Location: Santa Monica
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Top 10 Mexican food in Santa Monica, California, United States
Reviews on Mexican food in Santa Monica, California, United States. The beaches of Santa Monica attract all sorts of visitors-- don't be surprised to see families playing on the sand next to a boot-camp fitness class with a barking instructor. Visit the Santa Monica Pier, a haven of shops, restaurants, and carnival attractions (including a Ferris wheel) atop a wooden wharf. By night, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, and talented street performers.
Things to do in Santa Monica
10. Lula
Overall Ratings
4 based on 141 reviews
From the moment you walk into Lula, you are greeted with festive artwork from such respected chicano artists as Eloy Torrez, George Yepes, Carlos Almaras & Frank Romero. The cuisine is truly traditional Mexican with recipes from every corner of Mexico. Ta
Reviewed By JohnAnnColumbia_MD
We had supper with friends at Lulas Mexican Restaurant on Thurs., 21 Sept., 2017. The chips and salsa were OK. The menu is quite extensive and includes several seafood offerings. We split the house specialty Plato de Botano appetizer platter and ordered Margaritas which were high octane! The main dishes came in very large servings. The food seemed average but the check for four people with appetizer and drinks came to only $100 before tip!Did this review earn a âhelpfulâ vote?
9. Mariasol Cocina Mexicana
Overall Ratings
3 based on 673 reviews
Located at the very end of the picturesque Santa Monica Pier, Mariasol serves mouthwatering Mexican fare reminiscent of that found in the Mexican beach towns of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Visitors enjoy the vivacious colors of the patios and the
Reviewed By zapprint
After walking the pier and neighborhood we were looking for something to drink with a snack. We were not expecting much but were surprised with the quality of the chips/salsa and then the taquitos arrived. Super fresh & crunchy. Not over priced, friendly staff and amazing location.
8. Lunetta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Lunetta All Day is our interpretation of a neighborhood diner. Great food, great coffee, great beer, great cocktails & great friends.
Reviewed By 956MikeH956
â¦..to burn your house down out of a desire to inconvenience your mother-in-law and it is an equally false economy to fill your restaurant with customers on the dineLA scheme who will never return and take up both space and attention. Overbooking is inevitable. A burned-down house is a result, but not recommended. Having made a perfectly respectable reservation for four at a perfectly respectable time, the unutterably feeble behaviour of the novice receptionist and her pathetic seating manager on Saturday night last only goes to show that the desire for more bums on seats is self-defeating and ultimately destructive. Not even the offer of a free drink can absolve the shambles that ensued. Uncontent with this mismanagement, the service was vile. Our waiter, having efficiently provided two types of water as requested and glasses, then decided to absent himself for long, long periods and despite both empty bottles and empty glasses, was blind and oblivious to them. He stood on one side of the table to take all orders, so couldnât hear from the more distant partys and made no effort to move round the table or even listen. The wait staff plonked dishes willy-nilly on the table, regardless of whom they were for, passed plates in front of our noses rather than make the effort to find the correct guest and stand next to them to present a dishâ¦it was comedic after a while, though deeply offensive and thoroughly vulgar. The chef, who was wandering about looking smug, as well he should, has some staff who can cook, though the balance of the menu was pretty poor as was the understanding of the ingredients - what, pray, is 'lot de mer'? Did you mean 'lotte' or monkfish? I only ask as you didn't serve it. A list of desserts that all contained sugar â in a world of increasing diabetes? Really? Have you thought about this, Mr Chef? Clearly not.
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7. RED O Mexican Cusine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 228 reviews
Dining at Red O is an experience like no other â offering classic Mexican dishes as well as prime steak and seafood, showcased through flavorful and inspired preparations of local and sustainable ingredients in collaboration with Culinary Director Rick Ba
Reviewed By ninong247
Centrally located across from the Santa Monica Pier, we stopped by for an impromptu brunch on a busy Saturday afternoon...Red O Ambiance & Service: Contemporary, upscale Mexico decor with plenty of seating indoors and outdoors due to the oceanside weather. Our server was great with keeping the bottomless mimosas and sangria coming from the bar. The kitchen got our orders to the table quickly on a busy lunch rush.Red O Brunch Entrees: They start the table off with Chips and Salsa. I went with the Chicken Burrito and red sauce and it was a safe but tasty choice. A short but tall burrito packed with flavor and topped with avocado. I tried my friend's short rib enchilada and the short rib was on point. The chicken tacos were also small in size but packed with chicken. Overall the dishes were made with fresh ingredients and prepped well.We had a great brunch with bottomless sangrias paired with some great Mexican brunch plates. Red O is definitely a viable option in the highly competitive dining area by the Santa Monica pier. Enjoy!
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6. Gilbert's El Indio
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Reviewee
The restaurant has a traditional, old-time decor and ambiance with lots of framed photos and visual stimuli. The food was delicious, from chips to main dish. The portion size was smaller than I expected, as compared to other Mexican restaurants, which I frequent in my travels. Specifically, the enchilada/chile relleno entree with rice and beans. I was still a little hungry after completion of dish. Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
5. Lares
Overall Ratings
4 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By evdepaz
Wonderful place and wonderful service. It's a bit tight but worth the wait. The server staff is great and wear some traditional outfits - makes the place stand out.But the food is what people come for - ceviche, salads, enchiladas, menudo, tacos, and so much more. My wife loves the margaritas.My wife and I love this place and only wish it was closer for us.It's street parking from what I know. We've only been for lunch - never disappoints!
4. El Cholo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By navins888
Returning to this restaurant in Santa Monica after a two-year hiatus reminded us how consistently good the food is and that the margaritas were just about the best we've had anywhere! Our party's palate spanned from vegetarian enchiladas to filet mignon tacos. The homemade guac was wonderful and the tortilla chips and salsa were especially exceptional! Our one complaint remained that the vegetarian choices were sparse and we had to request modifications to a couple of meat-based dishes for the vegetarians in our party. As mentioned - you'll probably not need a second margarita, especially if you're driving (they were superbly crafted and served with flair and confidence!)
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3. Casa Martin
Overall Ratings
4 based on 362 reviews
Reviewed By Deank06
Went to Casa Martin for dinner and drinks and had an excellent experience. The food was to die for and it was probably one of my favourite meals ever. I had a Burrito and it was 10/10. The service was excellent as the staff were very friendly and overall it was good value. Would highly recommend!
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2. Mercado
Overall Ratings
4 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By Mmoo73
Mercado came highly recommended and didn't disappoint.Couldn't resist trying a few things on the menu.Started with the Choriqueso with included the house chorizo which was amazing.Also enjoyed the Dos Gringas and loved the natural pork, cheese, onion and salsa on the tortillas. Finished with the Jicama Shrimp tacos all washed down with the special margarita (passionfruit!)Friendly service and a lovely night when I was in SM for work.
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1. Blue Plate Taco
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1186 reviews
We will be closing for renovations from Monday April 23rd - April 26th. We do apologize for the inconvenience. We will reopen doors on Friday April 27th.
Reviewed By georgiap306
This is a wonderful place for dinner. Was near our hotel and it had a perfect organization. We booked and they sent our a message when the table was ready.The dishes and the cocktail are great and also service are pleasant. A dish of faitas is perfect for 2. Wonderful place!
