My new go to Peruvian spot! Definitely cannot go wrong w their Lomo Saltado and their and tallarin con pollo. Sangria also did not disappoint. Was a great spot to bring my father for Father's Day. read more

experience I had at this restaurant was great. The food was excellent. The service was good. I recommend to go and have some food there.

Delicious Peruvian food. I had the breaded fish and my wife had the Arroz Tapado. All part of the lunch special menu. If we were local we would be regulars! If you like Peruvian food this is a must visit. Matt was also great. read more

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We finally made it to El Mono in Berkeley after falling in love with the Richmond location, and somehow they managed to exceed our already high expectations. The food was every bit as fresh, flavorful, and authentic as we've come to expect. Every dish was packed with incredible flavor, and it's clear they take pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen. What really made the experience stand out, though, was the service. Taya and Norris were both outstanding--friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. They made us feel like regulars from the moment we walked in and elevated an already fantastic meal into an unforgettable dining experience. If you're looking for some of the best Peruvian food in the Bay Area, El Mono is an absolute must-visit. Whether it's the Richmond or Berkeley location, you really can't go wrong. We'll definitely be back! read more

Food here is always consistent, delicious, hot and tasty. The service is always excellent! Food here is always consistent, delicious, hot and tasty. The service is always excellent! read more

Brought another group of friends here to try their delicious food and tried to make reservations for 6 people online but it wouldn't let me so I messaged the business and they were able to make a reservation for 6 people. The food, service and ambiance are on point. Two of us ordered the maracuya (passion fruit drink), while we waited for the others to arrive. One of my friends is allergic to garlic and the restaurant mentioned that they can make food without garlic, as everything is made fresh. My friend decided to order her own dish separately of pasta with shrimp while the rest of us, ordered food to share! We ordered the trio sampler of ceviche and fried calamari which was flavorful, the poor man's steak medium rare and what a big steak that was to cut and share with plantains, fries, fried egg and jasmine rice, very tasty, Isabella salad, paella (more than enough to feed 5 of us and very fresh and delicious). For dessert, 2 of us had coffee, 2 of us had affogado, 2 of us had the lucuma with the cookies and I had the lucuma ice cream. My friends enjoyed the flavorful food and dessert! read more

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My husband and I have been to the El Cerrito location quite a few times since it happens to be our favorite Peruvian restaurant in the whole Bay Area. We were stoked when we realized this second location opened up and decided to try it. I love the interior at this location! And they have some parking in the back of the restaurant which is nice. Matt and Andres took care of us and were fantastic. We came in with a hangry toddler and Matt quickly got crayons and a coloring page that kept our baby entertained until the food arrived. They always made sure we had what we needed and offered other sauces to go with our meal (hot sauce, tartar, etc). We ordered our go-to dishes: pescado a lo macho and chupe de camerones. Listen, we've been chasing these flavors restaurant after restaurant throughout the bay, hoping to find somewhere closer to our home that is just as good. Nowhere else has come close to being as delicious as El Mono. Both the dishes we chose are seafood based dishes, with pescado a lo macho having a variety of seafood and chupe de camerones having shrimp. In both dishes, the seafood is cooked perfectly. No over-cooked, rubbery, dry pieces to be found. And the sauces are heaven sent. Oh! I also have always loved the corn nuts they serve complimentary when you first sit down. Definitely eat it with the green sauce they give you. It's scrumptious. read more

El Mono - Chupe de Camarones - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Visiting the area and this was a definite Find!!! Unbelievable lunch specials include soup or salad & beverage. My Heart loved the fish and the Arroz Tapado was delicious... almost licked the plate. Matt was fantastic and gave some history on the dish I had. Fun!!! There is also a patio for al fresco dining. And how many places have a menu for your dog!? Wish we lived closer!! read more

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Server was phenomenal with explaining the dishes as well as some history to Peruvian foods. The paella had large portions for 2 people. We were able to take some home. read more

El Mono - Peruvian Paella - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The quality of the food was excellent. What made this place special was the excellent service we received from Taya and Matt. The super mariscos was amazing. We will make this place one of our go to places. read more

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All the dishes were great! We're glad we saved space for desert. The Lucuma Ice Cream was delicious. Matt and Niurka took good care of us. Overall great atmosphere, not too loud and nice place for date. We're definitely coming back to try more of the dishes. read more

