Order El Torito Takeout or Delivery
El Torito Photos
El Torito Popular Dishes
EL TORITO ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like El Torito
Recommended Reviews - El Torito
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Extremely Disappointing Experience I honestly don't like leaving negative reviews. I always try to look for the positive in every restaurant I visit, even when there are things that could be improved. But if I could give zero stars for this experience, I would. My family and I went to Toritos Monterrey to celebrate a special occasion because we had been there in the past and remembered it as a good restaurant. Unfortunately, I don't know what happened, but this experience was completely different. From the outside, the restaurant looked poorly maintained. The roof was covered in bird droppings. I understand that being near the ocean comes with certain challenges, but there are still ways to maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene. Once we walked in, there were flies everywhere. The floors were sticky, the tables were sticky, and the bathrooms had an unpleasant odor that was worse than what I would expect from a gas station restroom. We are talking about a restaurant. Even the menus were dirty, with dried-up food and sauce on them. The food itself was mediocre and lacked flavor. On top of everything, there was an unpleasant smell throughout the restaurant. The only reason we stayed was because we were there to celebrate as a family. I tried my best to overlook everything and not let it ruin the occasion. But honestly, this was one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. I won't even go into much detail about the service because that was another major disappointment. I really hope management takes these issues seriously because this restaurant clearly needs attention when it comes to cleanliness, maintenance, food quality, and customer service. Unfortunately, I don't think I will ever return to this location. I can only hope that the Toritos locations in the Bay Area have not gone through the same decline. I'm still willing to give another location a chance, but after this experience, Toritos Monterrey was a complete disappointment.
If you go to cannery Road in Monterey and you want something familiar to eat visit this El Torito location. Ask for a seat on the water. You can see sailboats and watch seals splash around in the water . The restaurant itself is spacious and towards the back you have big windows where you can see the water and you can see Santa Cruz. The food is familiar and delicious. We had the enchiladas and for dessert we had the flan. The Flan was very creamy and sweet. And just for kicks, you get two hours free parking with validation. You're welcome. :)
Food was delicious service was just so-so. Slow service, no refills. A little disappointed, considering the cost of the meal. The ambiance of eating while watching sea otters was pretty cool for my 11 & 16 year old nieces visiting from Montana. But when the 11 yr old says something about the lack of attentiveness of the waitstaff - yikes!!
The view of the ocean is beautiful if you get the window seat. There is nothing else you would visit this place for. Mexican food was good as usual. Nothing extraordinary. Avocado toast was the best dish amongst the ones we ordered. Service was very slow, our order took more than 30minutes to arrive, when only 4-5 tables were occupied. The server could not answer basic questions about the menu - saying he was new there and did not bother to find the answers. Would consider coming back if service was improved.
Came here for happy hour, 3PM. We were disappointed with the service we received. We asked for a specific dessert and our waitress said she wasn't sure if they had any but never came back to inform us, nor provided a suggested alternative. We also also asked for a chip refill and she never provided it. Unfortunately, She wasn't very nice either. She stated to a customer that her coworker called in, so I'm sure she was in a bad mood and overwhelmed, but that's not an excuse. Our drinks were good. Thank you bartender!
The hostess was very friendly! There was a bad smell (wet mop?) when entering. They have a happy hour, but it's only at the bar, which no one wants to sit at. The server asked if we were ready to order before he even brought out our water or drink. I hate feeling rushed! The chips tasted as if they have been in old oil. The Spicy margarita was slightly weak. Although they gave a large private free parking lot & great views, I was not overly impressed. The bacon-wrapped shrimp was decent. The Birria tacos were good, but definitely small and could use some more cheese. The Spanish rice was good. They have the potential to do so much better especially with this space! Add a roofftop& better drinks!
Came for happy hour. First and foremost, the location is breathtaking. The restaurant itself is spacious and the views and unbeatable. Giving panoramic views of the Monterey bay, it really is worth the visit just for the view alone. We saw sea otters swimming by while we ate- so cute! The food is also amazing, i got steak tacos and they were juicy, tender and flavorful- YUM! Full transparency, we did not have good service. It seemed the staff was honestly bothered by us inquiring about happy hour prices and afterwards really did not make an effort to check in on us at all after we ordered our food. We never received refills on our waters and when we asked for the check it was flippantly handed to us ... i never like to call out bad service was its the only thing that brought this 5 star experience down to a 3 star experience.
