El Torito - Monterey

Name: El Torito - Monterey
Address: 600 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA, United States, 93940
Telephone: (831) 373-0611
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 3.8

3.8

1020 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Sat 8:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Sat, Sun 2:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 373-0611
Website
https://www.eltorito.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Bring the flavor of El Torito to your office or off-site event! We can accommodate groups from 10 to 10,000 and everything in between!
Private party facilities
Show your friends, family, and co-workers how to throw a real party with El Torito. Book one of our rooms, patios, or semi-private dining areas for your next celebration, event, or meeting.

Location
600 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Neighborhood
Monterey
Cross street
Hoffman Ave.
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,020 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.8

3.8 based on recent ratings

3.7Food
3.8Service
3.9Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Monterey / Carmel
Great for brunch
Monterey / Carmel
Most Booked

1,020 Reviews

F
Flotenbye
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Don’t let the fact that this is a chain fool you into thinking this experience will be mediocre. 1) The location and view. World class. 2) The menu and food. Better than most Mexican restaurants you’ve frequented. 3) Service. Friendly, attentive but not pesky. 4) Parking. On Cannery Row at the front door? Yep. Check that box. We’ve been here many times. Just keeps getting better. Start with a flight of Margaritas or Mojitos.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
It was busy, so I have to give the waitress credit for that. We didn’t get silverware until after our meals came. There were four of us. The other three meals came before mine. I could tell mine had been sitting under the heat lamp, as the tortillas in my enchiladas were a bit dried out on the edge. My margarita was fairly weak.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
They took us to our seat right away. We ordered right away as well in order to get our food quick as we were really hungry. It took over an hour and a half for our food to arrive and it was cold. We ate it anyways as we were so hungry and didn’t want to wait another hour and a half for them to reheat our food. I probably won’t be coming back.
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JM
JanetM
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lots of variety of mexican items but hot food items and soups were not even very warm. Food on warming trays was dried out some meat, bread, cheese, and desserts hardened because of this.
El Torito - MontereyResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for telling us about your experience and thank you for your honest feedback. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so we can regain your confidence in our restaurant by providing a better experience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best dining experiences! And the views gorgeous!! Cres our waiter was amazing! Every single thing was amazing!
El Torito - MontereyResponded 6 days ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
MA
MaryAnn
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
ANDREA WAS A FANTASTIC WAITRESS!! WORKS VERY HARD! WHAT AN ASSET SHE IS TO EL TORITO'S! SEE YOU SOON!
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JS
JulieS
San Joaquin
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Very busy night, lots of large groups. We arrived for our reservation, were seated within 5 minutes. Wait staff was over burdened. Took about 10 minutes for anyone to come to our table. Took our drink orders & dinner orders at same time. Drinks were just ok. Food finally arrived, cold & dried out. Waitress & helpers were as efficient as they could be considering the number of tables they had. Food was not good, lacked flavor, I had chicken fajitas, not sizzling, not hot, barely warm & tasted bland & dry. Others had similar comments. My husbands burrito was cold. We are local so come here for view & usually decent food & drinks. Disappointing visit.
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L
Lambo
Central Coast
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Showed up for my reservation on time and the hostess said we’ll let you know when your table is ready. I waited for about 20 minutes and watched her seat several other people before us and even walk in customers. Then I went back and asked her what happened to my table and she said “oh yeah I forgot “ and then seated us. Selection of thanksgiving food was very small. Overall selection of food was not great and not fresh. Quality and taste of food was subpar for the price. They turkey was good.
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TD
TheoD
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Good service and pretty good food. The views are amazing
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Had a 1 pm reservation, sat down at 1:40, served at 2:30. No excuses or explanations given
Is this helpful?
VA
VeraA
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I used to like the food more at El Torito, I am not sure what they have changed but the food doesn’t taste the same.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Honestly-this is the last time we will go there. Our server was not attentive at all (refill of chips/salsa, walking by and not checking, drinks etc). You could barely hear her, not because it was loud, because she was quiet. Our food was not good and looked and tasted like it had been u see a warmer too long. Inconsistency of portions when ordering the same thing. Pretty pathetic experience and def not worth the $200 bill for 6.
