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10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Monterey
- 10 restaurants
- Monterey, California
- Updated February 8, 2026
The ten best Mexican restaurants in Monterey include Alejandro’s, El Cantaro, El Torito, La Bahia Mexican American Restaurant, Nacho Bizness, Mission 19 Taqueria, Dos Victorias Mexican Food, La Casa Del Sazon, Sarita’s Mexican Grill, and Peppers Mexicali Cafe. Mexican cuisine in Monterey is known for its integration of fresh seafood from the Monterey Bay, creating distinct coastal Cal-Mex style dishes like seafood enchiladas and ahi tuna tostadas.
Monterey Mexican restaurants are found in downtown areas like Alvarado Street and tourist hubs such as Cannery Row. Dining options include long-standing family establishments, modern fast-casual eateries, and lively cafes with water viewsA meal at a Mexican restaurant in Monterey costs between $10 and $45 per person.
The best Mexican restaurants in Monterey are recognized for their quality ingredients and unique coastal influence. Alejandro’s is a top overall choice for its three-decade history, authentic family recipes, and consistent quality. For a quick-service meal, Nacho Bizness delivers some of the best Mexican food Monterey with its modern, build-your-own format. Peppers Mexicali Cafe offers a more refined dining experience with its inventive Mexicali menu. El Cantaro provides a full vegan menu with dishes like jackfruit carnitas, while places like Mission 19 Taqueria offer numerous gluten-free options based on corn tortillas.
The top Mexican restaurants in Monterey are listed below.
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1
Alejandro's is a long-standing, family-owned restaurant in Monterey serving traditional, homestyle Mexican cuisine. The establishment provides a casual and welcoming atmosphere with a menu of classic recipes and combination plates.- Item Prices
- 99
- Average Item Price
- $6.63
Alejandro's Mexican Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Alejandro's Mexican Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Bistec FritesMole EnchiladasEsquites
Location:
472 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant has operated for over three decades, establishing itself as a fixture in the downtown Monterey community.
What Makes It Special:
Alejandro's is known for its consistent, authentic Mexican comfort food and its friendly, family-run service.
What Sets It Apart:
Its long history and unwavering dedication to traditional, homestyle recipes distinguish it as a reliable and cherished local institution.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday, Monday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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2
El Cantaro is a restaurant in Monterey that specializes in vegan Mexican cuisine. The menu offers plant-based versions of traditional dishes, using ingredients like jackfruit and house-made vegan cheese to replicate classic flavors.- Item Prices
- 2
- Average Item Price
- $10.84
El Cantaro Menu PricesMore about El Cantaro
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Vegan
Type of Food:
Vegan Mexican
Signature Dishes:
ASADA TACOSCrispy Potato TacosEl Cantaro Burrito
Location:
791 Foam St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The entire menu is 100% vegan, providing a complete plant-based Mexican dining experience.
What Makes It Special:
El Cantaro is recognized for its creative and flavorful approach to veganizing authentic Mexican dishes, from street tacos to complex moles.
What Sets It Apart:
Its status as Monterey's dedicated all-vegan Mexican restaurant makes it a unique destination for plant-based diners seeking authentic flavors.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PMSaturday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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3
3. El Torito
4.3 (3 Reviews)
Casual Dining American Mexican Latin American Seafood Restaurant Burritos Quesadillas Tacos Breakfast & Brunch Family Meals Family Friendly New Mexican Group FriendlyEl Torito is a well-known chain restaurant with a location in Monterey offering a broad menu of Mexican dishes in a festive, hacienda-style setting. The restaurant is situated near the Monterey Bay, providing water views from its dining room.- Item Prices
- 312
- Average Item Price
- $12.47
El Torito Menu PricesMore about El Torito
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican, Tex-Mex
Signature Dishes:
Chicken And Sour Cream EnchiladasCrispy FlautasChicken Quesadilla
Location:
600 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a waterfront location on Cannery Row with views of Monterey Bay.
What Makes It Special:
El Torito is known for its lively atmosphere, extensive menu of familiar Mexican favorites, and popular happy hour specials.