I've been to El Torito a couple of times, and since I love Mexican food, it's become one of my favorite spots in Monterey. One of the things I enjoy the most is the location, the view of the beach is beautiful and makes the whole experience even better. My go-to dish is always the Trio Fajitas, which come with steak, chicken, and shrimp. They arrive sizzling at the table and are packed with flavor. The portion is also very generous, we ordered them for two people and still couldn't finish everything. Honestly, they could easily be shared by three people. For this visit, we also ordered guacamole and swapped the traditional beans and rice for mixed veggies. The service has always been good, although this place gets pretty busy. This time we waited about 15-20 minutes for a table, but honestly, it was worth it. Great food, beautiful ocean views, and a fun atmosphere. If you're in Monterey and craving Mexican food, enjoying some sizzling fajitas while overlooking the beach is a pretty great way to spend the afternoon.
Went here on a Saturday for lunch. We were seated at one of their large window tables with an ocean view. They have colorful art around the place with an old-time charm to it. The service at the restaurant is not up to the mark. Our server was not helpful and got a lot of our orders wrong. We ordered the Bloody Maria with 3 toppings, but only got one of them. It was also missing the olives and celery, which are not add ons and part of the original drink. Because we had difficulty placing the order in the first place, we did not send this back because we weren't sure they'd be able to fix it. The small plates at the table were not clean; they had some sticky spots on them. We got the chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and avocado toast. The food was average-tasting. The prices are below average for that area. I would not recommend this place considering there are much better options available very close to it.
Had a reservation, asked to be seated by the window if possible but was not. That's okay..But we were seated up on the second floor part and didn't receive very good service (from our waiter, Leonardo)...There wasn't silverware or napkins on the table when we were seated and it took awhile after our water and chips and salsa were delivered to get any The friendly guy running food out and a really sweet lady (bartender or bar back) that brought us another margarita flight-on her- that made the experience a little better. Our waiter was sitting down at a table where I guess employees were, on his phone and chatting. The food: salsa is delicious, chips okay, shared the queso, it was just okay (not hot enough), and the seafood trio. The enchilada was good, the chile rellenos had too much dough, and the taco was dry and tough. It was also strange that I noticed a camera above every table?? Always wanted to come here, checked it off the list and it's a one and done for us.
Came to El Torito for breakfast. Brought my wife and daughter. Service was very very slow and the restaurant wasn't even full. Took 35 min to get our food. My steak was warm and very tough to cut. My country potatoes had 10 potatoes and tons of veggies. Daughters food was also cold. Eggs were to well done. Although the strawberry cilantro soda was very good will recommend that. Will probably not be back again. But the view was great.
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!
Great margarita. Get the plain signature one, the flavors are too much. Didn't like blackberry at all. The mango was decent. The plain signature one was the best. The jalapeño poppers were okay. The cheese quesadilla was decent. The biggest negative was that their rice and beans are not vegetarian. This is an easy fix and I hope they become more inclusive in future. Because of this issue couldn't try any main course out here. Pity, since this place has beautiful views. This is the only place I have seen that serves green salsa that is boiling hot!!
9 months ago
I felt like i came at a bad time. I food was mediocre. After what took 15 minutes I ordered the queso dip and it has no flavor. The mini tacos were suppose to be steak and chicken more like beans and ground beef. The waiter was trying to be nice but the service lacked. I complained but it did me no good. Just don't go alone on a Friday night read more
5 months ago
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. read more
2 months ago
4 months ago
2 months ago
8 months ago
Lots of options everything was delicious. Besides the food the best part is the ocean view. Comes with unlimited mimosas, our server just kept on refilling our glass. Good service. read more
1 year ago
I'm not sure why all the negative reviews but I had a good dinner here with my family. Reservation was easily done same day on their website. We showed up and were seated promptly. I made a note requesting a table by the window but was prepared to not get one since it was a Saturday night and lots of people were out. We were in luck with and got a great booth by the window and got to watch seals swimming throughout dinner. The staff were very kind in grabbing a high chair for my baby and we got drinks quickly. My husband enjoyed his margarita. For entrees I got the chicken fajitas and my husband got a burrito. The chicken was cooked a little on the dry side but the marinade was tasty. I like the corn tortillas they use and the beans and rice were flavorful. The portion size was generous and I ended up taking leftovers home. This place is very kids friendly as there were lots of tables with small children. I didn't see a kids menu though. They have their own parking lot here and lots of indoor seating for groups. I would consider the food here more tex mex. Tasty, but not authentic Mexican. It was a really convenient dinner spot as we were staying on cannery row. Service was great, thank you! read more
6 months ago
2 months ago
We picked this spot for dinner for the gorgeous views around sunset. Unfortunately, we didn't get to experience it as we had hoped. We were seated at a table in the center on the dining room but hoped we could get a window booth. Shortly after we were seated, a booth opened up so we asked our waiter if we could move there. He told us it's up to the hosts and you specifically need to request it. (We weren't asked when we checked in). I asked the hostesses and they said the same thing, but that they would move us if a booth opened up that wasn't reserved. (It didn't happen). Besides that, we did have great food and drinks. I ordered the vampiro tacos and they were delicious, and not too spicy! My boyfriend and I both ordered margarita flights and it's a great deal to try their flavors, and they're strong! We had a mud pie and flan for dessert and both were amazing. Also, the parking is $20 and not validated. We moved our car from a garage into their lot to be closer after dark and had to pay again, oops! read more
