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    El Molino Central

    4.4 (1.5k reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Molino Central Photos

    Business Info

    EL MOLINO CENTRAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - El Molino Central

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    Kevin G.

    El Molino Central had been on our radar for a while, hyped by friends as "worth the drive" -- the highest possible endorsement in the Bay Area, where we'll travel thirty minutes for a decent taco. So we finally did it. We planned our entire day around a meal. No spontaneity. Just commitment, a full tank of gas, and moderately managed expectations. The verdict? The food is genuinely tasty, the service is warm and friendly, and the outdoor seating is generous enough that you don't feel like you're eating on top of strangers. All good things. Now, about the bathroom situation. To reach it, you must walk through the kitchen. Yes, the kitchen. The actual working kitchen, where people are actively cooking your food. It feels a little like being a contestant on a show you didn't audition for -- part awkward intruder, part curious food tourist. On the upside, you get a front-row peek at how everything is made, which is either charming or anxiety-inducing depending on how much you like to know about your food before it arrives. We chose charming. Was it worth the drive? Yeah, it was.

    Poke tostada
    Joel S.

    My first visit and it did not disappoint. Short wait on a Sunday afternoon, the food here is excellent. The poke tostada was recommended and was extraordinary. Looking forward to going back to try other items.

    Crispy Chicken tacos
    Sara S.

    This place was such an amazing surprise! You would not guess that the most amazing flavors lay behind those small walls. Being from San Diego, I know good Mexican food, and this place had THE BEST tamale I have ever had in my life. The mole sauce was incredible, and the masa was so soft and flavorful! I also ordered a fish taco, that was beer battered and it was to die for! Everything at the table was beyond delicious. You order at the counter, and since it was our first time there, the server was very helpful in guiding us towards the best order to get the most out of our experience. Once you order you head out back to a cute little patio, and they will bring your food out to you. You will not be disappointed if you eat here- I can't wait to go back!!!

    Verde Chicken Enchiladas Suizas
    Leah E.

    I have a full-blown obsession with El Molino Central, the fact that it's Michelin-recognized only validates what I already knew. Ever since I discovered the Fairmont Spa through ResortPass, this has become my perfect ritual: spa day, then lunch here, then a second stop before heading home to stock up on their ready-made items. If you book the happy hour pass at the spa, come here for lunch. The homemade chips and guac are non-negotiable. The verde chicken enchiladas are generous enough to feed at least two people. And the seasonal chile relleno? Will have you thinking you'd never want another chile relleno ever again... that beef-and-pork mix, with the sauce, and fresh pomegranate. Our obsession has reached the point where my boyfriend literally Zelle's me in advance to make sure I bring home a full haul from the refrigerated case--tamales, enchiladas, chile relleno, guac, dips, chips, fresh tortillas, beans, desserts... It's dangerous in the best way. Pro tip: If there's something specific you want, pay for it earlier in the day and pick it up later to guarantee it doesn't sell out. And if you have room (make some!), don't skip the soft serve. The portion is huge, easily shareable, and the perfect sweet ending. NOTE: They pop up at the SF Saturday Ferry Building Farmers Market, look for the LONG LINE.

    One of two Bohemia Beer Battered Fish Tacos.
    Adrian L.

    I saw Instagram foodie Festus try Mexican restaurants in the Santa Rosa and Sonoma County and he stopped by El Molino. I've been looking for a go to Mexican restaurant in the North Bay and decided to give it a try. I got the same two dishes he ordered, Beer Battered Fish Tacos and the Chicken Enchiladas. The guacamole and sauce in the tacos really made the dish! I can see why Festus likes wearing gloves while eating because it was tasty but messy as the tortilla broke cause it couldn't support its contents. The Chicken Enchiladas were delicious and you got to check out the nice cheese pull it has. The service was friendly and great. The seating is in the back and there were several bench patio tables. If I'm in the neighborhood again I would definitely be back :)

    Crispy Beef Tacos with Guacamole
    Sandy L.

