20 Best Mexican Restaurants in Monterey

We've selected Monterey's finest Mexican eateries for you. Taste the finest Nachos, Birria Tacos, Chips and Salsa, and more in the city.

El Cantaro Mexican • $
791 Foam St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Potato Taco
Mushroom Empanadas
Burrito with Steak
Taquitos Plate
Veggie Burrito
Chips and Salsa
Chile Relleno
Enchiladas
Combo 3
Vegan

“The food here is really great and the menu is huge! There are many foods that are rarely found as vegan options, so it's a lot of fun for a vegan to try them. Service is friendly and fast food is made to order. The empanaditos are also very good, and the desserts are also very delicious. This restaurant is centrally located and can be busy at times. If the parking lot is full, there is usually free street parking just a block or two away.Vegetarian options: Restaurant is completely vegan“

4.7 Superb136 Reviews
alejandro's Mexican • $$
474 Alvarado St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Birria Tacos with Bone Marrow Sauce
Chips with Guacamole and Salsa
Birria & Bone Marrow Taco
Hongos Mushroom Tacos
Cochinita Pibil Taco
Barbacoa Osso Bucco
Kampachi Tostada
Churros Nuboso
Coconut Cake
Masa Tempura

“place with traditional flavors mole tacos special tortillas in corn different flavored sauces it really seemed like a super restaurant. I would definitely eat here again on my next trip. I recommend it. They also have excellent customer service.“

4.4 Superb114 Reviews
La Bahia Mexican Restaurant Mexican • $
675 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Camarones À la Bahia
California Burrito
Quesabirria Tacos
Chips and Salsa
Fish and Shrimp
Birria Ramen
Super Nachos
Carne Asada
Fish Tacos
Enchilada

“The food is absolutely amazing, especially for the price. I haven't been able to find a better quesabirria taco in Monterey. The service is always very friendly, they're more stand-off-ish so if you don't like casual dining this might not be your place to go. They're very nice though. They ALWAYS have good music playing. There aren't a whole lot of tables so be cautious about visiting while they're busy. Fortunately this is a great to-go meal! I highly recommend this restaurant to any resident or traveler alike!“

4.4 Superb158 Reviews
Mando's Restaurant Mexican • $
570 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Grandma's Potatoes
Breakfast Burrito
Carnitas Plate
French Toast
Carne Asada
Tortillas
Guacamole
Mexican
Fajitas
Tamales

“Great casual Mexican restaurant. They were so welcoming and the homemade tortilla chips and salsa were perfect. Everything was delicious and we enjoyed the homemade tortillas and delicious breakfast. Fantastic gem with parking right out front. Stop in and give Mondo a try.“

4.6 Superb48 Reviews
El Charrito Express Mexican • $
483 Calle Principal, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Chipotle Chicken and Asada Burrito
Chipotle Chicken Bowl New Item
Carne Asada Burrito
Chips & Guacamole
Barbacoa Burrito
Carnitas Burrito
Chile Verde
Burrito Bar
Chips
Bean

“Chili verde is great! And I absolutely love the homemade flour tortillas! But the burrito now only comes with meat, rice, and beans so anything extra will cost you (cheese, salsa, lettuce, etc). And don’t come here SUPER hungry because they are pretty small, but so is the price.“

4.3 Superb87 Reviews
Papa Chano's Mexican • $
462 Alvarado St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Carne Asada Fries
Chips and Salsa
Rice and Beans
Regular Nachos
Shrimp Tacos
Fish Tacos
Burrito
Tamales

“Delicious as always. Vegetarian burrito and lots of extra pico is my go to. BTW, the refried beans are vegetarian too. ?Vegetarian options: I called and asked about the refried beans and was assured that they were not made with lard. Lots of other options too.“

4.3 Superb79 Reviews
Tipsy Putt Pubs • $$
95 Prescott Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Nachos

“The staff? 10 out of 5 stars The food? 8 out of 5 stars The service? 10 out of 5 stars The ambiance/ vibes? 10 out of 5 stars This team is so refreshing, genuine, and very easy to talk to and approach. The manager was very helpful and informative. Kendal was very welcoming and helped my family and I understand and truly enjoy our experience. So glad to have such a fun little spot in Cannery Row! Thank y'all for such a great time!“

