always good :) everything nice quality tortilla chips before your meal i love plantain black beans with little rice pyramid nice ambience of the restaurant grateful for outdoor seating kind warm employees read more

I'll start by saying simply get your butt over here. Though they also offer the standard Mexican fare, the Star of this show is the Oaxaca cuisine. The molé based dishes are excellent. Portions are generous. Staff is friendly and helpful with suggestions and I felt very welcomed. There atmosphere is "traditional" Mexican restaurant style for Southern California. This place is a "go!" read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - Red mole chicken enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I found a gem hidden on Santa Monica Blvd.! I was looking for a good breakfast spot and saw a delivery truck that specialized in Oaxacan food. I followed it to Monte Alban restaurant. This is the real deal. Great service, authentic ambience, and really good food. The food is primo autentica southern Mexican cuisine. I had huevos revueltos con chorizo with hand-made corn tortillas. I asked to try their moles. The mole Negron and mole colaradito are da bomb. I'm coming back for dinner. read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - ¡Un desayuno maravilloso! - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This was such a fun restaurant! The atmosphere is so cool, definitely feels reminiscent of Mexico, and the food is delicious. The service was outstanding, fast, and the food came out super quick. The portions were also very generous. In addition to free chips and salsa, we had enough food to take home for leftovers the next day. read more

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We were looking for a place to eat on Saturday night where we could avoid a reservation, waiting in line and spend a fortune. Always fans of Mexican food we did a quick online search and found this little beauty in a small strip mall not too far from the craziness of Sawtelle. Seated right away around 7pm and quickly eating home made chips and salsa while trying to decide what to order. Much to our delight, we noticed that they have multiple kinds of mole on the menu. The waitress could not have been more helpful to explain the difference between them all and which we might like. The red had a slight kick of spice while still having some sweetness while the negro had just the perfect amount of chocolate flavor. Perfectly sized portions for all three meals and of course a few drinks to go along with the meal. Service was fantastic and friendly and everything came out quickly. We were too full for dessert but definitely was tempted. Will definitely be back to try a few more mole's and to hit the desserts. read more

super delicious food with amazing portions! i got the chilaquiles which were super delicious and so well-seasoned. everything is reasonably priced! i got takeout and it was still super delicious! read more

Delicious oaxacan dishes, sometimes is very quiet inside, when u go inside its like u r in another world, the decoration, the music, the tables everything is beautiful. we had the molotes and atole. the service was good. read more

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We got the food to go - ordered camarones al mojo de ajo and burrito con mole. Both dishes were large portiona and delicious. The chips on the side were good as well. read more

Found this location while in the area. We were seated quickly and help out fast. Its a nice location with bright colors and music. The waitress was nice. The food was good, although some things were bland. And it was really expensive. Maybe we will give it another try. read more

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Never disappoints I've been in here few times & I've order thru DoorDash everything so delicious.

I was introduced to this restaurant a few weeks ago by my family. The service was excellent. The food was great and the ambiance was so authentic. I had the tlayuda (Mexican pizza). It was so good and definitely large enough to share. I highly recommend it. read more

Hidden Gem found. Staff is friendly and attentive. Restaurant is hidden in a strip mall but this place is great. We were sat immediately and received chips and salsa which were delicious. Their drinks looked good but did not try. Had the Molcajete and it was delicious. Had Steak, pork, shrimp and chorizo with the most delicious salsa. Rice and beans were very tasty and not dry. This is a must try place serving delicious food. read more

Yess a lucky find!!! We knew everything was going to be booked on Mother's day.. so I started Yelping.. for authentic Mexican restaurant. and yes We were so lucky to find this Oaxacan hole in the wall place. They took us right away. This place exceeded all expectations. The food was phenomenal! My son got the wet Burrito with red salsa. I got the mole plate, Their mole is some of the best I've ever had tried. It's a beautiful, authentic atmosphere. They had live Musicos.. "live music entertainment" they also have great cocktails drinks. I had their special Benito Juarez, we also tried the Cantarito it was Fantastic, it's A must.! Overall the service was fast and quick.. We were really really happy with this restaurant and can't wait to return! read more