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I was in town searching for authentic Peruvian food to remind me of my trip to Lima and Cuzco. El Mono filled the bill--I enjoyed lunchtime causa and a maracuya drink. My daughter's stir-fried vegetables (Vainitas Saltadas) and a Miti Miti were equally delightful. We appreciated the attentive service of Taya and are recommending the spot to others. There is a great ambiance: clean, cozy, and bright! read more

Came on a Friday for lunch specials and I was not disappointed! It wasn't busy when I came, but by the time I was leaving, the restaurant was almost full! Matt immediately helped me find a nice spot to sit, and quickly took my drink order. He also recommended several items for me to try, since it was my first time. He recommended I try the cebiche, paella, and their fish with rice. Everything was seasoned to perfection and cooked perfectly. The cebiche was fresh and melted in your mouth in every bite, and pairing it with the veggies, nuts, and sauce it came with, was the perfect combination in your mouth! The paella came out piping hot! It was good and I wish I got 2 plates for this. It's a lot but I wanted leftovers, I couldn't help but finish it in one sitting. The fried fish was delicious and breaded evenly. It didn't feel too heavy and was the perfect amount to pair with the rice that was provided. I can't wait to come back and try more items! Definitely highlights the tastes and flavors of Peru! read more

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This was my first time trying this spot. I've driven by it a few times while passing through the neighborhood, so I was excited to finally stop in. I'm a huge fan of rotisserie chicken--especially the kind you find at Peruvian spots--so it's always great to discover a place that offers something healthy yet hearty. The staff was warm and welcoming, and I really liked the vibe of the place. Overall, it was a great experience. I ordered the rotisserie chicken, salad, plantains and Peruvian beans, and everything was top-notch. My server, Christian, did an amazing job and was attentive throughout my entire visit. If you're looking for good, wholesome Peruvian food, this is the spot. Don't miss out on this gem. read more

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The food at this El Mono is as authentic as the original. Maybe even better. The menu is the same (feels like they got more items). Feels new but traditional food staples are papa la huancaina, (puff potatoes with ceviche). arroz Chanda (fried rice) , and the desért ice cream is a buet chocolate coffee that's delicious. the pulpo parillado (grilled octopus) appetizer is amazing but only available weekends. Also they have a lot indoor and outdoor Spaces. And parking. Taya was our waitress and she was great she had great recommendations and knew the menú back and forth. read more

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I came here with my family for dinner & it was AMAZING. Beautiful interior, kind servers, & delicious food. Our servers Criss and Niurka were a delight, they were attentive & excellent hosts. We tried the Pollo a la Brasa, Lomo Saltado & shrimp. Everything was well cooked, juicy, and scrumptious. If you like authentic, fresh Peruvian food, YOU MUST COME HERE :) read more

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We swung by for lunch and Julia greeted us and Cristian served us. The food was amazing. Had the causa and the pescado al lo macho. Soo yummy and great portion size. Had enough to take home. read more

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Freshly made and well balanced dishes. I'm really impressed with all the sauces that accompanied my dishes -- I don't always like the sauces that are provided at some of my local Peruvian spots, but these were simply delectable. Great service and a menu that has something good for everyone. read more

El Mono - Chaufa de Camarones (Lunch) - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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New spot, big flavors, ceviche that lives rent-free in my head Came through **El Mono's new Berkeley location** to check it out, have a quick bite, and I'm so glad we did. The space is super clean, bright, and welcoming. Right off Gilman in a chill neighborhood. It already feels like it belongs there. The menu looks stacked. Like...so many things I want to try, plus a solid lineup of drinks. Definitely one of those places where you already know you're coming back before you even leave. We ordered the ceviche and WOW. Full stop. That dish alone is worth the visit. Fresh, bright, perfect, and honestly one of the best ceviches I've had. Spring day? Summer afternoon? Random winter craving? I'd come back for this every single time. We literally drank the sauce. Whatever that mix was, I want it on everything I eat for the rest of my life. Also shoutout to the super woman Zoraida. Absolute powerhouse. She was everywhere: kitchen, picking up plates, cleaning, moving nonstop. Total badass energy. Love seeing her efficiency and care. Can't wait to come back for more food and more drinks. If you're in Berkeley, go check this spot out. El Mono is doing it right. read more

