Monarch Restaurant

“We wanted to offer food to our Williamsburg neighbors that we wanted to eat ourselves,” said owners Lawrence and Ayako Elliott. The Elliotts are pioneering restaurateurs in Williamsburg with their other restaurant, Rabbithole, previously a popular fixture on Bedford Avenue. The Elliotts’ vision for Monarch Restaurant was inspired by their favorite dishes from across East Asia, as well as the unique, theatrical history of the building.

The menu has been created to showcase the stylistic diversity and complexity of Asian cuisine – re-imagining classics like Thai chicken coconut soup in a progressive yet affordable setting. The kitchen uses garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices from across Asia to create dishes with bold flavors, contrasting sweet, spicy, and umami, creating balanced dishes not meant for the meek or unadventurous palette.

The cocktail menu and beverage program are equally considered. The cocktail program uses fresh, organic ingredients that complement the depth and flavor profiles of the cuisine. The bar menu is rounded out with a unique selection of organic and biodynamic wines, as well as beer, sake, and Japanese whiskies.