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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Santa Monica

Mexican food

You want Mexican food that honors the regional roots of the ingredients.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with stunning design and beautiful decor creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Music plays softly while a large screen TV shows NBA games behind the bar. The place welcomes families and groups, featuring large tables for celebrations.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful, packed with authentic Mexican taste. Service is attentive, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

Tacos stand out with rich flavors, especially the Paloma and costeรฑo burrito. Agua fresca and churros offer refreshing and sweet options that appeal even to picky eaters.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing."

"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."

"The atmosphere here is great and chill."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.

3

The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

02
Yagul Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant with a family-run feel and casual atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes two small tables, one suitable for dogs. Loud juice machine and blenders near dining area affect the otherwise relaxed vibe.

Food comes fresh to order with authentic Mexican flavors and affordable prices. The menu features delicious breakfast options and dishes made with clear passion and care.

Chilaquiles stand out with authentic seasoning and a chef's kiss quality. Huevos rancheros and mole offer home-cooked flavors rarely found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos here are phenomenal and delicious."

"This Mexican food is so fresh and has amazing flavors."

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Yagul Cafe is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

2

The cafe seats around 30 people, making it an intimate dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chicken enchiladas, which may be considered small in portion.

03
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with exceptional flavor and hot, fast service. Spanish phrases on the walls add to the genuine atmosphere.

Tacos stand out with tender carnitas and fresh fish, all wrapped in handmade tortillas. Breakfast burritos and shrimp burritos pack bold flavors, while esquites offer a creamy, tangy heat.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is oozing with flavor and moisture."

"You have to try their thick, homemade tortillas; they're full of flavor."

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

04
Papi Tacos & Churros image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant indoor/outdoor seating and constant Mexican music creates a fun and lively atmosphere. The space features stunning artwork and pretty lights, offering a cozy and clean environment. The vibe stays busy but chill, attracting those who appreciate halal Mexican food.

Food features certified zabiha halal options with standout items like the OG Burrito served with consomรฉ and a choice of chicken or beef birria. The menu offers authentic Mexican flavors that consistently impress with quality and taste.

Tacos here stand out with tender beef birria dipped in rich consomรฉ and keto cheese shell options. Churros come crispy outside, soft inside, coated in cinnamon sugar with Dulce de leche and Nutella toppings.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were the best Mexican food I ever had."

"These churros are warm, fresh, and melt in your mouth."

"I found the food to be full of flavor and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 100% halal.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

Four street size tacos with avocado cost $22.

05
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with flame grilled chicken visible from the dining area offers a calm atmosphere and ample seating. The place attracts locals who appreciate fresh, healthy meals at reasonable prices without a fast-food feel.

Food here feels fresh and healthy with consistently hot chicken, fresh salsas, rice, and vegetables. Service moves fast even when busy, keeping the food quality high and affordable.

Chicken dishes come out tender and juicy with fresh salsas, rice, and beans. Burritos, quesadillas, and tacos offer great flavor and filling portions, while churros add a sweet finish.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is perfectly cooked and always arrives on time."

"I thought the prices here were affordable."

Good to know

1

This location does not have a drive-through; only dine-in or takeout is available.

2

Parking is limited at the Santa Monica location but ample at others.

3

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for those needing assistance.

06
Fast Taco 11 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-run Mexican restaurant offers all-day breakfast burritos and solid Mexican food with delicious green sauce on enchiladas. Atmosphere is excellent and casual, with soccer games playing on TV. Portions are generous and prices affordable, creating a welcoming spot with a mom and pop vibe.

Food tastes like home-cooked meals made with love, offering a flavor profile that differs from traditional Mexican dishes. Each order gets a custom touch, delivering consistently amazing and delicious flavors.

Burritos stand out with great flavor and price, especially steak and chicken options popular among students. The food offers a home-cooked feel with a unique flavor profile, including amazing green sauce on enchiladas and tasty quesadillas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is from a family-owned spot with super nice owners."

"I found the chicken quesadilla filling and fresh."

"The food here is amazing, and the owners are so sweet."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family owned and has been operating for over 30 years.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price.

3

They offer all-day breakfast options in a casual atmosphere.

07
SaMoโ€™s Oaxaca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with three tables and a wall mural creates a cozy, family-owned vibe. Atmosphere blends authentic Oaxacan charm with clean, simple design and good music. Food features fresh, flavorful Oaxacan dishes like birria tacos and mole, offering a standout fast casual Mexican experience.

Offers vibrant and authentic Oaxacan cuisine with consistently delicious and affordable food. Dishes like tlayuda showcase the rich flavors and good value.

Burritos and tacos stand out with authentic flavors that recall Mexico and Latin America. The Oaxacan mole is dark, rich, slightly gritty with pumpkin seed, and slightly spicy. The tlayuda with cecina offers a phenomenal taste of traditional Oaxacan food.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Oaxacan."