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Not my first time at El Mono, but my first time in the Berkeley location. Was familiar with the menu since dining at the El Cerrito location previously. The location is on a corner, and has an outdoor patio, but we dined inside. Service was courteous and welcoming. We shared some patacones and plátanos to start, and I went with saltado de pollo for my main. All was tasty and the addition of green beans to the saltado was a winning move. With the diverse and reasonably priced menu, we'll definitely be back. read more

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Food was bomb! I got the Lomo Saltado with a fried egg and a few pieces of shrimp. Defintely the best spot to get Lomo Saltado here in Berkeley and close to neighboring cities here in the east bay. Right off the freeway! Cristian and Julia also were great hosts and even accommodated us right before they closed at 3pm. read more

El Mono - Lomo Saltado with the fried egg and shrimp! - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Food was delicious and portions were just right. Service was slow though. Will be going back again or maybe just ordering to go.

First time trying Peruvian food at a restaurant! The interior and server were very nice though the food can be a bit pricey but the taste was definitely worth it! The ceviche was very proper, fresh, tangy but also fulfilling. All the sauces (both for ceviche & beef) were very tasty. The presence of corn & yuca was amusing. The drink had a strong cinnamon taste, which was not quite my type but not bad either. read more

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Food: 4.5 out of 5 Spectacular food. Everything was seasoned well with quality ingredients. Service: 4 out of 5 Service was a bit slow. Please try and stagger your servers throughout the restaurant so I don't have to get up to get someone's attention. Environment: 4 out of 5 Interesting restaurant because fantastic food but provides a fast casual restaurant. I would recommend more comfortable seats and cushion. A lot of dishes take time and that's not the problem, but ensure your patrons feel comfortable. Overall: 4.5 out of 5 I was instantly transported back to Peru and reminded of why I enjoy their culinary scene. The chica morada is a must and traditional drink. I ordered it with less sugar and it was still flavorful. Come with a group to try a lot of different dishes and you won't be disappointed. Fair warning that there will be a wait for certain dishes. Amazing food takes time! read more

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We went to El Mono over Thanksgiving weekend and had such a delicious dinner. We had requested outdoor seating (hard to find in the cold, windy Bay Area), and Desiree and another gentleman whose name we didn't catch made it happen. They got the heater running and even grabbed another propane tank so we'd be warm. Above and beyond already. It was my partner's family's first time here (and my first visit to the Berkeley location), so Desiree gave us some of her favorite recs -- and honestly, TAKE HER RECCS. Everything she suggested was spot on. My partner ordered his usual, the aji de gallina, and it was great like always. I got Antonio's Pescado al Achiote, which she highly recommended, and wow... so good. Definitely getting that again. I also really like the Tapado A lo Pobre. For apps, she suggested the trio de antojitos and my hands-down favorite was the beef heart bites. Will 100% be ordering that again. For dessert, I recommend the Peruvian flan. It's rich, creamy, and delicious, but ask for the wine sauce on the side. We both liked the flan a lot more without as much sauce. My only tiny complaint: for the price point, I wish the portions were just a bit bigger. I'm a decent eater, so I need both an app and entrée to feel full here, and I usually like having a little leftover at this price range. And for Antonio's dish in particular, I would've loved one more spoonful of that sauce/soup/curry -- I like my rice saucy and didn't have enough to cover it all. But honestly, everything tasted high-quality and made with care, and the service was incredible. All in all, a wonderful dinner and the staff truly went above and beyond to accommodate us. Thank you to the El Mono team! read more

El Mono - Peruvian Flan! Get with sauce on the side! or light sauce - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Food was great, hard to find peruvian food sometimes. The Yuca Frita appetizer came out with crispy fried cassava and servied with zesty rocoto chili aioli. The yuca fries were definitely double fried and came in thinner cuts/slices than I normally see. It was hot and fresh, went well with their aioli. The Lomo Saltado had a decent amount of tender meat and side of fries. It is a classic stir fry tender with angus beef, onions, tomatoes, crispy fries, and cilantro, tossed in a savory soy sauce served with garlic jasmine rice. Recommend passing on the Arroz Con Pool which has cilantro rice served with 1/4 pound rotiserrie chicken, marinated in herbs, spices, and zesty lime before wing roasted. The chicken was dry and wish it had more flavor to it. The herbs and spices seemed lacking on this dish and we ended up barely touching it. The paella was the best dish here. Looked like everyone was ordering the paella and for good reason. Highly recommend trying the selection of paella here and it's large so easy to share in groups of 2 or 4+! 1 dish per person seemed way more than enough for the table and not including the appetizer. read more

