Monarch Reviews

I have been here for brunch and lunch. Great atmosphere, well decorated, comfortable inside and outside (covered) seating. Hostess and wait staff are exceptionally professional and attentive to your needs. Great variety on their menu that allows you to eat light, vegetarian, vegan, sandwiches, or get a good-ole burger! Portions are perfect and comparable to the prices. Very nice bar bar located in side the hotel--perfect if you just want to gather for drinks. I know hotel restaurants can tend to have a bad reputation, but this is a place to come to even if you are not staying in the hotel.

Nice hotel restaurant with pretty outdoor seating in addition to indoor. Had breakfast and lunch. Both times food and service was good. A little pricy for what you get.

Had Christmas lunch with my family and Milton took care of us. Highly recommend! We sat on the patio and the ambiance was perfect! Everything from the specialty drinks to the holiday menu was top notch! The front desk staff even gave us seasonal ornaments and took our picture in front of the Christmas tree in the lobby. We will certainly be back very soon!

My husband and I appreciate the level of detail and high quality that goes into each of Monarch’s cocktails. All our food was beautifully plated and delicious. We especially enjoyed their spiced old fashion and lamb lollipops. Also, you must save room for their rich desserts. There cheesecake is thick and unforgettable.

The food was quite good and the service was friendly. A great place for a quick bite, a drink, or even a larger meal if you are staying at the Zaza. One issue was the pricing / value for the food served. Even the smallest of appetizers were $15 for a couple of bites.

The Monarch is one of my favorite hidden restaurants in Houston. The cocktail menu has something for everyone, and the wine selection is also really good. I've had most of the dishes on the menu, and they are all delicious. I highly recommend the lamb chops and the chicken breast. Also, don't skip dessert. I didn't know this until recently, but they have a small dessert menu. Be sure to ask what's on it when you visit!

This is really the only place to eat when staying in the museum district. I was staying at the hotel and had breakfast, lunch & dinner here. Breakfast and dinner services were great, and lunch we were ignored in favor of a large party at the next table. There's a broad selection on the menu, and food was pretty good.

They call appetizers "small plates" which I can only assume is because it's Texas, because we could share one and call it dinner! The house made pimento cheese is excellent as is the white pizza.

Dimas was incredible! He was attentive, funny and knew the menu like the back of his hand. We will definitely come back, recommend sitting at the bar.

Good food, generous cocktails and excellent service. Excellent service from Chris in the bar. Great burger.

I stay at this hotel often, and like it. Back for another 5 day stint, I got in late-ish (9pm) and went to bar for a quick bite. After a glass of wine, the young bartender offered me another. I said 'how about a half glass' (I have early meetings and just don't need a full glass). She said 'it's not possible. You can have a full glass and take it to your room'. Really. I was a bartender myself (many moons ago). Perhaps the computerized ticket system might make this difficult. I don't know. What I DO know is that you might want to keep a customer happy, and this is a non brainer. It would be one thing if I wanted a half glass of $6 wine. I'm talking about a half glass of $23 wine, and I am not asking for a freebie. I'm here for another 5 days, and will take my business to a different Houston restaurant - there is no shortage.

Great restaurant...get the mojito one hot chick wrap or if you go for brunch the pancakes are amazing!

Enjoyed lunch and dinner here during our visit to MDA. I would recommend the hot breakfasts over the cold or oatmeal. Great chef specials !

Yum yum and more yum!!!! Had the entire family come over to join me for dinner...after three wonderful and delightful hours..we did decide on dessert....yummy!!!!!

Great service- we had top-notch care all evening! Great food- really enjoyed the fish (me) and beef (my spouse) ... Fab cocktails- bartenders are tops! Middling hosting- the greeting was a little un-friendly. Room- rustic- not to my taste. I would have given a 5* if not for the poor reception- everything else was spot on and it was right beside the MFAH!!!! Bonus!!!!

Some of the best lambchops I've had. Dark and attractive with very good service and eclectic menu, but can be very loud

This can be the worst food in any hotel restaurant. Have eaten here several times. Burger is dry as dirt. Food very overcooked. Can someone take away the salt shaker of the kitchen?

Just finished a wonderful first sta-cay breakfast at the Monarch restaurant....Daniel C was amazing. He was very personable and attentive and fun! The "sunny side up egg sandwich" was absolutely amazing.....thanks Daniel!

Virginia waited on us in the Monarch lounge. She is a fabulous server and so personable. She was knowledgeable in her recommendations.

We arrived later in the evening for check in and were starving. The bar seemed very lively and my father-in-law is hard of hearing so we chose to dine on the patio where it was quieter. Even with the large expansive window open, the air was on and it was very pleasant! Food was good, but everything seemed to have bacon in it. Not that I'm against bacon, but sometimes it's too much of a good thing.

The food at Monarch is 5-star. Pork shank falls off the bone. Crispy Brussels sprouts perfectly seasoned and charred. Wife had red snapper and loved it. No complaints with meal at all. If staying at ZaZa, definitely eat here. Only rate 4-star due to TVs, which I guess is a concession to bar patrons. Even though they were silent, they are still a distraction to dining.

While menu was somewhat inventive it was way overpriced especially considering the service. We made server aware of a dairy allergy in our party. That person ordered the chicken Cobb Salad as an entree going through a ridiculously long explanation to a waiter who had no clue what that meant. Of course the dinner showed up with a pile of cheese on top. So while other dinners arrived this person (allergic to onions as well) was brought a complimentary onion soup without being asked as a place holder. Don’t order surf and turf. For $44 you receive a bite sized filet that takes two cuts to finish and a separate plate of two scallops. Total ripoff! We are returning to the hotel next weekend and will stay away for sure!

During the first two days of May 2019, my wife and I visited the Monarch Restaurant and Lounge on three occasion, once for lunch, a second time for drinks, and a final time for breakfast. On all three occasions we were pleased with the service, the food and drinks, and the ambiance. This restaurant, located in the upscale Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, provides both inside and outside dining. This is not an inexpensive place to eat or drink, but you are certainly made to feel welcomed. We will return.