What Sets It Apart:
Its prime location on Cannery Row combined with a large, festive dining space and a consistent chain restaurant menu distinguishes it from smaller, locally-owned spots.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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4
La Bahia Mexican American Restaurant is a casual eatery located near Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf. The menu offers a mix of traditional Mexican plates and American favorites, catering to both locals and tourists.- Item Prices
- 39
- Average Item Price
- $6.80
La Bahia Mexican American Restaurant Menu PricesMore about La Bahia Mexican American Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican, American
Signature Dishes:
Bahia QuesadillaBirria Ramen NoodlesSurf & Turf Bowl
Location:
675 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides a hybrid menu that combines authentic Mexican dishes with classic American diner food.
What Makes It Special:
La Bahia is a reliable spot for straightforward, comforting food with a menu that satisfies cravings for both Mexican and American classics.
What Sets It Apart:
Its dual Mexican-American menu and its convenient location for visitors exploring the wharf area make it a versatile and accessible dining choice.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
Nacho Bizness is a modern, fast-casual eatery in Monterey that specializes in creative, build-your-own nachos and tacos. The restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh toppings and proteins for customized meals.- Item Prices
- 60
- Average Item Price
- $5.95
Nacho Bizness Menu PricesMore about Nacho Bizness
Type of Restaurant:
Fast-Casual
Type of Food:
Modern Mexican, Cal-Mex
Signature Dishes:
Notorious B.I.G.Loaded NachosThe Macarrito
Location:
470 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The core concept is customization, allowing guests to create their own nacho and taco combinations from a large ingredient bar.
What Makes It Special:
Nacho Bizness is known for its fresh, inventive take on classic Mexican street food, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and unique flavor pairings.
What Sets It Apart:
Its modern, interactive build-your-own format and creative menu items distinguish it from traditional Mexican taquerias.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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6
Mexican Latin American New MexicanMission 19 Taqueria is a casual, no-frills taqueria in Monterey focused on serving authentic Mexican street tacos and other classic dishes. The establishment operates with a quick-service model in a straightforward setting.- Item Prices
- 69
- Average Item Price
- $9.96
Mission 19 Taqueria Menu PricesMore about Mission 19 Taqueria
Type of Restaurant:
Taqueria
Type of Food:
Mexican Street Food
Signature Dishes:
Quesabirrias TrioFamous Torta TijuanaQuesaburro
Location:
598 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The taqueria is known for its authentic preparation of various meats, including al pastor cooked on a vertical spit.
What Makes It Special:
Mission 19 Taqueria provides a genuine street taco experience with an emphasis on traditional flavors and high-quality ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
Its singular focus on authentic, straightforward taqueria fare without pretense makes it a go-to spot for classic Mexican street food.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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7
La Casa Del Sazon is a casual restaurant in Monterey that serves authentic, homestyle Mexican food with a focus on traditional stews and regional specialties. The eatery provides a simple setting for enjoying flavorful, classic recipes.- Item Prices
- 402
- Average Item Price
- $22.64
La Casa del Sazon Menu PricesMore about La Casa del Sazon
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Classic BurritoCalifornia BurritoEnchiladas
Location:
431 Tyler St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant specializes in traditional, slow-cooked stews like birria, pozole, and menudo, which are often served as weekend specials.
What Makes It Special:
La Casa Del Sazon is known for its deep, authentic flavors and its dedication to traditional, time-intensive Mexican dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
Its focus on specific, hearty comfort foods like goat birria and pozole makes it a destination for those seeking a genuine taste of homestyle Mexican cooking.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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8
Casual Dining Mexican Lunch Breakfast SandwichSarita's Mexican Grill is a casual, family-run restaurant in Monterey offering a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes. The grill provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for diners to enjoy classic combination plates, tacos, and burritos.- Item Prices
- 281
- Average Item Price
- $15.00
Sarita's Mexican Grill Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Sarita's Mexican Grill Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
ChilaquilesBIG BurritoRed Burrito
Location:
21 Soledad Dr, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a broad and accessible menu that covers all the major categories of classic Mexican restaurant fare.
What Makes It Special:
Sarita's is a dependable neighborhood grill known for its generous portions, friendly service, and consistently well-prepared food.
