50 Best Mexican Restaurants near Carmel By The Sea

“This is one of the most unique and exciting restaurants in Carmel. Amazing cocktails and the food is both creative and authentic. Wine list is great too! Never disappoints.“

“My husband and I both had the chicken enchiladas and they were quite tasty! They were served hot and accompanied with beans and cilantro rice. The restaurant is beautiful inside and our service was prompt. It's our 3rd visit there and always has been a good experience.“

“When I tell you my burrito 🌯 was THICKKK (it was so big it almost all fell apart, I was stunned!)

I got the shrimp burrito and it was humongous! It was scrumptious though, and very filling. I also got the chicken tortilla soup which was very flavorful. Chips and salsa were great aswell.

Overall good meal and next time im Carmel I will come back!“

“Great Customer Service. And the food was Great“

“I loved dining by candlelight. I had the camarones al mojo de ajo and it was delicious. Oh and the palomas were amazing!“

“Have had the pleasure of eating at both there Sacramento & Monterey locations. Great food, lovely people, happy times. Can’t go wrong with any combo plate and their pozole is delicious. 10’s all around 💚🍀 Updated from previous review on 2026-01-26“

“This place will be a must stop every time we come back to Monterey. We found it just by random google search and I’m so glad we did. The food was SO GOOD. It’s a chill and more relaxed venue which was exactly what we needed for lunch. The staff were super attentive and frequently checked on us and asked if we needed anything. The murals on the inside were very cool and wish I would’ve taken pictures of them.“

“It’s pricey but it’s the best Mexican food I’ve ever tasted. Soooo good.“

“We’re in town from the Central Coast. TOTALLY loved our experience. From the tortilla chips & salsa, to the beverages, our entrees and the friendly staff. We definitely recommend Peppers and will be back next time we’re in PG.“

“I have been coming here for years. The best Mexican Food for the best price!!!“

“Best fish Tacos and our server Mariah was the sweetest!! This place is a gem!“

“Un lugar familiar buena y deliciosa comidas esmerado servicio.“

“best tacos for miles! thank you for being delicious!“

“The best kept secret in Monterey! First of all the FRESH hand-made corn tortillas! OMG! Best in town without question. Huevos rancheros and Chilaquiles were amazing! Authentic. You want spicy? They have the spicy. You prefer mild? Their tomatillo is super mild and DELICIOUS! Fast service with a smile. Plenty of parking. AND THE PRICES ARE SO LOW“

“Living overseas I've missed good Mexican food. I was very pleased with the Super Burrito that I ordered. Everything was pretty delicious, from the rice to the beans to the grilled chicken. The only thing that I wasn't too crazy about was the salsa that was included inside, it didn't really have a taste to me. Plus, the whole burrito became a little too wet and mushy. I appreciated the fork, but I don't want to eat a burrito with a fork--it's like eating sushi with a spoon.

Service was wonderful. The guys working there are really nice, patient, and helpful. If I visit CA again, and find myself in Monterey, I'll definitely pay a visit.“

“Easy parking. Inside & outside dining. Comfortable seating. Nice array on menu from ala carte Mexican Cuisine to Exotic Mexican Specialties with shrimp, steak, pork or chicken. Custom vegetable dishes and sides. Complementary fresh tortilla chips with salsa. Friendly staff and service. My love for Jose's Mexican Food combined with love for western heritage is a welcome home.“

“Amazing food and drinks. Friendly and fast service!!!“

“Ya know a place so well, that when you move to a different region in this country, nothing compares to your favorite Mexican Restaurant. This was it, from their Fajitas to the breaded shrimp and above all the steak. I miss this restaurant and the owners. I'm glad to see it's still open. This review comes all the way from Arkansas. GOD Bless.“

“We had an order to go. Food was delicious. Great service by the staff. The only thing that took me off guard was the google map said they close at 10:00 and when I called to make an order they said they close at 9:30. Not a problem but I was rushing to get there to get a late dinner for my family after a very long day.“

“Was in town and seen thier food on tiktok decided to try it out! Definitely worth it! They even sold deserts inside which were also delicious! And their customers service was also excellent! I got the cuban torta to go and it was delicious as expected! Only thing i regretted was not dinning in because it would of made it better! Definitely coming back when im in town again!“

“good food and Service and the waiters are nice and Ploit“

“I travel the country and when on the road I seek out taco trucks because they are all so reliable for a good cheap meal. This one stands out among all the rest. By far the best gordita I've ever had. A lovely sweet lady was there to take my order. It's in a very simple parking lot surrounded by grass and trees. I'm glad I stopped here.“

“Delicious Traditional but memorable dishes stop by for lunch if you're in the area.“

“Delicious! Authentic, cool atmosphere, and great prices. Service was amazing. Will come back!“

“My friend and I went there for dinner. He had been there before. I never had and I was very, very pleased. I had the combination plate which had a chicken breast. And I don't even know how they cooked it. But it was delicious, tender and juicy. A cheese enchilada which I'm not much of a fan for cheese, but I ate the whole thing. And grilled shrimp to top it off. It was actually pretty delicious overaul.
And very reasonably priced.
I will be back!“

“Everyone here super sweet! Good food too! Menuedo on the weekends and they have a lot of other soups too. Really good food and great customer service what more can u ask for these days! They play some music too very nice... Thanks Loez Taqueria 🤗“

