39 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica

Plan your Mexican food adventure in Santa Monica with our picks. Indulge in the city's top-notch Chips and Salsa, Carne Asada Tacos, California Burrito, and other delicious dishes.

1

Socalo

Socalo Mexican • $$
1920 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Guacamole & Chips with Macha & Quemada Salsas Vegetarian Vegan No Wheat
Pescado A la Plancha Tacos 3
Green Fish Ceviche Tostada
Smoky Roasted Cauliflower
Vampiro Steak and Shrimp
Tres Leches French Toast
Tomahawk Pork Carnitas
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Salsa Flight & Chips
Carne Asada Tacos 2

“One of my absolute favorite places to eat in Los Angeles!“

4.4 Superb332 Reviews
Blue Plate Taco Mexican • $$
1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Brunch Taco - Available Only on Weekends 11am - 4pm
Shrimp and Rockfish Ceviche
Prime Barbacoa Quesadilla
Farmers Market Nachos
Vegan Horchata Fresca
Prime Barbacoa Bowl
Cheese Quesadilla
Guacamole & Chips
Poblano Queso Dip
Pork Belly Tacos

“Great food and drinks 🍹 really good 👍🏾“

4.2 Good381 Reviews
Vamos. Vamos. Cocktail Bar • $$
2917 ½, 2917 Main St, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Asada Quesadilla with Added Side of Guac and Hatch Chile
Hawaiian Pineapple in Venice Margarita
Green Chile Cheeseburger
New New New Chef Jaime
Crunchy Soyrizo Tacos
Carne Adovada Nachos
Crispy Shrimp Tacos
Grilled Fish Tacos
Chicken Quesadilla
Classic Nachos

“Best duck taco I've ever had. Came in for the Karaage but they were out, so decided to go with duck and it did not disappoint. I also met and talked to the owner, and he was incredibly generous and kind. I didn't eat there but the vibe was cool, would definitely dine in too.“

3.7 Good81 Reviews
Tu Madre Mexican • $$
606 Broadway #100, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Plant Based Grilled Chicken Burrito
Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
Chips and Guacamole
Red Velvet Churros
Fried Chicken Taco
Squash Quesadilla
Breakfast Burrito
Margarita Flight
Crispy Fish Taco
Pastrami Burrito

“Tu Madre was a perfect pick for our team dinner. They accommodated a party of nine with zero hassle, seated us quickly, and kept the service smooth and attentive all night. The menu has great variety, the mezcal margaritas were spot-on, and every taco we tried was excellent. Do not skip the truffle guacamole—it’s a must. Ambiance was lively but comfortable, with lounge-y music at just the right volume so we could actually talk. All around, great experience for large groups.“

4.1 Good208 Reviews
Tacos 1986 Mexican • $
135 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

1lb of Adobada Pork Al Pastor
Carne Asada Tacos
Cheese Quesadilla
Quesadilla Combo
Adobada Burrito
Asada Vampiro
Taco Combo
Guacamole
Cilantro
Tostada

“I have been following tacos 1986 on Instagram (joy tostada) and have been wanting to try his tacos. we planned a family vacations to California to try their tacos and they did not disappoint. Tacos were DELICIOUS!! and the staff was very friendly. We even came in more than once to eat. Highly recommend it.“

4.1 Good173 Reviews
Tocaya Organica Mexican • $
507 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Corn Tamale
Guiltless Burrito
Plantain Chips
Chicken Tacos
Tocaya Salad
Protein Bowl
Chips & Salsa
Carne Asada
Barrio Taco

“I was craving chicken tinga tacos and these were top notch. Tasted like homemade tinga tacos, very nostalgic. I also got the Baja taco and was thoroughly impressed with the flavors. The prices were fantastic. Will be back to try more but can confirm the tacos are gas“

3.7 Good98 Reviews
Frida Tacos - Brentwood Mexican • $
225 26th St #14, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Taco Enchilada Combo
Nachos Grande

“The crispy carne asada tacos were outstanding. The meat was seasoned and was extremely tender“

3.2 Average41 Reviews
Sol Agave - santa monica Mexican • $$
1733 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Complimentary Chips Salsa and Bean Dip
Carnitas Taco Enchilada Combo
Guacamole Sampler Platter
Filet Mignon Enchiladas
Enchiladas De Mariscos
Happy Hour Mini Tacos
Our Famous Carnitas
Ceviche De Pescado
Ceviche Al Gusto
Pork Belly Bites

“Great Mexican food!
We love their octopus and sugar cane filets. Very authentic tastes. Only one downside is the kids salmon is a bit too salty. Other than that everything is great with Sol Agave! Recommend this place if visiting Santa Monica!
Tip: REMEMBER to validate your parking ticket to get 90 minutes free parking.

