It has been a few years since the last time I came to this small restaurant. I was in the La Mesa neighborhood to run some errands so I stopped by Momentos on a Sunday morning for breakfast. I ordered the Chilaquiles half green and half red salsa with scrambled eggs and Cafe de la olla to drink. The chilaquiles were even better than I remembered. The spice level was kicked up a notch. If you don't like spice, I would caution you. If you need to open up your sinuses, get this. The tortillas are nice and crispy. The eggs were cooked perfectly. I stayed to eat at the restaurant. It is very quaint and tiny. It seats approximately 40 (six tables of four, two tables of two and a long bar of approx ten). I came at the perfect time. About seven minutes after I arrived, so many people showed up and no seats were available. You know it is good when all customers are Mexicans. I would totally recommend this place if you are in the Grossmont or La Mesa area. read more

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Great food!!! My torta was so good!! I got the momentos torta. It comes with pickle jalapeno which compliment the torta. I've tried the taco and tortilla soup before. They were sooooo good! Also the horchata is so yummy. I saw that they have posole so that's on my next list. One of the best Mexican food in La Mesa. They make the food so nice and fresh! The service is also awesome!! The place has plenty of seating inside and outside. I sat outside since I have my doggo. Definitely my go to when I go to Grossmont center!! read more

Momentos Cafe - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I ordered chilaquiles half green half red with over easy eggs. Garnished as it should with pickled red onions and crema mexicana and queso cotija... Very good quality but not inexpensive at $22.00 That said everything these days is very expensive in April of 2026. Please support local businesses. read more

I'm a really bad food reviewer when it comes to pictures... as you can see. I hope that the picture does show you how amazing the food was though. I got the Chilaquiles Platter Half Green, Half Red. I'm super picky when it comes to Chilaquiles because nothing can beat my Grandmothers cooking but I decided to give it a try. The taste, the texture and the fresh ingredients were so good. We literally came back the next day to order it again and it tasted the exact same. My wife and I have made this our new breakfast spot when we want some good food. read more

Momentos Cafe - Chilaquiles Platter - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

When I used to live in La Mesa, this spot at the mall was my go-to! I absolutely loved their Birria plate and chips & guac. During my pregnancy in 2022, I constantly craved their chips & guac specifically--it was that good! Now that we live in Riverside County, I'm so glad we had the chance to enjoy their food again. Their tortilla chips are amazing--you can tell they're made fresh from scratch. What sets them apart is the mix of cilantro, onions, and even cucumbers! The freshness and crunch add such a refreshing flavor. Their menu has a great variety, from breakfast options like pancakes to hearty burgers. There's something for everyone! The staff here are always so friendly, and the decorations for the holidays make the place even more special. Definitely give this spot a try! read more

Momentos Cafe - Carne Asada Fries - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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My partner and I love this restaurant! All of their food is super fresh and the staff are always friendly. Each time I've visited, the ambiance has been very casual. They're usually playing a game on the TV too. I've visited twice in the last two weeks and I loved my food both times. The Milanesa Torta: OMG. This dish is very nostalgic to me because my Dad used to make milanesa all the time when I was growing up. The steak is breaded and fried but not dry, and they add fresh tomatoes, onion, avocado, and lettuce. They never use prepackaged guacamole here either!! The fish taco- it is crispy and comes with a great chipotle sauce on top! The hard shell chicken taco- the chicken is flavorful and tender! And they give a generous amount of cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes on top. read more

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Excellent food Great service All the employees are very polite My best place to eat chilaquiles read more

This is a hidden gem food is always fresh I recommend this place all the time to my friends and coworkers and they all say the same thing read more

Momentos Cafe - Shrimp cocktail was on point everything is fresh all the time hidden gem - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Arlene was warm and welcoming. Friendly smile and very kind. I had an egg and chorizo burrito - it was so fresh and yummy. Flavorful packed goodness. The green mild salsa and red hot salsa were both exceptional. Thank you to the chef as well. Clean ambiance. Nice Christmas music playing. A positive experience. Parking is easy, there is a free lot here in the center. read more