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This hole in the wall place was so cute. It's inside a strip mall. But don't let the location fool you. They have good chips & salsa. They have a full bar & great prices for their Reposado Tequila. I just wish the black Mole sauce was more spicy! read more

Gracious service, delicious food, above and beyond effort to provide a positive ambiance. I cant give Monte Alban enough stars. They deserve 6 stars for niceness and excellent service. The nicest service I can remember and a unique experience with their dishes. Ok, this is a Mole restaurant and that means their takes on Mole especially with its connection to authentic flavors will not be for everyone. This is not a Mexican restaurant that serves mole. It's a Mole restaurant. They have many flavors (four that I tasted) and they ranged from good to excellent. You kinda have to find the flavor your palette enjoys. I actually liked the alternative moles vs the usual dark chocolate one that most restaurants have. The yellow (which looked orange to me) was spicier and the green was almost like a peruvian aji verde sauce. I loved the Oaxacan Queso Fundido so much. The soup, and enchiladas which I tried were great. All around a well done meal. The ladies serving us were very nice and ran that place to a T. I'd definitely go back. And they can handle large groups without any issues. Be there and enjoy the unique dining experience. I'm going to try their burritos next time! read more

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After visiting a museum, we were starving for a good meal. In the middle of the way we decided to try the Oaxaca food. The red is real typical, a CV little up scale, the portion is quite big, the mole was delicious! The service is very nice and fast. The ambiance is really cool. They serve you with a traditional Mexican clothing. My husband went é in Oaxaca o Xe, and he felt like being there. Reasonable price, $22 per person and two plates. read more

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Great food--all was delicious! Everyone working there is so friendly and took such good care of our group--family birthday. Try it!

We were craving some soup and drove over from Venice to this lovely restaurant. Not only was the food delicious but the service was fantastic and attentive. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for some authentic Mexican food and desserts. read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - Tlayuda Mix (Oaxacan Pizza) - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Really great food, lovely vibe, and really friendly service! Recommend very highly. Of the things I tried, I thought the goat tacos were better than the mole, but both were very good. read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - Mole - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Got food poisoning. Food was good tho %100 worth it. Would crap my pants again 10/10. Wrote this while on the toilet shitin my brains out. Had the mexican pizza and chapulines. read more

Monte Alban is a hidden gem in West LA. I love this casual, family-oriented Mexican restaurant. Every visit I've had has been so warm and welcoming--the staff are kind, there's usually litle to no wait, and the food is delicious. Their menu marks their mole dishes as their specialties, so I usually order the mole burrito with an horchata. My girlfriend also really likes their fried plantains with rice and beans too. One time I tried their fried grasshoppers, and they tasted great! They tasted similarly to small dried shrimp in some Asian dishes, in case people wanted some comparison. A few times I have gone there was also a singer performing during dinnertime, which added to the homely environment. They have outdoor seating now along with many lunch specials that I am hoping to try. I see a lot of people order their Molcajetes too. Getting there is pretty easy--the restaurant is located in a strip mall on Santa Monica Blvd, so there is parking on-site and good bus coverage too. I definitely recommend coming to Monte Alban! read more

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The best in the west Oaxaca style and good touch and positions you won't mind the atmosphere parking is shit but that's not here or there read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - Top tier burrito - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place is amazing. Such authentic recipes, I felt like we were in Oaxaca! Food was fantastic, especially the mole. I highly recommend.