Kid-friendliness: Yes“

4.6 Superb204 Reviews
Papi Tacos & Churros Mexican • $
313 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Taco Dorado - Chicken & Consome
Churros with Dulce De Leche
Birria Burrito with Consome
Og Burrito with Pollo Asado
Og Burrito with Beef Birria
Og Plate with Beef Birria
Beef Birria - Taco Dorado
Birria Tacos with Consume
Burrito De Beef Birria
Og Burrito and Consome

“If you are looking for halal Mexican food, that's the right address. I always take my guests to any of the Papi restaurants if they want to try Mexican cuisine - but I like the Santa Monica vibes more. Definitely recommended! And don't skip their beverages, each of them is an authentic gem.“

4.5 Superb230 Reviews
Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant Mexican • $
2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Taco Cheese Enchilada and Beans
Shrimp Fajitas Fajitas de Camarones
Chile Relleno Rice & Beans
Meat or Cheese Enchilada
Fernando’S Burrito
Fernando's Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Chicken Enchilada
Gilbert's Sampler
Albondigas Soup

“Interesting atmosphere, great personal service, everyone was really friendly and helpful, manager even came to introduce himself as we were heading out.

We took food to go as we’re tired and it was a little noisy. We were told to order from the bar, but someone promptly came to the table next to it where we were sitting and took our order. Has hibiscus while waiting, delicious.

I had a veggie burrito and it came wet with green sauce but I changed mine to red. There wasn’t much sauce or anything inside, but sauce and cheese on the outside. Portions were big, two meals for me.

Chips were thick and fresh just needed salt to my taste. We asked if it was okay to park on the side of the building and they were not worried said anywhere you like. We will definitely be back.“

4.4 Superb149 Reviews
SaMo’s Oaxaca Mexican • $
1865 Lincoln Blvd Ste 5, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Birria Tacos with Cheese
Birria Queso Tacos
Ceviche De Camaron
Barbacoa De Chivo
Carne Asada Torta
Breakfast Burrito
California Burrito
Caldo de Pollo
Shrimp Fajitas
Street Tacos

“Muy rica la comida y excelente servicio“

4.5 Superb98 Reviews
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA Mexican • $
725 Broadway, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Tosatada Salad Bowl with Chicken
2x Asada Tacos 1x Carnitas
Hand Made Tortillas
California Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Huevos Rancheros
Chips and Salsa
Shrimp Burrito
Tacos De Asada
Street Burrito

“This place has the best shrimp tacos and burritos in the area, if not in LA. Excellent tortillas, great sauces, and the purple cabbage pairing is brilliant. I get the burrito at least twice a week—it’s The King. Highly recommend La Purepecha.“

4.4 Superb140 Reviews
13

Lares

Lares Mexican • $$
2909 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Asada Dine in: Yes Takeout: Yes
Fajitas De Res Beef Fajitas
Special Manny Layne Burrito
Enchiladas Verdes Con Pollo
Carnitas En Chile Verde
Vegetarian Combo Plate
Cadillac Margaritas
Carne Asada Plate
Asada Enchiladas
Shrimp Cocktail

“AMAZING food and drinks. Purely fresh and tastes fantastic. I can’t wait to come back. ♥️♥️♥️“

4.3 Superb173 Reviews
Cabo Cantina Bar & Grill • $$
1240 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Spanish Rice and Refried Beans
Quesadilla Tres Quesos
36-Oz Mangorita to-Go
Carne Asada Fries
Cantina Burrito
Tortilla Chips
Barrio Burrito
Cantina Tacos
Chips & Salsa
Fajita Tacos

“Great food! Love my breakfast burrito.“

3.5 Good133 Reviews
El Cholo Mexican • $$
1025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Combination Enchilada and Chile Relleno
Cheese Enchilada and Chile Relleno
Cheese Enchilada and Pork Tamal
Steak Fajitas Mixed Fajitas
Carmen's Original Nachos
Mahi Mahi Tacos Plate
Felix's Caesar Salad
Green Corn Tamale App
Chips and Guacamole
Tres Tacos Al Carbon