I have been at this restaurant several times and the service and food are ALWAYS wonderful whether it is evening or morning, very consistent with great service. I like the mini tacos, the lamb chops and the fish are top notch!

What you need every Sunday is Brunch at Zaza! Bloody Mary drinks have the perfect spice and hint of smokey flavor. Chilaquiles are to die for and OMG cinnamon rolls! Chef Fernando knows that he is doing and really something that he comes out during brunch to greet his guests! You don’t see that everywhere. Special Zaza touch! Spectacular service! All the managers on property go well above and beyond to ensure you have the best Zaza experience. Shane the bar manager is the best- style and class! Conner is longing to please. As huge coffee lovers, Hotel Zaza proprietary coffee is AMAZING!! They should think about selling it in the gift shop I can’t wait for the Austin location to open up- will be my daily coffee spot. Hope to see Tarun Girish there as the ops manager!

Menu is poor. Food is just not it. Ordered an aguachile ceviche which is supposed.to denote certain profile of flavors it tasted absolutely bland. No taste actually. My salmon was very very fishy and the side of potatoes salty and had a weird taste almost.like fridge. My "paloma" had more chile.than the ceviche and the soda used was flat. I sent back and got a new one absolutely criminal to name this a Paloma. Service was just ok. Nothing extraordinary, paid 160 dlls for nothing. Nothing was enjoyable is a shame I really had my hopes up.for this place.

Enjoyed a lobster roll and salad. Initial service was a little slow but was much improved with a changeover in servers. Might have just got lost in the shuffle. Patio area seemed more relaxed than inside dining.

I travel a lot, I eat at hotel restaurants, a lot. Some are wonderful, some are not. This is one that is not. Twice we had to get up from our table to ask for service. The food took almost an hour to arrive. My filet has so much horseradish sauce on it I could not eat it. The bagel we ordered in the morning, also had horseradish on it. Ugh. A cockroach jumped on me just outside of the restaurant, the $50 comp for food was not deducted from the bill and the list goes on and on.... Save yourself the trouble and spend the $$ somewhere else because this restaurant is not cheap but the service and food quality is.

Dined here a couple of times and have never been disappointed. offer a variety of menu selections that are sure to please any taste buds/diet.

I cannot say enough good things about the Hotel, its amenities and the friendly service we received for the most part during our stay. The room was phenomenal! The restaurant, however, was average. And that's letting the hotel pick up most of the slack. An uninspired menu, so-so service with upscale pricing. Doesn't add up. There are too many amazing restaurants in Houston to bother with this one. Love the hotel and will be back but will skip going downstairs for dinner. I typically take photos of our dining experience everywhere but skipped any subconsciously so I can't even post any.

Have dined in the Monarch several times for breakfast, lunch and dinner over the last couple of years. Enjoyed it enough to cancel outside reservations and dine without leaving the hotel. Professional service, excellent food for all meals. Great view, feels almost Caribbean.

Four of us had lunch and all were pleased. The lamb lollipops (small lamp chops) looked terrific and were consumed quickly along with a really large serving of great looking French fries. My husband had Crab Benedict which featured poached eggs with delicious Hollandaise sauce atop mixed greens and came with small fried whole potatoes. It looked lovely but the potatoes and crab were toonsalty. The Zaza burger was large and looked yummy and was reported to be great. It also came with fries. I had a delicious salad with wonderful small pieces of ham and marvelous cheese with the delicious dressed greens. Unique lobby with art and a full size horse statue covered in small mirrored pieces that is unique. A fabulous Pinot Noir was perfect with our lunch.

Really enjoyed our dinner at Monarch. The lamb lollipops were sublime! Five small, perfectly grilled chops with a bright mint pistachio sauce were inexpensive at ~$24. The French fries were also outstanding, thin and crisp. The green goddess salad was less successful: too much watery dressing than needed both oil and salt. Waitstaff were knowledgeable and friendly.

Met friends here for lunch. Located inside the Hotel Zaza. Exquisite dining atmosphere. The wedge salad topped with blue cheese crumbles was excellent. Mushroom soup was packed with flavor. Roasted brussel sprouts are to die for. Coffee is excellent. We used valet parking because the restaurant validates so it was no charge. Great experience!

My girlfriends and I stopped in for dinner and drinks at the bar and such an amazing time, thanks to Juan, Alex and Dimas!!! They were not only wonderful but kept us laughing and having a great time!! We absolutely will come back!!

We had lunch today at the Monarch Restaurant – ZaZa Hotel, Museum District , Houston Tx. We were served by Austin C, and he was absolutely wonderful. He explained the menu, and made suggestions. He was very patient with a few special requests that we had. His polite manner and and warm, genuine smile made our lunch a wonderful experience. Austin was truly exemplary in his service and a perfect example of professionalism.

Very tasty chiliquiles and French toast. Limited brunch menu (mostly breakfast items) but a nice atmosphere. No trouble getting a seat at noon on a Saturday.

The Sunday Brunch is seriously wonderful. My brand new Son in law , ordered the steak and eggs. It was remarkable!!! It was choice. I had the crab cakes which were sinfully delish, My daughter had the Sweet potato hash which I have to say , was unbelievably delicious. The Chicken and Waffles , superb!

Jillian at Monarch’s was super welcoming and accommodating. She made our stay so much more special. Thank you for the memories

This is the ZaZa hotel restaurent that serves breakfast , lunch and dinner . Very cute with indoor ( big bar ) and whimsical outdoor area .The service is super friendly , we were there 4 times , all the servers came a big smile and the menu is limited and but of high quality . Wine list is adequate. . The price is very reasonable . We enjoyed , the omelette , the fish sandwich ( converted to fish and chips , the Thai noodle salad with beef filet , the pasta with bologneses and the brownies with ice cream ( good size ). What a pleasant and relaxing place , never too crowded

If you are staying at ZAZA and plan on eating at Monarch we highly recommend you asked for Matty! He not only provided the most amazing service he has the most positive attitude and his food suggestions were spot on!!! He also makes a 10 Star bloody Mary! If you want a delicious drink.

The bar area was comfortable. Service was good, various drinks, champagne toast, Birthday cake with Sparklers!!! A little warm/temperature.

