Patrons are temporarily transported to France at Monarque, a steakhouse and dinner theater that debuted last month in Baltimore’s Harbor East area. Locally based Patrick Sutton oversaw the interior design of the 135-seat venue, which includes a main dining room, bar, and 20-seat private dining space. The new F&B concept marks Atlas Restaurant Group’s 14th property in the Maryland city, and it occupies the former site of an office space within a warehouse building. Acknowledging the renovation and re-emergence of the 19th-century structure, Monarque takes its name from the monarch butterfly, a symbol of transformation and new opportunity.

Black and white photographs hang above tufted velvet banquettes in the dining area

The entrance is distinguished by an elaborate illuminated marquee that sets the tone for the moody experience inside. “It is a story of romance, intrigue, and richness,” Sutton says of the design scheme, which incorporates a variety of textures—like velvet, mohair, brass, stained wood, antique mirror, and marble—traditional of French bistros, brasseries, or Burlesque clubs. Instead of the customary—and expected—black and burgundy color palette, Monarque maintains a distinct identity with materials appearing in earthier hues like muted rust, moss green, and bleached walnut, giving the restaurant “a sense of antiquity, almost like a sepia-toned photograph,” describes Sutton. Elaborate lighting and evocative artwork further establish the narrative, proving that, at Monarque, more really is more.

The interior is bedecked with an earthy palette comprising rust, green, and brown tones

Sumptuous materials and eye-catching artwork bring Monarque to life