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    El Torito

    3.2 (2.3k reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order El Torito Takeout or Delivery

    El Torito Photos

    EL TORITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Touristy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - El Torito

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    Reviews With Photos

    Gianna S.

    Pretty restaurant right on the bay. It's nice that it has a parking lot and you can get your parking vouched. The restaurant can be loud Food is pretty decent - got a hibiscus guava margarita Service can be good depending on who you get. It can be pretty slow depending on how busy it is!

    Kyanna G.

    Great happy hour, great view! You can't beat the view. Our sever Debbie, was top notch, fantastic- worked so hard and was so friendly. Food was decent, and it was nice to see an El Torino thriving.

    The half of my Mucho Combo that was delivered
    Daryn B.

    This review is based on a DoorDash experience. I ordered the Mucho Combo which includes a chili rellano, chicken and sour cream enchilada, tamale, taco, beans and rice. When my order arrived half was missing. I called the restaurant and was told it was still there sitting on the order up tray cooling off. The portion of the order I did receive was very good. All three items were full of flavor. However, they had cooled off fast. In conclusion, I would consider eating here someday. Just don't order through DoorDash.

    Do not come here during holidays/events. Gets very messy, people waiting outside in parking lot for hrs. Peoples reservations being cancelled or pushed back by an hr plus. Unorganized, poorly managed. Food is good (7/10) but definitely not worth the wait.

    Alycia A.

    The absolute best Mexican food with a beautiful ocean view! Weekends can be busy, it's best to make a reservation beforehand. They have a private paid parking lot. Staff is great, this restaurant is family friendly and can be loud. Bathrooms are clean. They have a buffet on weekends as well. Definitely try them out if you are in the area!!!

    FAJITAS COMBO
    L b.

    Had the most amazing lunch at El Torito in Monterey! Great views, amazing service by Aliana, and super tasty on fire fajitas! The strawberry margarita was just what I needed! Such a great place to come and have a nice business lunch! Lesly the assistant manager, was checking on all the tables and offering amazing customer service also! Looking forward to coming back soon!

    Surcharge

    Pretty disappointing experience overall. The food was overly salty and not very enjoyable. Service was also lacking servers (Wendy T) seemed annoyed and unprofessional. We were told we couldn't split the bill, but apparently that has to be requested at the beginning, which no one told us. There was also a random surcharge on the receipt that wasn't explained. The biggest issue was cleanliness. The restroom had no soap, and we had to ask staff and wait for it to be refilled just so I could wash my hands. The only positive was the person who brought out our food, they were kind and polite. Overall, I wouldn't return or recommend this place.

    Kid's QUESADILLA - CHEESE meal
    Faye T.

    The place was busy and it had an awesome view, but we had a table in the middle of the room so couldn't take advantage of it. The server was nice but she didn't get much help, so we had to wait a long awhile for our food and drinks. Felt really bad for her bc there were 3 young guys standing around at the hostess area talking and hanging out while only 2 servers running around getting orders and food for our bar area. The prices for the happy hour were great, the food looked good, but unfortunately it didn't taste good. The fish tacos were rubbery and the birria tacos were bland. The carne asada fries were soggy and the wings were overly smothered with sauce. My kids didn't like it except for the chips and guacamole. Had to pack most of it up to take home and fix it to make it edible. The margaritas were a good deal tho. It's definitely a good place to go for 2 ppl sitting at the window spot looking out at the waters drinking cheap margaritas! Just don't eat anything, maybe just the chip and guacamole ;) Be warned that they add on a 4% charge for being there! It's on the menu but written very small and the place is so dark you want even see it!!

    Fajitas
    Karen A.

    We had high hopes for El Torito in Monterey, but unfortunately our visit didn't go as planned. We made a reservation 1.5 hours ahead, confirmed it over the phone, and specifically requested a booth by the window (since my wife is pregnant and can't sit at high tops for long). We arrived on time but still had to wait another 15 minutes, and despite the request, we were not given a window booth. The host didn't communicate very well -- perhaps just tired by that time of day -- but it set a rough tone for the evening. From the outside, the restaurant wasn't very welcoming. The building had bird droppings all over the roof, which immediately gave off a neglected vibe. We were drawn in by the online photos showing nice views, but once inside, the atmosphere felt more chaotic and run-down. Guests were yelling and cursing loudly with kids around, which made it uncomfortable to settle in. Food was another disappointment. What we ordered was either too oily or lacked flavor, and we couldn't even finish our meals. It really felt like we failed our dinner that night. The frustrating part is that this place has so much potential -- the location is prime, the building is large with its own parking, and it could easily be elevated into a polished, destination restaurant. Instead, it feels cheap and run down, which is a shame given the setting.

    Watermelon candy shot
    Aditi G.