We have eaten in the restaurant several times.. I was very surprised at how much I liked the Quinoa dish.. I have tried to remake it at home like theirs with no success.

The food in the Monarch is good but every thing was very salty. I understand the trend using salt, but this was over done. The service was good and the staff most pleasant

This is my third time here as I live in the area and my boyfriend and I love it here. Kayla is amazing! We’ve had her twice as a server and once as our bartender and she has been super personable, attentive and just overall great at what she does! I love having a nearby spot that I can go to that has a great atmosphere, drinks, food and customer service. Especially open late. 10/10 recommend. Ask for Kayla, you won’t be disappointed!

Had a very good lunch. Nice menu with some salads for a light meal but I heard the fish dishes are very good. Nice,pleasant service that doesn't rush you. Good bread.

Have been to Monarch for breakfast and dinner various times...I once got in late from airport and only the bar menu was available. The kitchen mustered up a salad for me which was much appreciated. Drinks are well balanced. Breakfast is perfect and staff very attentive!

Staff friendly, and food was exceptionally good. Wonderful atmosphere to have nice evening with a special someone. .

Initial drink order was wrong. We were rushed to order, five different people waited on us. Orders came up wrong. For a family thanksgiving dinner was very dissapointed. We will not return to this restaurant.

Local favorite at the hotel Zaza. Good food good atmosphere. Believe it or not the burger was one of the best I’ve had anywhere.

Milton was excellent and an excellent waiter. Food was good, and clean restaurant. Having me write 100 characters min is kinda crazy. This would make people not want to leave a review.

Penelope was amazing had great menu knowledge and great drink recommendations. Very conversational and informative. Overall 100/10 experience and will be back

We attended a wedding reception on the premises and enjoyed the food, service, and atmosphere. We attended with a 23 month old, and the wait staff were very accommodating for the few things we needed (plain food, plain crackers). We sat down to a wonderfully served four course meal where the staff wore black gloves, were almost invisible (yet the water and wine glasses were always full), and were very attentive. The food was served hot, tasty, with great presentation. I do not know how, but while I was talking my plate disappeared (I had eaten very think on my plate). The hotel was beautiful and the room we had the reception had windows that overlooked fountains, local streets, and a gorgeous park. When entertaining the toddler, we watched the sun set and the many activities in the surrounding area. At the end of the night, the valet service was attentive and returned our car quickly. The reception was the first time we were there. The following morning we had a private buffet brunch and the selection was excellent. The service could not be matched. I've been there two times in two days and would go back for the food, service and ambiance.

My husband and I chose to come here because we like trying new places. We went on a Sunday night and had a fabulous dinner. We opted to do restaurant week menu and because Richard and Josue took such good care of us, we will be back!! Their regular menu looks divine!

We had breakfast and lunch here because we were staying at this lovely hotel. I notice that some of the previous reviews have been extremely critical. I couldn't fault it though. The menus offer interesting selections and everything was delicious, especially the sunny side up egg sandwich at breakfast (which was much more than it sounds) and the pulled pork sope (a thick tortillla that retained a delicious crunch) which was alive with fresh cilantro and pickles. Every time, the service was excellent and cheerful. Excellent dry gin martinis at the bar too. The outside terrace was a very comfortable place to sit in dappled light at the end of the afternoon.

Over a three day period we stayed at the Hotel ZaZa in Houston's Museum District, during which we dined at the Monarch on four occasions - once for a late lunch, once for dinner, and twice for breakfast. The food was delicious and the service personnel was friendly and helpful. We particularly liked the breakfasts we had. At times this restaurant can get a little loud. We would certainly return to this restaurant.

I stopped in for an early supper before an event that I was hosting in the hotel. I sat at the bar at first but could not get anyone to wait on me or acknowledge me. SO I moved to a table and after a 5 min wait, someone came and took my order. Service from that point forward was very good. THe food was excellent although the menu at that time was limited.

The ambience is beautiful luxury and comfort mixed together. I love the colors and decor. Very chic. The waitstaff are excellent and attentive. The food was a little embarrassing to witness, it is like upscale bar food but cold. I got three different dishes and they were all a little cold, which was weird because the wait staff is so attentive, so I don’t think it was sitting after its preparation very long. They also do NOT have beer on tap (which was for some reason shocking to me).

We ate in the restaurant over a period of several days. We ate breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks. Many times we thought about going out to a different restaurant, but could not resist going back to the Monarch. The menu has a variety of choices to fit any palate. Every meal was cooked to perfection and thoughtfully put together. Each meal came out like a little gourmet feast. The staff was very professional and intent on providing an awesome customer service experience. You have to take in at least one meal there. Well worth it and very fairly priced.

My housekeeping was exceptional. My room was super clean and my housekeeper was Rosa. I’m 100% satisfied and will absolutely be coming back. Please mention to Rosa that I was so grateful to have her help me make my stay fabulous.

The ZaZa Hotel is world class as is their restaurant. This is where the “beautiful people” brunch, rolling up in their BMW’s and Benzes. Service incredibly crisp, as in the hotel. Small enough that every patron is treated as a treasured member of the ZaZa family. We experienced a minor snafu on their shuttle service and they comped us breakfast and valet parking. I have never had crab cakes quite this good. If you’re a beautiful person or, you are like me, and have fun watching the beautiful people, put this on your bucket list for brunch.

Mediocre at best. Cheese plate and banana cake was delicious. Ernest was amazing and very attentive. Anywhere he goes, we’ll definitely visit. Thank you Ernest!

I had the delicious lobster roll and some wine and loved it. Perfect lunch after visiting the Museums nearby!

I stay at this hotel often, and like it as well as the embedded Monarch restaurant. But this trip advisor only works if we call it like we see it. On a recent Thursday night we came in for bite - the restaurant was busy but not packed. We had been at an event that had heavy h'ors doeuvres, and were just looking to get salads or to split an entree. The last time I checked, it's OK not to have a 3 course meal at 9:15 pm, or any other time for that matter. When my wife ordered a salad, our waiter ("Martin M" on the check) said, with a clear dose of attitude "is that it"? We both looked at each other, but I thought I might be imagining his attitude. Nope- when I then ordered my heavy appetizer and a beer, he said "aren't you ordering an entree?". I'm pretty sure (OK, certain) that he wasn't concerned with our nutrition, but rather the fact that we were taking up one of his tables and not running a big tab. Well, sorry. And we didn't sit there too long anyhow (not that this should matter). On other occasions we got good service in the hotel and restaurant, so I'll take it as an isolated incident, but if you aim to be a top notch restaurant, hiring competent servers is part of the deal.