“Friendly atmosphere Delicious meals are tasty, appetizing, scrumptious, yummy, delightful, lovely, wonderful, pleasant, enjoyable, appealing, enchanting, charming and hihgly pleasant to the taste.“

4.3 Superb156 Reviews
Fast Taco 11 Mexican • $
2901 Ocean Park Blvd #115, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Burrito Grande Mojado
Carne Asada Burrito
Enchilada Plate
Grand Burrito
Guacamole
Taco

“Its a nice and a clean place.. My favorite stuff its the Chipotle burrito..They have a burrito named chipotle.“

4.6 Superb40 Reviews
Tacos Por Favor Mexican • $
1408 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Lengua Soft Taco with Corn Tortillas Salsa Onion and Cilantro
Asada Taco Carnitas Taco
Bacon Breakfast Burrito
California Burrito
Carne Asada Torta
Hard Shell Tacos
Chips and Salsa
Asada Burrito
Shrimp Tacos
Green Salsa

“Food is Amazing and Staff treats you like family. Been goung here since 1996 . My Favorite is the Chicken Enchildas with Hreen Sauce.“

4.2 Good121 Reviews
El Pollo Loco Mexican • $
1906 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Double Chicken Avocado Salad
Double Chicken Bowl
Half Chicken Meal
Two Churros

“Good service and good food�����������“

4.3 Superb58 Reviews
King and Queen Cantina Santa Monica Mexican • $$
1401 Ocean Ave #104, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Street Taco Sampler Platter
Fish Tacos Ensenada Style
Chips and Guacamole
Short Rib Mole Tacos
Tacos de la Sierra
Enchiladas de Pollo
Chicken Enchiladas
Margarita Flights
Tacos de Barbacoa
Bone Marrow Tacos

“Awesome food and great service“

4.1 Good214 Reviews
Yagul Cafe Cafe • $
530 Wilshire Blvd Suite 107, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Chilaquiles and Chorizo and Eggs Chilaquiles Y Chorizo Con Huevo
Cheese Tamale Tamal De Queso
Chilaquiles Al Campo
Huevos Con Chorizo
Croissant Sandwich
Huevos Rancheros
Tacos A la Carte
Mole Enchiladas
Dirty Horchata
Avocado Toast

“Extremely clean, well presented, and delicious homemade Oaxacan fare. You can tell they take pride in what they do. Great spread of juices/coffees/healthy beverage options as well. Feels family run. Everyone is kind and knowledgeable, and they are happy to tweak dishes at your request. Small place so best for groups of 4 or less. Probably seats 30 people total, with two outdoor tables (2 and 4-top)“

4.9 Superb135 Reviews
Horchata Mexican Food & Bakery Mexican • $
804 Montana Ave, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Huevos Con Jamon Y Salsa Verde Arriba
Small Soft Tacos Fantasticos
Classic Taco Combination
Amigo Breakfast Plate
Breakfast Burrito
Sliced Carrot Cake
Seafood Langosta
Carnitas Plate
Chilaquiles
Quesadilla

“Me encantó el lugar, excelente comida y un trato muy cordial“

4.2 Good58 Reviews
Mariscos Chameclas Mexican • $
1636 11th St, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Tostadas De Camaron Shrimpl
Ceviche De Camaron Shrimp
Ceviche De Pescadorish

“This place is AMAZING!! From the service to how flavorful their salsas were. That spicy green salsa will burn your mouth just the way you like it. Hard to find places that make good salsas. Taco de asada was amazing in flavor and so was my coctel de camaron and pulpo. Muchas gracias por su servicio ?☺️“

4.7 Superb14 Reviews
Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken in Santa Monica Mexican • $
915 Wilshire Blvd #1811, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Rotisserie Chicken Nachos Supreme
Two Tacos Plate - Carne Asada
Enchilada Catering Platter
Rotisserie Chicken Taco
Benny's 2 Taco Plate
California Burrito
Grilled Fish Taco
Macho Wet Burrito
Chicken Quesadilla
Rice and Beans

