— Gastown, Vancouver —
An Upscale Supper Club in Gastown
Monarca is an upscale supper club at 181 Carrall Street in Gastown, for dinner, cocktails, music and celebrations. The room is draped in greenery, lit low and gold, and built for long evenings.
Dinner starts at 4pm with Mexican-rooted, Pacific-fresh plates made for sharing. As the night goes on, the music rises: Latin music on Thursdays from 10pm, DJs on Fridays and Saturdays until 3am. Most guests come to celebrate something, and stay.
— MONARCA RESTAURANT & SUPPER CLUB —
OUR STORY
MONARCA
The name ‘Monarca’ connects to the restaurant concept in many ways. The name refers to the ancient Mexican monarchy honouring the influence both his parents made on his culinary style. While his mother inspired our sister restaurant Ophelia, the familial tradition has continued here at Monarca where you’ll find playful dishes and a lively atmosphere inspired by Chef Higareda’s father.
Francisco’s father lived near the famous Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico’s Michoacán region. Chef Higareda spent several summers here with his family enjoying the local Tlahualiles Festival — celebrating the feast of Santiago Apóstol, patron saint of Sahuayo. It’s a memory he cherishes from his childhood.
The monarch butterfly plays an important role in Mexican culture and history. The butterflies represent the spirits of ancestors returning to visit their families — a symbol woven into everything we do at Monarca.
“Where dinner becomes the night.”
— Chef Francisco Higareda
Playful, refined Mexican cuisine inspired by tradition and elevated by creativity. Every dish tells a story.
A fully licensed bar serving handcrafted cocktails made with premium tequilas and mezcals, local craft beers, and curated wines.
Where the evening transforms — from intimate dinners to a vibrant supper club as the night deepens.
— THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE —
OUR TEAM
FRANCISCO HIGAREDA
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Chef Francisco Higareda brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico to every plate at Monarca. Inspired by his father’s roots near the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán, his cooking is a celebration of tradition, family, and the rich culinary heritage of central Mexico.