seasonal watermelon one), chips and guac/salsa, and I got the carne asada while my husband got three tacos of his choice. Our server Blake was so so kind and helpful and he even brought us a free anniversary dessert (raspberry, huckleberry, and pecan helado). I will come here EVERY time for a special occasion!
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Ana M.

Yelp
I wanted to visit them for quite some time. Unfortunately, they didn't accept kids. I recently learnt they do for lunchtime :) But we came here for dinner. I thought we were not going to make it because you have to get reservations, but we don't know if we are going to be able to go out most of the times :) Fortunately, we had their last table. Small, but very intimate. Ambience is inviting your senses for a good experience. The room is beautiful! Details everywhere. Staff was glad to show us animal representations on their wall design. Music was good, but a bit loud. I guess for younger people. Food was amazing. Consider js their own representation. Cocktails are so good!! I want to try each one :) Staff is great! Friendly, helpful, fast, knowledgeable, go beyond. They were sure to make us feel comfortable, and have a great time here. Thank you all!! I guess the only part 2hete I could lift my brow is with prices. Food is really tasty, but nothing spectacular. It's their own representation of mexican food. And eventhough we are near Mexico, consider this is a delikatessen outside such country. It is also well plated and cooked. Restaurant and location is different. Loved this place :) Glad it is in a mall with parking. But...it can also get hard finding a spot. Who would knew..
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Eric P.

Yelp
I don't often find time to write reviews anymore, but this place deserves some serious praise. Mexican cuisine isn't usually my first choice, but the promise of elevated dishes and a unique menu drew me in. I was not disappointed.The atmosphere is a standout--warm, inviting, and dramatically stylish, making it perfect for a date or, in my case, impressing business associates and clients. The music is distinctive but never overpowering, and the lighting and decor alone make this spot worth visiting.Our server, Jessica, was exceptional. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her professionalism was unmatched, rivaling the best high-end dining experiences I've had. She handled our early arrival and a last-minute party size change with grace, seamlessly consolidating us to one table. Now, the food--every dish, from appetizers to mains, was packed with an array of flavors and perfectly portioned. Their wagyu taco? Hands-down one of the best dishes I've ever tasted. The tequila selection is equally impressive, with additive-free options clearly marked for smarter sipping. Jessica's expertise shone again, guiding our clients to tequilas that matched their preferences. If you're in Bellevue and craving some of the finest Mexican cuisine in the Pacific Northwest, this is definitely the place to go.
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Roshni A.

Yelp
Cantina Monarca in Bellevue Downtown has great ambience, very quick service and great Mexican food. If you're looking for a place in Bellevue for some great vibe then you've got to check this place. Got some salsa Trio cause I love trying varieties of salsas. And boy, I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend it if you're into salsas. Next up I tried the chayote taco and it was delicious. So delicious and flavorful. Since it was my birthday, they were kind enough to even offer ice cream, on the house with a tiny candle on it. The ice cream and Gelato were delicious and flavorful. Can't wait to be back for more!
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Margaret O.

Yelp
This restaurant is located in the Lincoln Square building, conveniently connected to a parking garage. We came around 6:30 pm and, had a brief 10-minute wait. The space itself is fairly small and bustling. The bottom floor was packed, with lively music. Fortunately, we were seated upstairs, where the ambiance was quieter and more private. We ordered a variety of dishes, starting with two appetizers: Chicken Tinga Tostaditas ($21) and guacamole, salsa & chips ($18). For tacos, we tried the Baja Sea Bass, Quesabirria, Wagyu Chingón, and Enchiladas de Pescado Ahumado. The tacos were decent in size, but at $11-$13 each, they felt a bit overpriced for what you get. That said, I particularly enjoyed the Baja Sea Bass taco--featuring a battered fried fish, apple coleslaw, and chipotle aioli. I also tried the Lychee Margarita ($20), which was somewhat underwhelming; I had hoped for a stronger lychee flavor. As for the Enchiladas de Pescado Ahumado ($31), they tasted a bit too fishy for my liking, and I found myself relying on extra guacamole and salsa to balance the flavor. Overall, it was an enjoyable dining experience, though some dishes stood out more than others.
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Kirstin H.

