Verified Company
We waited over 45 minutes for our food to come out and the portions were smaller than expected. We got the matcha mochi waffle and the eggs benedict. The matcha mochi waffle did not taste like matcha and the red bean had an odd taste that didn’t taste like normal red bean. We left annoyed and still slightly hungry. Overall a bad experience and we would not come here again.
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
hi Wendy. i am sorry we did not create something to your liking. the waffle is new on the menu, and we might still have some room for improvement.
I actually love this spot. I've been here several times with either just my husband or with friends. I actually think it's best a brunch spot than anything else. There is always space even in summer so I've yet to be turned down for a seat.
I'd highly recommend the french toast and lavender latte.
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
thank you local guide. so glad you like our place. funny, i met someone with the same name last week! sadly, we took the french toast off the menu, as we created matcha mochi waffle we thought was just more fun. we might put on a version of french toast made with the fennel yellow raisin sourdough...
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
Thank you Trish. i am glad you liked our place, although sometimes i dont want it to be so quiet!
I had a really good experience here. The place itself is cozy and welcoming, with two floors and a balcony, which makes it perfect for summer nights.
The prices are very reasonable for what you get, and the food and drinks feel well thought out. What really stood out was the service. The server was very attentive, friendly, and made us feel comfortable without being overbearing.
Overall, it’s a great spot to hang out, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere with good value. I’d definitely come back.
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
Thank you for the review! i am glad you enjoyed our staff, maybe it was me? i would hope so. but am very happy whoever it was . We really tr yo take care of anyone who comes in the door!.
The BEST matcha mochi waffle and black sesame french toast I’ve had in NYC so far! Made with so much love by a husband-and-wife duo at this adorable Japanese brunch/izakaya spot in Williamsburg.
Lawrence is a talented baker who makes amazing scones, and Aya creates the Japanese comfort food she grew up having with an American twist. You can feel the care in every detail, from the decor to the food itself. Even the bento boxes were designed by Aya and the stickers were cut by hand one by one. So much heart in this place!
＊Matcha Mochi Waffle **
We tried their new matcha mochi waffle and I swear this one’s about to blow up. Crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, with a matcha flavor throughout. A little sweet with the red bean for me, but I still loved it and kept going back for another bite.
＊Black Sesame French Toast $20 ***
The highlight of the brunch! It came with two thick, fluffy slices of black sesame milk bread, topped with black sesame whipped cream for that extra nutty flavor. The pumpkin butter on the side was sooo good with it.
＊Salmon Saikyo Bento $24 *
They just launched bento boxes and this one honestly surprised me. The miso marinated salmon was tender and umami, and the takikomi gohan lowkey reminded me of Trader Joe’s japanese fried rice but better.
＊Okonomiyaki $17
It came out sizzling on a cast iron! They added cheddar for an american twist. A little salty on its own, but it makes sense as an izakaya style dish to have with a beer.
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
Thank you Ruby. we are still perfecting the Matcha mochi waffle, and have (sadly) taken the french toast off the menu.... hope you and your mom will come back in again soon!
LOVED this space for a birthday! I hosted a 30th birthday for a group of 16 people in the Pink Room, and it was perfect. The space felt intimate and private enough that we could mingle a bit around the table. Lawrence was incredible at helping make sure the night ran smoothly -- we decided to pre-order apps and mains to share family style, which was perfect so the food came quickly and everyone could chat instead of focusing on what to order. Additional dishes could be ordered throughout the night. Cocktails were delicious and beautifully presented. The space is chic and has the perfect vibe for a night time celebration. The space was also not too loud so we could actually hear each other and have fun conversations, which can be a challenge in NYC. The space is set apart from the main restaurant, so we felt like we had our own space. Service was great, food was delicious. Everyone had a great time! Will definitely reserve again for a future group event!
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
Thank you Jaqueline! i am glad you all enjoyed yourselves, it seemed like you were having fun. i am glad to have done my part to make it go well, i enjoyed the evening as well. hope to see you next time. Lawrence
Love coming here! Obsessed with their spicy tuna handroll, crunchy chicken salad and matcha ice cream sandwich!! Honestly, from the appetizers to the mains to the desserts, everything is delicious!!
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
i am glad you enjoy our food so much!. we are changing the menu again next week - adding matcha mochi waffle, tempura cod handroll, salmon handroll, and maybe more ! hope you will come in and try !
Cozy and inventive! This is some of the highest quality food I've had. I absolutely love the ube pancakes and eggs Benedict. Their omlet's also crazy good. Highly recommended if you're in the area and looking to try something unique and tasty.
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
Thank you for leaving a great review. so glad you enjoyed our place!. it is nice to see what you liked as it helps us tune the menu. hope you will come back soon, as we are actively changing the menu- .... emphasizing hand rolls!
Underrated Japanese restaurant by creators of the now gone but never forgotten rabbit hole! On weekends they still offer their classic eggs Benedict and scones. I’ve had the pleasure of eating here both during brunch & dinner really fun desserts including a gluten free and dairy free cheesecake. During the day they get lots of natural lighting and great spacious booths are available! For brunch they’re walk in only but I’ve never had to wait too long but call ahead if you have a large party. Food always comes out quick. Charming staff very welcoming thank you Lawrence and Aya
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
Thank you Karla- thanks for mentioning Rabbithole, i miss it a lot. Great pictures! You even got the Kabocha that we just put on the menu. its so yummy. we are changing the menu again soon, adding more izakaya and Vegan dishes. hope you will try them! Lawrence
The food is what all fusion food wishes it could be. Every item had its own special characteristics. You can tell that the owner takes food seriously as a way to appreciate and learn culture. Look out for their strawberry shortcake mochi in the future! Seriously from ambience to friendliness to food quality and creativity. 100/100. I think I can die happy now with no regrets. Thank you for such a truly special experience. I look forward to coming again!!!!
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
2026.02.02
Thank you Thomas! i am glad we made such a good impression, we will do our best to do our best next time! we are playing around with more mochi recipes tonight, so i look forward to whatever happens and offering that to you again if i see you here. Lawrence
Appetizers are a bit underwhelming for their price, but the shittake fried rice is some of the best fried rice I've ever had in my life! I go back often just to get that dish.
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
2026.01.14
Hi A.B. we just introduced a few new items: chicken sakune, salmon saikyo and vegan Karaage. We think these add a lot to the menu ( we will take out some of the hopefully underwhelming items....). we hope that when you come back in for the fried rice, you will think its an improvement!
Awesome vibe with great food and drinks. Lots of vegan / vegetarian options and big tables for groups.
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
2026.01.14
Thanks Gavin! we have been working on the vegan menu. we just introduced Bento Box with vegan Karaage. We will be adding seared eggplant soon!
This place is the best! Delicious food and beverage and the service was outstanding!
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
Thank you Jeanette! Glad you enjoyed our place, our food and our people. Hope you will come back after new years, as we are putting a lot new items, including two vegan Bento box: Seared eggplant and Tofu karaage!
Great spot. The Pork Belly Tonkatsu and Matcha Ice Cream Sandwich were incredible
Reply from Monarch Restaurant
2025.12.22
Thank you for writing the review. glad you liked it!