Dining In The Clouds

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Few Dallas restaurants embody the glamor of dining quite like Monarch. The Italian concept, located on the 49th floor of The National in Downtown Dallas, quickly became one of the hottest reservations in town thanks to its luxurious environment, dazzling views and exquisite cuisine. Led by two-time Michelin-starred chef Danny Grant, guests are sure to be transported as soon as they step off the elevator. 

“The Dallas market has been on our radar for a long time, and finally we found the right partners and the perfect location to bring to life our concept,” Grant says. “We have the best views in town, no doubt. It’s like dining in the clouds.” 

By partnering with Dallas’ Todd Interests (a developer and award-winning real estate firm), Carroll Todd of Todd Interiors, the Simeone Deary Design Group and Heidi Lightner Architects, the 280-seat restaurant exudes sophistication. The combination of elements like the grand spiral staircase, floral-patterned wall coverings and a whimsical chandelier made of hand-formed metal and glass crystals produce an energy of elegance. 

Monarch produces light and modern Italian fare in its open-concept kitchen. At the heart of the restaurant lies its wood-fired hearth, adding what Grant calls a kiss by fire to its dishes, which enhances each ingredients’ flavor. 

“This concept is everything I love about Italian food,” Grant says. “Less in the traditional sense, this menu isn’t heavy with red sauces and traditional Italian recipes. Instead, it features simple ingredients cooked in a light and fresh technique.” 

Start out with a fresh sharable, like the wood oven-roasted giant prawns, which come out carefully charred and elevated with sea salt, salsa verde, cilantro, fennel pollen and Calabrian chili peppers. 

Its raw bar selections highlight the quality of proteins available on Monarch’s menu. With options like Texas wagyu carpaccio — complete with arugula, charred lemon, black truffle, horseradish crema and served with a warm brioche — and yellowfin tuna tartare — served with cucumbers, dill, Meyer lemon, habanero, hearth oil and olive crunch, there’s a chilled favorite just waiting to be enjoyed. Turn your evening up a notch with the Ossetra Caviar Service, which includes crisp potato chips, warm potato blini, chives, egg and creme fraiche. 

After warming up your palate, dive into one, or a few, of its stunning entrees. Its house pastas cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for rich flavors (try the short rib bolognese) or a classic with a twist (like the fire-roasted lasagna), there’s a dish waiting to be savored. 

Bold yet simple flavors lie in its Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a 40-ounce porterhouse charred in the coals served with lemon, arugula, hearth olive oil and sea salt, as well as the salt-crusted whole fish, which comes stuffed with herbs and lemon. Enjoy more of the bounty found in the sea with its bronzed sea scallops, complete with conserved pepper arancini, morel mushroom, English peas and bacon cava sauce, as well as its Dover Sole, finished with lemon, spinach, chestnut mushroom, capers and brown butter. For a showstopper, order the live Alaskan king crab, which is prepared six different ways, for the table. 

Regardless of your order, Monarch ensures that guests feel catered to throughout their entire dining experience. 

“We want our guests to know they have come to a very special place and will be taken care of at the highest levels,” Grant says. “Our team loves to serve and truly enjoys making every guest feel special while they dine with us. The menu is great, the ambiance is incredible and there’s no shortage of moments to celebrate.”