Cantina Monarca is located at Lincoln Square South, right in the center of Bellevue’s premier shopping and dining destination. Transport yourself to the paradise of Tulum for an elevated Mexican cuisine experience at Western Washington’s hottest new 21-plus tequila lounge and restaurant.
Owner and restaurateur Bernie Garcia opened Cantina Monarca in early January 2023. Inspired by his travels to the Tulum Mayan Ruins, Garcia wanted to bring a piece of Tulum to Bellevue. Thus, he created a 3,700-sq.-ft. restaurant including an upstairs mezzanine that seats up to 34 guests that is great for smaller, intimate celebrations or events. The restaurant and tequila lounge is light and playful with clean white finishes, lush greenery, bejuco vine and wood imported directly from the Mayan jungle and hand placed throughout the space.
The perfectly crafted agave-based cocktails and margaritas are a highlight when dining at Cantina Monarca. Be sure to try one of the signature cocktails, like the Bebesota. This Instagrammable beverage is poured with Camarena Reposado, a strawberry-passion fruit reduction, shocked mint, lime and then finished off with a cinnamon flame. Sip your way through a margarita flight and taste a variety of delicious mini margaritas. For $25, you get to select three 6-oz. tastings from a list of Cantina Monarca’s most popular margaritas. This list features the following flavors: The Mamacita, Piña Niña, La Pasión, Spicy Pepino and Smoke & Spice. This is a great way for those who want to try a few different flavors while exploring Camarena Reposado- or Blanco-based drinks.
Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients that add a coastal and authentic flare to classic Mexican cuisine, including a large variety of vegan and gluten-free options. Order a few Aperitivos to pair with your beverage, such as the guac, salsa and chip trio, a light bite for sharing. Elevate this appetizer by ordering the guac Bajio style. Hass avocado mixed with goat cheese, roasted pumpkin seed and compressed watermelon relish make this guacamole both bright in color and fresh in flavor.
All of Cantina Monarca’s gourmet tacos are crafted with handmade corn tortillas, enhancing these mouthwatering single-serve tacos to new heights. One house favorite is the Sakura pork belly, a fresh corn tortilla loaded with tender all-natural marbled pork belly, achiote, tropical pico and guacamole garnished with shaved serrano. Vegans will enjoy the chayote taco served with fried parsley, caramelized purple onion, fire-roasted poblano chile and smoked salt maldon, tossed in a chayota sautee on top of a fresh corn tortilla with a sweet and spicy salsa arbol.
There is also a wide selection of specials including 8-oz. USDA prime grilled skirt steak; the Enchiladas Divorciadas featuring the classic green and red enchilada sauces; and the Monarca Casa salad tossed with power greens, candied pumpkin seed, seasonal baby heirloom tomato, Hass avocado, roasted corn and dressed with a cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
Dessert is a must with the pastel chocolate–an in-house specialty. The gluten-free chocolate cake is made with pecan flour and topped with raspberry-kissed strawberry and seasonal sorbet.
Cantina Monarca Bellevue welcomes guests 21 or older Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Although reservations are not required, they are highly encouraged.
For more information, visit www.cantinamonarca.com.
504 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004