10 Mexican Restaurants In And Near Carmel, California

mexican restaurants in carmel
Pauline
Pauline 
Updated
| 4 min read

Mexican cuisine has established itself if many different parts of the world apart from Mexico. This is because of their never-failing and delicious scrumptious dishes that are loved by people of different races and nationalities. It doesn’t matter if you’re Mexican or not, because when it comes to Mexican food, everyone just loves it! This is one of the many reasons why there are a lot of Mexican restaurants situated in the United States, and for this article, we are going to talk about the top 10 Mexican restaurants in and near Carmel, California that you shouldn’t miss out on.

1. Cultura Comida y Bebida


A restaurant greatly inspired by friends and travel, Cultura Comida y Bebida is owned by Sarah Kabat-Marcy and Chef John Cox who became good friends with a shared passion for travel and hospitality. Together, they built a restaurant which gives you the exact same feeling when dining in. They serve traditional Mexican dishes with a sophisticated twist, and you can enjoy this dining experience because of the unique gothic vibe that their interiors exude. Cultura Comida y Bebida is definitely a must try especially for those who like travelling.

Cultura Comida y Bebida

Address: Dolores Street, between 5th and 6th, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA

Website: Cultura Comida y Bebida

Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 5:30 pm - 12:00 am, Sat to Sun: 10:30 am - 12:00 am

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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2. Dos Victorias Mexican Food


Find out why a lot of people have been recommending this restaurant at Monterey! Dos Victorias Mexican Food proudly states that they have something for everyone. Why? Because they will happily customize your meals according to your dietary restrictions, at very reasonable prices! Their service is also very quick, so waiting will not be a problem. Try their crispy thin chips for starters.

Dos Victorias Mexican Food

Address: 299 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940

Website: Dos Victorias Mexican Food

Opening hours: Mon to Wed: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm, Thu to Sun: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Average price for two: Under 10 USD

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3. Pescadero Mexican Restaurant


A sophisticated place which is tucked in a corner along St. Carmel by the Sea, Pescadero Mexican Restaurant is a great find for all your Mexican cravings. All of their meals are served fresh and made on-site, so no need to worry about the food’s quality. This restaurant is smaller compared to the other surrounding Mexican restaurants, but their menu has all the basics and the traditional Mexican dishes. Its warm environment and lovely atmosphere will surely give you a good time. We highly recommend that you try their killer margaritas along with their salad.

Pescadero Mexican Restaurant

Address: 7th Avenue San Carlos St Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923

Website: Pescadero Mexican Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Sat to Sun: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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4. Sarita's The Original

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dont get caught hungry in the middle of watching your team play today. Come pick up one of our Fiesta packs or Fiesta Feasts. They are sure to satisfy!

Posted by Sarita's The Original on Sunday, October 5, 2014

Known as a cherished neighbourhood establishment, Sarita’s The Original is one of the consistently loved staples by both locals and non-locals. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it’s perfect for any occasion and for any time of the day. Their service never fails, and their food is consistently exceptional. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a place to grab a quick and delicious meal in the area of Monterey. For starters, try their carnitas, carne asada, and their Big Burrito Plate.

Sarita's The Original

Address: 21 Soledad Dr Monterey, CA 93940

Website: Sarita’s The Original

Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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5. El Torito

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


A simple Sunday brunch means dining in at El Torito. Get that Mexican fix with their fresh meals, the taco and burrito bar, the build-your-own-salad bar, among many others. They have a lot of special days which you can take advantage of. They have Happy Hour on Monday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, they have Taco Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm and kids eat for only 1 USD on Wednesday nights which you can make your family night! We highly recommend the chicken and shrimp fajitas for starters.

El Torito

Address: 13715 Fiji Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Website: El Torito

Opening hours: Mon to Thu, Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Fri to Sat: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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6. Baja Cantina & Grill

mexican restaurants in carmel | baja cantina & grill
Source: instagram

Looking for something that spells out fun and exciting? Baja & Cantina Grill will offer all sorts of fun and excitement anytime you wish! Just by mainly looking at the exterior of this restaurant will surely make you curious because of their festive design and arrangements. They have beautiful outdoor seating and patio, eating outside won’t be a hassle at all. This is also usually the case for many because they’re often always a full house! Their Mexican food is known to be consistently good, and you can even enjoy your meals with live music! Some dishes that we highly recommend are their mango chicken enchiladas and their chilli verde.

Baja Cantina & Grill

Address: 7166 Carmel Valley Rd Carmel, CA 93923 United States

Website: Baja Cantina & Grill

Opening hours: Mon to Thu, Sun: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Fri to Sat: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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7. El Cantaro

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Go vegan! That’s what El Cantaro’s philosophy is. This vegan and organic Mexican food haven tell us that it is possible to have the same tasty flavours of Mexican food in veggies alone. From appetizers, traditional plates, and to traditional Mexican drinks and desserts, they have it all. Dining here will not only make you healthy but will also make you contribute to the sustainability and the green movement. Isn’t that amazing? We highly suggest that you try their taquitos as well as their tortilla soup.

El Cantaro

Address: 791 Foam St Monterey, CA 93940

Website: El Cantaro

Opening hours: Mon to Thu, Sun: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Fri: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm, Sat: closed

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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8. Bay Cafe & Cantina


Formerly known as Bay Cafe, they are now called Bay Cafe & Cantina. This restaurant has grown to serve you with more options. From Mexican dishes to traditional burgers, salads, eggs and omelettes. If you’re looking for an all in one place that specializes in Mexican food, Bay Cafe & Cantina will always be right for you. Perfectly situated one block away from the beach, this restaurant gives an outstanding aura and a relaxing vibe. Want an early buzz? Bay Cafe & Cantina also offers wine, beer, and espressos that will surely get your day started.

Bay Cafe & Cantina

Address: 55 Camino Aguajito Monterey, CA 93940

Website: Bay Cafe & Cantina

Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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9. Island Taco

mexican restaurants in carmel | island taco
Source: instagram

At a humble corner at The Crossroads, you will find this small restaurant. Island Taco has been offering meals with generous and tasty servings that have captured the hearts of many foodies. What people love about this place is that the crew is very friendly, and oftentimes, the owner of the restaurant will even be the one to accommodate you. If you’re vegan, and you love Mexican food, this will not be a problem because they have multiple options for your special diet. If you want a great place to chill and have an affordable bite, Island Taco definitely is the way to go.

Island Taco

Address: 173 The Crossroads Ste 173 Carmel, CA 93923

Website: Island Taco

Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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10. Plaza Linda Restaurant


Looking for a place to have breakfast? Plaza Linda Restaurant specializes in both American and Mexican breakfast that will surely get your day started. From Medallion salmon to turkey avocado eggs benedict, to banana pecan pancakes, they have a very big variety of breakfast options. Dining at Plaza Linda Restaurant will surely make you realize why it’s continually given a five-star rating. Don’t miss out on one of the best breakfast places in Carmel Valley!

Plaza Linda Restaurant

Address: 27 E Carmel Valley Rd Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Website: Plaza Linda Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Fri to Sun: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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Sabroso

Carnitas
Source: Photo by user Mike McCune used under CC BY 2.0

Mexican food is always a delight at any time of the day. Make sure to visit our recommended spots in Carmel, California for a warm and delicious Mexican treat.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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