    4.5 stars An extra star for the watermelon candy shot Salsa is flavorful. Service was extremely slow, so we had to cancel one of the main courses. Vegeterian fajita was good! Our server tried her best in spite of how busy they were. Dedicated parking is super handy.

    Window view

    Walking in the host was nowhere to be found, after she came out (maybe 3 mins) she sat us down and everything went fine. Our server was not attentive at all. I think we seen the food runner more times than we seen our server. While we waiting for a refill on our drink we seen her at the host stand, standing there talking to the host before she came over. 6-7 mins without a refill. Besides that, the food was delicious! Everything was good from beginning to end. The margaritas also very good. The views from the tables by the window are immaculate. Another thing when I made my reservation on OpenTable I put in the notes I was celebrating a birthday. There was no acknowledgment from any staff about it so I just didn't mention it, what's the point of the notes if the staff doesn't care?

    Chicken street tacos, sizzling enchiladas

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    3 days ago

    Needs a new management, he is rude and inconsiderate. Gives people attitude for no reason.

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    3 days ago

    Yay! for Taco Tuesday. Lots of meet selections and home made tortillas. The staff are excellent. We have an ocean view every time.

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    27 days ago

    Pancho was amazing, outstanding service ,very meticulous, friendly and I don't know what else to say. He is amazing.

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    28 days ago

    Food was delicious and Daniels service was wonderful! We stop here every time we are in town. Great margaritas! View isn't bad either!

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    El Torito Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Torito

    How many stairs are there to the upstairs dining area?

    No stairs at the Milpitas El Torito.

    Do they have karaoke?

    they don't.

    Are they open on Christmas Day?

    El Torito is open from 9 AM to 8 PM on Christmas Day. From 9 AM to 2 PM is their breakfast menu which I believe consist of ham and tri-tip. Then from 2 PM till closing is there a regular menu.

    Can you make reaervations?

    yes but they give your table away 50% of the time

    Open at 8am every day - does that include the bar?

    They published an account of their hours on Christmas Day. Open 9 am to 8 pm. Brunch buffet served… Read more

    Are they having the Sunday buffet brunch or what are brunch options? We are a group of at least 7 people and want to go tomorrow.

    They offer All you can eat Sunday brunch fajita station, which includes steak, sent, chicken, and carnitas. It also includes lot Mexican entrees, taco stations, fresh salads, almonds made to order, menudo, pozole, dessert bar and more. Along with… Read more

    Are dogs allowed outside?

    I believed they offered outdoor seating during 2020-2021. But doesn't seem like they offer it now.

    Are they open for dine in?

    Yes they are!! I confirmed with them today! Enjoy!!

    Is there bottomless mimosas brunch on Sundays?

    Yes there is! It's from 9am-2pm!

    Is the remodel finished & open for business?

    Yes its open

    Do they have brunch on saturday?

    Hi Michael, we offer our Champagne Brunch only on Sundays from 9am-2pm. We hope to see you soon.

    Do u have to call ahead for reservations?

    You can. But no need. The restaurant is huge

    View All 15 Questions

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    Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course - Common room seating

    Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course

    3.1(1.3k reviews)
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    Nice, large hotel with a smooth and easy check-in and check-out process. The front desk staff was…read moreincredibly friendly and welcoming, which made a great first impression. We stayed in a balcony king room, and it was clean, spacious, and had plenty of room to spread out. The only thing I couldn't quite figure out were the lights under the bed; they were actually great when getting up for the bathroom at night, but not so great when just rolling over or switching sides. Other than that, no complaints at all. We'd definitely stay here again.

    4/15/26 -I would give this hotel a 0 if I could. We checked in at 4pm, the room was in the "E"…read morebuilding with a bottom floor room facing the pool. First walking in the room, we noticed a weird smell and the bathroom smelled like somebody had just used it . The carpet in the bedroom is old and dirty looking. The bathroom shower and bathroom share one combined floor so when you use the shower, the entire floor gets soaked. I had to use up all the towels to soak up the water on the floor so we didn't slip and fall. When you flush the toilet it sounds like a hurricane. If you plan on using the bathroom during the night, be prepared to wake up everyone. You can also hear the toilet flushing in any room near yours. Also, there's no sink countertop, it's a stand alone sink so there's no place to put your stuff and get ready. You can hear the people in the next room like they are sitting in your room. The door to get into the building did not latch close on its own so anyone could walk into the building. Also when you check in, they charge an additional $20 parking fee, a $35 recreational fee and a refundable $50 fee. This was on top of the $369 cost of the room. I almost forgot I was awakened in the middle of the night to several people in the hallway, saying there was somebody running down our hallway and had just went up the stairs. This was probably because the building doors didn't latch like I mentioned above. For this price, I suggest you shop around and a smaller, cleaner, quieter, and newer hotel. This was a big disappointment for a Hyatt hotel, and not up to their standards.