We visited last Christmas and loved it. It was great again this year, but we must have had a later reservation this time, as they informed us we could only order off the lunch, not brunch menu. But the food was great. They have great gluten free options, and it was a treat to be able to enjoy a wonderful lobster roll. The burgers are good, as is the crispy chicken dinner, served with cheesy mashed potatoes and haricot verts. My wife enjoyed the carrot ginger soup and a Caesar salad. The only thing I didn’t care for was my Bloody Mary. The service was very good, and setting on the patio was great. Prices are fair. Highly recommended.

We had the most wonderful late lunch and were served by Milton. The service was impeccable and with such kindness from Milton. The cheeseburgers were delicious. The aoili sauce on my special one was delightful!

Every second and every staff member of the hotel were fantastic! They were accommodating in every way we requested and then some! Even when we had some delays at the pool because the staff was understandably swamped (pool is stunning btw) they were so lovely, responsive, and then gifted us an additional bottle of champagne for the slight inconvenience. The pool staff were truly fabulous (Virginia, Ahmad, Stephanie, John)! Our room upgrade was to a Magnificent 7 and I gotta say they definitely live up to their name! We were so pampered from beginning to end and we can’t thank Nadine (our personal concierge) along with Melton (who is also concierge and scheduled our dinner reservation AND rescheduled when I told him I was having too much fun at the pool lol We go to Zaza for our anniversary (and our wedding night) for these reasons! No detail and no amount of luxury will escape them during your stay!!! We always feel the Zaza love - so we will always be back!

Penelope was so amazing! Love her! Will be a frequent flier! She recommended wonderful drinks and food. I enjoyed her conversation and kind smiles.

On a beautiful spring evening, sitting outside overlooking the museum area from a veranda. This a truly unique setting. The food we had tasted great, the wines were good and service very professional. Dinners with friend don't get better than this.

Dinner sumptous : poke bowl divine, steak unforgettable, salmon baglettes delicious. Brunch mediochre.

Our stay has been fantastic! The staff here has went above and beyond!!! We will definitely be returning in the near future. Thank you Kevin and Tra!!!

Visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science (which everyone should do!) and not wanting to eat in the McDonalds there we Googled for nearby outdoor dining and were guided to the Monarch set in the visually appealing Zaza Hotel. Getting a table was easy as the place was about 10% occupied in the early afternoon. We had our pick of tables and chose one by the edge of the patio so we could look out and see the nearby splashy fountain. We just needed a good bite of food and in my case I got it when I ordered one of their fine, juicy, finger-licking (they ooze moisture but that beats dry any day) burgers, cooked medium. It's a very pleasant dining spot to be sure and we had no complaints about the friendly service (including very nice hostess). On the negative side don't order the $22 cheese platter and expect a charcuterie plate with delicious cheese-friendly cured meats, pate, grainy mustard etc. My dining partner was not impressed by the meagre and cheap, carelessly thought-out plate of food that was her lunch. She realized the burger was the way to go, with a little metal basket of fine French fries. I gave her a bite out of pity. My meal hit the spot and so did the Guinness that washed it down. A trip to the classy, clean bathrooms provided an opportunity to look through the wonderfully inviting and artfully decorated lobby. I immediately became a Zaza fan.They have some style and pizazz when it comes to decorating and making an inviting space. What I saw of the hotel and it's location next to the museum and the beautiful Hermann Park would entice me to stay there. The Monarch I would be happy to return to and savor another of their juicy, tasty, burgers on a lazy afternoon.

Perfect location for brunch after visiting the museum. Nice place. Wasn't too impressed with the brunch menu, not too many selections. Would have liked to seen a burger or a sandwich and a few more lunch/savory options. Very confused as to why they don't have mimosas on the menu. They have them, you just have to ask for them. And they're $12 apiece! Other than that, the food was pretty good.

Enjoyed a late night dessert and night cap at the Monarch after a night on the town. Great aesthetics set a fun, elegant and relaxed feel. Food was very good!

I enjoyed a great Calamari Salad here, while my wife had the Red Oak Salad; both were great. But the service was off, from the very uptight little hostess in the leather suit who seated us to the handsome European waiter who managed numerous times to avoid noticing our attempts to get service.

Delicious drinks. Espresso martinis! TOP! Excellent service! Penelope was amazing.definitely coming back. Amazing service!!!!

Had Josue as my server. He was lovely and made great suggestions. I wanted to just have some appetizers. enjoyed the brussel sprouts and tuna. Highly recommend.

Dined there twice during our last stay. Especially enjoyed the NY Strip Maytag Salad and Calamari. Staff is very attentive and the atmosphere is relaxing, love that "outdoor" area. Would love to sit out there on a stormy night! Ordered the Club Sandwich ( room service ) on a previous visit, also good.

My wife and I stayed at the Zaza for 2 nights. My wife is very picky when it comes to food, but she LOVED this restaurant! 2 thumbs up.

We were staying in the Hotel ZaZa and dinner at the Monarch - all quite satisfactory and whilst on the pricey side, it was what we expected for essentially no competition in the area. However the next morning we called down for breakfast and two coffees cost us $17 before tax and tip - sorry - that is price gouging. Never again!

I may stay at the ZaZa agaoin just for the breakfast Chaquiles at the Monarch. Yes, chicken and eggs for breakfast but wow, so good!

Been staying here for 4 years at least once per month. Great hotel, great restaurant and the valet attendants are great. Daniel Islas leads the way teaching the staff to do the thing that brings guests back but is the cheapest thing they can do..,learn customer’s name!