“We have been walking by this place for weeks, and tonight we finally decided we were gonna stop in. We always notice that there's a line of people out front, and we figured we would just check it out. My wife and I were not that hungry, but we figured we'd try their chicken burrito. Wow!!!. We were thoroughly impressed. The burrito was thoroughly hot all the way through, and all the ingredients tasted really, really fresh and good. I would have to say it's one of the best burritos I have had in a very long time, and my wife agreed. My wife is not a big Mexican food lover, but she definitely enjoyed that burrito. The place is clean, the people are nice, and the food comes out pretty fast. Food quality is extremely good and that's what's most important..“

4.1 Good124 Reviews
Mariscos Guillen La Playita Mexican • $
3306 CA-1, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
Ceviche De Camaron
Cóctel De Gambas
Coctel De Camaron
Shrimp Burritos
Carnitas Taco
Fish Tacos
Campechana
Jamaica
Octopus

“Every time I eat here, I wonder why I don't come here more often. It's a little shack on the side of the road, so it's best for takeaway. Dang, the fish tacos are good. The prices have gone up on the e.g. ceviche, but it's still fresh and good food.“

4.2 Good49 Reviews
Lula Cocina Mexicana Mexican • $$
2720 Main St, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Carnitas Tacos with Salsa Verde
Cheese & Poblano Quesadilla
Grilled Fish Tacos
Lobster Taquitos
Chips and Salsa
Carne Asada
Enchiladas
Guacamole
Burritos
Sopes

“Had a great Mexican dish for dinner, which I enjoyed a lot, a number of Mexican designed cocktails as well. I would recommend this place for dinner and/or lunch.“

4.1 Good106 Reviews
Casa Martin | 3rd St Promenade Mexican • $$
1251 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Shredded Chicken Burrito and Shrimp Tacos
Fernando's Super Ahogado Wet Burritos
Pacos Stacked Enchiladas Platillo
Steak Tacos on Flour Tortillas
Queso Fundido Con Chorizo
Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo
Queso Fundido Appetizer
Grilled Fish Tacos
Casa Martin Platter
Chicken Nachos

“The best authentic Mexican restaurant at the heart of Santa Monica. We met one of the owner and he explained the origin of the dish. All the food we tasted here were all so delicious full of flavour.“

4.1 Good106 Reviews
Pier Tamales Mexican • $
330 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Large Chicken Tamale
Large Pork Tamale
Large Beef Tamale

“Delicioso!!!!! Muy recomendado“

4.4 Superb18 Reviews
Tacos Los Amigos Mexican • $
1425 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica

“Let me just say...I’ve been living in Santa Monica for awhile now and Los amigos food truck La is BOMB 🔥 FINALLY good, authentic comida Mexicana. It’s been a rough journey trying to find decent Mexican food out here in Santa Monica but they definitely surpassed all these “Mexican” spots out here. 12/10 definitely recommend if y’all are out here 🥵🥵“

5 Superb5 Reviews
Casa Martin | Ocean Ave Mexican • $$
1654 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Camarones A la Diabla Platillo
Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo
Steak and Chicken Fajitas
Queso Fundido Appetizer
2 Tacos de Carnitas
Wet Veggie Burrito
Small Guacamole
Ceviche & Chips
Chips and Salsa
Fried Ice Cream

“The best authentic Mexican restaurant at the heart of Santa Monica. We met one of the owner and he explained the origin of the dish. All the food we tasted here were all so delicious full of flavour.“

4 Good102 Reviews
Holy Guacamole Mexican • $
2906 Main St, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Classic Breakfast Burrito
Bean and Cheese Burrito
Carnitas Burrito
Chicken Burrito
Asada Burrito
Fish Burrito
Carne Asada
Guacamole
Fish Taco
Chips

“Excellent and authentic! Highly recommend!!“

4 Good89 Reviews
Ruben's Tacos - Santa Monica Mexican • $
11879 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Taco Al Pastor Taco Asada Taco
Tacos de Pescado
Tacos Al Pastor
Quesadilla

“Me encanta la comida y el servicio soy cliente desde hace 12 Años“

3.9 Good50 Reviews
Más Veggies Vegan Taqueria Mexican • $
2025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Smokey Mushroom Asada Burrito
Smokey Mushroom Asada Taco
Chickin' Tinga Bowl
Chick'n Tinga Taco