    Casual place with a casual ambiance. Food is good and is one of those places where the food is absolutely incredible if you're starving if that makes sense. Food is closer to Tex mex. Big portions. Food is rich. The refried beans were great. Beef tacos were skippable. Came on a weekday for dinner and grabbed a table in the back. Surprisingly busy for a weekday but still plenty of picnic table seating with some heated lamps. Dimly lit, great for a casual dinner.

    Pork panuchos
    Francie M.

    Stopped by here for linner after exploring the nearby Jack London State Park. I ordered the winter menu item of the Yucatecan Pork Panuchos which looked like a small tostada with a crispy tortilla layered with beans and hard boiled eggs, topped with pork, avocado, and pickled red onion. It was delicious, and defined by the orange marinade in the pickled red onion which I've never tasted before. This came with 3 small portions which was filling without being stuffed The chips and guacamole came with delicious freshly fried tortilla chips, but the guacamole could have used a bit more salt and lime. My friends orders of the potato/chard/cheese tamales, chicken enchiladas, and beef tacos were all well received. The soft serve ice cream also comes as a generous height of swirl. Logistics: - Heated outdoor seating only (with umbrellas and some roof) - Limited parking to either side but more parking a few blocks away - Vegetarian options

    Chicken Enchiladas Suizas, Nachos Verde and lamb tacos
    Lexus F.

    a Michelin guide taco spot !! Truly amazing though! Parking is limited, you'll enter through the front door and get drinks + order your food. Around back is a beautiful patio area to enjoy your meal. The nachos verde is a must order and the lamb tacos were amazing. I ordered the enchilada chicken suiza, which was great but a super large portion. Staff was super kind and good came out pretty quickly!

    Chicken Enchiladas Suizas
    Elli W.

    We went for tacos....and not a single classic (non seafood) taco on the menu. Our mistake! Pivoted and got chicken enchilada suizas instead and they did not disappoint!! Chips and salsa were tasty. Got the flan and strawberry short cake too, both just eh, would skip those next time. A little on the pricy side but portions were generous!

    Hand Made Chips
    Kevin C.

    Two well deserved, Michelin stars in 2021 and 2025!! Without a doubt some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten and I've eaten a lot of Mexican food. For starters, the hand made chips and salsa were amazing. Thick corn tortillas, hand pressed, rolled and fried. The refried black beans, which are the hallmark of every good Mexican food experience are to die for. Excellent texture and taste. My wife had the the Butternut squash enchiladas. I would not have ordered that, but they were outstanding. Creamy texture and so flavorful. I had the pork tamales. Again, the Masa, the texture and flavor were out of this world. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, water station and fast friend services.

    Jesica D.

    Food is absolutely amazing ! The fresh tortillas , the feeling of eating authentic Mexican food was so delicious! We had the fish tacos, and enchiladas we decided to share everything and of course chips and salsa !!! Can't wait to be back already

    Chicken Enchiladas Suizas
    Amanda F.

    We stopped by for dinner on a Sunday night. Many items were sold out so we opted for the enchiladas and chips w salsa. We sat out back, wiping the table down with a bleached towel in a nearby bucket. Water was available in a large cooler with reusable cups. It seemed like we waited a long time for our food. Finally, they delivered our food. The temperature was good, the quantity was enormous and the taste was just ok. I was hoping for better. I think the mole sauce needed some salt. The chips are too thick. The guac was fine and the green sauce was good. I liked the pickled veggies. They don't come back to check. We cleaned our table and took our leftovers home. I wouldn't go back. It's just ok. And there are lots of Mexican places nearby. We went because it's walkable from where we stayed and we did not need a reservation.

    Fish taco
    Megan H.

    This place was so good. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I ordered 2 fish tacos and they were so tasty and filling. Easy walk up ordering inside and lots of seating out back. Friendly service. Would definitely go back.

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    El Molino Central Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Molino Central

    Do they allow small dogs in the outdoor seating area?

    Yes

    Do they have high chairs?

    I think hat they do bit suggest that you call them. It is very kid friendly.

    I only have one stomach - what should I eat here?