4 months ago
The best service. Thank you Carlos for the birthday wishes. Drinks and apps were so filling. read more
2 months ago
2 years ago
6 months ago
6 months ago
1 year ago
Service: As soon as we arrived the host sat us immediately, we had a reservation and requested a view of the water which they fulfilled. Our server Chris was very kind and attentive. He answered all our questions and was thoughtful with each answer. Food: Immediately after we sat we were brought chips and salsa along with our drinks, all very good. For our main courses we got a chicken burrito with no cheese and chicken quesadilla. Both were delicious along with the rice and beans. Ambiance: An amazing view! The reason we decided to visit was because of the location and it does not disappoint. We enjoyed the views the music and the vibes. Overall: A great restaurant to visit, the view is amazing, service is great and the food is worth the price! read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
When we checked in, the hostess was not the friendliest. Very short and it seemed like we were bothering her. We were able to be seated at a table with a view of the beach. The window seal had missing paint and was dusty. As the night went on, the restaurant became hot and the windows fogged up. There was no air flow. We also had a light above us that kept flickering. The drinks were okay. Not the best we've had. They were mostly ice. The food was not good. Lacked seasoning and flavor. We had to go to the waiter booth to ask for utensils. When we did receive some, they were obviously not clean as a fork still had rice stuck on it. This place has been a one and done. Would not recommend. I would go somewhere else. read more
2 months ago
If you're coming for happy hour, you need to know prices only apply if you order the hh menu items while sitting at the bar and it's mon- fri 3pm-9pm. And yes, you can see the ocean from the bar seats. We ordered the salmon tacos, chicken sopes, steak tacos and several margaritas. The prices are so gentle on the wallet we came twice in 3 nights. One day we parked in the parking lot and they validated it inside after paying for our bill. We also took the bus down there one night and took a Lyft back. Either is quick and convenient, but after a few margaritas the 1st time I knew better than to need to drive the 2nd time They have spicier salsa if what the chips come with isn't hot enough. read more
6 months ago
6 months ago
6 months ago
5 months ago
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? read more
2 months ago
5 months ago
Came here on a whim and the food was delicious! Wait staff was kind and attentive. We would definitely come back! read more
3 months ago
11 months ago
6 months ago
5 months ago
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!! read more
7 months ago
8 months ago
This place deserves a way higher rating because it has the best happy hour in Monterey and probably the most affordable sit-down ocean-front view you can find in the area. I usually get the carne asada fries or the tacos. My best tip is to get the margarita flight- especially during happy hour!!! You get 3 drinks and they're all soo good. I think it's like $10 or something during happy hour. You could definitely just get that + appetizers and share it, their portions are big. If you sign up for the Xperience rewards you can get super good rewards too, like a free entree for your bday month. When I came in for my birthday reward, they also brought out complimentary flan, and I don't always like flan but this one was super good. read more
7 months ago
25 days ago
7 months ago
We absolutely loved the brunch, the service, the atmosphere. We enjoyed all of the food. It was really delicious I want to give it a 5 star. But despite eating the fantastic Sunday buffet, we got diarrhea for two days. The pain in our bellies started within a few hours of leaving. It ruined our whole trip to Monterey. We tried calling the restaurant and left two messages with the manager that we were sick, and they never returned our call. That was disappointing to us. We really like it but probably won't risk coming back. I think it's very poor customer service to not return my 2 messages about getting sick. And not even bothering to respond back on yelp. Appears the manager only responds when you leave good feedback. No one apparently cares that we were ill for two days and trip was ruined by being in the bathroom the whole time. read more
We had lunch today at El Torito. The staff was friendly and offered free chips and salsa when were were seated. We ordered the chicken quesadilla, the rolled taco special, and the carnitas street tacos. All three were very good quality and ample portions. Good prices for such a location. Our server, Isabel, was particularly friendly, had recommendations, and served our food flawlessly. The views were stunning. 10 million dollar views. If you don't come for the food, come for the view. I will come back for both:-) thanks, El Torito! read more
More info about El Torito
600 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Directions
(831) 373-0611
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.eltorito.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
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.
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.
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…
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…
Are dogs allowed outside?
I believed they offered outdoor seating during 2020-2021. But doesn't seem like they offer it now.
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
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
337 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
3 years ago
16 days ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
16 years ago
2 years ago
11 years ago
7 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
8 years ago
1 year ago
9 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
9 years ago
7 years ago
13 years ago