“Ordered lunch from here this week - here's my Mas Veggies review. I like that the menu is very simple to order. Choose the flavor & protein you'd like, and get it in a bowl or burrito or as tacos or nachos. We ordered 3 different kinds of burritos. The baja one with the 'fish' was my favorite. The carnitas with jackfruit was not really my taste. The asada with cauliflower was alright. Each burrito was quite filling. Got it thru doordash.“

3.8 Good17 Reviews
Pancho's Tacos Mexican • $
2920 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Jumbo Burrito and Tostada
Chile Relleno & Enchilada
California Burrito
Panchos Soft Tacos
Loco Burrito
Wet Burrito
Al Pastor
Taco Plate
Avocado
2 Tacos

“muy buena atención al cliente limpio el lugar buen salón amigable el cajero 100 % garantizado“

3.7 Good100 Reviews
RED O CANTINA Mexican • $$$
1541 Ocean Ave #120, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Braised Short Rib Enchiladas
Classic Shrimp Ceviche
Red O Chopped Salad
Red O Nachos Grande
Halibut Fish Tacos
Margarita Flights
Red O Wet Burrito
Classic Guacamole
Taquitos de Pollo
Huevos Rancheros

“First time here. Enjoy our dinner, super yummy food and the great customer service from the bar manager . She was great at recommending and explaining our drink had an old fashioned with tequila, she even came back to ask how we liked it. We Never had an old fashioned with tequila and it was really good. The ambience of the place, didn’t have to wait to be seated. Highly recommend this place.“

3.8 Good346 Reviews
Maria Sol Mexican • $$
401 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Chicken Sombrero Salad
World Famous Camacho's Nachos
Puerto Nuevo Lobster Plate
Enchiladas Santa Monica
Herradura Gran Patrón
Guacamole Dip Tacos
Tableside Guacamole
Mariasol Baja Tacos
Grilled Fish Tacos
Ceviche de Pescado

“Just what we were looking for! Me and my teenage sons just wanted somewhere to sit in the gorgeous setting sun with some cold drinks. If you sit in the rear deck, you can catch the sunset.

The margarita was very nice and even the small is quite large. We got the nachos with guacamole and carne asada which was really good and filling, even for 3 people (we were only after an appetizer to keep us going in between meals).

Thank you to our wonderful server Gustavo!!“

3.7 Good253 Reviews
Campos Famous Burritos Burrito • $
2008 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Beef Bean and Cheese Burrito and Beef Taco
Burrito Panzon with Enchilada Sauce
Burrito with Enchilada Sauce
Famous Avocado Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Carne Asada Plate
Huevos Rancheros
Hard Shell Tacos
Horneado Burrito
Chile Colorado

“Best food And great Customer services.. That's one of my favorite Mexican place to eat.“

4.1 Good108 Reviews
Tacos Por Favor Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $$
2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica

“A great place for a big group! We had a large group for a birthday and the entire team was so nice and we were well taken care of. They easily adjusted our reservation amount and accommodated our cake. The food and drinks were great and the decor inside and outside is beautiful. A great addition to the neighborhood!“

4.2 Good44 Reviews
Chipotle Mexican Grill Mexican • $
1218 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

Tomatillo-Red Chili Salsa
Vegetarian Salad Bowl
Tortilla on the Side
Paleo Salad Bowl
Piatto Messicano
Blackberry Izze
Chicken Burrito
Veggie 230 Cal
Fajita Veggies
Chicken Bowl

“like always the food was good, but I paid for extra chicken and the girl acted like she didn't want to give me more.“

3.1 Average103 Reviews
Taco Bell Fast Food • $
1624 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica

Customers` Favorites

A Burrito Supposedly Made of Beans and Rice
Cheesy Gordita Crunch Combo 10
Chips and Nacho Cheese Sauce
Mtn Dew Baja Blast Freeze
Triple Double Crunchwrap
Toasted Cheddar Chalupa
Ground Beef Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Cinnamon Twists
Burrito Supreme

“I have not been to Taco bell since high school but I went a couple of days ago and I was starving charging my beautiful Tesla nothing to eat at 711 so I went to Taco Bell the employee's were so helpful and Nice the manager a very nice young girl helped me order 2 soft tacos with lettuce onions and tomatoes and cheese WOW I was really surprised how good they were and also the cinnabon iced coffee excellent but“

3.1 Average81 Reviews

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