Monarch Izakaya Restaurant

New York City's culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry, constantly weaving together new flavors and experiences. In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a neighborhood renowned for its dynamic food scene, Monarch Izakaya Restaurant stands out as a distinctive destination offering a thoughtfully curated journey through East Asian cuisine. More than just a place to eat, Monarch aims to provide an immersive experience that delights the senses, from its captivating decor to its inventive dishes and attentive service.

Monarch Izakaya is the vision of pioneering restaurateurs Ayako and Lawrence Elliott, who previously ran the beloved Rabbithole. With Monarch, they've channeled their inspiration from favorite dishes across East Asia, creating a menu that showcases stylistic diversity and complexity. While it carries the "Izakaya" name, hinting at Japanese pub fare, Monarch's offerings span influences from Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan, reimagining classics with a progressive and artistic twist. It’s a place where you might find everything from a unique twist on Eggs Benedict to Ube pancakes, all within an ambiance designed to be as appealing as the food itself. For New Yorkers seeking a culinary adventure that combines aesthetics, flavor, and a truly welcoming atmosphere, Monarch Izakaya Restaurant offers a compelling proposition.

Monarch Izakaya Restaurant is conveniently nestled in the vibrant heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a neighborhood celebrated for its artistic flair, trendy spots, and diverse culinary offerings. You can find this unique East Asian eatery at 146 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA. Metropolitan Avenue is a well-known artery in Williamsburg, bustling with local businesses, cafes, and easy access to other popular areas.

The restaurant's location offers excellent accessibility for New Yorkers. It is situated close to major subway lines, particularly the L train at the Lorimer Street / Metropolitan Avenue station, and the G train at Metropolitan Avenue. This provides convenient and direct access from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, making it an ideal spot for a planned meal or a spontaneous culinary stop. Its placement in a lively, walkable area means patrons can easily combine their dining experience with exploring Williamsburg's unique shops, parks, or nightlife, seamlessly fitting into the dynamic urban lifestyle of New York City.

Monarch Izakaya Restaurant provides a range of dining services, emphasizing a unique culinary experience with diverse East Asian influences.

• Dine-In Experience: Monarch offers a full-service dine-in experience for both brunch and dinner. The atmosphere is consistently praised for its decor and ambiance, creating a welcoming and visually appealing setting for guests.

• Brunch Service: Monarch is particularly known for its brunch offerings, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. The brunch menu features creative twists on classics, such as Ube Ricotta Pancakes with maple butter and hibiscus poached pear, Kimchi Waffle with poached eggs, and a Japanese Style Omelette. They also offer unique items like Black Sesame French Toast and a "Rabbithole Benedict."

• Dinner Service: For dinner, Monarch operates Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 10 PM (closed Mondays) and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 11 PM. The dinner menu focuses on small and large-plate Asian dishes, drawing influences from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Thai cuisines. Notable items include the "Addictive Spicy Cabbage," various dumplings (like Pan Fried Ginger Chicken Dumplings and Crab Rangoon), Shiitake Fried Rice, and larger plates such as Garlic Ginger Chicken and Cod in Coconut Lime Broth.

• In-House Bakery: A unique offering from Monarch is that they make all their bread, pastries, and desserts in-house. This commitment to fresh, baked goods extends to items like their Cranberry Chocolate Scones, Ube Ricotta Pancakes, and Black Sesame French Toast.

• Craft Cocktail Program: Monarch boasts a carefully curated beverage program, featuring craft cocktails made with fresh, organic ingredients designed to complement the food. The bar menu also includes a selection of organic and biodynamic wines, beer, sake, and Japanese whiskies.

• Takeout and Delivery: Monarch offers convenient takeout and delivery services through platforms like Seamless and Grubhub. This allows New Yorkers to enjoy their diverse menu from the comfort of their homes or offices.

• Private Events and Inquiries: The restaurant welcomes inquiries for private events, suggesting a versatile space suitable for special gatherings. Customers can email them for more information, specifying "regarding Monarch" due to the volume of inquiries.

Monarch Izakaya Restaurant offers a blend of compelling features that make it a standout choice for diners in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

• Stunning Ambiance and Decor: This is arguably Monarch's most celebrated feature. Customers consistently describe the decor and atmosphere as "10/10" and "top tier." The space is designed to be "amazing" and "great for photos," reflecting the intentional vision of its owners. It combines a "maximalist high fashion meets Chinese banquet hall" vibe, with unique elements like wavy periwinkle tables, custom cabbage plates, and a glass bead curtain, creating a visually rich and immersive dining environment.

• Creative and Intentional Culinary Approach: The food at Monarch is praised for having "intention behind the food." While one review noted some dishes were "lacking in flavor," other patrons highlight specific items like the Eggs Benedict and Ube Pancakes for their "unique subtle twist" and "complimenting taste." The menu is designed to showcase the "stylistic diversity and complexity of Asian cuisine," reimagining classics with bold flavors that balance sweet, spicy, and umami.