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Food is authentic and delicious. Music also good, nice ambiance. Service was awesome- Matt took care of us when we asked for Lucuma ice cream. They were out but he found some for us and it sealed the deal. Will return soon!! read more

El Mono - Alfajores-N-Cream - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

We came in around 2:45pm, right before the kitchen was set to close at 3pm, and asked Matt if we could still dine in. He was super accommodating and let us stay, which we really appreciated. The food did not disappoint, everything was amazing, especially the lomo saltado. The beef was incredibly tender, and the sauce was rich and full of flavor. You can tell they really know what they're doing in the kitchen. Great service and great food. I'd definitely come back! read more

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Food was delicious, thank you Anibal Orlando! Great customer service with Taya, and Niurka. read more

Our first dinner at El Mono was amazing. Friendly and professional service from Matt helped us navigate a Peruvian bevy of choices. From the very fresh Cevice, to the tasty yucca Frita's with a sauce to dip kicked off an amazing profile for our taste buds. Splitting the Paella, while adding some shrimp and the crunchy bits from the pan were a genius stroke. Finishing off with a Peruvian Affogato and the Crema Volteaeno. Perfect end to the meal. Thanks. We will be back. read more

What a wonderful new discovery. Authentic Peruvian food with a flare. Flavors that you have never tasted before and combinations with proteins that totally work. Not only was the food amazing but everyone we met. There was so nice. Christian was our server and Maisey saw to our needs as well. Located westbound on Gilman Avenue on fourth it's easy to find and they have plenty of parking. I like that they have a nice handicap slot right outside the front door and a wheelchair ramp next to it. I thought that was very forward thinking. I noticed as we approach the front door. They had a nice seating area outside with heaters that were set up and ready to go for customers. Sometimes it gets windy and cool there but you're protected and you get a little heater with it. Once through the front door is walking and I noticed that the place smelled wonderful and Was very clean and organized. With the hard floors and the high ceiling, it can get a bit noisy in there, but that's to be expected with the architectural design. We were immediately seated and our servers and were absolutely wonderful. The three of us shared our specific meals with each other. My daughter had the Salado de Pollo and my wife had the Lomo Saltado. I found these very unique in the sense that they had basically the same spices but they let the flavors of the meat change the overall flavor of the sauce. How brilliant is that? I had the Cerviche which was one of the most excellent and balanced I have had in a long time. Everything and it was cooked perfect perfection, and just the right tenderness and flavor to it without being overpowered by the lime. For dessert we shared the Peruvian Affogato. Surprisingly it's an ice cream in a cup with espresso coffee put over it. What a nice way to finish the meal. My daughter also had the Miri Miri which is a sweet beverage and impaired perfectly with her entrée. It was delicious. Is this a place I would return to for a food experience? Absolutely each of us enjoyed it completely and would certainly return. I have to say it was a truly unique experience. I knew nothing about Peruvian food. I was surprised that I want to explore it again. read more

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My receipt shows what I ordered as 1 Fillet & 5 Shrimps. I can't seem to locate it on the online menu. Anyway the fish was delicate and the sauce was most pleasing. The shrimp was a good option to take advantage of. It was a Sunday night and business was slow. Previously I had been to the San Pablo Avenue location years ago and I was overdue. I need to come back soon and try some other items. The food looks so good here! read more

