Christmas Brunch at El Torito San Leandro Rating: I visited El Torito in San Leandro yesterday for their Christmas Day Brunch. It was a flavorful and festive experience, made even better by the restaurant's beautiful setting, though there are a few areas that could use some attention. Atmosphere & Arrival The location at the Marina is absolutely stunning. I was thrilled that the hostesses were so welcoming and accommodated my request for a table next to the water. Having those great views of the marina really elevated the holiday vibe. Best of all, despite it being Christmas, there was no wait at all to be seated. The Food: Hits & Misses The buffet offered a wide variety of flavors, ranging from traditional Mexican dishes to holiday classics: The Star of the Show: The build-your-own omelet station was out of this world! It was prepared perfectly and was easily the best thing I ate. Authentic Flavors: The Menudo was savory and delicious, and the carrot cake was a great way to wrap up the meal. Room for Improvement: The tri-tip was a little dry, which was a bit of a letdown. I was also disappointed to find no holiday tamales available, and despite checking multiple times, the enchiladas (both kinds) were always out. Service & Facilities The service was the highlight of the day. My server was fantastic--always on top of things and very attentive. However, the physical space needs some love. The restaurant feels dated and is in need of modernization; specifically, the booths and seating are in clear need of repair. Final Verdict: You can't beat the friendly service and the gorgeous marina views, but a bit of furniture repair and more consistent buffet restocking would easily make this a 5-star experience. read more

The food was good--especially the wings--and the salads were definitely the highlight of the meal. Manager Luis provided excellent support and genuinely tried to correct the issues we experienced. Overall, my sisters had a wonderful time. While the service as a whole was disappointing, there was one young lady who truly stood out. She was incredibly sweet, clearly very young, and although she didn't speak much English, she made every effort to help and ensured our experience felt welcoming. The ambience was okay, but in a restaurant like this, the atmosphere really comes from the company you're with. With the right group of friends, you can always create a great vibe. read more

El Torito - My leftover I took home CHIPS AND SALSA and CRISPY FLAUTAS was ok could have been more crispy wings was good BEEF BIRRIA TACOS - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

I've been here many time but today, Sylvia was the absolute best! She was so attentive & so amazing! She was so sweet & nice. I am going to request her every other time! She's absolutely GREAT!! read more

Love this place and have been coming here for years. The views are great and the food and drinks are even better! Efrain is the best! read more

El Torito - The macho combo - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

I visited El Torito on a Sunday. The website did not list brunch buffet so I was surprised when we got there and saw all the food. No complaint but I look over menus before I go to the restaurant to get an idea of what I want. I did not see Sunday brunch when i went to the website. Nevertheless I was pleased. They had a lot, lot, lot of food. a variety of food. My only observation was that some of the food was too spicy. I look forward to going back, now that I know what to expect. read more

I recently had a birthday dinner in the private room for my mom's 70th birthday. It was a party of 33 people. The planning process was easy and clear, Alondra was very responsive to my questions and changes. I chose to have buffet style dinner and the food was really good, approved by all my picky family members. My servers were Efrain and Jessica and they were AMAZING! They set up the tables, our table clothes, arranged to sing to my mother, served the cake to my guests and were EXTREMELY attentive... regularly checking in with me to make sure everything was ok. My family and I are extremely happy with the overall service and outcome of the event! Thank you! read more

El Torito - The set up room with my decor. - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

I absolutely love margaritas so I love happy hour for The flights that they have cause I could never decide which flavor that I like different days I crave different flavors. I like Mexican food some say it may not be authentic, but to me it's good and I always get the extra Corn whatever they call it but they always have good selections and I am always satisfied with the flavors. read more

We went to lunch on a Friday afternoon! The food was so delicious it was the lunch special a chicken a crema enchilada and a crunch beef taco. It was very reasonable and very tasty. We accompanied it with mangonada margaritas and a delicious queso and chorizo dip with flour tortillas. We finished our meal with an exquisite flan for dessert! The service was excellent and the ambiance was festive. We were given a table with the beautiful view of the bay! The restaurant was very clean and inviting. The dishes were beautifully plated and the staff was friendly and attentive to our needs! Highly recommend El Torito in San Leandro on the Marina ! read more

Efrain. provided excellent service; he was professional, attentive, and consistently anticipatory . The food was delicious with exquisite flavor. Everything was exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thank you, Torito. We had a wonderful time. Edgar... read more