Yelp
Came here for our wedding anniversary, and Cantina Monarca understood the assignment! We were seated at a small two top by the window, with fabulous lighting at sunset, and a direct view of the gorgeous restaurant. They even included a lovely Happy Anniversary card at the table for us, and treated us to a sampler of their ice creams. We started with a couple of fun non-alcoholic drinks, and enjoyed our housemade horchata and lychee tamarindo tonic drinks. Dinner consisted of the tlayuda with chorizo, and two el rey and al pastor tacos. We also shared a salsa trio, which came with a couple of warm chip refills. This was a beautiful and vibrant dining experience and I look forward to returning with more friends! Space can be a little squeezy, and the bench seats are a little awkward, but as long as you make reservations, all will be well. Buen Provecho!
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Shannon C.

Yelp
We recently spent three nights in Bellevue and found ourselves at Cantina Monarca every single night -- it's that good. We didn't have reservations but since we walked in so late at night, we were able to find a seat at the bar pretty easily. On the first night, Felix gave us a run through of the menu but he was such a fun vibe throughout that night that we ended up sitting at his section every time we visited! Drinks we loved - Bebesota: The presentation and flavor of this was amazing! Fruity with a dash of cinnamon. - Melon beso: super refreshing melon drink with hints of basil. I would love this on a hot sunny day out! - Cocoasis: also amazing presentation! The drink itself is like a creamy coconut and kind of reminiscent of a piña colada. They also had quite a bit of tequilas and Mexican whiskey we haven't seen before so we were able to try a bit of those as well! Food we enjoyed - Tulum guac: this is definitely the one to get! We got this twice in a row. The pico on top comes with pineapple which gives this a good twist and the cheese add on was great too. - Lengua tacos: the lengua was super tender and nicely seasoned. - Asada prime taco: Nicely done and it hit the spot but the lengua was still the better choice. Between the outstanding drinks, fantastic food, and the genuinely fun atmosphere (special thanks to Felix for being such a big part of that and to Logan and Jorge as well!), Cantina Monarca quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. We can't wait to come back next time we're in town!
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Dan H.

Yelp
Expensive but you are paying for the location and vibe. Food was 3.5/5 but while I love Mexican food can't quite get behind upscale Mexican. Next time I might be less adventurous and just get the classics like enchiladas. We tried all of the tacos and found them a bit too "extra" and found ourselves instead wishing we were eating street tacos in SoCal. Rice and beans were solid though. And I will say the horchata was perfection, as was the salsa served with the chips. Also top notch service. Wonderful ambiance, great energy and is be a perfect date spot. I actually would overall still recommend this place for the right occasion, so long as you know what to expect.
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Vanessa S.

Yelp
Made a reservation which I am glad we did because it was busy! We started with the queso which was the perfect temperature and had great flavor. We tried 3 different tacos and tlayuda. Personally I felt the asada tacos were alright, lacked in flavor compared to quesabirria and el Rey. The tlayuda was delicious, we got it with birria and it is a good dish to share! Their horchata was also amazing! Cute date night spot, would come back!
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Jinny C.

Yelp
Came here for a special occasion dinner and was left disappointed. I had heard a lot about the place being great for celebrations but the service was mediocre and the food was short of being memorable. Plus, we were seated upstairs which lacked the beautiful decor of the main floor. We ordered a variety of dishes: tacos, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, salads, and appetizers. They were good but didn't stand out from other places. I was looking forward to the tacos but didn't think they were as special as the price would suggest.
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Areej A.

Yelp
We walked in without a reservation and got seated right away, which was a lovely surprise. We were seated upstairs--such a cute space, though I can see it feeling a bit tight if every table was full since they're placed pretty close together. Our server was sweet and attentive, and everything came out quickly--drinks, appetizers, and food. I really wanted to love the tacos, but they didn't quite live up to what I was hoping for. I was expecting more authentic flavors, so that was a little disappointing. But here's the big win: everything on the menu is gluten-free! That alone makes it a gem for people like me who have to be careful. The staff was genuinely kind, and the virgin drinks were actually amazing--super refreshing and fun. I'd definitely come back for drinks or a light bite if I'm in the plaza again.
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Emily C.