El Mono - Fillet & 5 Shrimp - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have always loved the food at el mono and I was super excited they opened this new location. The interior is beautiful and it felt more spacious. I also loved how spacious the parking lot is considering that I drive an SUV and parking was always tight for me at the el cerrito location. I just don't know if the slow dining/slow service works for me. I was greeted immediately and was told to sit wherever I liked. After about 5 minutes, we still weren't given any menus so I had to get up and ask for one myself and I was asked "how many do you need" lol as if they didn't remember me walking in or something. It took another 10-15 minutes before someone came to take my order. And as I sat there waiting for my food, I saw them bringing menus, waters, and nuts immediately to other tables so idk why we were the odd ones out. I did have to ask for water 2 times before someone brought it. But don't get me wrong, the staff here are super friendly and as I mentioned, I love the food here, it taste amazing. It's just the slow service that doesn't work well with me and will most likely do takeout in the future versus dine in. It was my boyfriend's first time getting Peruvian food and I recommended the lomo saltado to him and I got the aji de gallina. The steak was a little bit dry but the sauce/seasoning made up for it. Loved the aji de gallina as always. We also got a Shirley temple and the passion fruit juice. Our total came out to be $70 not including tip. read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

I went here with my family the day after valentines. It wasn't too busy so we got in time to have dinner. This is their newest location and it is quite better. I do miss eating at this restaurant that closed down in Concord and this place was quite similar. I enjoyed the hospitality they gave us. The food was pretty good. We will be back to try other things. In addition, they accommodate gluten free people. read more

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Drove by on a Friday night, saw the place packed. Google the spot to see what all the hype was about that night. Found an episode of Check Please Bay Area of the restaurant talking about how good they were. Come in a Wednesday afternoon only to find out it's better than Good. It was amazing. I have only eaten Peruvian once before at a more commercial spot and was like "it's okay." But the journey of real Peruvian flavors MATT took us on was so AMAZING. I have never tasted these flavors interpreted like that before. From the MITI MITI CHI CHA to the Ceviche and the Paella with this green sauce and chimichurri, my wife and I were so amazed. Can't wait to get back. Ask for Matt if you don't know what to eat. But get ready he will take you on a ride to flavor city. Thank you MATT for making our day. Matt. read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I was in the Neighborhood visiting my Friend Dave , He is a Professional Mixologist friend of mine!!! I was Famished when I left his home. So I stopped by El Mono a Peruvian Restaurant!!! I rolled in and was Greeted and Seated!! My very Beautiful Server asked for my Food Order!!! I Ordered Calamar Frito for my Appetizer!!! For my Main Dish I Ordered Peruvian Paella !!! I was brought Roasted Corn Nuts to Start With. Seriously Service is Top Notch!! I was Checked on quite Frequently!!! When I Finished My Calamari Appetizer the Plate Was Cleared within Seconds!!! The Ambiance is really Nice and Clean !!! My Peruvian Paella arrived next on a Flaming Hot Cast Iron platter!!! It was a Delicious and Generous sized Platter!!! For dessert I ordered a Strawberry Flan !!! It Arrived very quickly!!! It was a Nice sized Piece and Each Spoonful was Heaven On Earth !!! Service was Fast and Efficient!!! I paid by Credit Card and Rolled Out!!!? For all These Reasons This Is A Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!!! I keep my Pimp Hand Strong !!! read more

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We drove past Los Moles, and stopped short of Picante to visit El Mono for the first time. Good decision! This was fantastic with a deep menu to explore. Wasn't overly crowded and Cris, Niurka and Taya were attentive and brought us our order very quickly. Tonight the three of us all stuck with the seafood dishes, but I've already planned my next three visits. Tip: Finish with the flan. read more

Customer service was really good. Mat checked on us multiple times. The food was delicous & savory. The poor mans steak was my favorite meat was perfectly made. The flavor on the papa la haucaina was yummy. For desert we got the lucuma icecream which was so good The atmosphere is nice + good music! Will be coming back.. read more

El Mono - Poor Man's Steak - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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While searching for our favorite food, we stumbled upon El Mono Restaurant. The food was 100% bursting with authentic flavor; I always say that in another life I must have been Peruvian, given the love I have for this culture and cuisine. Matt was an excellent waiter, and the kitchen--though physically the least visible part of the establishment--is definitely where all the magic happens. From appetizers to dessert--we will definitely be back! read more

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Our first time here and definitely coming back! The restaurant has its own parking lot and is spacious with indoor and outdoor dining options. Inside, the ambiance and decor were nice. Our server Christian was so friendly and welcoming. He gave recommendations and checked in several times. For food and drinks, we ordered the Yuca Frites, Lomo Saltado, Peruvian Paella, Miti Miti and Spearmint Limonada. Everything was delicious and I'd order them all again. I especially appreciated that you can adjust the sweetness of the Limonadas. read more

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