The food has always been excellent here and we go back every time. The drinks are well prepared as is the food. One of our favorites is the table side guacamole and it's always fun to watch them make it to your spiciness preference. The location is also a very good location by the water which adds to the charm of the place. Our server Efrain is very personable and very attentive to us. The drinks was taking a little longer because they were busy but he made sure to come by our table to let us know it's on the way and checks in on us if we needed anything else. We had a pleasant experience. read more

El Torito - Mangonada - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

I went here for my friends' birthday party. We had seating near the windows where there was a beautiful view of the marina. Stunning during sunset. I ordered a three item combo of an enchilada, crispy taco and chile relleno. The food was delicious. The service was very quick and efficient. We were given three complimentary plates of flan and the wait staff sang happy birthday to my friends! read more

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Had a great experience. Quick link up to plan our kids party and our server didn't miss a beat. Thank you Efrain. Also the guacamole was so delicious! read more

If you're looking for fantastic food and world-class hospitality in the East Bay, the El Torito off Marina in San Leandro is the place to be. We've been coming here repeatedly, and every single experience reinforces why this is our go-to restaurant. A huge shoutout and thank you to the managers, Carlos Carrasco and Jocelyn, and our waiter, Jessica. Carlos and Jocelyn always go out of their way to deliver incredible customer service. They make organizing group events seamless, welcoming, and completely stress-free. Jessica is equally fantastic--attentive, sharp, and always ensuring everyone at the table has everything they need. We are so excited to host our big celebration here tomorrow (Sunday, Aug 2nd) with a party of 35+ people, plus our mariachi band. We've brought our mariachi to perform here multiple times before, and the entire staff always welcomes us with open arms and creates such a fun, celebratory vibe for everyone in the room. The food is consistently delicious, the drinks are great, and the hospitality from the entire staff is unbeatable. Thank you to Carlos, Jocelyn, Jessica, and the rest of the team for always treating us so well! Highly recommend! ¡El lugar perfecto para grandes celebraciones y un servicio fenomenal! Si estás buscando comida fantástica y una hospitalidad de primer nivel en el East Bay, El Torito en Marina, San Leandro, es el lugar ideal. Hemos estado viniendo aquí repetidamente y cada experiencia refuerza por qué es nuestro restaurante favorito. Un enorme saludo y agradecimiento a los gerentes, Carlos Carrasco y Jocelyn, y a nuestra mesera, Jessica. Carlos y Jocelyn siempre hacen todo lo posible para brindar un servicio al cliente increíble. Hacen que la organización de eventos grupales sea fluida, acogedora y completamente libre de estrés. Jessica es igualmente fantástica: atenta, eficiente y siempre asegurándose de que todos en la mesa tengan todo lo que necesitan. Estamos muy emocionados de celebrar nuestro gran evento aquí mañana (domingo 2 de agosto) con un grupo de más de 35 personas, además de nuestro grupo de mariachi. Hemos traído a nuestro mariachi a tocar aquí varias veces antes, y todo el personal siempre nos recibe con los brazos abiertos y crea un ambiente festivo y muy alegre para todos los presentes. La comida siempre es deliciosa, las bebidas son excelentes y la hospitalidad de todo el personal es insuperable. ¡Gracias a Carlos, Jocelyn, Jessica y al resto del equipo por tratarnos siempre tan bien! ¡Muy recomendado! read more

The food is good, great service, and the pancakes and bottomless mimosas will always keep me coming back! read more

El Torito - Bottomless Mimosas and Pancakes my 2 favorites - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Perfect place for a summer sundown supper. Our waiter MANUEL serviced in a friendly warm manner. He gave us recommendations, specials, listen how we wanted our order and even tempted us with dessert. Come during the weekdays during sunset for breath taking marina bay views. See you soon again El Torito, thank you! read more

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Happy hour is not happy. Service took a while. They keep ordering she got the order wrong didn't say anything. Didn't realize I was gonna be OVER charged for the worst chicken tacos I've ever had in my life in the jalapeño poppers are garbage. Overpriced on the beer then expecting a tip will never come back here again 40 bucks for garbage. The restaurant is old read more

We have an amazing experience at el torito. Efrain is an amazing server! Luis Carlos was around asking if everything was going well! Food excellent! I really recommend this place. read more

Third Strike, not coming back. First experience here was decent. Great happy hour specials, food was good, no complaints. Second time was horrible, waited over 40 minutes for happy hour food when the whole bar area was empty. After complaining, the server explained it was because there was a big party in the party room. Okay whatever, still unacceptable. Third visit all bad! Again sat in bar area. My parter receives his watermelon marg, and I had to wait 20 minutes for my strawberry marg with having to ask a different waitress. Then we had to wait over 30 minutes after ordering for our happy hour food! Restaurant wasn't even busy. On top of that my partner only received one taco! The happy hour tacos have always included 3! After asking the waitress she said the menu changed, it still says tacoS plural. Anyway if you come for happy hour and sit in the cantina expect long wait times for mid food. read more

