El Mono | Fresh Flavors of Peru

11720 San Pablo Ave Suite B, El Cerrito
(510) 778-8884

Recent Reviews

Irma Iñiguez

We had reservations for 6 of us.Menus were on tablets that were on the table for guest to viewWe order appetizers plus 6 main dishes.Every dish was beautifully presented and very delicious.Our waiter was funny, helpful and polite in our likes and dislikes.He was very attentive to our needs which made our first time very memorable..The Flan dessert was so good and tasty.I will definitely go back.Extra points for having easy parking too.Kid-friendliness: They have high chairs and welcome families with toddlers

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ceviche Mixto, Lucuma Ice Cream, Lomo Saltado Beef, Arroz Tapado Montado, Cancha Toasted Corn, French Fries

Ian Sijbrant

took like an hour to get food and they make you give 5 stars before you eat anything to get free corn juice. the food was good

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: El Mono Burger, Tallarin Verde Con Lomo

Sofia Sanchez

I recently had the pleasure of dining at El Mono and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance was cozy yet elegant, perfect for a special occasion or a casual night out.The server assigned to our table was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu offerings. They guided us through the menu with expert recommendations, helping us navigate the extensive selection of dishes and beverages.As for the food, each dish was a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. From the appetizers to the desserts, every bite was a delight to the senses. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were balanced, and the attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the meal. Whether it was the perfectly seared steak, the delicate seafood, or the decadent desserts, each dish surpassed myExpectations.Overall, my experience at El Mono was nothing short of outstanding. The combination of impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and inviting atmosphere made for a truly memorable dining experience. I highly recommend El Mono and Tuty our server was so amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ceviche Mixto, Lomo Saltado Beef

Manuel Salazar

The best Peruvian spot I’ve been to. The Tallarin con Pollo was the best ever.Great service.Great food.Great music.Thanks, Tuti! You’re the best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ceviche De Pescado, Tallarin Verde Con Lomo

Oz Aleman

The food and service was amazing. Tuti was great and provided our group with a joyful time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ernesto MartineZ

Tuti is the best in the west. Pretty funny and pretty

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lomo Saltado Beef

christian mantilla

I always used to go with my children, it seems that they changed the chef, the food is a disaster, the service leaves a lot to be desired, they don't clean the table before putting the desserts, they tell you that the kitchen closes at 9 and if you order something at At 9 o'clock they turn off the music and you have to listen to how the cooks listen to their music and how the dishes sound, and I went again yesterday, I will never go again, it is not worth spending a dollar in that place on the activity It used to be one of my favorite places.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Sandra Avalos

It has been months since I’ve been to El Mono. I had visited several times, and unfortunately, the experience has been consistently disappointing. The food leaves much to be desired. During one particular visit at lunchtime, I ordered Ají de Gallina; the rice was undercooked, and the Ají de Gallina tasted overwhelmingly like parmesan cheese, lacking the balanced flavors it should have. On a different occasion, the Arroz con Mariscos was overcooked and lacked depth of flavor, with an imbalance of ingredients, notably more calamari than shrimp, and lacking octopus altogether. The Ceviche and Tiradito were passable but nothing remarkable. On the positive side, the Yuquitas Fritas were excellent, as was the accompanying sauce, and the Chicha Morada is a standout beverage. However, the overall experience does not justify the high prices; the quality of the food does not reflect the cost. On a brighter note, the Saturday’s live band and drinks add to the atmosphere, and the service at El Mono is consistently excellent, which helps to mitigate some of the disappointment in the culinary offerings.

Justene Anderson

Absolutely delicious food. Hands down, some of the most authentic Peruvian food I’ve had around here. Service is relatively fast for being so busy/popular. Wait time isn’t too bad and every staff member has been very kind + friendly each of the multiple times I’ve been here. Definitely will be coming back for the DELICIOUS lomo saltado! A little pricey (20-30$ per P) but worth it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lomo Saltado Beef

amy Tu amix

I love this place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sterling Spence

El Mono is one of the best restaurants in the East Bay. Such an amazing hidden gem. The food is incredible. I had the steak and pesto which was to die for. Honestly, you can't go wrong. The staff was fun and friendly. They also had live music the night I went which was a perfect touch, not too loud, but just right for atmosphere. It's just the best.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Laura Rabelo

Had a fantastic experience at El Mono restaurant! The atmosphere was inviting, and the food was delicious. Everything is so good! I am quite impressed. The sauce is very tasty especially with the rice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lomo Saltado Beef, Yuca Frita, Chupe De Camarones

David Ploiphad

First time having Peruvian food and wow, I have to say… other than the great food the customer service was out of this world!! Incredibly sweet and and attentive for a restaurant that takes reservation I’ve never felt more at home. For our first time since we were also charming in return we were given a Peruvian beverage called chicha to try out and it was amazingly delicious and unique in its own way. There was live music which set the mood creating a lively and happy environment as if someone would jump up and dance out of nowhere from pure joy! I don’t ever write reviews but this is just one to remember and I couldn’t help but to share with the world!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

John Anthony Campos

Before I even eat, I want to thank our server Tuty for the excellent costumer service. She’s very sweet and patient. Deserves a raise for the smile she brings to the table each time. I didnt know what to drink since i don't drink alcohol so she surprised me with a non- alcoholic drink. I wont say the name. You HAVE to come by and find out!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Paul Freitas

Traditional Peruvian dishes served in A Nice dining room or

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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