4.6 Superb34 Reviews
Lalla Grill Del Monte Bar & Grill • $$
1400 Del Monte Center, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Traditional Enchilada Platter
Butternut Squash Enchiladas
Red and Green Sauces Add
Blue Cheese Steak Bites
Lalla Cheese Burger
Creme Brulee Waffle
Calamari Appetizer
Cedar Plank Salmon
Carne Asada Fries
Brick Chicken

“This place is so yummmyyy!!! We came on a weekend trip to Monterey and decided to eat here. Service was great! My boyfriend and I came on a Sunday at around 8ish maybe 8:30ish and it wasn’t too packed. Shortly after, families did start arriving and it got busier. Regardless, we still got served our food in a timely manner and would definitely come again! Their outside seating is perfect! They have heaters and a fire setting that’s not super big but it’ll keep you warm. It’s also dog friendly which was cute!“

4.2 Good99 Reviews
Lopez Taqueria & Liquor Mexican • $
500 Del Monte Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Cheese Quesadilla
Super Burrito
Al Pastor
Bean Rice

“Lopez Taqueria in Monterey Bay is a hidden gem for Mexican food enthusiasts. The authentic flavors and mouthwatering dishes make it a must-visit culinary destination. From their flavorful tacos to scrumptious burritos, every bite is a delightful explosion of taste. The friendly and welcoming staff add to the overall dining experience, ensuring you feel right at home. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and attention to detail make it the perfect spot for a delicious and satisfying meal. If you're craving Mexican cuisine that hits all the right notes, Lopez Taqueria is the place to be in Monterey Bay.“

4.4 Superb42 Reviews
Nacho Bizness Mexican • $
470 Alvarado St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Large Nachos with Jalapeño Cheese Pinto Beans and Crema
Waffle Fries with Nacho Cheese
Nachos with Steak
Cheese Sauce
Waffle Fries
House Nachos
Vegan Nachos
Carne Asada
Mac & Cheese
Al Pastor

“My wife and I have been coming here since back when they were on Lighthouse. This is a great place with great food, and a good beer selection if you want a complete beer and nachos experience.If you're here on vacation, this is definitely a place worth stopping for.“

4.2 Good65 Reviews
Dos Victorias Mexican Food Mexican • $
299 Cannery Row #B, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Chimichanga
Supreme Quesadilla
Carne Asada Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Two Shrimp Tacos
Carnitas Burrito
Asada Plate
Asada Tacos
California
Adovada

“I can recommend for a super casual meal. I had the quesadilla supreme. Packed with chopped beef, refried beans, sour cream, lettuce and pico de gallo. Cheese could've been more prominent but overall a gigantic dish that I shared one third of with my boyfriend and ate mostly with a fork. Boyfriend had the two soft tacos plate. Again, a lot to eat. He liked all of it. This is a tiny spot, with three tables. Most business seems to be takeout. But it's clean, the cooks/counter staff were friendly. This is the north end of Cannery Row, next to a garage and across from two hotels.“

4.2 Good59 Reviews
Big Sur Taco Truck Mexican • $$
848 Del Monte Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Chicken Tacos

“These guys catered my party, and they were AWESOME! Their catering menu had lots of choices, included chips/salsa/guac, and because we had fewer people than originally planned, they left us with some burritos before they left. Having a taco truck in the driveway was also a big draw. Highly recommended.“

4.5 Superb19 Reviews
La Casa del Sazón 3 Mexican • $
431 Tyler St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Al Pastor and Shrimp Tacos
Molcajete Michoacano
Carne Asada - Burrito
Molcajete Costeño
House Chips Salsa
Chile Verde

“Hands down, the best Mexican restaurant in the peninsula. I personally have heard so many good things about this restaurant, as they have various locations in the peninsula. I have never tried it till now. I am boy have I been missing out!Our server was kind and friendly. Right away, he took our order for our beverages, in which I ordered an Horchata. They Horchata itself was delicious, and definitely not artificial. I went ahead and ordered the quesabirria tacos. My boyfriend ordered some Asada Gorditas, and my parents ordered their famous Molcajete, and added shrimp. Our food was served to us right away and looked super appealing. These Quesabirria tacos definitely did not disappoint. The taco it was super crispy and fall of shredded birria and cheese. Both my parents and my boyfriend love their seasoning, and how rich the food was. The flavoring of everything was just phenomenal. This location is quite big, and has both booths and tables available for sitting inside. I'll definitely be back !“

4.1 Good74 Reviews
Antojito’s Del Rancho Quesabírría Truck Mexican •
CA-68, Monterey

“Hands down best street tacos in the county. $3 each. You can probably find better in Salinas or Watsonville but only by a small margin. Location is very convenient for me working at nearby office park. Only gripe is that they don’t take card.But let me tell you, their food slaps harder than Will Smith at the Oscars and is ready quicker then the 3 tiktoks i watched after ordering. If you travel on 68 often, you are doing your stomach and soul a disservice but not stopping here.OnlNow, it is a food truck, and it is cash only, but the food slap byParking: Large dirt lot. Plenty of room for any vehicle.“

5 Superb9 Reviews
Mission19 Taqueria Mexican • $
598 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Carne Asada Fries
Four Tortillas
Street Tacos
Enchiladas
Guacamole
Salsa Bar
Carnitas
Birria
Chips
Steak

“I had an absolute blast here. The atmosphere was lovely, and my shrimp burrito slapped! The price was fair, and the food was quick. After a small hiccup with my order that he addressed quickly, the owner gave us some free rice and beans and even offered a free soda! The other workers were also kind. If I lived nearby, I would come here often, and I will still likely return in the future. Would highly recommend.“

4 Good130 Reviews
Sarita's The Original Mexican • $
21 Soledad Dr, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Combo Enchilada Dinner
Burrito & Enchiladas
Chips and Salsa
Tortilla Chips
Big Burrito
Chilaquiles
Fajitas

“Have driven by this place hundreds of times, today wife and I ordered a couple breakfast burritos and… they were incredible! Online ordering a nice tech touch, looks like a great atmosphere inside. Will try dinner here very soon, this may become a favorite.“

4.1 Good42 Reviews
Urban Kitchen Catering & Events Mexican • $$
1425 Munras Ave, Monterey

“We hired Urban Kitchen Catering & Events for a corporate group of 90 ppl traveling from all over Europe to Monterey. They were so amazing from start to end. Rene, Bethany with staff was wonderful to work with and created a very special experience for the group. The food was also spot on! We will definitely work with them again. /Mice Coordinator at Go West Tours“

4.1 Good35 Reviews
Bulldog Sports Pub Bar • $$
611 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tater Tots
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Fish and Chips
Bulldog Burger
Sandwiches
Fish Chips
Burgers
Salad

“Best sports bar around! Lots of TVs, you can request a game and they will usually have it. Extra innings may be a little iffy but other than that, they usually have everything!Food is always great. Staff is great. Patio out back is awesome.“

4 Good64 Reviews
Taqueria Del Mar Mexican • $
530 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Seafood

“Been coming to TDM since 1990. Any place lasting this long, you can be assured they're doing something right. I don't live in the area but I stop by any time I'm passing through. Was in town yesterday with my family and we stopped by for lunch. To say the place is quaint would be an understatement... it's small, unassuming. A few little tables and a small bar. The staff is friendly and efficient. The food they are putting out is just as fantastic now as it was when I was first introduced three decades ago. The tacos are all I ever order and in particular, the squid. Unfortunately they were out of squid this visit so I ordered a fish and a shrimp taco... absolutely perfectly cooked and the same delicious flavor I've come to expect from this place. They aren't your typical crunchy or street-style tacos. They use flour tortillas lightly crisped up on the flat top. A little bit of cabbage, some cheese, topped with a very tasty dill sauce... perfection. So glad this place is still in biz and can't recommend them highly enough. Delicious food, great service, good sized portions for a fair price. What's not to love? 5/5“

4 Good24 Reviews
Plaza Diaz - Catering & Events Mexican •
1425 Munras Ave, Monterey

“I got the salad bar to-go, and they gave me a large box and a cup for some soup. The salad bar had good options, and the clam chowder was delicious. Really glad we got a chance to pick up some work lunch here, and I will definitely look for a chance to return.“

3.9 Good22 Reviews
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