Clean Quick service Nice friendly Good amount of food Fair price Drinks were flowing Had like 5 bottles Had a good brunch with friends with a good view of the water read more

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I had an amazing time at this restaurant. I had a taco and enchilada and refried beans. And so much other stuff. The service is amazing from walking in to sitting at the table, all the way to leaving. Let's talk about the ambiance, the open windows with the view of the water and airport!!! The beautiful California sunshine coming through for perfect pictures!!! Ask for Giselle for the perfect drinks!!! She will definitely hook you up on great recommendations! read more

EFRAIN G,is very helpful and kind. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Reasonable prices, and helpful service.

Food is good Drinks are flavorful Nice service Decent Ambiance Waterfront location read more

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Every time we go in there, we have a problem New Year's Eve. They brought the food out. My wife's food was cold. By the time they got her food back to her. I ate real slow and I was done so she refused it, which took him about 20 minutes or more so we thought we'd try it again and that I think they just don't have enough weight staff because they can never get things done he asked for a drink. It takes forever. He has to refill on chips takes forever never did get it last night. The food came in the food was good. That's the only reason I go back there. read more

This is my absolute favorite place to BRUNCH! The servers are always friendly and attentive. The food is amazing and my mimosa glass is never empty. I come here for the weekly happy hour and for Sunday brunch. The Sunday brunch is my fav. It offers bottomless mimosas, ready-made taco bar and omelet bar. They even have a selection for children and they offer desert. I'm a ceviche lover and have yet to find a restaurant that offers it. I don't have to look much further!! I love the ceviche, the AguaChile and the boiled shrimp. read more

Delicious food, stunning views, and amazing customer service! Efrain was so sweet and attentive. Our drinks and chips were never empty and made sure all our needs were met. Will be coming back! read more

El Torito - The view from the corner booth. - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

Xmas day brunch buffet was a real treat! Service is great, with refills of mimosas and clearing of plates. The omelette station (you can opt for an egg white omelette if you want), a slice or two of tri tip or ham, taco fixings with fresh made tortillas, and so much more. A quick mashup of kids Mac and cheese plus carnitas from the tacos on top! Don't sleep on the Mexican hot chocolate, located near the front door. Overall, a great holiday experience. read more

Very easy-going and welcoming, relax atmosphere with obvious good food and good drinks and usually a good crowd. You can bring your family or you can go on your own. read more

I haven't been here in at least 15 years. I saw an advertisement for Father's day brunch so I made reservations. I am glad I did because when we arrived there were tons of people and there was a 2 hour wait if you didn't have one. We were seated about 10 minutes after we arrived. Lots of food what I tried was delicious. Every thing was hot and well seasoned. There was even a carving station with tri tip, ham and a lady preparing fresh tortillas and tacos. Lots of deserts and even a chocolate fountain. Everything looked very clean and fresh. Great customer service. The server came around many times to make sure that our mimosa glasses were not empty and we had everything we needed. The meal came with a $10. 00 gift card but even without that I will definitely come back again. read more

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We were bouncing around the San Leandro area and my partner remembered a place by the water so we went there. It wasn't El Torito but when leaving the other place we saw El Torito. Didn't go that night but have been there a few time since. On Friday and Saturday it's open till 11 where the other place closes at 9pm. This is part of a huge restaurant group. On Sunday they have an all you can eat brunch. The menu is quite extensive with a totally adequate beer list and tequila selection. We have only sat in the bar area at the tables and the actual bar and the service was good. Late night it appears mostly locals known to the staff. It's on the water which I like. Then there is us, who nobody knows. read more

Food is a LOW, Drinks are a MID, Service is a LOW here's why, (Everything ordered from happy hour menu) So we arrived AFTER 3pm for happy hour, Ordered 1 round of drinks, only one of us got a drink and the other waited about 20 minutes, had to ask another server for it. Food took over 30 minutes, there was about 4 tables in the building so it was pretty slow, partner ordered birria tacos which were awfully made and I ordered the Street tacos (plural) and was literally only provided with one. got a second round of drinks that came out well, then we get to the payment. Upon receiving receipt 2 items where not charged at happy hour price and when I mention it the server said it's because I arrived at 2:59pm supposedly BUT THE OTHER items were discounted at happy hour price which wouldn't make sense since "We arrived at 2:59pm" So unless you wanna hear excuses why your food isn't made and charged correctly, Wait 30-40 minutes on a slow day, I highly suggest don't come here because this was our 3rd time here and it was terrible all 3 times in a row! read more

