NEWS - Tourists and locals alike are abuzz with excitement over the opening of a new restaurant in Bellevue WA. Cantina Monarca is a Mexican restaurant and lounge situated in the heart of downtown Bellevue at Lincoln Square. The vibrant atmosphere and innovative menu are sure to make Cantina Monarca a popular destination for food and drink enthusiasts in the region.
Cantina Monarca is a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine. Its unique atmosphere invites you to dine in the warmth and vibrance of Mexico, sharing plates that almost look too good to eat!
Bringing The Soul Of Tulum At New Restaurant In Bellevue WA
@dinorafransheska Get away from Seattle’s rainy weather #bellevuewa #bellevue #seattleeats #latina #mexicantiktok #seattletiktok #tulum ♬ Me Gustas Tu - Manu Chao
TikTok user @dinorafransheska shares an insider's view of this new dining destination. With over 170k views and 27k+ likes, this TikToker is not the only one that appreciates the new tastes and smells of this restaurant.
The restaurant's owner, Bernie Garcia, has gone to great lengths to bring Tulum, his inspiration, into downtown Bellevue. The decor incorporates over 10,000 sticks and vines to mimic the Mayan jungle.
Gray-toned plaster walls create a natural backdrop for overflowing foliage and greenery for an exotic and intimate setting. The entire concept, coordinating design with menu planning, took over two years to finalize, and the result is a dining experience that is truly one of a kind.
Navigating the pandemic was the main issue for this establishment, setting back their opening date multiple times. However, the crew pushed past the obstacles, opening the doors in December 2022.
The culinary team for Cantina Monarca is led by Michael Alvarez, who was previously an executive chef at a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in Chicago.
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You can rest assured that you are in good hands while dining at this establishment.
Elevated Mexican Cuisine and Lounge
Cantina Monarca's menu is a feast for the senses, featuring dishes such as Wagyu carne asada, slow-braised duck carnitas, and a la carte gourmet tacos made with fresh handmade tortillas.
The restaurant has an exceptional selection of specials to choose from including:
- ENCHILADAS DE HONGOS
Woods mushroom tinga | queso fresco |
smoked chile adobo |avocado | ribboned purple onion | crema - DUCK CARNITAS
Maple leaf farms all natural duck confit | xni pec | guacamole |
salsa molcajete | handmade corn tortilla - ENCHILADAS DE CANGREJO
Blue swimming lump crab | poblano tomatillo broth |
crema | heirloom radish | serrano shavings - CAZUELA PLATE
Arroz cantina | black bean puree | powder greens | salsa macha | queso panela |
avocado | radish | butter poached corn | xni pec | crema - TLAYUDA
Butter basted flame roasted corn tortilla | black bean puree | salsa macha y molcajete |
queso asadero | cherry tomato | haas avocado | garden radish | dressed mcro greens
Support Small Businesses - Visit Cantina Monarca
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For those wanting to grab a drink or bite to eat at Cantina Monarca, these are the current hours of operation:
- Monday through Thursday: 11 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday through Saturday: 11 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 10 PM
This new restaurant is located at the Lincoln Square South mall complex, so it's centrally located and easy to get to from the street.
The owner also boasts that this cantina has a 3,700 square-foot restaurant with an upstairs mezzanine that seats 34, perfect for private events.
Book your table today!
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