Yelp
came here to celebrate a birthday and they gave us icecream complimentary for the birthday girl and a note! ordered the baja fish taco and wagyu - fish one was nice and wagyu meat was ok. also ordered chips and salsa and free refill on the chips. park in the parking garage and they can validate for you.
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Marissa F.

Yelp
Yeah, this is a no. Unless you are looking for VIBES and over priced "Mexican food." The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was great. Again, the vibes were vibing. The food however, was okay. I appreciated the modern twist on it but some most of it was a miss aside from the margarita flight. THAT I do recommend. Especially the cucumber agua Fresca. That was great! Let's get into the food. My husband had the chilaquiles. His response, "they were okay." I got the taco al pastor and the taco El Rey. I was recommended the Al pastor and I was left disappointed. I enjoy cheese on a lot of foods but not this. A huge miss here. El Rey Taco was even more disappointing. The meat was so dry and the main reason I got it was for the tuétano. There was no hint of it. I couldn't finish it. The chips and salsa were decent. I would recommend that too. Los esquites were okay. Nothing memorable. I wasn't a fan of the arroz con leche. It was a bit too dry. The ice cream was good. It is on the pricey end. But then again, it's Bellevue.
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Audra A.

Yelp
The food and service is amazing. The ambience makes you feel like you are somewhere else and is very stylish. I love coming here.
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Christine M.

Yelp
Cantina Monarca absolutely blew me away--from the moment I walked in, the vibe transported me straight to Tulum with its stunning decor and lively atmosphere. Every detail was on point! The food? Incredible. We started with their colorful, flavorful guacamole, topped with fresh watermelon--unexpected and totally delicious. I could've eaten the whole bowl myself. Then came the Seabass taco--perfectly cooked, light, and full of flavor. But the real standout was a dish I can't remember the name of--like a Mexican pizza with beef, avocado, spinach, onions, radishes, and tons of veggies. It was bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavors--totally amazing and unlike anything I've had before. If you're looking for a spot with great food, tropical vibes, and a creative twist on Mexican cuisine, Cantina Monarca is it. Can't wait to go back! They were fantastic and Friendly! Always checking on you and not to much but authentically caring! They love their place of work at least they act like it! And they walk you through the menu if you've never been there before and that is wonderful! upstairs could seat about 30 if you have a group. Also, upstairs is a table for two! Downstairs is very pretty!
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J K.

Yelp
The Birria taco was stellar. Enjoyed the traditional guacamole. The salsa was semi sweet and smoky. Carne asada was hard for me to chew through but we deconstructed it and the toppings were awesome. Fried sea bass was tasty. Dessert was fun, whimsical and really tasty. bosque magico white wine poched apple, cinnamon allspice brulee, cilantro sponge cake, chèvre, berry purée, almond crumble, huckleberry ice cream, grandeza fog The service was good, and decor was chic and unusual. Upstairs had additional seating and was in the shape of an L which makes it quaint but usable for smaller gatherings. Like a small birthday celebration of 10-12. A little pricey but would come back.
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Christy N.

Yelp
This restaurant has both, beautiful interior + delicious food. The restaurant is just stunning. It's giving Mexican resort vibes. I would say if you're going to eat here, make a reservation. I've never waited for a table, but I've seen people wait like an hour. The service is just okay, but I've just been unlucky tbh. The 1st time, I got the drinks spilled on me because the server wasn't being careful. The second time, the server charged me for a bday dessert (which no one at my table asked for) I keep on coming back because the food is just that good. I haven't tried any of the entrees, but the tacos, but they are really that good. It is a higher price point for a taco, but it's a nice splurge once in a while for a special occasion! I would 100% recommend!
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Elisabeth P.