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F
Foodie
Exclusive
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
The service was horrible, and the food wasn't very good. We ordered a plate of nachos, but it showed up at the table without cheese on it. We mentioned this to the waiter and he thought no cheese was normal. A manager was sent to our table, and he wasn't sure it there was supposed to be these on nachos. this was after we pointed out that the picture in the menu showed chips covered with melted cheese.
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JC
JimC
Las Vegas
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Food It's okay, however, it always takes way too long for food to come. And they were not busy at all restaurant less than half full. Server was attentive. We ordered nachos and there was cheese on less than half of the chips, Just a few Jalapenos and a little bit of sauce with a small scoop of refried beans on the bottom. Didn't find them until halfway through the chips with no cheese. The rolled tacos were good, but not crispy and didn't look grilled like usual.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience. We had a large party of 10 people but the service was quick and good. The food was excellent.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Mal servicio orden 2 cafés me los dieron en vasos de plástico, no el taza porque no tenía y mire que a otras personas se lo sirvieron en taza solo por el color de piel. Se me hizo muy racista el servicio y el café frío la comida tarde no lo recomiendo hoy era un día especial para mi esposo y para mi y solo tuve un mal día.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on November 11, 2023
Dear Guest , thank you for your review. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so that we can regain your confidence in our restaurant.
Is this helpful?
TS
TheresaS
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Clean, good food quality, prompt and great view! Exceptional server!!
El Torito - MontereyResponded on November 13, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Waited 30 minutes to be seated even with this reservation. Server came to the table 15 minutes after being seated, my husbands beer came before my soda which took another almost 30 minutes. Food took 40 minutes and when they arrived with it at our table they only had half of our order because they were “out” of something we ordered. Like- thanks for letting me know!! All with a Toddler in tow. Total nightmare.
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D
Dizle
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good Food, Great atmosphere, Excellent Staff. Killer Drinks. 4 stars all day.
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KH
KHill
Detroit
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always joyful and delicious food served with a smile. Best margaritas in town.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on November 4, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
LM
LindaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the place, the food was great , the biarra taco was delicious. My husband ordered salmon it was little bit dry or overcooked, the waitress was super nice. The ocean view from the windows was amazing too. I can't wait to come back to Monterey to eat at El torito...the prices was great for the location and the food...hopefully they don't raise the price. Excellent experience . Thank you guys
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 27, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
AB
AshleyB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous! Friendly service, gorgeous views. Will be back.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 23, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
JW
JessicaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server, Chres, was amazing. The best service I have ever had. We went for Sunday brunch, and we're not disappointed with all of the choices. Food was great and atmosphere is great also.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 25, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I love this place! It’s our favorite in Monterey! Food is delicious, prices are very reasonable for location and quality, and the views of the bay are immaculate! Would recommend!
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 22, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
YS
YSYS
Central Coast
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Very dirty restaurant! Food wasn’t good and portion was very little, very poor side dishes! Salsa sauce wasn’t good.
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GT
GTnDH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A little bit hard to hear dining companions over the music, but very good food and experience overall.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 11, 2023
Dear GTnDH, thank you so much for your 5 star review! We appreciate you taking the time to share and look forward to serving you again soon!
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S
Safaricares
Central Coast
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Manager/supervisor Nathaniel on 10/8 was fantastic. Great job. Excellent customer service.and personality. Made our visit extra special. Great job.
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HG
HectorG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Overall was great , we have some mistakes on our food at the time they serve,
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 8, 2023
Thank you for telling us about your experience and thank you for your honest feedback. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so we can regain your confidence in our restaurant by providing a better experience.