What Sets It Apart:
Its role as a straightforward, family-friendly neighborhood restaurant with a comprehensive menu makes it a reliable choice for any classic Mexican meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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9
9. Dos Victorias Mexican Food
Dos Victorias Mexican Food is a small, family-operated eatery in Monterey offering a menu of authentic, homestyle Mexican dishes. The restaurant provides a simple and casual environment for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.More about Dos Victorias Mexican Food
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Eatery
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
EnchiladasAsada BurritoBarbacoa
Location:
299 Cannery Row #B, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is well-regarded for its breakfast burritos, available all day.
What Makes It Special:
Dos Victorias is a local favorite for its consistent, flavorful, and affordable homestyle Mexican cooking.
What Sets It Apart:
Its reputation as a reliable neighborhood spot for a quick and satisfying meal, especially its breakfast offerings, distinguishes it as a community staple.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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10
10. Peppers Mexicali Cafe
Peppers Mexicali Cafe is a long-standing restaurant in Pacific Grove, adjacent to Monterey, known for its creative Mexicali-style cuisine and fresh seafood dishes. The cafe has a lively, colorful atmosphere and a popular happy hour.More about Peppers Mexicali Cafe
Type of Food:
Mexicali, Cal-Mex, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Grilled PepperChicken NachosChicken Caribe
Location:
170 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, United States
Special Feature:
The menu blends traditional Mexican flavors with California-style cooking, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local seafood.
What Makes It Special:
Peppers is celebrated for its inventive dishes, vibrant setting, and its decades-long reputation as a beloved local gathering spot.
What Sets It Apart:
Its unique Mexicali-style approach, which incorporates more fresh produce and seafood than traditional Mexican fare, distinguishes it as a pioneer of Cal-Mex cooking on the Monterey Peninsula.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday–Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Mexican Restaurants in Monterey Famous?
Mexican restaurants in Monterey are famous for integrating fresh and locally sourced seafood into classic dishes, for a distinct coastal Mexican dining experience. The city's food tourism is built around its seaside location, and Mexican eateries cater to this by offering specialties like seafood enchiladas, fish tacos, and fresh ceviche. This strong emphasis on a Cal-Mex or Baja-style seafood approach sets Monterey’s food scene apart from the land-based cuisines of inland areas. Cooking techniques are adapted to the local bounty, with a focus on grilling fresh fish and preparing raw seafood cocktails. The special ingredient is the daily catch from Monterey Bay, including rockfish, calamari, and prawns, which defines the local interpretation of Mexican food.
What Types of Mexican Restaurants are Commonly Found in Monterey?
The types of Mexican restaurants in Monterey cater to a mix of local residents and the steady stream of tourists visiting the coastal city. The area's famous cuisine is presented in several distinct restaurant formats, which are outlined below.
- Traditional Sit-Down Restaurants: These are family-owned establishments that have served the community for years with menus of classic, homestyle Mexican recipes. Alejandro’s and Sarita’s Mexican Grill are examples.
- Seafood-Centric Cal-Mex Cafes: These restaurants blend California cooking styles with Mexican flavors, placing a heavy emphasis on fresh, local seafood. Peppers Mexicali Cafe is a well-known example.
- Tourist-Oriented Restaurants: Located in high-traffic areas like Cannery Row, these are larger establishments with festive atmospheres and broad, accessible menus. El Torito fits this category.
- Authentic Taquerias: These are smaller, no-frills spots that focus on serving genuine Mexican street food, particularly tacos with traditional meat preparations. Mission 19 Taqueria is a prime example.
- Modern Fast-Casual Eateries: These restaurants offer a contemporary take on Mexican food with concepts like build-your-own nachos and tacos. Nacho Bizness represents this style.
- Specialty Vegan Restaurants: Monterey also features eateries with a specific dietary focus, offering completely plant-based menus of Mexican dishes. El Cantaro is the city's all-vegan Mexican restaurant.
Are There Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Monterey?
Yes, Monterey contains a number of authentic Mexican restaurants that serve traditional, homestyle cuisine alongside its more tourist-focused establishments. Alejandro's has been a downtown fixture for over 30 years, serving consistent, family-style recipes like chile relleno and mole enchiladas. La Casa Del Sazon specializes in deep-cut comfort foods like birria de chivo and pozole, dishes that are central to authentic Mexican home cooking. Mission 19 Taqueria provides a genuine street food experience, preparing meats like al pastor and lengua with traditional methods. These restaurants offer a true taste of Mexico's culinary heritage.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Mexican Restaurants in Monterey?
