We found Barbara Azul as we were looking for a fish taco craving in the Monterey Area. Yelp brought us here with an overall 5 star rating. If you are looking for fish tacos and a view of the Bay, you won't find it here. This is in on busy street in a non-touristy section of Seaside. We ordered two of the Gobernador de Cameron Tacos - super tasty with a nice creamy cheese and plump shrimp on the inside. Cooked very well with a nice crispy outside. Also ordered the Ahi Tuna Ceviche Tostada. The ceviche was prepared nicely with plenty of ahi and just the right amount of lime juice with tomatoes, cucumber and onion. I enjoyed the fact that you can add your own salt and spiciness with the salsas that were provided. I also ordered one of the Baja Fish Tacos. The batter was crisp and the entire taco was filled with great flavors. Our server was very nice. He made great recommendations and was super attentive to our needs. read more

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We dropped by for a late lunch, so the restaurant was pretty empty. We had the taco trio & he chose grilled fish, Baja fish, & octopus.($20.00), my son said his fav was the octopus & hed order 3 of those next time! I had the seafood stew , which was a tomato based broth w/plenty of seafood swimming in it! There were a couple of large shrimp in the shells & a crab leg in the shell hanging over the side of the bowl, but plenty of fish & smaller shrimp in the broth ($19.99) Maybe a few small scallops as well. I'm a little finicky about peeling seafood out of their shells, so I didn't really like that part, but otherwise it was good. My husband had the garlic shrimp plate & it came w/rice & a salad. Quite a large serving of shrimp ($18.99) and he said it was really good! Surprisingly, our chips basket was refilled several times without an extra charge! Other Mexican places we've gone to in the Monterey area wanted to charge for refills. All in all, a place we'd return to! Tasty food, generous portions, decent prices! read more

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Pulpi taco was so good! The salmon taco slaps also. We will come back soon! It was a hot day and the modelo was also delicious.

Tried giving this place a chance -- big mistake. Service is nowhere to be found, and the food isn't worth the wait. Won't be back.

The ceviche is delicious, fresh and huge portions. The tacos de asada were also perfection. My husband had the cóctel de camarón and he said it was full of shrimp. My daughter had lemonade and it was refreshing and tasted homemade. Already planning our next visit!! read more

Wicked friendly customer service. Good portions in tacos. Great taste!! Will definitely come back!

We had the oysters and shrimp burrito, which was amazing. The house sauce was incredible. Had to take a side home and the margarita with the Chamoy around the rim was amazing as well. read more

Barba Azul - Oysters - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

Staff very friendly with great suggestions. Fast service and awesome flavors and over-sized portions! read more

Barba Azul - Molcajete Mixta...flavor incredible! - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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Looking for something delicious for dinner on our last night in Monterey, we came across this fantastic marisco/cevicheria/taqueria and set sail. When we landed, we were rewarded with seafood deliciousness that we have not forgotten since. The menu is pretty expansive with tacos, ceviches, tostadas and more offered. I wasn't clear on what everything was and the staff was happy to do their best to explain, but even then I wasn't positive I understood what I'd settled on when I ordered. That said, it was all delicious and I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Of note, the menu may seem expensive until you realize how much you're getting in each order. Turns out the special ceviches and cockteles that are around $20 are enough food to share with 3-4 people. I ordered their special ceviche with white fish, shrimp, and octopus, as well as two of their pulpo tacos. The tacos were on point with a lot of tender octopus. I punched mine up with the habanero salsa and a lot of lime. The ceviche was a great mix with a nice ratio of seafood to cucumber, onion and sauce. My wife and I did our best on it in one seating and there was still enough left for a meal early the next day. We did takeout, but the experience of eating there just looked fun, especially outside on a warm day. Each table has a lot of great hot sauces on it too, some of which I'd never heard of, and it would be fun to enjoy those too! read more

Generous portions and fair prices for this spot in Seaside. I went for the ceviche as well as tuna sashimi and both paired great with the lime juice, cucumbers and onions . My friend had a trio taco platter which he loved. Friendly service as well. Clean place with a small indoor as well as some outdoor seating. read more

Drinks were good ! Service was good ! Seafood was a little to over cooked for my preference

Stopped by here for a quick lunch with my fiancé. We ordered the fish tacos (1 grilled fish and one fried fish). The tacos were decent. The grilled fish taco had good flavor, was a decent size, and had a good portion of guacamole. The fish taco wasn't as crispy as I would have liked. The service was really disappointing. The restaurant wasn't busy at all. There were two waiters who were just standing there and singing to the music. We were one of two tables in the whole restaurant that was occupied. We were seated and not brought any water. We only got water 10 mins after we sat down after I flagged down the waiter and asked for it. Later, we were brought our food but no silverware. Again, I had to seek out the waiter ask for silverware. I probably wouldn't return here due to the lack of service. read more

