I can't remember the last time I ate somewhere where every dish was a 10 -- oh, wait a minute. Astrid & Gaston -- another Peruvian restaurant. (In Peru!) What really rocked my socks were the sauces! I love that I have very little idea what's in them, and therefore can't duplicate them at home. Lovely service -- spoke to the owner -- he went above and beyond to make sure our first time was great. Lots of options here for GF or vegetarians, too. Just go. read more

Had an amazing dinner and I have to recognize Cristian for the incredible service. He was incredibly, friendly, and provided excellent recommendations that made my meal truly special - the Antonio's Pescado al Achiote and Sangria were incredible! It's rare to find such personalized service. Cristian is a huge asset to El Mono Restaurant, and he genuinely cares about customer satisfaction. The restaurant is lucky to have him - I highly recommend asking for Cristian. I will definitely be back! read more

Admittedly, I have not been exposed to a lot of Peruvian food in my life, but what I always get (and what mom cooked at home when I was a kid) is Lomo Saltado so I am fairly particular when it comes to that dish. I must say, this is one of the finest examples of Lomo that I've had. The beef was tender and flavorful, the onions and the tomatoes were well prepared. The wonderful vinegar and soy sauce mix that is emblematic of good Lomo was present while not being overwhelming. The beef:vegetable ratio was sound and I feel like I got my money's worth. I also had the garlic jasmine rice which was a wonderful accompaniment to the Lomo and absorbed the flavors of the sauce. Just the right level of saltiness to blend with the aforementioned sauce. I also had a couple French fries, admittedly this is a take out order and so I am managing my expectations but if I may make a criticism, they could use more seasoning. Overall, a delightful meal that I look forward to having again. read more

My whole family loves this place! We've been going for years and so happy they opened in Berkeley. Chaufa de pollo and ajo verde are our favorites there. The owner, Matt, is easy to work with as we've done catering orders too! read more

Ate here for the first time this evening. The food was very good--the atmosphere is pleasant and the service was very friendly. I plan to go back. Plenty of parking too. ~ read more

Marlene was very nice and brought our food very fast. Lunch service was good. would recommend! read more

Loved this place! I got the classic lomo saltado and it was so good. Everything on the menu sounded great and I already want to come back to try other items. Staff is super friendly as well. Our server Christian was wonderful. read more

Our server, Christian, was delightful. Came here with a friend and had a wonderful time. The atmosphere feels upscale, but cozy and the food is quality. Great flavors in the food--just wish I could have tried more dishes. read more

Food - 1) ceviche - I would recommend it. It's pleasantly sour with a variety of textures. 5/5. 2) calamari - my wife and I weren't impressed. My wife would have preferred a crispier texture. I found the texture to be minimally rubbery. The flavor was enhanced by the lime and green sauce available at table. 4/5. 3) paella - it was quite salty. But, the saltiness became less noticeable eventually. I appreciated the crispy/burnt pieces of rice on the bottom of the place because these added texture to a typically mushy dish. Personally, paella eaten anywhere is not my favorite, so it was okay. 4/5. Service - they were pretty good. I would have liked if they had offered to fill my water without me prompting them. I was focused on enjoying my meal with my wife, so when they checked on our table, I said we were good, but I'd still suggest they ask if they could fill my water, especially if it is empty/near empty. 4/5. Ambiance - the ambience was okay. It would be nice if the noisy fan in the bathroom could be replaced, but I would guess this could be a costly repair for a newer business. 4/5. read more

The food and service were amazing! Bella was our server and she was super attentive. We ate the limo saltado, ceviche mix to and steak, everything was delicious. read more

The food was amazing! Drove from Oakland to check it out and it did not disappoint. The service was top tier. Our waiter Christian was very attentive to our needs. The music was very pleasant. Overall it was outstanding. Would definitely recommend. Great job El Mono team. read more

El Mono - Tallarín Verde con lomo was definitely delicious. - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

What an experience! Authentic, delicious, Peruvian cuisine executed perfectly and with lovely wait staff. Desiree was a delight! We went from my birthday and I cannot stop raving about this place. Yes, we are Peruvian, the menu is extensive and prepared exceptionally. 5 stars! Please consider dropping by. This is an excellent location right on 4th Street and there is plenty of parking. Highly recommend. read more

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Enjoyed the truly authentic Peruvian experience. The lomo saltado steaks were so tender - cooked to perfection! read more

El Mono - Trio De Mar - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place is yummy with a unique (and expansive) menu. Seafood galore but also many beef and veggie/vegan options. I wasn't sure seeing combinations that are not together "normally" like soy sauce in Latin food. One dish even recognizes a Chinese influence. Ceviche appetizer was on top of a chicken/potatoes base w onions and a tangy lime marinade. Entrees include perfectly cooked shrimp/ fish dish and a stir fry like veggie meal. We substituted quinoa for rice. All very tasty. Highly recommend what I would call a Peruvian Arnol Palmer. Combo of a corn drink and passion fruit beverage. So yummy. I ate all of the complimentary corn nuts. read more

Amazing food and and service... Taya was looking vely and had wonderful recommendations. Can't wait to come back!