Momentos Cafe - Eggs and Chorizo Burrito - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

We have been coming to Momentos for years! Taste and quality is what makes us return. I usually get the sopes plate with choice of three meats. They are stacked high with all the goods, cheese, pickled onions and the salsa is good too. Minus one star: They used to have a little mobile salsa trio that you could bring to the table and get as much salsa you wanted but this last time we went you had to ask and it came in a little to go cup. One improvement: Wishing they brought back the salsa platter because we usually like to have our dishes smothered with salsa, just a preference. Tons of choices to choose from the menu. Went on a Saturday afternoon and it was packed with customers. The ambiance is chill and overall has been upgraded in the interior with a few new decorations/remodeling. It's a nice place to eat in while shopping. read more

Momentos Cafe - Sopes and enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

I've been at this restaurant more than a few times and every time I tell them that I don't want my eggs drowning in oil they seem to not understand this this is super gross. I don't even think it should be appropriate to serve eggs like this. read more

Momentos Cafe - My eggs were drowning in oil - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Soo delicious! Pozole was bomb! Not greasy.. just right. The shredded beef sopes are soo good too. The place is very clean and customer service is on point. My husband got a tortilla soup and it was delicious! I will come again. Byeee read more

Simple but delicious Mexican restaurant located in the outdoor mall. Order at the counter and seat yourself, I went for breakfast and it was popular! I got the chilaquiles and it was so delicious!! Service took more time than I anticipated but worth the wait. Parking is very easy as it's located in a mall. read more

Momentos Cafe - Chilaquiles Platter - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Egg and chorizo breakfast burrito was good and a half burrito was a good portion for a breakfast. Friendly staff let us in a couple minutes early (prior to 9 ) and I later asked how long in operation. 11 years. Nice little restaurant shop in a town centre setup next to the Walmart. read more

I've been coming here for years and the consistency is unmatched. The food is top notch every single time. It's like they took the classic taco shop items that everyone loves and elevated them in the most delicious way. There's something here for everyone to enjoy, no matter your taste. And the people that work here are all so genuinely nice as well. It's a casual order-at-the-counter restaurant yet the food is fresh and upscale. 1000000000/10 read more

Momentos Cafe - California Burrito - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I just ordered the Chilaquiles Divorciados with shredded chicken. Crunchy tortilla chips sauced just right throughout with half red and half green sauce packed with flavor and just a bit of heat. Added additional red and green salsa (made in house) for added flavor and kick but that was my preference. The experience was a flavor bomb that I would order again but next time I might try the meaty torta sandwiches that accidentally came to my table that ended up on a table next to mine by a group of Spanish speaking ladies. It was huge and served with fries. I highly recommend coming. No wait at 11 am on a Tuesday. read more

Momentos Cafe - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

I've never been big at eating at places in a mall but this place is an exemption. Awesome food. Nice family run business.

I'm back at Momentos. It's been a while. I love coming here after shopping. Their food is delicious. The service is excellent. I just love their food and I ordered my favorite Sopes. I had one made out of chicken and the other out of shredded beef as always - delicious! their hot sauce is to die for I love this place. I promise to try their tacos next time read more

Great restaurant located in the Grossmont mall! Very simple setup - order at a counter and seat yourself. Came here for breakfast and ordered the chilaquiles verde - SO good. They make it fresh so the chips still had a nice crunch and chew to them. Very flavorful. Parking is super easy since it's in the mall. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area! read more

The fish taco is FULL of flavor and tasty veggies. The orange salsa is extra spicy. Chicken soup has a great broth!