I was in Monterey traveling alone for a golf tournament. A good meal to refuel after a long day was much needed. After searching Yelp for the highest rated restaurants in town I came across Barbara Azul. Quick and easy to get in and be seated in the small dining area. the cute waitress took my order right away and educated me about the best things on their menu. I ordered the Baja fish taco and the Ahi Tuna Tostada. Both were phenomenal with the Baja fish taco being my favorite. I even ordered another to go. Also, the waitress turned out to be the owner and she said they have been open for a year. Very cool spot that's quick, convenient, affordable, and full of flavor. I recommend checking it out. My friends and I would eat here all the time if it was in my hometown. read more

Barba Azul - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

Waitstaff was great, tacos were spicy but excellent and would've given 5 stars. However....the ceviche was completely raw. I understand ceviche is not technically cooked but it should have a somewhat cooked texture from the lime. This was completely raw and ruined our experience. Would go back for the tacos again, though. read more

I have been there twice and very happy with service and food. Fresh and delicious, it was 5 of us and we all ordered different dishes, LOVED shrimp cocktail and tried their shrimp ball soup...AMZAZING.... just know it's all seafood mainly. Try it and be surprised! Plan to go every time I am in the area. The beer called EL Rey was sooo good.... wish they sold it everywhere! read more

Food was GREAT, seafood stew was flavorful, packed with fish, and all tasted super fresh for such a reasonable price. Vibes were great and customer service was on point. Can't wait to go back. read more

Nothing to be blue about. Stopped here today for some tacos. Salmon tacos were tasty and right mixture of crispy and soft salmon. Mar y Tierra burrito was huge but also was excellent. They have a nice outside seating area but it was raining so since we had our dog with us we got the food to go. Server was nice and didn't rush us to order. Food took a little bit long then expected especially since there wasn't anyone else waiting for food but overall was a good taco stop for a Saturday afternoon read more

Amazing food, experience, and huge portions for the price definitely a hidden little gem that needs more recognition! read more

Barba Azul - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

Wow this place is amazing! My wife and I have been here twice already and both times have been consistent in terms of flavor and great service. The place is small inside but hasn't been too loud or packed.. plus, they have outdoor seating with shade. My favorite dish so far is the Tostada Mitotera.. makes my mouth water just thinking about it. The tacos are great too.. my wife is picky with fish tacos and she loves these. Definitely recommend and I will be a returning customer! Update 6/2/23 Went back again. The menu changed a bit. I added pictures. I tried the Campechana especial.. wow, finished it all. Once again, excellent food and service! read more

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What a jewel. The fish is so fresh and the service is outstanding. Started with guacamole. So flavorful. Then has the grilled fish taco and the taco enchilado with octopus. The creama on the enchilado was absolutely the tastiest I've ever had. I had to have a second enchilado, switching out octopus for shrimp. They were both outstanding though the octopus was a special treat. They have a nice outdoor seating area with shaded tables. Will definitely be back. read more

I think Pollo Rey is the best place to eat in Seaside so I was excited to hear they opened a sister restaurant just down the street that specializes in seafood. I am a sucker for aguachiles and was surprised to see many different options for it on the menu. When the server learned it was our first time she mentioned her favorite was the tacos so we had to throw a couple of those on as well. Between the 2 shrimp tacos, aguachiles verde and two beers there was plenty of food to eat for about $40. The tacos were a great recommendation with a crispy fried tortilla and tasty fresh shrimp. The aguachiles had the perfect amount of spice and paired well with all the salsa choices at the table. The provided chips and salsa were excellent too! If I want seafood I'll be stopping here again soon! read more

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Food was delicious! Can't believe this place isn't packed 24/7. I had 2 shrimp and 1 fish taco. The 3 were excellent.

The food was delicious, everything tasted very fresh, and the service was great. The shrimp cocktail was made to perfection. It was filled to the brim with shrimp and it was not overly tomato-y. My camarones a la diabla were very good. I liked the flavor and the level of spiciness. We definitely want to come back to try more things from the menu. 10/10 read more

Barba Azul - Shrimp cocktail, Camarones A la Diabla, Oysters Natural, and michelada. - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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Tried this place out after reading the reviews and it did not disappoint. I got the green aguachile and a Baja fish tacos. The taco was super yummy and fresh. Will definitely got back for some of those. The aguachile was not what I expected as it had some red coloring and green salsa on top. It was good, but not my favorite. With that said all the food was fresh and worth the price. read more

Barba Azul - Green aguachile - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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This place is solid for seafood. The pineapple ceviche was big and flavorful. The seafood rice was good, and the fish tacos hit the spot. Worth checking out. read more

Little hole in the wall place in Seaside by Monterey. My craving for shrimp ceviche brought me here. It's small inside and too chilly at the moment to sit outside. Ordered the aguachiles (black) instead of the ceviche once I glanced at the menu. Also had a shrimp taco enchilado which was pretty spicy for my usual taste but it was still delicious! Price range was affordable for seafood read more