Monarch at Zaza serves a variety of cocktails. The French 75 was just right for beginning an evening. Next morning met family for breakfast. Gorgeous weather and a lovely outdoor dining experience. Fantastic coffee with great service. Breakfast bagel sandwich so very yummy! Thick bacon, perfect over easy eggs and cheese. Sides of asparagus and sweet potatoes. Excellent!

In Houston for a day to plane issues. We visited the Museum District & stumbled onto The ZaZa Hotel. It is a cool hotel, with many pictures of famous people on walls and beautiful decor! The restaurant was excellent-beautiful Rose & scrumptious Lamb Pops with a absolutely delicious hamburger. Excellent experience!!!

I had a nice meal with my boss - he had a salmon dish and I had scallops - nicely prepared, tasty. Entrees were about $30. The host went out of his way to talk about the chardonnay specials - 30% discount that took the price down to $100 a bottle! Oy. Good service. Unimaginative desserts.

Went for a walk near the zoo early AM and tried this place for brunch. No wait at 9 am on a holiday morning. Favorite items: cappuccino, bourbon brioche French toast, avocado hash brown. Great ambiance, artwork. Cons: little slow service and Valet too expensive/ disorganized ($15)

The service here is very good, especially if you are a guest of the hotel. I had a couple of items that were very good including the smoked chicken chilaquiles, however other items, like the Belgian waffle, were just okay. The Asian ribs and lamb lollipops are fantastic, and enough for a small meal, and the sticky toffee pudding was decent (my mind wasn't blow, but I also didn't stop eating...which I will do if the food isn't good.) My favorite part about Monarch and it's bar is that it has a HUGE whiskey menu. They must have about 200 bottles.They even have my favorite brand: Yamasaki. YUM! Also, if you like jalapenos, be sure to try their pickled/candied jalapenos. They are amazing. The patio is lovely and heated; very romantic and warm even on a winter evening. Wishing you love and romance, Aviva Vaughn Author of slow burn women's fiction inspired by food, travel, and Jane Austen.

Ate there last week with a business colleague. I am not a big meat eater so I had the salmon. It was terrible! I had high hopes when they asked how I wanted it cooked, since this is not common at most places unless they are good. I asked for medium rare and when I got my plate and it looked like a Pollock painting, a mess. The fish itself was inedible. A bad cut with pin bones still in it, and so heavily cooked it was one step away from Trader Joe's jerky. The accompanying vegetables were also inedible. Went downtown and had fish and chips as I need something before a very early flight out. I live in NYC and am not a price snob, but prices were in line with what I would pay at a Michelin starred restaurant like Nomad hotel at home and the food was on par with Olive Garden at the Monarch. Wine prices are severely inflated. Have eaten at much better places in Huston from BBQ to gourmet. If this place was not in a hotel that didn't do a big convention, wedding and business training business it would be gone in a hurry.

Christopher, our server, was wonderfully professional and kind. I especially appreciated his attentiveness for an important breakfast business meeting.

Zaza is close to where I work and we know we can always come to the Monarch for good libations and food after work. Highly recommend!

I had the crab cake appetizer and cup of potato soup and both were great. The Diet Coke was flat. But, the reason for three stars was the service. The restaurant was nearly empty but I wasn’t the only person there. While I was there, 2 or 3 tables on the patio also steadily had people. However, the wait staff never asked how the food was. In fact, no body ever came by so that I could say the soda was flat. Once they brought me the check, they pestered me to sign it, clearly hoping I would leave. I stayed after signing it because I decided to have a glass of wine and the wait staff couldn’t have acted more put out by this.

Excellent restaurant with excellent quality service and awesome ambiance and high end service. Love the Monarch Restaurant at Hotel Za Za- I will definitely be coming back again!

We were staying at Hotel ZaZa and while we usually like to branch out from hotel restaurants we had traveled most of the day and Monarch was an easy place to meet our friends. We initially went just for drinks but the dinner menu looked interesting so we all decided to stay for dinner. The Hostess moved us from the bar area to the outside terrace and it was absolutely lovely. The menu had interesting choices and the service was great. The morning of our last day we decided to stop in for breakfast. We wanted something light so we had the granola and yogurt and while it might have been on the pricey side we felt the value was there. Definitely worth a try!

We ate dinner here and it was pretty good! The server got one thing wrong but it wasn't anything catastrophic. I had the steak and it was delish.

My new go-to bar! Ugh I can't believe I'm just now going to this place. I forgot the bartenders name, but he did an amazing job when it came to suggesting drinks and recommending small bites to eat! I had the drink called "selfie", got it because the bartender highly recommended it. "Selfie" was so good, by the 3rd drink I was feeling myself lol. They had other drink options that sound good that I want to try when next I go back. I also had the mussels, which were to absolutely die for! The whit wine broth was my favorite, everything was cooked well and it took no time to come out! I went on a Tuesday night and it had little crowd but nothing too much. I will be back again to try the other drinks that I saw on the menu!

Met a friend from out of town here to catch up and converse. Another place that I bookmarked that I finally decided to check out. I was in the mood for a couple drinks and an appetizer and they have pretty good happy hour specials. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday from 430-7pm and half off all drinks and appetizers!! Cant beat those prices and great ambiance and atmosphere. Parking can be a little difficult but it's worth it. The calamari was decent, flavorful, roman style with tomatoes, capers, and lemons. Nice size portion. It was tangy and flavorful. The bartender was really cool and poured with a heavy hand but I am not complaining . I had three top shelf drinks and a appetizer under $30. Can't be mad at that! Had a good time and would be back again. Until next time

My CoPilot. And I were looking for a good meal after a long day flying. Staying by the Medical Center in Houston we found the Monarch on a quick map search. It had great ratings and the pics showed an inviting environment. Pulling into valet me knew we would be in for a special experience. The Hotel Zara is charming and boutique. Making our way to Monarch we were greeted to a quiet and elegant ambiance. Slightly dim and inviting. We were greeted by Juan the bartender. His smile and friendly demeanor made us feel instantly at home. He was attentive and helpful during the entire experience. The cocktails were generous and tasty. We ordered the spicy jalapeño calamari for an appetizer. It was crispy and spicy if you wanted to dip. I ordered the Salmon, medium rare. The large portion was presented perfectly cooked and delicious. Perfect meal. Dessert of brownie and ice cream followed. Can’t say enough about this restaurant. Juan was amazing. We’ll be back. And compliments to chef. We’ll done.