Is this helpful?
MA
MaryAnn
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
HAD A FANTASTIC 38TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!! FOOD JUST PERFECT AND DELICIOUS! WAITRESS OUTSTANDING AND DESERVES A RAISE...ANDRIANA WORKS HARDER THAN ANY OTHER SERVER WE HAVE EVER HAD IN THIS AREA & RESTAURANTS. GOD BLESS HER! A WEDDING CELEBRATION WAS GOING ON AND IT WAS SO MUCH FUN TO SEE! THANK YOU FOR A MEMORABLE ANNIVERSARY!! WE WILL BE BACK VERY SOON! MARYANN & DAN BURLING
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 2, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
DR
DianaR
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 28, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The food was really simple and too small for the prices
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Slow service
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 1, 2023
Thank you for telling us about your experience and thank you for your honest feedback. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so we can regain your confidence in our restaurant by providing a better experience.
Is this helpful?
d
dodiea
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
TASTY FOOD AND A GREAT TIME. STAFF FREINDLY AND KIND
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 1, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
AS
AliciaS
Seattle
21 reviews
vip
1.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Made our reservations however after we were seated we waited over 20 minutes and never received service. Not so much as a glass of water or a hello from anyone. I would not recommend this place at all!
El Torito - MontereyResponded on October 1, 2023
Thank you for telling us about your experience and thank you for your honest feedback. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so we can regain your confidence in our restaurant by providing a better experience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Had a good time. Reservation was easy with the app.
Is this helpful?
K
Kimber
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
This restaurant is off the scale when it comes to loudness. It’s does not lend itself to sit and enjoy even though the view is great. The bathroom was atrociously dirty. I’ve seen truck stops cleaner. I wouldn’t recommend the restaurant .
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The all you can eat brunch was not worth the price. Food was constantly missing or cold. Our waiter was working at the bar (and I know he was overwhelmed). So I’m not sure why they gave him more tables. 113 dollars not including tip for four people.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on September 24, 2023
Thank you for your review. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so that we can regain your confidence in our restaurant.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Food was cold. Service was poor. Ambiance was okay. Overall, not the best experience compare to other “El Torito” in California.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on September 17, 2023
Dear Guest , thank you for your review. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so that we can regain your confidence in our restaurant.
Is this helpful?
J
James
Central Coast
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 1
Service was great! Food was not great....it was pretty bad.
El Torito - MontereyResponded on September 17, 2023
Thank you for telling us about your experience and thank you for your honest feedback. I'm so sorry we let you down and hope to get the chance to serve you again soon so we can regain your confidence in our restaurant by providing a better experience.
Is this helpful?
KM
KristinM
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fabulous…the wait was a bit much! Our server Alex was on it tho!!!
El Torito - MontereyResponded on September 11, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent experience at El Torito - Monterey! We appreciate the positive feedback and hope to see you again soon!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
the restaurant is dirty and worn out. the service was slow. the food was awful and lacked quality and flavor
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from El Torito - Monterey using the Order Online button. El Torito - Monterey also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. El Torito - Monterey also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 373-0611.

El Torito - Monterey is rated 3.8 stars by 1020 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

600 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

Additional information

Cross street
Hoffman Ave.
Neighborhood
Monterey
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Sat 8:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Sat, Sun 2:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.eltorito.com/
Phone number
(831) 373-0611
Catering
Bring the flavor of El Torito to your office or off-site event! We can accommodate groups from 10 to 10,000 and everything in between!
Private party facilities
Show your friends, family, and co-workers how to throw a real party with El Torito. Book one of our rooms, patios, or semi-private dining areas for your next celebration, event, or meeting.

El Torito - Monterey

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Tacos

Sizzling Enchiladas

Spinach Enchiladas

Menu

What 1,020 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does El Torito - Monterey offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Torito - Monterey restaurant rated?

Is El Torito - Monterey currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information