Reservations for Monarch San Antonio are now open.
SAN ANTONIO — With its March 3 opening approaching, Monarch San Antonio is rolling out an ambitious culinary program led by internationally trained Chef Jae H. Lee.
The new luxury downtown hotel will feature three venues: Oak & Amber, Aleteo and The Nectarie Café – highlighting different cuisines from around the world. Chef Jae H. Lee will oversee food and beverage operations across all three restaurants.
Chef Lee, who was born in South Korea and raised in New York City, is classically trained in various global techniques, which he utilizes across the menus. Most of his culinary influences derive from French, Italian, Korean and Mexican cuisines. He has also worked at several well-known restaurants, including Michelin-starred Daniel, The Dining Room at The Met, The Standard Hotel, Little Park and White Street.
“Each restaurant has its own identity, but they’re connected by a shared foundation,” Chef Lee said in a press release. “This program is about creating places people want to return to – whether they’re staying at the hotel or live down the street. I’m inspired by San Antonio, especially at a moment when the city’s culinary scene is earning national attention. It’s where deep-rooted traditions, ambitious chefs and a growing appreciation for global technique are shaping one of the most dynamic food cultures in Texas.”
Chef Lee said each dining destination within Monarch will prioritize sourcing ingredients from Texas producers, allowing regional flavors to guide the dishes. The menus center on premium meats and seafood, with each venue offering a different experience from day to night.
Oak & Amber
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Oak & Amber, is centered around a glowing mesquite-and-oak hearth where chefs cook over Texas post oak and pecan wood. The menu draws inspiration from Texas ranchers, the Gulf and regional orchards. Favorites include Sea Urchin, Lobster Thermidor and the Prime Rib Trolley. The restaurant also offers a raw bar featuring East Coast oysters, clams, scallops and shrimp, along with formal caviar service. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Aleteo
The rooftop restaurant, Aleteo, highlights Yucatán cuisine, vibrant flavors and mezcal-focused cocktails. Featured dishes include Octopus Maya, Beef Rib Mole, Suckling Pig Asado and Dry-Aged Crescent Farms Duck. Its “Raw and Cured” section features aguachiles, ceviches and tartares, with more than half a dozen house-made salsas focused on balance and heat. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
The Nectarie Café
The light-filled, French-inspired café serves breakfast and lunch that emphasize freshness and ease. The Nectarie Café offers pastries made with French doughs, with influences from German and Texas cuisine. Favorites include the Nutella Cruffin, Almond Croissant, Franzbrötchen and Smoked Jalapeño & Cheddar Kolache. Lunch offerings include Beef Skirt Steak Frites, Chicken Paillard à la Française and Salade Niçoise.
Reservations for Monarch San Antonio are now open. For more information, visit the hotel’s website.