Yelp
We were invited to dinner here by some friends who love this place and we immediately enjoyed the design and atmosphere and I was thrilled to find that nearly their entire menu is gluten-free. We were seated in the loft area which was fun, it felt like you were going up into a treehouse. Our server was helpful and got us some beautiful cocktail and mocktails out. The chips and guacamole was good but the tacos were even better! We had a few different types including the seabass and birria, all great! I was less impressed with the truffle taquitos and next time will just get more tacos instead.
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Kerri L.

Yelp
It was my husbands birthday and thought it would be a good time to try Cantina Monarca. We had a dinner reservation and the front desk hostess couldn't have made us feel more welcome. She arranged for a birthday card and treat from the staff and a great table near the window with stunning views of the interior and discreet views outside. We ordered ceviche, the tuna entree, two taco plate, and the carne asada. All dishes were perfectly cooked, beautifully plated and well presented. Service was intentional and attentive. If you enjoy tight execution, great food, and beautiful surroundings, this is the place! One small comment...they are responsive and timely but there is no friendly banter with the staff, and not a lot of smiling - save for the hostess, as they are mainly focused on a seamless transaction once you are seated and they do it well. I would recommend. Food:5, Decor:5, Service:5, Ambiance (personal preference):4, Value:4
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Lucie S.

Yelp
We just had our corporate lunch at Cantina. First thing I want to say is, the food and drinks are delicious and generally love the restaurant. The service has been very good as well. The only thing that clouded our event, was when the server splashed sauce that comes with ceviche all over my pants. I totally understand that this was a mistake and those happen. I tried to clean the stains with cold water at the restaurant, then again later in the day and finally washed my pants that night. However, the stains remains. I have asked the server what was in the sauce since it was quite oily. She answered that the sauce will not stain my jeans. Unfortunately, it did which is quite unfortunate, since they were purchased recently. I wish the restaurant would acknowledge this accident and tried to smooth things over. I felt like nobody cared and left disappointed.
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Danielle J.

Yelp
We went on a date night and made reservations for 7pm. The restaurant is fairly small so if its busy it is better to reserve a table ahead of time so you don't have to wait long. We ordered queso birria for an appetizer and was pleasantly surprised. We were expecting a simple queso but the cheese was so flavorful! I ordered the pastor, pork belly and birria tacos which was the perfect portion for food for me. My partner ordered four of the pastor tacos. As simple as I thought the food looked online- the flavors were all there. My only complaint was that our seating was so small it was a bit uncomfortable. We had the seating by the window which was nice but its a shared bench seating which means if the person next to you puts all there stuff on the seat you won't have much space. We were at a two seater table so the middle seat caved in which meant there was even less space to sit. Besides that everything else was great!
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Tony J.

Yelp
Upscale Mexican restaurant and cocktail lounge in Lincoln Square South, right to the left of the entrance, and across the hallway from Fogo de Chao. Very nice decor with plants and branches adorning the space. Has an upstairs loft area in addition to the main ground floor space. Went there for lunch on a weekday with a group, and the place wasn't crowded. Menus have a good selection of drinks and food items. There were a few things that I haven's seen in other Mexican restaurants in the US. One of those was the tlayuda which I ordered. It's a a round flatbread/thin pizza dish that had a lot of vegetables on it and a bit of birria beef on it. With the main, I also got the sides of rice, beans and grilled veggies, and the three sides add up to a significant amount a food. I only finished the tlayuda and couldn't finish all of the sides. We also had chips and guac which were decent. Service and food presentation is good. I think the bill ended up being $30-40 per person before tip. 3.5 stars, round up to 4.

Vu P.

Yelp
Lovely and delicious. The staff could not have been more attentive. Overall, a very pleasurable experience.
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Bessie C.

Yelp
Delicious food and cocktails beautifully presented. Love the atmosphere but definitely challenging to have conversation with the music. Underground parking and prompt service.
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Alisa Q.

Yelp
Came here for Monday happy hour. The marg flight is super tasty. The decor is STUNNING with great lighting and music. From the hostess to the bar staff -- we had a great time. Shoutout to Jorge for always great service. We will be back for the good vibes and good drinks. Food is on the more expensive side for the quality, so I'm taking off 1 star because the salsa served isn't proportional to the chips and the nachos were too dry in my opinion. We haven't tried the full menu yet, so I'll update this review if my feedback changes with more dishes.
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Carolina C.

