Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Newport’s food scene recently got a tasty upgrade with the arrival of Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine at 104 Broadway. This new spot brings the genuine flavors of Puebla, Mexico, to local diners.

Opening its doors on January 13, Monarca serves classic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. But the real stars are specialties such as Mole Poblano de Pollo and Pipian de Pollo, which showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity.

Owner Maria Carranza, who recently moved from Long Island, NY, to launch this venture, named the restaurant after the Monarch butterfly. “I’m fascinated by their incredible migration,” Carranza told What’sUpNewp. “Their journey resonates with me on a personal level.”

The logo for Monarca.

Carranza’s mission is clear: introduce Newport to the real deal when it comes to Mexican food. “I’m from Puebla, and I want to share the genuine tastes of my hometown,” she says. “This is what authentic Mexican cuisine is all about.”

Monarca caters to all meal times, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Early risers can choose between American-style breakfast platters or dive into Mexican morning favorites like Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles.

For lunch and dinner, the menu expands to include a variety of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Heartier appetites can opt for larger plates such as Carne Asada or spice things up with Camarones a la Diabla.

The restaurant is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekend hours extend from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with breakfast available.

Monarca now occupies the space previously held by Hummingbird, adding a new flavor to Newport’s diverse culinary landscape.

Follow Monarca on Instagram here.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...