The best Mexican restaurants in Monterey are known for signature dishes that range from authentic homestyle classics to coastal-inspired seafood creations. The list below describes several of the most popular and defining dishes served in Monterey.
- Seafood Enchiladas: A coastal specialty, these enchiladas are filled with a mix of fresh seafood like shrimp and fish, then topped with a creamy sauce. Peppers Mexicali Cafe is well-known for this dish.
- Chile Relleno: A classic homestyle dish consisting of a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried. Alejandro’s is celebrated for its traditional version.
- Birria de Chivo: A rich and tender slow-cooked goat stew, this is a regional specialty from Jalisco. La Casa Del Sazon is a destination for this authentic dish.
- Al Pastor Tacos: These tacos feature marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo) and are a benchmark of an authentic taqueria. Mission 19 Taqueria serves a traditional preparation.
- Mole Enchiladas: Enchiladas covered in a complex, dark mole sauce made from chiles, nuts, and chocolate. Alejandro’s offers a classic version, while El Cantaro creates a notable vegan interpretation.
- Fajitas: Sizzling platters of grilled meat or seafood served with onions, peppers, and tortillas are a popular choice. El Torito is known for its sizzling fajita plates.
How Do Monterey Mexican Restaurants Compare to Fresno’s Best?
Monterey’s Mexican restaurants are distinct from the best Mexican restaurants in Fresno because Monterey’s food scene is shaped by coastal tourism, while Fresno’s is defined by its role as a Central Valley agricultural hub. Restaurants in Monterey frequently feature seafood and a Cal-Mex style that appeals to visitors, with an emphasis on ambiance and location. Fresno’s establishments are more deeply rooted in the local agricultural community, offering authentic, homestyle cooking that reflects the traditions of a large Mexican-American population. The dining experience in Monterey is often part of a coastal vacation, whereas in Fresno, it is a direct expression of the region's farm-to-table culture.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Monterey Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Monterey offers excellent vegan options, including a restaurant with a completely plant-based menu. El Cantaro is a dedicated all-vegan Mexican restaurant serving dishes like jackfruit carnitas tacos, pozole rojo, and mole enchiladas with house-made vegan cheese. Nacho Bizness provides a build-your-own format where diners can create vegan nachos and tacos using a selection of vegetable toppings. Peppers Mexicali Cafe has vegetable fajitas and other dishes that can be modified to be vegan. Traditional restaurants like Alejandro’s can prepare bean burritos and vegetable-based plates without dairy products upon request.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Monterey Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Mexican restaurants in Monterey provide a wide array of gluten-free dishes due to the cuisine's reliance on corn. Authentic taquerias like Mission 19 Taqueria serve all their tacos on corn tortillas. Sit-down restaurants such as Alejandro’s and Sarita’s Mexican Grill offer numerous gluten-free choices, including grilled meat plates like carne asada and enchiladas made with corn tortillas. Peppers Mexicali Cafe features many naturally gluten-free seafood dishes. La Casa Del Sazon specializes in traditional stews like birria and pozole, which are also gluten-free.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Mexican Restaurants in Monterey?
The price of a meal at a Mexican restaurant in Monterey ranges from $10 to $45. A single meal at a fast-casual spot like Nacho Bizness or a taqueria like Mission 19 Taqueria costs $10 to $25. A group meal for two to four people at a casual dining restaurant such as Alejandro’s or Sarita’s Mexican Grill is between $40 and $100. A meal at a budget-friendly eatery like Dos Victorias Mexican Food costs $10 to $20 per person. A full dinner experience at a restaurant in a prime tourist location like El Torito or Peppers Mexicali Cafe costs $25 to $45 per person.
Is Mexican Food Popular in Monterey?
Yes, Mexican food is very popular in Monterey and considered a staple for the local population and the millions of tourists who visit each year. The presence of Mexican restaurants in key tourist areas like Cannery Row and Alvarado Street, alongside beloved neighborhood taquerias, confirms that the food is an integral and enduring part of Monterey’s dining environment.
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