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.“

“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 food. Great location. Great ambience. Food service extremely slow. We arrived at 7 pm left at 9:50 pm. Water took 30 min (she said she was waiting for clean glasses), we saw our drinks sitting on the bar and were thinking about getting them ourselves. From sitting down to getting our drinks it was 40 minutes. The rest progressed the same. That said the food outstanding and well presented.“

“Great Customer Service. And the food was Great“

“We've been coming for so many years never had a bad experience always love the food the people the ambience it's absolutely fun and excellent food drinks, etc. This time for lunch we had an exceptional server she's new to us. Her name was beautiful. It was a flower like maybe jasmine we hadn't seen her before but boy was she on top and thorough always seeing if we needed any more of anything we loved her she was phenomenal.❤️ just wanted you to know“

“Loooove this spot! First visited ten years ago or so and returned recently when visiting the area. Everything is delicious and service is fast. Kind people, delicious food. Cannot go wrong! Love the enchiladas and burritos especially. Yum! Updated from previous review on 2026-03-07“

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

“Excellent spot for affordable eats. We ordered chips, salsa and guacamole for starters. Then we all had burritos. Cali Fries, the Surf & Turf and the Street Carne Asada Burrito. Everything was hot and fresh, tortillas are homemade and fresh also. Highly recommend and will be stopping by again.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

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

“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“

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

“We came here after two other restaurants were closed and we are so glad we did. We only got a couple of small things, but their service was excellent and from what I tried of the quesadillas and the Chips and salsa was super good! Obviously i had to get a Jarritos to top it off, but great restaurant!“

“Greeted with a smile, it was clean and smelled amazing inside. TACO TUESDAY! I got 5 carne asada tacos and as I waited and people poured in, one man stopped (unsolicited) to tell me how these are the best tacos in the city. I just had them and they are super delicious!“

“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 🤗“

“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.“

“La Tortuga is honestly a hidden gem 💎 — one of those places you don’t expect but end up loving every time. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and made with care, and the service makes you feel welcome like a regular even if it’s your first visit. Their La Tortuga Cubana is amazing — packed with flavor, perfectly cooked, and easily one of the best Cuban-style sandwiches with a twist I’ve had. Every time I’m heading up the coast, I make sure I never miss this place. It’s become a must-stop for me because the quality is consistent and the vibe is just right. If you’re passing through and want an incredible meal at a spot that feels special and underrated, La Tortuga is the place to go.“

“The food is okay to good. I always just find the layout makes no sense. You have to order in a hallway in the middle of the restaurant with no way of knowing which way a line should go and people tend to huddle up in this hallway. The service is good but they just come out and toss you your food and say salsa and chips are over there. It meant to be a sit down place but they run it as a takeout place. Its weird.“

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

“Had a solid meal with the guys. We ordered the chicken taquitos for the table. I got the Cali wrap with carne asada. They ordered the chicken and shrimp fajitas and the combo meal with chicken enchilada and shredded beef taco. Everything was superb. Ask for the salsa verde if you like some kick. The complimentary chips and salsa are great as well.“

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

“Muy buen servicio y la cómida deliciosa 👌“

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

“Amazing place food is well prepared and tasty!“

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

“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!!“

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

“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!“

“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!!“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“