Stayed at hotel ZaZa recently for a museum district trip for anniversary and figured why not dine in this well reviewed restaurant for a nice dinner. Atmosphere: Excellent. Eclectic decor and jazzy attitude as to be expected at Hotel ZaZa Outdoor seating would be beautiful and elegant in cooler weather. Food: Very good. I had steak and wife had special pasta dish and both were well presented and delicious. Service: Here was the problem. I made reservations which were not honored. So we had to wait at bar for 30 minutes. Then host sat us at large table to be shared with other diners - like at Pei Wei or something. I asked to talk with manager and saw the host avoid going to alert him to situation. Finally, we were moved to another more private table. Then waiter messed up our drink orders and appetizer orders. I was just shaking my head by then but was tired of complaining. However, the manager later came over and apologized profusely for the multiple problems and comped our entire meal and threw in a free desert brownie and champagne and it was greatness. We hadn't asked for anything free so I thought it was a magnanimous gesture and very appropriate and professional. Overall, I think we just caught them on a bad night with a few young staff members who were off their game. I would still go back anytime.

The Dagwood, a short rib sandwich, was truly mouth watering. The fries were delightfully seasoned and the bread and butter jalapenos were great. The Cobb salad had interesting touches, like the pine nuts. Nice ambiance and there was a good selection of beers. The best part of eating at the Monarch is walking through the lobby of the Hotel ZaZa afterwards. Don't miss it.

Friends took me here for my late December birthday, and I very much enjoyed the evening as a whole: food, drinks, conversations. However, I was a bit 'put off' by the somewhat "louche" attire of some of the guests coming through the restaurant and bar. OK, it's ZA-ZA; and they have a certain reputation for being out on the edge. But, is that really excuse for permitted folk to simply walk through who are wearing little more than a T-shirt and shorts? I thought not. The table service was warm, personable, and knowledgeable about all aspects of the food and beverage service. Their recommendations were spot on! We particularly enjoyed having the chef du maison come out and greet us toward the end of our meal -- a lovely touch concluding a wonderful restaurant experience.

I was very disappointed during my time at the hotel and stop at the restaurant. The prices are overrated and I had a huge piece of plastic instead of salad (see photo). After I complain via email cause I had my burger on the go, they barely apologized and offered a credit. After following four times they stopped responding and never got back to me. Food wasn’t exceptional, overpriced and poor customer service. I wouldn’t recommend to go there with all the other options around. Too bad!

There are spots with thoughtful touches and there are spots with touches so unique that you're like "Is this for me?" This is the experience that we found awaiting us at the Hotel ZaZa. Beautiful, classic and friendly. We enjoyed a lovely conversation with the manager Kevin in the lobby while enjoying complimentary chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling wine as it was Valentine's weekend. What a treat!

Stopped here after visiting the cockrill butterfly exhibition. Great food and atmosphere. Not too pricey

Juan Ruiz and his team at the Zaza were outstanding during our wedding at the Hotel Zaza Museum District. It was flawless and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect wedding thanks to everyone at the Zaza staff! Rida Bouqdir made our full experience perfect, from when we did food tasting leading up to the week of our wedding! I highly recommend having a wedding at the Zaza Hotel at the museum district, but make sure you ask for Rida and Juan because they were truly amazing!

Review for Monarch Restaurant – ZaZa Hotel, Museum District We were served by Austin C, and he was absolutely wonderful. He explained the menu exquisitely and thoughtfully adjusted his recommendations to match our tastes. His polite manner and warm, genuine smile made the dining experience even more enjoyable. Austin was truly exemplary in his service — a perfect example of professionalism and hospitality.

What a nice little place to have either a quiet meal alone or business meal! The food is really very nice and the service is amazing! The staff will accommodate any request! See you again soon!

This was my third visit to the Monarch Restaurant and it will always be on my list when I visit Houston in the future.

Band was great, but service for those listening to the band was poor. I did get the attention of the young manager and finally had service. To expedite things, I did pay in cash. Others were paying by credit card. Wish the service had been better. Chocolate Mouuse cake was okay. Too dense and heavy for me!

Went recently for brunch. Had the burger and grouper special. Both were very good. Service was excellent as well with attentive and friendly atmosphere.

The food here was delish. We were here with a group of people so we each got different items so we could try multiple items.

My wife and I had breakfast at the Monarch Restaurant on two consecutive mornings and drinks in the lounge one afternoon. The service is friendly and the food is delicious. The Monarch makes great omelets, and the Standard Breakfast is quite filling. The bar scene is also very good.

During our recent stay at the Hotel ZaZa, we visited the Monarch on two occasions, once in the afternoon for drinks and again in the morning for breakfast. The service was friendly and attentive, the drinks were great, and the breakfast meals were delicious and beautifully presented. This place is not inexpensive, but the experience is well worth it.

Beautiful brunch. Quiet location. The food was delicious and portions sizes were huge. Only one option for Gluten Free breakfast. Will certainly come back.

This is part of the Hotel ZaZa complex conveniently located to the museum district and Hermann Park complex. It is upscale, but not overpriced. The food is excellent and the bar has great drinks and good service.

I loved this restaurant. I had an amazing patio with a wonderful atmosphere. Lunch was very reasonable and the staff was very friendly.

Extremely overpriced food... quality not high enough compared to the prices asked Seating , chairs ok. Couch cushions to deep Service ok More a place if you like it fancy and don t care about food quality. Extremely overpriced.

My family and I ate there for breakfast. The food was delicious. Everyone was super friendly and professional. They called for my car for me while I was eating, so all I had to do was get in my car after breakfast.

I’ve been visiting Zaza for over 15 years, Virginia was the best server I have ever had. She was so friendly, welcoming to my 10 year old son and I…. And honestly just made our day…. She really is special Thanks Virginia!!!!!

Dont go there If you want to have a good meal It is really expensive and service is quite slow.... so continue your way....