This place is such a gem! I've been here a handful of times and I always leave happy. My go-to is the tlayuda, the Oaxacan cheese on it is delicious. It's light but filling. All of the food tastes very authentic and wholesome and the salsas have incredibly complex flavors. I like trying new things each time I come, last night we got the squash blossom empanadas and they were also delightful. The interior is charming and the staff is incredibly friendly. Bonus points last night for the pasion mezcal margarita. Hands down one of the best margaritas I've tried in a while. Highly recommend! read more

Three of us went to Monte Alban early on a weekday and had no problem getting a table. The inside is cute and authentic looking. Our order was taken promptly, although it took a bit longer then expected to get our drinks and food. We ordered the guacamole to start, which was good but the portion was small. For entrees we had the chilaquiles with chicken, chile rellenos, and chicken tamales with mole sauce. None of the dishes were a standout, and the flavors were quite bland which is not a word I normally associate with Mexican food. I do appreciate that they were not overly cheesy, greasy or salty though. read more

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Sprint to a Gr8 lunch special! Saturday, West LA, all for $18 bux. Try the goat/ "chivo" birria tacos. Authentic, suave, unctuous, NOT gamey. They do beef but the goat is hero. Def add some of the veg, onions & cilantro lime to the consume & onions cilantro lime & SALSA to the tacos BEFORE YOU DUNK! read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - Comp chips & salsa, BIRRIA goat or beef tacos, consume, fixins, green + red spicy salsa, black beans needed salt) & red rice $18 - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Read about this place in an article about landmark restaurants in Santa Monica. Tried it with my family and it was great. We enjoyed sitting on their patio. Service was warm and welcoming. We got our drinks quickly and liked the salsa. Everyone ordered moles which are house specialties. The food tasted amazing. Highly recommend coming here. read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - Cadillac margarita - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here because it appeared on the Michelin guide and since I am in LA where it is near the border, the Mexican would be better than Canada. First off I would have never entered this place on my own. It's in a strip mall and it looks like a hole in the wall. Honestly it doesn't look like much. But it could be authentic to how it would look in Mexico based on my many trips there. Had the hibiscus drink. Delicious and not too sweet. Get this. The chicken tacquito appetizer was too hard skinned. Not enough chicken either. The guacamole was delicious but I'd skip this dish. The house made black mole with chicken was very nice. I admit this is not my thing but based on the moles I have had I can tell this is unique. Those who enjoy moles should have this. Overall. Good. read more

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We used to come here all the time, unaware that Monte Albanian shared the same strip mall as the sublime Kato prior to COVID and its current Michelin fame. In any case, if you're looking for good Oaxacan food on the Westside, don't look any farther since this is about as good as it gets. You are greeted by the scent of the highly complex Mole sauce and a friendly host who will seat you at tables and chairs that appear to be made of Mexican hardwood. Our server, complete with fedora and flowered necktie was efficient and quick, adding a cozy feeling. The tostadas were hot and not greasy although they lacked the ultimate burnt corn taste of the handmade variety. Beer was served in a glass rimmed with chili salt according to the current trend, although I'll skip it next time the standout was the chicken mole, a 1/2 pound succulent pounded chicken breast in the complex mole and wrapped in a tortilla, one of the better examples of this dish. The tacos and other dishes did exude a pronounced Oaxacan flair. Though better artisanal Mexican restaurants are out there, for the price, convenience, and food quality, Monte Alban is a winner, likely to be added to your go-to list. read more

Straight to the point here. For 25 years I have been eating here every so often and every time I get the most authentic Oaxaca dishes, done right. This is not nouveau Mexican food. Only traditional ancient ingredients are used for preparation and their mole, IS the real deal. It's not about being sweeter or spicier or thicker. This one is made with all the superfoods! Shrimp cocktail is the best you'll find in any other restaurant, tortilla soup, memelas, tlayudas, quesadillas with calabaza blossom. It's hard to describe if you haven't been to Oaxaca or eaten their traditional food made with ancient authentic recipes. Also the chefs and staff make you feel at home. They serve alcohol now. Margaritas and mezcal Drinks are superb as well so go ahead and have a great Oaxacan experience located in a cute and small strip mall. read more

Great food and service. Wait staff was very helpful. Mole sauce was great. Wide variety of Oaxaca dishes and mole sauces.