"I thought the street tacos were the best I've had anywhere."

"I thought the burritos here were excellent."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available at SaMoโ€™s Oaxaca.

2

Parking is a little dense in that small strip mall.

3

A simple burrito costs almost twenty dollars with a can of soda.

08
Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a huge covered outdoor patio with built-in propane heaters and plenty of shaded seating. Interior walls display historical photos and memorabilia, creating a neighborhood family vibe. The atmosphere is lively and casual, with tight seating that makes conversations noisy.

Authentic home-cooked style Mexican food stands out here with consistently great flavors. The menu pairs well with margaritas and comes with solid service and a lively atmosphere.

Authentic home-cooked style Mexican food shines with enchiladas suizas and robust rice and beans. The Diablo salsa stands out, paired with margaritas that balance tanginess and sweetness perfectly.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is served by the friendliest, most attentive staff."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and flavorful."

"The food here is really good and the service is awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and on the street.

2

The restaurant gets really busy on weekends, expect longer wait times.

3

Indoor seating is limited, especially during peak hours.

09
Tacos Por Favor image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large interior with authentic Mexican aesthetic and plenty of seating creates a casual, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Noise levels rise during busy times, reflecting a lively vibe. Offers a great variety of Mexican dishes, including many vegetarian options.

Mexican cuisine here stands out for its delicious flavors and fast service. Food comes out quickly even when the place is busy with families from the nearby school.

Carne Asada hard tacos stand out for their flavor and freshness. The menu includes shrimp chimichanga with cheesy filling and perfectly cooked shrimp, plus fresh made chips and salsa daily.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and amazing."

"The salsa here, especially red and green, is delicious."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available, with limited metered spots.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian choices on the menu.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, but wait times are generally short.

10
Tacos 1986 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican street taco spot with a no-frills atmosphere and loud bachata music creates a lively vibe. Seating consists mostly of counter-height stools along plain walls, keeping the space casual and simple. A self-serve salsa bar adds variety and interaction to the experience.

Food features amazing flavor and fresh ingredients with authentic Mexican cuisine. Dishes come out delicious and exquisite consistently.

Tacos here stand out for their juicy al pastor and flavorful pork options. Fast service delivers authentic Mexican street tacos and burritos that satisfy both meat lovers and vegetarians.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is authentic and delicious."

"I loved the variety of flavorful salsas to choose from."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The pork taco is priced at $3.75 each.

2

There are no pick-up orders available.

3

The restaurant is located next to the Santa Monica Pier.

11
Lula Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful, artsy decor fills the open, lively dining room and back patio where dogs are welcome. Warm outdoor heaters and live music create a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of regulars and visitors. Strong margaritas and traditional Mexican dishes complement the festive vibe.

Food features fresh ingredients and shows intentional care in preparation. Dishes consistently deliver amazing flavor and a very good dining experience.

Chicken tortilla soup offers a creamy, full flavor experience. Fajitas arrive with a generous serving of tender steak, grilled vegetables, and classic sides like rice, beans, and guacamole. Nachos and margaritas also stand out on the menu.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the staff are so friendly."

"The Seafood here is amazing, and the staff are so friendly."

"The food here is fresh, plentiful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Draft beer is $6 and margaritas are $10 during happy hour.

3

Most dishes on the happy hour menu are priced between $8 and $10.

12
Casa Martin | Ocean Ave image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with an open-air front section and traditional music that creates a warm, welcoming vibe. The space balances lively and calm energy, making it suitable for relaxed meals or casual drinks before heading to the beach.

Fish tacos and salmon stand out with fresh flavors. Guacamole with chips complements the menu, making the food consistently incredible.

Steak tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. The wet steak burrito with mole offers a unique, savory twist. Chicken tacos and fish tacos also deliver solid, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing, especially the queso."

"I've never had tacos this good; they're the best I've ever tasted."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bills for parties of two or more.

2

Prices are higher than average, with meals costing around $95 for two.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers; check the timing.

13
Campos Famous Burritos image 1
Burrito restaurant

Burrito restaurant with a nostalgic, divey vibe and lively, noisy atmosphere feels like home rather than fancy. Interior decor evokes 80s LA and Mexican influences, serving food on styrofoam plates with a salsa bar offering various spice levels. Regulars enjoy large, flavorful burritos and casual dining despite some stickiness and limited accessibility.

Mexican food here is consistently good and reasonably priced. The menu offers tasty options that satisfy without breaking the bank.

Burritos here feature a great ratio of tortilla to filling with quality meat and good texture beans. The avocado burrito and Chile Verde burritos stand out for their flavor and size at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I thought I found the best burrito I ever had here."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I thought this Mexican food was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but street spots are available nearby.

2

The restaurant offers a salsa bar with various spice levels.

3

Expect to pay around $11 for a meal, including chips and salsa.

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Santa Monica, California

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