Is this the best view in the city? From the 49th floor of The National, it certainly is breath-taking — and even better when paired with delicious seasonal food and fantastic wines.
All this in a piece of Dallas history.
"When The National opened in 1965, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi and used the same marble from the same quarry that was used for the Parthenon," Steven Danby, who took care of our table, told us. "This space right here was originally the Dallas Petroleum Club." On a clear day, he said, you can see Midlothian.
Monarch Dallas, of course, is the Michelin-recommended Italian-American fine dining restaurant from two-Michelin-starred chef Danny Grant. The setting is glorious and the views are spectacular. Wood-fired dishes, housemade pasta, fine wines and luxurious flavors are on the menu. But this menu, in particular, is special.
What Is Monarch's Chef Tasting Menu
Each season, the restaurant rolls out a special seasonal menu. During our visit, we tried the winter tasting menu.
First Course: Hamachi – A luminous first bite and vibrant introduction featuring green apple, uni crema, pomegranate and tarragon
Second Course: Winter Chicories – A refined balance of foie gras curls, fennel and kumquat, buttermilk emulsion
Third Course: Hokkaido Scallops – Paired with Spanish octopus, hakurei turnip, dill, osetra caviar and champagne sabayon
Fourth Course: Doppio Ravioli – A comforting medley of herb ricotta, chestnut, brown butter and cinnamon cap mushroom
Fifth Course: Rosewood Wagyu Filet – A robust composition of oxtail ragout, celery root, gnocchi, potato cloud and truffle jus
Sixth Course: Cannolo – A sweet, delicate finish of ricotta, pistachio and maraschino cherry
Sommelier Hannah Clevenger Clevenger did an excellent job on the pairings, with standout choices being a 2021 chardonnay from Nicolas Jay, Ar Pepe Valtellina Rosso Di Valtellina 2021 and Borgo Scopeto Vin Santo Del Chianti Classico 2016.
"This is a very ambitious tasting menu for us," said Johnny Arellano, assistant general manager. And they nailed it.
What's The Next Tasting Menu
Starting April 3, Monarch Dallas will roll out a new tasting menu — priced at $175 per guest:
Welcome Bite
24-month Prosciutto di Parma
Taleggio Ravioli
Wine pairing: Champagne Drappier, ‘Carte D’or’, Champagne, France, Brut, NV
First Course
Fava Bean Bruschetta (whipped feta, Meyer lemon), hearth grilled lamb rib (espelette, smoked leek yogurt) and crispy squash Blossom, Maine Lobster, Pink Peppercorn
Wine pairing: ALIGOTÉ Benoît Ente, Burgundy, France 2017 (Burgundy)
Second Course
Hokkaido Scallop (cucumber brodo, charred snap peas, toasted almonds, pea tendrils)
Wine pairing: Chardonnay Domaine Serene, ‘Evenstad,' Willamette Valley, Oregon 2020 (Burgundy)
Third Course
Foie Gras Terrine (strawberry emulsion, rhubarb, st germaine, radishes, watercress)
Wine pairing: Chenin Blanc Domaine Huet ‘Clos de Bourg,' Vouvray, France, 2022 (AP)
Fourth Course
Slow Roasted Branzino (white asparagus, salsify ribbons, finger limes, asparagus jus)
Wine pairing: Pinot Noir Matt Taylor ‘Cuvée Kaela’, West Sonoma Coast, California, 2020 (Burgundy)
Fifth Course
Doppio Ravioli (herb ricotta, English pea, braised morels, crispy artichoke
Wine pairing: Ar Pepe Valtellina Rosso Di Valtellina
Sixth Course
Rosewood Wagyu Filet (king crab, gnocchi, béarnaise, grilled ramps, potato cloud, truffle jus)
Wine pairing: Brunello Casanova Di Neri Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, 2019
Pre-dessert
Coffee
olive oil, sea salt
Dessert Course
The Pearl (Madagascar vanilla mousse, raspberry puree, hazelnut sponge cake)
Wine pairing: Vin Santo Borgo Scopeto, Tuscany, Italy 2016
Recommended For
Monarch is ideal for a lux date night, an anniversary or any special occasion. While this is a very romantic restaurant, you do see groups of friends or business associates. The chef’s tasting is great, but so is the regular menu.
If You Are Going For Date Night
You can get a nightcap upstairs at Kessaku, Danny Grant's Japanese-influenced lounge. The views are, likewise, spectacular, and you can walk around the entire floor, which alone is worth it.
For Those With Dietary Restrictions
"It’s best to order from the regular menu for dietary restrictions," a Monarch spokesperson told Local Profile. "We have been able to make minor adjustments like pork substitutions, but we cannot accommodate gluten free, dairy free or allium allergies."
So, yes, there is much more flexibility on the regular menu. "We are able to accommodate lots of dietary restrictions," added Danby. Guests can list restrictions when making a reservation, and those will be in the notes. Gluten-free is the most common, but there are also vegan and vegetarian options, as well as pork-free ones.
How To Get There
It's anywhere from a 25-minute to 50-minute drive from Legacy West, depending on traffic. There is valet parking at the restaurant, making it easy to get in and out. Upon arrival, there are complementary bubbles and chic vibes.
For more, including reservations, visit Monarch Dallas' official site. We thank Monarch for hosting and treating us.