The workers are nice and willing to fill out every request you want. The store is clean and the food is fresh, well seasoned, and juicy. No food options are a bad choice when you go here. I'd recommend their chips especially, the tortilla chips are freshly made in the restaurant and the salsa is chunky and delicious. read more

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Momentos is a small diner-style restaurant nestled in the maze that is Grossmont Mall. I walked in between Wal Mart and World Market to find it, if that helps at all. I came here at 1pm on a Monday and all 5-6 tables were taken, thankfully they have a bar against the window that was open. This is a place where you order at the counter and then take a seat, so you may want to ensure there is space to sit down before you order. I came here for one thing: Chilaquiles Divorciados (red and green Chilaquiles), which was recommended by a friend. I didn't know that getting both sauces was even an option, it wasn't listed on the menu so it was kinda like a secret item. I usually can't make up my mind when I'm asked if I want red or green sauce, so this was going to be a game changer for me! The meal came out pretty quickly and I could tell immediately thay this was made by scratch and felt more authentic than some of the other restaurants I've eaten at. Both the red and green sauces were made by scratch and they were generously covered in lightly pickled red onions and cotija cheese. Pair that with a homemade bean puree and a huge portion of eggs. The server will ask you if you want salsa.. your answer should definitely be YES! and get one of each, because they are so good individually that I couldn't tell which I like more. They were spicy so make sure you have a napkin and some water handy. The other items that came out of the kitchen looked incredible and I'll definitely be back to try more some time. read more

Momentos Cafe - Chilaquiles Divorciados - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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The food is so good in this place I am coming back every day lol j/k But the food is really good here you need to try it out! read more

I've been going to this place for a while now and I love it!! My favorite are the red chilaquiles 10/10

When I crave chilaquiles, I come to this location. Their chilaquiles is nice and crispy versus other places it's soggy. I usually get chilaquiles with carne asada as my protein. The toppings are a good amount. The red hot sauce is actually spicy which I like. Never had any issues with the staffs here. The small restaurant can get pretty packed at certain times (usually mornings) so it might be hard to get a table. Restrooms could use some attention. read more

Momentos Cafe - Carne asada chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Came here today and arrived shortly after they opened. They have a pretty good variety of breakfast options. I went with the chorizo, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito. It came out piping hot and super fluffy. Had plenty of chorizo mixed In and the perfect amount of cheese. I ordered their house coffee and had a good flavor. (It was on the weaker side, but still really good flavor) The gentleman who took my order was very polite and attentive. There were several other people eating inside and had several phone orders going out at the same time. The inside of the restaurant was super clean and well decorated. I will definitely be back and try more of their menu items they offer. read more

Momentos Cafe - Delicious chorizo, egg, and cheese burrito. - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

A relative took me here and described it as a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant in the Grossmont Center mall. He recommended the fish tacos. You can request them grilled or fried. I went with a grilled fish taco and a grilled shrimp taco with rice. Price was fair at $12. Portions were good. The soft shell flour tortillas came apart after about 3 bites. I used a fork at that point to eat the food. The young lady who took our orders was super polite and accommodating offering hot sauces on the way out. I'd definitely eat here again. read more

This is such a great little mom and pop shop! I recommend this restaurant to everyone I know! Especially since moving to La Mesa, CA there's not many restaurants that have AUTHENTIC Mexican food. This reminds me of my childhood eats. My go to is their chilaquiles divorciados (red and green sauce mixed) and add chicken or carne asada (if I'm feeling like a protein switch). Their chicken tortilla soup is amazing! Add a little lime juice, and BOOM, *chefs kiss. This soup packs flavor! If you're looking for something healthier and low carb, try their steak salad! This salad is my go to when I need a healthier meal. A tip though, if you order this salad to go, ask for the dressing, fresh fried onions and steak packed separately so it's not soggy when you take it home. read more

This is my favorite spot for chilaquiles in san diego. Ive tried alot of other places and in my opinion this place trumps over some of the other local favorite spots for chilaquiles. This is the one and only place i've tried that has the chips stay crispy throughout the entire meal instead of getting soggy quickly. The ingredients are always fresh and its clear to see when you see all the vibrant colors in their dishes. Service is always top notch here and this is the place that i always recommend to anyone who asks me where to get chilaquiles in san diego. read more

Momentos Cafe - Chilaquiles w/ red&green sauce - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