    Try Al pastor Tacos or Tamales!!!

    Are chilaquiles available every day? I don't see them in the menu.

    Weekends

    What kind of nuts are used in the mole? (asking because of a nut allergy)

    I don't know, but they are generally ignorant of allergies. I am allergic to legumes, and they won't omit the beans. Good luck, but honestly, they don't care

    Sonoma neighbors said there is a popup in/near Sonoma Square? Can anyone help share info?

    Does this restaurant serve alcohol?

    Beer (in bottle) and wine!

    Do they sell there fresh/dozen tamales in any store(s) in the South Bay?

    They sell their tamales under the Primavera brand. I've seen them at Whole Foods, as well as local groceries (like Napa's Browns Valley Market, Sonoma Market, Glen Ellen Market) Not sure if the Primavera brand is available in the South Bay.

    Is it good food, better than average mexican resturaunt?

    It depends on the dish. The guacamole is better than most and worth the trip. The chicken enchiladas suizas were better than most, mainly because the chicken was very well seasoned and seemed slow cooked. The fish tacos are fresh tasting and… Read more

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    Costa’s Tacos

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    (24 reviews)
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    Costa's Tacos has the best tacos in Northern California…read more The green salsa is the best around and the tacos seriously are the best I have had in Northern California since I moved here 9 years ago. I wish they had a store front, I chase down this food truck down so much I might as well rent space in the back of it!! The ingredients are fresh and delicious- I have literally never had a bad experience here. It's 10/10 every time!!!

    I am not a one star yelp review person but I had to share my/dozens of people's experience today-…read more Fourth of july taco truck in the square. Dear lord... me and the rest of the customers all around me had a horrible experience. Our beepers would falsely go off, we go up to collect food, they tell us false alarm and keep waiting. No sorry, no apologies, no update when the food was gonna be there.. No explanation, nothing. The cashier at one point started laughing when another woman asked how much longer. There were dozens of people waiting so so long. I WAITED AT AN HOUR FOR 2 TACOS AND A QUESADILLA. I should have just asked for my money back. Customer service did not exist here today, such a bummer. I get it's a taco truck not a restaurant, but At least tell the customers if you were having some kind of issue. No one said anything to us except for the "turn your buzzer off it's not ready". Or offer something to compensate. Nothing. And an HOUR for tacos and a fricken quesadilla is diabolical. Do better.

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    The Girl & The Fig

    The Girl & The Fig

    4.1
    (4.7k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    Droppe in on the Girl and the Fig around noon on Sunday, after the 4th of July. It was busy, as…read moreexpected. The place was packed, and we had to wait a few minutes just to get in the door to talk to the Hostess. We were offered a 2 hour wait, or spots at the bar. We quickly agreed to sit at the bar. We were pleasantly greeted by Abby, served brunch drinks, and got great menu recommendations. One of the best French 75s I have had! We ordered the Spinach Benedict and the Beef Hash. Both dishes were very interesting and flavorful - not your average faire. The benedict was unusual, with the tomato-based sauce, but very tasty. The hash was heavy with local mushrooms, which gave it a richness and depth. The accompanying eggs were beautifully prepared (poached for the Benedict, and fried sunny side up for the hash). We loved the atmosphere, the food, and the super friendly and personal service. Thank you Girl and the Fig for making us feel like old friends and serving us such lovely food! We'll be back soon!

    Service was fast and friendly. Ambiance is rustic with lots of local art on the walls. Food was…read more -Duck Mousse: 5/5. Delicious and served with toasted thin baguette. The fig jam was too sweet for us but we appreciated the pickled elements to cut the richness of the pate. -Duck Confit: 3/5. Hubby didn't love it. -Scallops: 3/5. Scallops were under seasoned and the relish had little to no peaches. Didn't have the flavor I expected. Sadly we were disappointed.

    Photos
    Bar in December 2024
    Bar in December 2024
    Profiteroles in December 2024
    Profiteroles in December 2024
    Fig kiss ?

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    Fig kiss ?

    El Molino Central - mexican - Updated July 2026

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