Went for birthday and had poor service The lady never asked us if we wanted more drinks or refills The place only had 5 tables running with 3-4 waiters read more

Omg. I couldn't believe the Sunday brunch. It's worth the $40 plus you get unlimited mimosas. The selection was impressive. read more

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Efrain was great server!!!, food good mariachis nice view awesome, BUT Surcharge really, COVID IS OVER, outside of restaurant could use a good power wash, put those surcharges to work.. read more

Lamentablemente mi experiencia no fue buena. El servicio fue deficiente. El guacamole estaba congelado y amarillo, dando la impresión de no estar fresco. La comida no tenía sabor y las micheladas no tenían picante ni sabor. No regresaría ni lo recomiendo. Unfortunately, my experience was not good. The service was poor. The guacamole was frozen and yellow, giving the impression that it was not fresh. The food lacked flavor, and the micheladas had no spice or taste. I would not return and do not recommend this place. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

Today August 28 around 8, we arrived at El Torito. The food was great, but the service from Jessica was absolutely perfect! I've never seen someone do their job so well. Her hospitality was amazing, and she was so sweet and attentive. She truly made our experience even better. Thank you, Jessica! read more

Outstanding service and food and drinks I want to thank Lupita or server and Santiago the manager everything was great we definitely coming back we had such a great time read more

By far our favorite night out Mexican spot! We love the everyday happy hour, and typically go for that. Amazing drinks, amazing food, and if you get Jessica has your server, beyond amazing service! (They are all great, but we got her the last two times, so had to mention her!) They can get a little busy, but with those fresh tortilla chips and delicious salsa, you won't even notice the delay! Also great location, sunsets here are wonderful. Oh, and you have to dry their Sunday brunch buffet...so good!! read more

Our waiter, Efrain, was very nice. The food was massive and can definitely be shared. Highly recommend the Flan if you have a sweet tooth. Perfect view of the water read more

El Torito - CHICKEN AND SOUR CREAM ENCHILADAS - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

What was supposed to be a special graduation meal turned into a mix of highs and lows. On the positive side, the restaurant has a beautiful, scenic location by the San Leandro marina--ideal for a romantic meal. The staff is friendly, and accessibility features like a wheelchair lift and accessible restrooms are appreciated. The appetizers were delicious and generous, but unfortunately, the entrées were a disaster. My grilled chicken enchilada was bland, and the accompanying bean soup was one of the worst things I've ever tasted--disgusting to the point of being inedible. Both my wife and sister ordered the Birria beef tacos, but they were greasy and unappetizing. Even I couldn't finish a bite, though adding sauce at home improved the flavor. Other guests had mixed experiences: one enjoyed their sour cream enchilada platter, another liked the shrimp fajita salad, and our final guest loved his enchilada but agreed on the foul taste of the soup. The drink options were limited, but I have to give credit to the Mangonada, which was easily the best part of the meal. The service was excellent, with our waitress going above and beyond, and we even got complimentary ice cream. However, the long wait times--about 30 minutes for appetizers and another 30 for entrées--were hard to ignore. This was due to understaffing, with just one waitress and one busboy managing over 10 tables. The restaurant's long delays and hit-or-miss food, along with limited menu options and high prices, make it hard to recommend despite the beautiful setting and great service. It's clear the restaurant has had better days but is struggling, likely due to a combination of issues. While I appreciate the staff and setting, the overall experience didn't justify the cost. I'm giving them a 3/5, mainly out of respect for the staff and the situation they're in. PS: There's a beehive outside the restaurant in the middle of a tree, do your best not to get stung! read more

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Service was very bad today during Happy Hour. It was Monday and not too packed at 4pm. We sat down with menus, got our first round of drinks and appetizers, then we weren't attended to for about 30 minutes. We flagged down the waitress and asked if we can order entrees, and she said she thought we were only ordering drinks and appetizers from happy hour, not anything other food, which was strange because we never said or insinuated that. We ordered our entrees, 2nd round of drinks and then that took another 25 minutes to get to us. Food and drinks were actually delicious. We ate, I tipped $8.75 and the waitress left with the card reader without even saying bye or thanks... this was the first ever bad experience at El torito and I've been coming here with my family for over a decade. Not gonna come back for a long time read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California