I make my husband get me chilaquiles from here on the weekends sometimes and they are delicious obviously. I got them as another reviewer recommends: half green, half red, with carne asada on top. The beans are super creamy which is great, and while my husband felt their birria tacos weren't as good as Penelope's or Bad Hombres, we both loved the way they served the broth. It was more a soup than a dip (and called that on the menu?) and was more flavorful and the portion more generous than other places. The seasoning was different too-there was anise in it and it was more aromatic and just tantalizingly good. We actually saved the broth and used it to dip grocery store birria tacos in and it elevated an otherwise mediocre weeknight meal. Limited hours compared to other places, so we don't go here a lot, but it's a great little place if you're at the mall or in the area. read more

Hands down the best Mexican food in La Mesa and in my top 3 of best Mexican food joints anywhere. It baffles how everyone raves about Casa de Pico (which I have nothing against) for Mexican when you have Momentos Cafe in the same shopping center in a tiny unsuspecting location next to Walmart and a barber shop. My go-to order here would be half green/half red chilaquiles topped with carne asada & a cup of café de olla. I could eat that every day for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner if my wallet & waistline could afford it. Other things I like from here are the sopes & burritos, good quality food at affordable prices with outstanding customer service. I kinda feel bad writing this review because I don't want the secret to be out but these guys deserve it for their outstanding service and equally great Mexican favorites. Keep on doing what you're doing Momentos I see you. Btw if you're concerned bc of COVID19, these guys do an outstanding job of keeping it clean and safe. Props. read more

Pleasant girls at the order and cashier counter. The place has an odor of grease was not something I expected for a taco shop. Must be lack of fresh air in the place . We're used to delicious aromas of Mexican food. We took our food to go right away I was getting gagged by the lack of fresh air. The menu looks good $12.99 for each item I expect that since overhead must be high. Comes with going out to eat nowadays. We ordered carne asada burrito hardly any seasoning and meat chewy not tender like we're used to and the red chili salsa was extremely hot with lack of seasoning too. The torta was good we spilt that too...try it for yourself but eat outside if it's a nice day! read more

Fresh, delicious, always good. The meat is not the usual canned meat with too many green pepper strips. Nicely presented.

Oh man, this place is great! We wanted a good, unpretentious breakfast after a night out, and the food was fantastic. We got a breakfast platter and chilaquiles. The breakfast platter was great, but the chilaquiles stole the show! They are freaking awesome! Great service, great food, great choice for breakfast! read more

I ordered some soup, waited 20 min, waitress ignored me and walked past meat least 10 times with zero acknowledgement than got an attitude when I asked her how long it would be. Called when o got back to the office and asked to speak to a manager, no manager available at the time and I never received a call back. The tortilla soup was awful. Not worth the time or money. read more

Momentos Cafe - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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The food is AMAZING!! The service could be a little upsetting but if you politely ask for a side they will accommodate you. Definitely recommend this place! Highly recommend the Chilaquiles!! read more

Great food and service. Staff was so nice and provided great customer service. I ordered a ridiculously large order and they came through My coworkers raved about how good all the food was Pricey but worth it read more

Delicious!! I was shocked to find out I had yet to review this place! The food here is so good! I love their pollo asado and carne asada! The sopes and tacos always have really fresh ingredients! I am always very happy when we eat here or pick up take out from here! I have yet to try something I don't like! read more

This place is the definition of a hidden gem! Stumbled across this place when I was out wandering the mall looking for a tasty lunch spot. Been here multiple times and each and every time my order is taken quickly, the food comes out fast, and the waiter/waitress knows exactly which table to bring the food out to. Lots of seating areas along one wall. I have always been able to find a sear, even during lunch hour. Not a full service restaurant, but they go the extra mile to ask if there is anything else they can get you. We like asking for extra hot sauces on the side. Big portions! I always have leftovers to take home. Hands down my favorite Mexican food place in all of San Diego. :) read more

I went to this restaurant with my friends, food was super good I got me the Chilaquiles verdes with steak and was delish, and I got Cafe de olla, I recommend this place if you truly want Authentic Mexican food. read more