Yelp
I was pleasantly surprised to find that they offer homemade tortillas here! I've tried several of their drinks and dishes and have enjoyed them! Everything is very pretty, from the decore to how they serve the food - drinks and food are so colorful! The staff is very pleasant and I'd recommend making a reservation as they are usually pretty busy! The only reason for the 4 star is that everything is a little overpriced, and yes, I'm aware it's in Bellevue... I do like it enough to visit again!
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Food D.

Yelp
The food was okay for me, nothing spectacular, but the real highlights were the beautiful plating, stunning interior design, and amazing ambiance. And huge props to Daniel for exceptional service!
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Meralina M.

Yelp
This vibes here are immaculate, the space is so beautiful and total is on the mark for tulum. The staff are also incredibly nice. Compliment sandwich, incoming the downsides to this place is that it's hard to find the entrance and there's no signs, it's pricey and not exactly worth it, and related to that, the chips are d finitely something that comes out of a Costco bag and not homemade. For some that is $15-18 I def expected high quality or homemade chips. The positives, the drinks were amazing, especially at happy hour prices! The equities were great as were the taquitos that smell more like truffle than it tastes like, so don't be scared! The salsa were also very good. Would definitely come back again for an important girls day or date night :)
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Erika J.

Yelp
First off, service was superb! Friendly, patient and truly listened to our thoughts on the place and food. Jorge, Logan and Sergio were all iconic, 10/10! I loved the margarita flights! Also try the salsas! A must visit!
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Linh N.

Yelp
This place is beautiful inside. Had a dinner date here with my girlfriends. Service was amazing, our server was so attentive and sweet. My friends and I all ordered the margarita flight with different choices. I realllly enjoyed the spicy pepino and the melon belo I ordered after. For food; we ordered the salsa trio to share and tacos. I got the sea bass and asada primo. Both were so flavorful and delicious but the sea bass tacos was my favorite between the two. We had a great time here! Will definitely be back.
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Frank L.

Yelp
3.5 Stars. Ambiance 4 Stars. Beautiful decor, seating, bar. Though still have not been upstairs yet, sitting in main floor has always had a feeling of being in another country in a more upscale setting. Certainly a great place to host visitors, business, or dates. Though seating capacity and size of restaurant was smaller then I expected (expect it to be wider), its definitely worth it for just ambiance. Food 3.5 Stars, very decent but not great. This visit I ordered 3 a la carte tacos, the Wagyu, Sea Bass, and Chicken, all solid, presentation was great as usual, and satisfied. The guac appetizer comes in a super chilled stone bowl, its almost too cold but gives it a very fresh appeal and its nice. Price 3.2 Stars, a bit much, but understand, you have to pay for the location and ambiance. For example this lunch we had 8 people and it was $700+. A great time, good food, and better ambiance.
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Mateo W.

Yelp
Amazing first time experience at Cantina Monarca! Delicious food and atmosphere that gave off a beautiful Yucatán vibe. Our waitress Beca was amazing and was ready to refill drinks and salsas before we even asked. Will definitely be back here again!!!
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Varsh P.

Yelp
Highly recommend to make a reservation before you go. We went on a Thursday evening and it was crowded. The ambiance is amazing. Very different from the usual restaurants. We were seated upstairs. We ordered non alcoholic beverages lychee tamarindo and hibiscus drink. Both were delicious. We ordered corn starter as recommended by the waiter. It was good and cheesy but the portion size felt too tiny.We also ordered veggie taco ..it's like make ur own taco kind of plate. It comes in as 1 taco.As I requested no meat I felt it was bit too bland with no sauces but it came with cilantro chilli dip which was watery on a taco. The fish enchiladas were good and tasted good with sauces. For the price I would say the quantity could be more. But as it's fine dining type of service one should go with "less is more " kind of expectation. But would recommend to try.
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Sasha L.

Yelp
Jessica took excellent care of us, she was personable and welcoming. She made great recommendations on food and drinks. The restaurant has a great vibe. Will definitely be back soon, thanks Jessica :)