Cool restaurant located in the Hotel Zaza. Some of the food was good, but stay away from the onion soup (too much sherry) and the bruss sprouts (too much salt). On the other hand the chicken chicallito (sp?) breakfast was great as was the tomato basil soup. Bar service was great, however breakfast patio service was VERY slow. We sat for over 45 minutes before receiving our meal, and even coffee ( and then cream, lol) took way too long.

I love visiting Monarch! The food is always great and the service is tip-top. We love eating on the patio. Such great atmosphere and fun. John Pozos is a superstar server! Will definitely be back.

We stayed at the Hotel Zaza for two nights. We had room service one morning. It was the best room service we’ve experienced in a long time. The three egg omelette and English Muffin arrived HOT and were very tasty! One day we walked from the art museum to the restaurant for lunch - no reservation, but we had a delightful meal. We had dinner at the Monarch both nights we were there. Cocktails and entrees were amazing!

Dined here while staying at the hotel for a night. It was not impressive. The aircon was on too high, the food was so/so, the service was okay. It just wasn't a memorable place to eat and not worth returning. There are so many good places to eat in Houston, so if you stay here, make the effort to leave the hotel for a better meal.

Penelope was the best bartender, great service and attitude! Drinks were the best! The atmosphere outside was also beautiful at night with the lights!

Food and Service were amazing! Wonderful breakfasts! Great way to start your day out. There's a cozy patio to eat outside if you choose. Give it a try!

The Monarch is situated in the ZaZa hotel and has an indoor and terrasse section. We sat on the terrasse it was a beautiful spring evening. Our servers were wonderful and we never felt rushed. Because it was our anniversary our server brought us two glasses of sparlking wine on the house. I gave the Monarch a four because the menu is limited and not meeting my expecations of the hotel. The food was very good but the extra little touches that you expect were not there.

We just returned from a trip to Houston and ate at Monarch Bistro for just about every meal!!! The menu is diverse. There are selections to please just about everyone...and I am a picky eater as I want to eat healthy every time I eat. They hit it out of the park each time! The wine list is really great...Important to me. And the service was great. We hosted a business meeting on our first night and they provided a nice private area for us to dine and talk and it could not have been nicer. Our server, CONNER, was perfection...He was there when we needed him, gave nice descriptions of each of our dinner choices, gave a nice description of the cheese plate that accompanied our wine selection and was just overall a great server for that occasion! We also enjoyed a wonderful brunch (late breakfast) on Tuesday and Daniel C took outstanding care of us! He treated us like we were family and dining at his personal restaurant. He should be training everyone in the restaurant as he really provides next level service! Shout out to the breakfast/lunch hostess who was so sweet and always remembered us each time we dropped in. We will definitely be back and dine at the Monarch and stay at the Zaza Museum district again!

I had 3 meals here during my stay. The Snapper was the best. The lamb chop lollipops were very good. Would order them medium. Caprese salad was very good, but a bid salad. Oyster were fried and pretty good. Favor the lamb chops. The scallop dish was also quite good but understand they deep fry the gnocchi, which was a bit different. The butternut quash soup was a hit. The gazpacho the next night was also very good. The quail is very small and was a miss. Fish special was good but a bit sweet for my taste. Others loved it. The chocolate dessert was well received. Would recommend the Dairyman Pinot Noir for a wine selection.

Having a staycation with our work family! Enjoying a sunny day, wonderful accommodations, great pool, lots of good food and drinks. Special thanks to John at the pool bar-he’s taking excellent care of us! Having a wonderful weekend and looking forward to our private dinner tonight!

Indifferent service, mediocre food. Lively bar scene. Small plate appetizers were much better than the main courses.

Service was excellent, the was presented beautifully but the Crab Cake Benidict was just ok. I found a few shells and crab was shredded and not lump as one would expect. Our Belgian Waffle was sent back as it was undercooked but replaced upon our request. As I stated above service was excellent and will give them another try.

Excellent food and service! Very clean and chic environment. Indoor and outdoor seating. Don't skip dessert! Get the brownie!!

The Monarch is the main restaurant for the Hotel Zsa Zsa in the Museum District, Herman Park area, and Medical District of Houston (also near Rice University). It is a lovely setting, lively atmosphere, and has wonderful food. I enjoyed the crisp brussel sprouts, lamb lollipops, red oak salad, and Bay of Funday salmon. This was followed by a local Texas flavored bread pudding. This is a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner location for business, romance, or special family event.

Will and Dimas were the absolute best! 10/10 recommend!!! Food, drinks, hospitality & vibe, I could go on... just go here!!! Will never stay anywhere else!

The entire crew and staff was excellent . The food was excellent and the service was excellent we definitely enjoyed it. Dan Boston

Lizaya was made the experience as incredible as the food! I highly recommend the Desert Sun cocktail, if you’re looking for a mezcal drink in Houston.

Austin was the best server. Food was delicious and atmosphere was so inviting. I got the cornbread pancakes and they were soo fluffy and delicious! Will be back and ask for Austin!

Arrived here after 36 hour journey from Africa. Service from Desiree was friendly and efficient and the management gave me a very and unexpected bonus due to my arduous journey. I had the fillet steak which was quite the best cooked steak I have ever had in America. I like my steak very, very rare and this was meltingly soft, pink but still hot: which is a real trick. Great cheesebourd ad crab cake to start too.

We had a great Christmas brunch here. The setting is very nice, with a comfy main room with bar, and a heated terrace. We chose the latter and were not disappointed. We had a choice between a special holiday menu or the standard brunch one. We ordered off the brunch menu, and all were happy. The chillaquelles were excellent, as was the chorizo with eggs. My wife loved her omelette, with chicken apple sausage, fontina cheese and veggies. There are also salads, sandwiches, waffles, etc. one item, a trio of kolaches, with accompaniments like sriracha ketchup, sounded interesting, but was unavailable. There are nice, beer, cocktail and wine lists, but prices for these seemed a tad high. Service is excellent. A very good experience.

We had the best experience at The Monarch restaurant at Hotel Zaza. Penelope was super attentive and sweet and had some great recommendations

Great service by Austin! Food & drinks were great, will definitely be back! Ambiance & esthetics were top tier ❤️ must visit!