    Photos
    Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course - Another angle of seating

    Another angle of seating

    Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course - Lobby facing golf

    Lobby facing golf

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    Comfy beds

    Rosine's Restaurant - Fruit is part of a healthy diet! Fresh strawberry, banana nut and lemon blueberry cake.

    Rosine's Restaurant

    4.1(3.2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Everything is very good here. The location, easy parking, the food, the service - we had a very…read morenice time. I got the salmon Florentine eggs Benedict - wow! The salmon fillet was huge, the eggs poached perfectly and the hollandaise sauce was divine. Only compliant is I couldn't finish it as it was so much food. Good problem, really. Hubby got the calamari steak sandwich. This is a beautiful 'piece of meat' breaded and fried - absolutely delicious. Having a breaded steak between two pieces of bread was redundant - so we sliced the steak into ribbons and simply ate as an appetizer, dipping the slices in the best tartar sauce I have ever had. We cannot wait to come back - but will only order one entree because they are so big (not complaining).

    We had a taste for Clam Chowder after walking down to the Cannery and Aquarium but wanted to try…read moresome near where we were staying and already tried some on the Fishermans wharf on our previous visit here in Monterey. Looked on Yelp and Rosine's came up. Easy walk from where we were and excited to try it after reading reviews by others. Well what wasn't mentioned in the reviews or on their menu is that Clam Chowder is only served on Fridays . We found this out after we were seated and served something to drink, now we are disappointed but didn't want leave because couldn't find anywhere else close by that served Clam Chowder other than places on Fishermans Wharf. So we tried the calamari steak sandwich but ordered it on grilled sourdough rather than the French roll It is normally served on. Came with sweet potato fries as an option. Sandwich was good but sweet potato fries were kind of rubbery. The salad was good with plenty of chicken in it and very tasty honey mustard dressing. Menu had a lot of options including some delicious looking humongous layer cakes for Il dolce. Our serve was friendly and accommodating on the bread change for the sandwich, prices were reasonable and it looked like they offer a full bar menu. Bright and simple dining room part of the old architecture of downtown Monterey, with outside dining as well. We enjoyed our meal but really wanted the Clam Chowder, I really thought that being a coastal fishing town that Clam Chowder would be a daily dish everywhere and not just on the wharf. Oh well.... Rosines we will have to return to try your Clam Chowder, maybe next time on a Friday. Bon Appetitto

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    Rosine's Restaurant - Our freshly made award-winning desserts!

    Our freshly made award-winning desserts!

    Rosine's Restaurant - Crab Avocado Benedict

    Crab Avocado Benedict

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    The Butter House - Cali style omelette topped with fresh pico de Gallo and add sour cream. With fruit and one piece of French toast.

    The Butter House

    4.5(2.4k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    This place is packed but they're great with customer service, finding seating, and serving quality…read morefood! When we walked in, we were asked to join the waitlist. we waited MAYBE 5 minutes if that and seated at a booth. Our server was attentive, and brought us our drinks shortly after we ordered them. something I liked was how efficient the service was despite how busy they were that morning. I ordered the spam an eggs, potato cakes, and sourdough toast and jelly with a cup of hot tea. everything was amazing! I totally recommend this place if you're visiting the Monterey area or even if you're a local!

    It's a bit tough to describe this place. Overall, I'd consider the experience positive with some…read moreimportant things to note. This place does breakfast, and the American side of the menu which I got to taste, was executed well. I'd go back for that. For those curious about the Filipino aspect, I wouldn't have high expectations. Their lumpia wasn't super special. Compared to the thousands of lumpia I've had in the US and across the world, they were just OK. For the price they were charging per piece, I wasn't the biggest fan. They didnt blow me away in flavor. They were also a bit burnt/ over fried for my liking. I also ordered the pork belly fried rice. Definitely Filipino inspired, with the adobo inspired sauce. Both the pork itself and the sauce were sweeter than I expected. The fried rice as well was disappointing. It was neither Filipino style for breakfast (sinangag) or a typical Chinese fried rice. It was an Americanized heavy-on-the-butter style. When it comes to viewing with a Filipino lens, it was a bit boring. I dont mind twists on Filipino food. There's plenty of it and plenty I've enjoyed, including on my numerous trips to the motherland. Unfortunately, the ones here were a bit underwhelming. I'd go back here for the amazing staff and limiting myself to the American traditional breakfast. For those hoping for a Filipino breakfast that shares more authentic flavors, I'd keep very low expectations.

    Photos
    The Butter House - Croissant Breakfast Sandwich with sausage patties, fried egg, cheddar cheese and house made aioli.

    Croissant Breakfast Sandwich with sausage patties, fried egg, cheddar cheese and house made aioli.

    The Butter House - TBH Benedict

    TBH Benedict

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    El Torito - mexican - Updated May 2026

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