“Daaaaannnnggg…those handmade tortillas! Pollo or beef tacos, you can’t go wrong.“

“Visiting from out of state. Stopped by and oh my word. The food is so good! Definitely recommend this place.“

“Muy buen servicio y la cómida deliciosa 👌“

“Let me tell you, I come from Texas which arguably has some of the best Mexican food in the country. Concerning my actual order, I only got a simple breakfast burrito with beans, and while to most people it is a basic meal, to me, it tasted like home. The burrito was a great size, reasonably priced, and was delicious! I can’t speak on the rest of the menu, but what I experienced today was a great start! I highly recommend!“

“Amazing place food is well prepared and tasty!“

“A real mixed bag here. Let's start with the positives.
This is one of the most beautifully painted Mexican restaurants I've ever been into especially for a counter-service one. Very comfortable with high ceilings high top and low top table seating options. To dining areas. A beautiful salsa bar with fresh everything fantastic marinated carrot onion medley.

I can't comment on the meats. I had huevo ranchero ranchera with scrambled eggs.
I specifically asked for soft scrambled eggs and I had told the counter girl very specifically and gave her a image to take to the cook. They still brought back eggs that were hard scrambled with brown on them. Pathetic excuse for a cook can't help himself from burning eggs. They didn't even apologize or offer to remake the eggs. That's bad service.

On the positive side the portions were huge the rice was cooked well in the beans were delicious. The price was fair for what you get these days I guess including a very well stocks also bar with chips that were delicious. They just need to learn how to cook eggs in this place 🍳🥚😣“

“Here on Vacation and had a great visit the service was amazing and the food was so good. I loved this place in Roseville but they closed it so it was glad to have it again. yum 10/10“

“Authentic mexican and south-american food restaurant. The service was friendly and quick. The atmosphere could be a little bit more comfortable. The food was on point (although the fish in the ceviche was cooked and shredded) and the michelada is a great choice!

Parking: More than five spots directly in front of the restaurant but there is space to park on the street, also.“

“Food was amazing, and the manager and staff were friendly and accommodating. Definitely recommend!!“

“Packed with working men and as one it's great, the only thing I didn't like was the shared restroom that staff has an inside door to. I couldn't tell when they where done since they disappeared and didn't give a notice they where done so I stood around for 5 extra minutes not knowing they have the inside door!!“

“Food is good Chicken enchilada pork tamale beans and rice it is within walking distance of the hotel“

“The adobada burrito is the first thing I tried here, and I can’t make myself try anything else, it is so delicious!! I must have it every time I’m in town!“

“My wife and I came to visit Monterey for the weekend and stayed at the red lion on our second night. The urban kitchen is located on site at the hotel. The owner/host Renee was gracious and friendly. He went out of his way with service. Also the food was delicious enjoyed the artichoke enchilada and seafood soup!! Definitely recommend staying at the red lion and eating at the Urb. kitchen“

“The very good service are very friendly and the food is ás ú per ly everything very clean [Original] El servicio muy bueno son muy amables y la comida está súper ly todo muy limpio“

“When I am hostessing an Open House, I love to drop by for goodies to share. Such beautiful, bountiful products to choose from. A feast for the eyes and nose! Of course, I treat myself to lunch too! Expensive high quality food is so delicious.After surviving college as a hard working poor student, it still haunts me to spend so much. We can afford it now, but it is hard to break old habits. Enjoy life!“

“good food and Service and the waiters are nice and Ploit“

“Fast service…friendly staff and delicious food makes Penny’s our daily breakfast stop on our yearly Pismo vacation. I usually have the Pismo Pier Omelet but this year they had a spicy sausage patty that I teamed with a biscuit and gravy DELICIOUS! Others in our group had the strawberry waffles which are light and fluffy and overflowing with beautiful strawberries and topped with whipped cream. WOW! Penny’s is not a large establishment so there may be a line but it is well worth the wait.“

“I have been coming here for years. The best Mexican Food for the best price!!!“

“Good food, must come and try. Worth the wait. In seaside. We enjoyed coming here to eat.“

“Michael’s is simply the best food on the planet! It’s Tex Mex with a Cajun rub to it. Simply the most awesome food you will ever have period…..fight me. Lol. I am loyal to them forever! You will be changed!!“

“We were in town for the weekend looking for a dog friendly sports bar, and hit the jackpot choosing this spot. The owner (or manager?) was at the table by the door and was extremely friendly and welcoming when we walked in. Our server Marissa was also was very personable and attentive, especially for our dog. I think it's understated how welcoming this place really is. I really enjoyed the hospitality and atmosphere here. Looking forward to coming back our next visit.“

“Everything was absolutely delicious!!! We had a bunch of quesabirria tacos with consommé, quesadillas, carne asada torta, rice , beans, and both red and green salsas for my son's birthday. We are definitely ordering again. Congratulations on your new business. You're awesome!! Go, go, go to Aquino's if you want truly amazing Mexican food!“

“Our favorite burritos in the world, we moved away years ago and make sure that we come by at least once every time we visit. :') Can't beat the simplicity of the drive through/walk up experience either! And both salsas are so delicious and distinct. I miss making stops here a regular part of my life.“