Virginia and Keyla thanks for the great service! It was my fisrt time having a pińacolada and I cant stop now!

Excellent breakfast here two days in a row...attentice service in lovely setting outdoors, overlooking the museum district

Lovely atmosphere and the service was good. However, the food left a lot to be desired. Based on what we ordered and what we received for lunch (and the expense) we would definitely not recommend this restaurant and would not return.

My daughter and I had just finished a visit to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and went to the Monarch for an early lunch. I've eaten at the restaurant many times, but it has been several months -- and we've always had a good experience -- until this one. The hostess seated us on the patio, which varies on how inclosed it is -- beautiful space. The service was so bad today, that we wished we had gone anywhere else. The hostess quadruple seated a waitress who already had a ten-top -- and who was challenged to handle the one table. Our experience was -- really bad. It took 15 minutes for anyone to come to our table. My wine showed up 20 minutes after our food came. The mussels were below room temperature. Look. I'm happy to pay premium prices. But I expect premium service and food. AND THIS WAS -- hhmm. AWFUL.

Stopped by this restaurant while waiting for our showing at the art museum across the street. Fantastic food and drink in which we highly recommend. Our waiter Daniel Cabeza's was very accommodating and made our lunch that more enjoyable!

We enjoyed a very good breakfast here while staying in the hotel. We both got bagel sandwiches that really hit the spot. The restaurant has a cool atmosphere and nice out door seating that would have been enjoyable on a nice day.

The food was awesome! We were there for lunch. Ambiance is great for a business lunch or a romantic dinner. However, the service was extremely slow! Had to ask the busboy to get us a waiter after waiting for over 15 minutes. This was just to order the drinks. Food came, a lobster roll after about 30 minutes. We were told by the waiter that they had a large group show up without reservations. Not sure if that's an acceptable excuse for a restaurant of this caliber? Will try it again and update the review.

We enjoyed every meal at the Monarch. The atmosphere is very nice and the decor attractive. The restaurant and bar staff are excellent!

Really nice and unique hotel in the museum district in Houston. Everybody there is so kind specially Kevin and Elimay the front desk, Zane, the bell boy , Gladys at the monarch restaurant, which has delicious food. Also the valets. The rooms are very nice and comfortable , the food is delicious. Super trendy hotel near the museums, the zoo, the rice university. We enjoyed it a lot and highly recommend it.

Austin is an amazing server! He is attentive and caring and goes above and beyond! Great customer service and attention to ever the smallest detail!

We decided to eat here after visiting the museum. What a mistake that decision was. No host or hostess. Waited for 10 minutes to get seated outside. We were then given what had to be the worst table, a high-top by the entrance to the outside seating even though there were plenty of regular tables available. Waiter took 10 minutes to bring water and another 20 minutes to take orders. Food was average. Salmon okay but the orzo was like soup. No bread. No refill of water, offer of dessert or coffee. Nobody ever asked how my meal was or thanked me for coming. Will never return.

We were greeted with genuine smiles and friendly faces. The manager and server were exceptionally friendly and attentive. The food was delicious! We had the open faced ravioli, baked potato soup, crispy brussel sprouts and red snapper with broccolini. It was all quite good!

Dimas, Alex and Juan were amazing!!! The drinks and service were great!!! We will definitely come back again.

We had breakfast and dinner at the Monarch. Breakfast would receive a 1 out of 5 rating.both in the food and the service which was the worst ever. The manager was very apologetic and dinner service and the meal were excellent.

I came to celebrate my birthday here at the Monarch and had THE BEST EXPERIENCE!! The bartenders Dimas and Jackie made the night!! Absolutely the best service and drinks in town!! I am coming here for every birthday!!

The Monarch is the first place I ever ate in Houston and I've gone back many times. There's an outdoor patio that is semi enclosed and air-conditioned which is comfortable in the heat. I like having some outdoor air circulating so I generally sit outside but inside is beautiful and comfortable also. I can get a satisfying cup of coffee and enjoy Monarch's iced tea, fresh squeezed orange juice, and occasionally a glass of Malbec. My favorite meal is the Superfoods bowl which I order with gulf shrimp. For me, it's a restorative dining experience when I head over to the Monarch. I go at less busy times and enjoy a leisurely dining experience in an historic hotel (the old Warwick Hotel). Josue always remembers me, is well trained and friendly and the bussers and back-waiters are also friendly. Great jumping off space for a trip to MFAH. I am able to eat gluten free at Monarch though I do take glutenease as a precaution when dining out.

The food is fabulous - no matter what you order. In the past, however, the kitchen was sometimes painfully slow. We've just returned from our most recent stay at ZAZA and want to report that the kitchen has come up to speed, food is brought in a timely manner, and everything is as delicious as always. They had a tortilla soup and I asked if it was spicy hot. The waiter brought a small sample and it was delicious! We each ordered a cup and it came chocked full of goodies. The lollipop lamb chops and the scallops were as fabulous as always. Do not miss this restaurant if you are in town.

Always good, fresh menu choices and amazing cocktails! Menu changes so we look forward to new items (but miss the brussel sprouts). Martine offers the best food and drink recommendations. The patio is a great place to relax and enjoy winding down.

Great service and good food. The portions were just ok but the appetizers were small, only one crab cake. The quality was great and the location is key

Stopped in with my wife recently while in the area. Had a caprese salad and a few glasses of Dare PN. Very nice place for lunch or sit at the very nice bar.

Been a guest since the ZAZA was the the Warwick. Definitely the best meal I’ve ever eaten there, and one of the best in Houston! Also love the Hotel!

The food is great and the bar is fun, but if you come on weekend nights it's a bit of a scene! If that's your thing then you'll love it. If you prefer a quieter place to dine and drink just come earlier.

My son and I stopped in for Irish Coffee and some snacks. The bar area is lovely with lots of seating. Chris, the bartender, was super nice and friendly. Coffee was delicious too! We ordered tacos, soup, and chips with guacamole. Everything was very good!

Perfect full lunch after the museum. We were planning on going lighter, but we couldn’t resist the fish special. It was awesome - delicate and delicious. Good cocktails as well. Hostess extremely helpful also