Don't go on any special occasion or a holiday. They serve only a small part of their menu and hike up the price to almost double than the usual price for the same portion size. They do not alert you about this on the website. We were blindsided by the prices on Father's Day. Everything was significantly higher than what we saw on their menu. It was too late to leave and go somewhere else. We made the best of it by not getting any drinks or dessert. Unfortunately, the food was not worth the $$$$ tag. read more

Great service, my pasta and steak was so GOOD!!!! place is a vibe. You definitely have come and stop by. read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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

Delicious food and wonderful service. the fish was perfectly done and the side dishes were excellent

There were four in our party and all of us enjoyed our meals. The sauces were really great and we were glad we had the rice to help us absorb the flavors. Unique spices that we all loved. We will definitely come back. Only negative was the noise level. It is a small open room so it was pretty noisy read more

Christopher was great server very attentive and explained the menu the food was good! Service was fast read more

El Mono - This was good!! - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Excellent service, environment and delicious food. Christian and Andres are very kind and friendly. read more

Came here to try and it was amazing! Servers were very pleasant and checked up on us several times. Food was really good as well as ambiance. Loved the music they were playing. Our favorite dish had to be Seco de Res. Me and my friends all took turns eating it because it was really good. The meat was very tender and the sauce was cooked perfectly. Also really recommend the Maracuya drink! read more

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Leaving a 4 star review because I do love this place!!! But I have one complaint. Although the seasoning on the chicken Anticuchos is amazing the chicken itself is soooo tough and dry that it ruins it all. Truly wish they knew to pound the chicken and/or slow cook it as this would likely solve that problem. I have cooked and been served chicken breast and the like my entire life and have never had it both this tough and dry! Again, flavor is bomb but what good is that if the chicken itself is not suitable. With all that said, I do still really like this place (which is honestly why I'm leaving a bit of harsh feedback, because I know they have the capacity to cook great food). Their burger is GREAT and reminds me of my mom's but with their seasonings, so good. The Estofado de Pollo is SO GOOD has the exact opposite texture of the Anticuchos is so nice and TENDER of chicken. The rices are incredible and the side sauces amazing! I even enjoy the fries. I usually order from doordash or do a pick up order but have once brought my family here to eat and the staff was incredibly kind and the space was very inviting and clean. Also, a huge plus is that THEY HAVE PARKING!!! The food is great here and I think with a few tweaks on the Anticuchos (because they can clearly make a good tender chicken as shown with the Estofado), this place would be 5 stars. One of my go to spots and am so in love! Check it out!! :) EDIT: ordered the Estofado de Pollo again today and it was far less good than the first time and I am sad about that because their food is quite expensive. Have to add now, that the food is inconsistent in taste and tenderness. I am hoping they can train the chefs to make the food consistent and as good as it can be. read more

Food was delicious and the service was wonderful. Thank you for taking care of our family, Christian. Your recommendations were spot on!

What a marvelous meal we had. Food - chicken, fish, pulpo- perfectly prepared. Staff friendly and made it feel like home. Thanks to Christian our waiter. Can't wait to come back. read more

Love the soup and chicha, the fries are so crispy and good, hard to stop eating them!!! read more

El Mono - Chicken soup - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Service was very attentive with percision & care, food in general was very tasty and refreshing, my favorite happened to be the paella! read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Food was great. We came with our 7 month old, and they brought out a high chair and there were many options on the menu we could share with the baby. Service was excellent too. The whole space is light and bright and we'll be back with the whole family soon. read more

Best Yucca fries out here , makes Limons even worse. Can't wait for those Maracuya sours ! Came on a weekend and sat by the window, really cute decor, and price not that bad for Peruvian food. Love that they made one closer to me now since the other one is in el cerrito,will be back def to get more goodies! read more

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Marlene was so sweet! We tried the ceviche and seafood paella and they were both great. Ambiance was pleasant and welcoming.

The steak and onion meal was beyond delicious and our waiter, Cristian was so kind and amazing!

Found a good place to satisfy our Peruvian cravings. El Mono has excellent food - we ordered Peruvian Paella and Pescado ala Mocho as our main and started with the Frito Mix and we are so full and satisfied. Nice touch on the free fries in a corn. Service is excellent from wait staff to the Matt, the owner taking the order and assisted with the serving. Love the vibe of the place and cool decor and ample parking. A place that for sure you'll go back to. read more

I can only speak to the The Aji de Gallina and the Saltado de Champinones, however if the rest of the food is similarly flavorful I would say the food gets a 4.5/5. The restaurant has a very family friendly vibe with friendly staff. Christian humored me as I attempted to order in Spanish for which I was grateful! The other staff, Andres and Matt were also lovely. I look forward to coming back for dessert! read more

The setting is nice, clean and modern with outdoor seating available. The staff was very friendly. Since we have been to their other location more than a few times, we were looking forward to the paella. Sadly, we were disappointed. At the other location the paella would be served on a sizzling hot serving dish and the rice would crisp up nicely as mentioned in the menu description. Here, the iron serving dish was not hot and the rice didn't have the lovely crispy bottom. We ordered the family size of the paella and there were four medium size shrimp. Maybe 6 mussels and about the same number of clams. The pieces of squid were tiny but to be fair there was more of that than the other seafood. I expect paella to be rice forward but this had a LOT of rice. In addition, we didn't get a serving spoon with the dish. I know they are working out the kinks of a new place so we will be back at some point. read more

Was craving some good quality lomo saltado and this just hit the spot! 10/10 vibes food experience

Great food. Awesome paella! Warm and welcoming and attentive staff. Thank you, Taya, Lauren, and Andres--we feel well fed and taken care of!

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.

Great food and even better service. We really enjoyed our paella and will be back thanks to Taya

Aji verde is the greatest. Food great. Ceviche fresh as. No pisco sours (yet - license still pending )