Restaurant Monarh
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Tilburg , Netherlands |
Key people | Danny Kovacevic (owner), Paul Kappé (head chef), Ralph Kappé (sommelier) |
| Products | French and international fusion cuisine |
Restaurant Monarh operates within a historic former monastery situated in Tilburg, Netherlands. It was awarded a prestigious Michelin star in the 2019 edition of the Michelin Guide, marking it as the first restaurant in Tilburg to receive this distinction.
History and location
Founded in 2014, Monarh occupies the old kitchen area of the Missiehuis monastery, a building dating back to the 1890s that has been recognized as a rijksmonument. After the monastery was sold in 2010, the site was repurposed for residential and office use. The restaurant's name is inspired by Monastère Rooi Harten.
The establishment is owned by Danny Kovacevic, with Paul Kappé serving as head chef and his brother Ralph Kappé managing the wine selection as sommelier. Monarh specializes in a blend of French and international fusion cuisine available for both lunch and dinner services. Its interior design includes groin vault ceilings supported by square pillars and arched windows, complemented by an open kitchen concept and outdoor seating that can accommodate more than 60 patrons.
In 2016, Monarh attracted media interest by presenting a floating amuse-bouche that hovered above a superconductor cooled with liquid nitrogen, utilizing the Meissner effect to achieve levitation. This innovative culinary presentation led to appearances on programs such as RTL Late Night.
Plans are underway for Monarh to open a second establishment within Plan-t, a newly developed office complex located in Spoorzone. This expanded venue will have seating for 150 guests and will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It aims to offer an extended menu at more accessible price points to reach a broader audience.
Reception
On December 17, 2018, during an event at theater DeLaMar, Michelin revealed that Monarh would be honored with one star in the 2019 Michelin Guide. Werner Loens, the chief inspector, commended the restaurant’s sophistication despite its relatively recent opening in an interview with Misset Horeca. Additionally, the restaurant guide Gault Millau rated Monarh 14 out of 20 points, praising the chef’s bold culinary techniques and artistic plating. Monarh was also included for the first time in the Lekker500, a ranking of 500 Dutch dining establishments, in its 2018 edition. In 2015, food critic Mac van Dinther of de Volkskrant described the dishes at Monarh as well-crafted and attractively presented, although he noted they were not particularly innovative.