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A friend sent amazing tacos and a whole fried fish! Wow what fantastic food. I'm really impressed! I'll be a new customer. read more

Barba Azul - Seafood tacos - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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Delicious fresh seafood. Taco Gobernador was amazing and the tostada was packed with shrimp and octopus. Staff was attentive and courteous. Hands down my new spot for authentic Mexican Seafood. read more

Barba Azul - Tacos Gobernador de Camaron Taco - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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The Good Food was fresh, delicious and nothing was left. Service. Waiter was hustling and gettting everything out super fast and he was the only on e waiting tables on a Sunday. It felt like I was in Mazatlan enjoying a GREAT meal. The Bad The only bad part is I live two hours from this place. The Ugly That I live two hours from this. Forget the wharf in Monterey and try this place. Great food. Great service and fantastic Mexican music. read more

Barba Azul - Fish taco. Off the hook. - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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Came here today as noticed it was a new restaurant. What a great find. Fresh, tasty high quality food. I tried 1 each of the shrimp tacos, El gobernador and consentido. The first was a stewed tomato based shrimp filling, the second was a creamy cheesy filling. Each was incredible and wrapped with 2 of the best tasting corn tortillas crispy from the grill. My daughter ordered the fish taco and the consentido shrimp. She loved hers too Our neighbors ordered a tostada de ceviche and they raved about it. Will definitely be back! read more

Barba Azul - Fish taco and shrimp consentido taco - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

This place was fire. The food was fresh and authentic Mexican seafood. Service was excellent and the chefs music taste was great as well. Definitely would recommend and 100% will come again. read more

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The food and service were wonderful!! It was a little chilly inside with the door cracked so had to keep my coat on whole meal. That would be my only criticism. But the spicy salsas left me feeling warm. So glad we ordered the Mojacete. It was phenomenal. So fresh and flavorful. Plenty to share!! Definitely will be going back for more read more

Barba Azul - Molcajete Chipilon - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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Delicious grilled fish and shrimp tacos. You need at least 3. Caldo 7 mares absolutely amazing. Whole family was satisfied.

The tacos were delicious! The guac too. The staff were extremely friendly and the atmosphere was laid back and calm. The windows and doors were open, which was so nice after a summer of insane heat back in Phoenix. Best tacos (shrimp & steak) I've had in a long time. My husband got the shrimp burrito and raved about it. read more

I have been working in this area for quite some time, and I had no idea a place like this existed. I wish I had discovered it sooner because the food and the food, location, and service is great. There isn't much parking by the restaurant but there's plenty of street parking. They have an indoor and outdoor seating area, although the inside is quite small. Upon walking in I was greeted right away and you have the choice to sit wherever you please. I chose to sit outside because the weather was nice. You know the food is gonna be delicious when the chips and salsa start going down like nothing. For the main course I went ahead and got the aguachile trio. I didn't wait a long time and was presented with a huge serving. The food tasted phenomenal, the lemon juice with the salsa was amazing. I started with the right side first and the heat and spicyness was just right. The left hand side which was the red sauce was way too hot for my liking. It was so spicy that I couldn't eat it, it was painful so if you enjoy very hot foods , get that one. I will be coming here again to try their fish tacos or other options. read more

Barba Azul - Aguachiles trio - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

Barba azul never disappoints. Ordered breaded shrimp and el gobernador taco. So juicy and the shrimp to the perfect crisp. I'm enjoy sitting outside watching people go by. The service is exceptional and the environment sparkling clean. Try them, you will not regret it. read more

Barba Azul - Camarones empanizados - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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customer service was great! food was incredible! i'm vegetarian and they only had a few veggie options (the avocado fried taco one is amazing‍) but my roomates tried a couple from the whole menu and they loved it! will be back!:-) read more

Aguachiles Shrimp (all 3 styles are delicious) Baja Fish Taco, Mixed Seafood Tostada, shrimp albóndigas are to die for and best I've had thus far. All fresh ingredients and the citrusy flavors are on point. The waiters are awesome, they hustle and tentative. The best part is that: Im 15 min. away and my go to twice or 3 times a week to say the least! LOVE LOVE this place. read more

Barba Azul - Tostada Mixta. One of my favs! - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

Thought I'd check out the new place in town and it was good. I had the ahi ceviche tostada which was tasty. I would have devoured it in a minute had it not been too spicy. All of the wonderful coastal flavors were blended in with the seared ahi piled on top a tostada shell and avocado on top. Delish! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it was too spicy. My friend had a Baja fish taco. It looked tasty and she said it was however she made the mistake of pouring on a hot sauce without tasting it first and likewise couldn't finish her taco. She really liked it though. Over all, will I return? Yes, only next time I will ask them to tone down the spices. read more

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This place is amazing. The food is delicious and the owner and employees are always friendly and so welcoming. This is the Camaron and pulpo Coctel. Their sea food rice is always a must for me. read more

Barba Azul - Shrimp and octopus Coctel - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California