• Exceptional Baked Goods and Desserts: A significant highlight is the in-house bakery. Items like the "cranberry chocolate scones" are a "huge highlight," and their Ube Ricotta Pancakes and Black Sesame French Toast are unique and well-loved brunch items, setting them apart from many Asian fusion spots.

• Attentive and Friendly Staff: The service consistently receives high marks. Customers are "greeted by the staff so kindly" and describe them as "very attentive and friendly." This warm hospitality contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

• Diverse Pan-Asian Menu: While marketed as an Izakaya, Monarch's menu truly spans East Asia, with influences from Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. This broad culinary scope, featuring dishes from Korean Fried Cauliflower to Cantonese-inspired fried rice and Taiwanese beef noodle soup, offers a wide array of options for diverse palates.

• Thoughtful Beverage Program: The restaurant offers a well-considered cocktail menu with fresh, organic ingredients, complemented by a unique selection of organic and biodynamic wines, sake, and Japanese whiskies, designed to pair well with the complex flavors of the food.

Monarch Izakaya Restaurant, as a destination focused on a curated dining experience and high-quality ingredients, primarily offers value through its unique menu and ambiance rather than frequent, traditional discounts. However, there are aspects that can be considered beneficial for New Yorkers.

• Brunch Specials: While not specific "promotions," their dedicated brunch menu on weekends features a range of creatively designed dishes at standard brunch pricing for Williamsburg. Items like the Ube Ricotta Pancakes and unique Eggs Benedict offer a distinct experience for the price point, making brunch a popular draw.

• Value in Small Plates & Diverse Menu: The menu's structure, with a mix of "small and large-plate Asian dishes" (ranging from around $10-$25 for many small plates and main dishes), allows diners to customize their experience and control their spending while sampling a variety of unique flavors. Dishes like the "Addictive Spicy Cabbage" are noted for being flavorful and well-priced.

• Happy Hour (Potentially): While not explicitly detailed in recent reviews, many izakaya-style establishments in NYC offer happy hour specials on drinks and select small plates. It would be advisable for locals to check Monarch's website or call directly to inquire about any current happy hour deals.

• Delivery Platform Incentives: As Monarch offers delivery through Seamless and Grubhub, customers may occasionally find platform-specific promotions, such as discounts for first-time orders or free delivery for subscription members. Checking these apps directly would reveal any available offers.

• Loyalty and Community Focus: The owners, the Elliotts, have a long history in the Williamsburg restaurant scene. While not a formal program, their community ties and dedication to creating a welcoming space can foster a sense of loyalty among local patrons, sometimes leading to informal perks or special recognition.

For the most current information on any specific promotions, seasonal menu changes, or happy hour details, New Yorkers should visit Monarch Izakaya Restaurant's official website or contact them directly.

To plan your visit or inquire about Monarch Izakaya Restaurant, here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: 146 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

• Phone: (917) 909-1596

For reservations, menu details, and current operating hours (Brunch: Saturday & Sunday | 10 am - 4:30 pm; Dinner: Sunday — Thursday | 5 pm — 10 pm, Friday & Saturday | 5 pm — 11 pm; Closed Mondays), it is recommended to visit their official website or use popular online reservation platforms.

For New Yorkers, Monarch Izakaya Restaurant in Williamsburg offers a truly suitable and appealing dining experience that goes beyond mere sustenance, catering to the city's sophisticated palate and desire for unique cultural immersion.

Firstly, its location on Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg places it squarely in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant and accessible neighborhoods. This makes it a convenient and desirable destination for residents seeking an elevated dining experience without venturing far from home. Its proximity to public transport hubs further enhances its appeal for seamless integration into a busy urban schedule.

Secondly, Monarch Izakaya's most compelling feature is its stunning and intentional ambiance. The "10/10" decor and "top tier" atmosphere, designed for both comfort and visual delight, create an escape from the ordinary. This makes it an ideal spot for a memorable "date-night," a celebratory gathering, or simply a place to take "cute photos" while enjoying a meal. The fusion of high fashion aesthetics with traditional Asian influences provides a unique backdrop that few other restaurants can match.

Finally, despite some mixed reviews on specific dishes, the general consensus points to an establishment with a clear "intention behind the food" and a commitment to creative, diverse East Asian cuisine. Highlights like the "unique subtle twist" on classic brunch items and the highly praised "cranberry chocolate scones" demonstrate a kitchen that aims to innovate and impress. Coupled with the "very attentive and friendly" staff, Monarch Izakaya offers a holistic dining experience that promises not just a meal, but a delightful journey for locals seeking fresh flavors and an enchanting atmosphere in the heart of Brooklyn.

Monarch Izakaya Restaurant

146 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA