50 Best Mexican Restaurants near Pacific Grove

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

“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.“

“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!!“

“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!“

“The fantastic vegan meal option took me back to some of my favorite eating places in Oaxaca. However, the mezcal was priced for Carmel, as it was double the price of any restaurant that I have been in the US. One is charged $11 to $24 for a 1oz pour. An normal pour is 1.5 to 2 ounces depending on the bartender.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“I'm going to start by saying OMG, Sarita s Shrimp Burrito and homemade Menudo, it can't get any better than this . Not only is the food delicious, but the staff are welcoming. Make you feel like you chose the right place to eat. When your in Monterey you must stop by the beach but also Sarita s !“

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

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

“Stopped by for lunch here with my lady and the food was very delicious. The staff are all very friendly and kind. They have a chip and salsa bar which is a plus because you get to choose how much you want to eat and the chips are freshly cooked. If you're in the area, this place is a definite must to stop in and grab a bite to eat. We'll definitely be back here in the future. Thank you Papa Chano's.“

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

“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.“

“The best Mexican food around! Always fresh and always feels like every bite is made with love! And if your a breakfast lover like myself then the breakfast burrito is always a great choice with different meat options! Did I mention it's breakfast all day?!? Run don't walk to mando's for some authentic cooking! Don't miss them at the Beacon Film Festival may 18th at 1pm and may 19th at 5pm“

“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 🍳🥚😣“

“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“

“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.“

“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!“

“This is a nice place to eat. The place is supper clean, the ladies there keeps on cleaning and takes away any plates that are not being used.
The food is served very quick, that means that the chefs are on top of the game. We requested to drain a cup and they were very kind to offer us a new one.
The food is fresh and comes hot.“

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

“Ordered the carne asada super burrito and the chicken taquitos. Both were great and came with red and green salsas. Also ordered two kids quesadillas and they were a hit.
Next time we’ll try the taco plate and carne asada nachos.
They also serve breakfast burritos at very reasonable prices starting at 7am.

Parking: No issue with parking, large lot and easily accessible.

Kid-friendliness: Kids menu available with three options. Recommend the kids quesadillas.“

“Huge menu with very filling plates! The waitresses were super attentive and our food came out quickly, even though it was pretty busy around 1 pm on a Monday. I tried the Caldo 7 Mares and the Molcajete Oaxaqueño — both were absolutely delicious! I’ve also had their Coffee Cake and it’s a 10/10 — so moist and full of flavor. Definitely recommend stopping by if you’re ever in the Seaside area!“

“Amazing place food is well prepared and tasty!“

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

“Excellent service that we've come to expect from Nicolas. The chicharones and ribeye with guacamole is always a must for my man and I love the maitaki birria as a plant-based entree. We always get the churros and an espresso for dessert. Extra bonus that the churros come with Nutella. Romantic atmosphere and friendly wait staff are only a few reasons this is our favorite restaurant in Carmel-by-the-sea.“

“Hands down the best burritos, tacos, birra in Monterey. They are super polite and so nice! Their super burrito is huge and delicious. Ate a tripas, carnitas, and asada taco and they are soooooo good. Had their Birria before and tried most places in Monterey but their Birria is the best. Sorry no picture of the tacos ate them all!“

“This is a liquor/grocery store that sells food. Nothing special. They have a sitting area that is OK, old seats, but works.

The tacos were yummy and my boyfriend enjoyed his burrito. Decent affordable taco joint. I'll probably stop again when I need a cheap meal!

The staff was very friendly.“

“Mom and pop, order at the counter type of place. I had the seafood chimichunga and it was delicious. Hot, golden, with creamy mix of tender fish and shrimp inside. 10/10!

Side note: the chimichunga was fried on a flat top, not deep fried in a frier“

“Muy buen servicio y la cómida deliciosa 👌“

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

“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.“

“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!!“

“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.“

“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“

“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!“

“Let me be clear. I do not write glowing reviews, especially for Mexican food. This is something we make at home, always better, cheaper and tastier. There are so many Mexican places out there it is hard for one to stand out. Island Tacos is a standout. I had the Mahimahi burrito and the tofu street taco. Wow, I was blown away. One of my new favorite places to eat. In Carmel at the Crossroads, go figure. Not where I would look for a place to eat, especially with Salinas and Castroville so close by. DON'T MISS THIS PLACE.“

“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“

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

“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!“

“I'm going to start by saying OMG, Sarita s Shrimp Burrito and homemade Menudo, it can't get any better than this . Not only is the food delicious, but the staff are welcoming. Make you feel like you chose the right place to eat. When your in Monterey you must stop by the beach but also Sarita s !“

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

“When it's busy, like on karaoke nights, service is very slow and good luck getting someone to come to the table to take your order. Not much for decor or ambience but quite a crowd on busy nights. Over all, i recommend for a nice evening out with friends.“

“The food is amazing!! Flavor is there, salsa is on Point if you like hot salsa! Prices are fair!! Service just as good!! Im from southern Los Angeles. Came up for a trip with the family. And this place came in the clutch!! Would eat here over again and recommend to anyone!!“

“Great Customer Service. And the food was Great“

“great service and the food was deliscious plus they had great Musica“

“Our first visit to Lalla Grill Del Monte and it was fabulous! The food was delicious. Our waiter Tino was friendly, professional, and on top of everything. Later we went to the bar. It was fully stocked and the bartender, Rae, was the bomb! Worth a visit if you are in the area! Highly recommend.“