My colleagues and I had a genuinely great experience here. Authentic Mexican food is very limited in Santa Monica. This place is the exception. The decor, music, and kind/friendly service combined is an organic cultural vibe. All the food was served with great presentation! I've been a huge fan of enchiladas de pollo con *mole coloradito* for many years and their's is amazing. Our colleague from Finland tried some of mine and was impressed. I also tasted the ceviche (delicious and served on a gorgeous fish shaped platter). I also tried the molcajete dish which was very tasty and served on an aesthetic volcanic molcajete with a cow or pig shape head carved out, very unique. Can't forget-- their horchata is the best I've ever had. In particular, their horchata con nieve which is with pink cactus. Highly recommend all items I've mentioned. Thank you, staff and chefs at Monte Alban! read more

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Great food. Consistent for over 20 yrs! Service is always top notch. They interior has changed over the yrs as the restaurant expanded, but always alittle slice of MX in WestlLA. read more

Real authentic Oaxaca cuisine. This place serves real homemade food. From their Huevos Rancheros with hand made tortillas and Cafe de Olla. The Tlayuda, amazing meats and great vegan options make a delicious lunch/dinner. This place embodies what a restaurant should be. read more

I get brunch here -- my go to favorite is chorizo with eggs. Love the beans and the fresh homemade tortillas. It's paired with a fine cafe de olla -- the best I've ever had. read more

My daughter and I discovered this gem of a restaurant in Santa Monica tucked away in a small strip mall. It was about 2:30pm when we arrived. There were only two other customers there so it was very quiet. The proprietor waited on us. An older gentleman, who was very nice. I broke the ice by complimenting him on the mural inside the restaurant. He brought chips and the best salsa to get us started and asked what we'd like to drink. We ordered two Horchata's. Wow! Beautifully light and so refreshing with a sprinkling of pecans and little chunks of cantaloupe! He gave us plenty of time to peruse the menu and then came to take our order. The lunch sounds simple: grilled chicken with beans, rice, some salad and of course, tortillas. Lunch came out slowly, but it was worth the wait. Everything was perfection! The grilled chicken and carne asada were tender, juicy and flavorful. The beans were possibly the best I have ever tasted in a restaurant. Served in a small ceramic bowl, they were seasoned just right and steaming hot. If you are craving authentic Mexican food, you must come and experience the food Monte Alban!! read more

One of my favorite go-to restaurants for comfort foods. They have THE best mole, salsas, tortillas, cafe de olla, and horchata! Love that it had fruits and pecans in it --- get it with the scoop of cactus fruit sorbet! I've been going to Monte Alban for over 10 years and without fail, they've always had the best customer service and the best food. Everybody that I've introduced to this gem loves it. read more

Monte Alban Restaurant - Chicken enchiladas with mole - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Mexican cuisine is as varied and complex as French, Italian, or Japanese cuisine. Of the regional Mexican cuisines I've enjoyed, I love Oaxacan the best. The mountains, plains, seacoast, and indigenous cultures have contributed to an array of dishes made with Oaxacan ingredients that boast complex flavors not found elsewhere. Los Angeles is a popular destination for Oaxacan ex-pats, so when in LA recently, I was eager to find a great Oaxacan restaurant. And I did: Monte Alban (named for the capital of the ancient Zapotec civilization). The salsa that accompanied the fresh totopos was delicious. There's a wide selection of Mexican beers, but the presentation caught our attention. The glass came with a soft rubber contraption placed over the lip. Our waiter inverted the beer bottle and quickly inserted the neck through a small hole in the center of the device. Very clever. Molé, the complex sauce and marinade, often with a note of chocolate, originated in Oaxaca, and that's what we came to eat. We were not disappointed. The Molé Coloradito is an intensely flavorful sauce that smothered --but did not overpower-- the moist chicken. Monte Alban is on my list for a return visit next time I'm in Los Angeles. read more

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My family & I love Monte Alban!! Absolutely delicious food & friendly & warm staff. So glad this gem is in the neighborhood. We've catered my birthday from here multiple times! read more

We loved everything about our dining experience. Lovely ambiance, excellent service, creative cocktails and authentic dishes. We devoured the ensalada de nopalitos (cactus), camarones a la diabla, and empanada and thought that the mole negro was the best ever. So glad a friend recommended this place to us! read more