15 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica has a rich Mexican culture and food heritage in the Los Angeles County.
With its delicious food, stunning beaches, and oceanfront attractions, Santa Monica is the perfect place to experience the best Mexican flavors.
Mexican immigrants have been part of the city since the early 1900s. They have brought their tasty recipes and culinary traditions.
Today, you’ll find top-rated taquerias, burrito joints, and Mexican restaurants across this vibrant beachside town.
Savor margaritas and Mexican beers on a patio overlooking the ocean. After riding the Ferris wheel, visit the Santa Monica Pier and meet your cravings with fish tacos.
So look no further; check out our top Mexican restaurants in Santa Monica to satisfy your cravings. Stop by your favorite place!
Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica
Blue Plate Taco
Blue Plate Taco brings a fresh coastal take on Mexican food. Situated in the eco-friendly Shore Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica, it offers attractive Pacific views.
Jenny Rush, the founder, got her inspiration from travels in Baja. She uses local Mexican ingredients, many organic and sustainably farmed.
The menu boasts guacamole and chips, seafood enchiladas, chicken fajitas, and taco combos, including steak, fish, veggie, and chicken options.
You’ll find convenient $10 valet parking at The Shore Hotel, right next door. Its vibrant and relaxed ambiance makes Blue Plate Taco a favored choice for dining after a day at the beach in bustling Santa Monica.
Mercado
Mercado is one of the notable Mexican restaurants in Santa Monica, serving up inventive Mexican dishes in a modern setting. It’s known for its creative meals and a wide tequila choice.
You walk down busy 4th Street, feeling the lively atmosphere, and find Mercado.
The restaurant has a vibrant interior where menus artistically grace the mirrors, offering a visual feast before the culinary adventure begins.
The menu includes vegetables, salads, starters, entrees, sides, and a broad beverage list. Start the evening with a delicious appetizer – queso dip with crunchy chips and guacamole.
They also have a weekday happy hour menu with tequila cocktails and fare specials that attract locals and visitors alike.
You can reserve a table or order via their website, call them or use DoorDash to enjoy their offerings at your convenience.
RED O Cantina
RED O sits next to the famous Santa Monica Pier. The first Mexican cantina by RED O redefines fine Mexican dining in Southern California. It offers a resort-inspired experience that delights all senses.
The menu has Baja-style seafood, unique Mexican dishes, and craft cocktails. It’s all served with RED O’s signature touch. The restaurant looks great inside, creating a welcoming vibe like a luxury resort.
You’ll love taquitos, cheese tamales, corn tortillas, and amazing desserts like churros, butter cakes, and chocolate cakes.
Besides the food, RED O has many tequila options and an award-winning wine list. It’s the place to be for specialty cocktails and fine drinks. They’re also known for excellent service, significant portions, and perfect flavors.
With its incredible food and superb service, RED O is a must-try Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica if you want a memorable dining experience.
Casa Martin
Casa Martin is a local family-owned Mexican restaurant that serves fresh and traditional Mexican cuisine from Tepatitlan Jalisco.
They bring a unique twist to Mexican food, crafting tasty dishes for sharing with friends and family.
Casa Martin has two locations in Santa Monica: the original one on Ocean Avenue and another at the 3rd Street Promenade. You can find outdoor seating on Ocean Avenue, with heaters for chilly nights and ideal lighting for photos.
Their extensive menu features favorites like fish tacos, stewed steaks, and asado and delightful drinks like strawberry margaritas, tequila, and red sangria. They also offer a kids’ menu.
Operating hours vary by location, with the original Casa Martin open daily. The ambiance and decor are trendy, accompanied by great music, and the servers are courteous and efficient.
Lares
Lares is a family-owned Santa Monica restaurant that has served authentic Mexican cuisine since 1968.
You can find Lares at Pico Boulevard, which began as a small coffee shop.
Over the years, Lares transformed into a two-story Mexican eatery with two full bars, live entertainment, and a loyal clientele.
Lares offers a variety of dishes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, margaritas, and mariachi music.
Menu highlights include Señor Parras Special for breakfast, guacamole dip, shrimp cocktail, nachos, and ceviche for dinner.
With its relaxed ambiance, Mission-style furniture, and carved bar, consider Lares if you want to hang out with friends or need a date spot.
Tocaya Modern Mexican
Tocaya serves updated Mexican bowls, tacos, and burritos at Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica.
The restaurant began in Venice, California, in 2016, embodying the fresh ideas, flavors, and soulful vibe of the Golden State.
Tocaya uses high-quality ingredients and ensures that meat and fish are steroid, hormone, and antibiotics-free.
The menu, rooted in traditional Mexican recipes, suits various preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Popular dishes include Tocaya Salad, Tortilla Soup, and Chicken Tinga. In addition, Plantain or tortilla chips are excellent choices.
Tocaya has a full bar with a fine wine list, signature margaritas, and happy hour specials. It offers indoor and outdoor seating with ample space.
Maria Sol
Maria Sol has a crucial advantage – its location on the Santa Monica Pier. Its typical Mexican dishes and generous margaritas stroll around, creating a lively dining experience with lovely water views.
You’ll adore the vibrant patio colors and the authentic Baja Cantina decor.
Some menu items at Maria Sol include Chile Relleno, Fresh Tableside Guacamole, Tres Amigos Fajitas, Crab Enchiladas, Sombrero Salad, and Baja fish tacos.
Flavorful peppers, unique sauces, and fresh fish make their Baja fish taco plate a favorite among Mexican enthusiasts.
You’ll find TVs for enjoying sports games and a small bar. Sitting at the bar, you can experience friendly and quick service from the bartender.
El Cholo
El Cholo is a local Mexican chain that has served traditional dishes and margaritas since the 1920s.
You can find El Cholo in Santa Monica Business Park. The restaurant’s beautiful outdoor courtyard is ideal for a relaxing dining experience.
The menu at El Cholo has various Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tacos, tamales, and rellenos. A signature dish is “The Taste of History,” combining the four main menu items that made El Cholo famous in its early days.
They are also credited with introducing the burrito to the USA in the 1930s. El Cholo has a festive atmosphere and good margaritas, making it popular among students, families, and large groups.
Tacos Por Favor
Tacos Por Favor is a family-owned Mexican restaurant near Memorial Park in Santa Monica that operates many locations across Los Angeles, including West LA.
They serve burritos, taquitos, quesadillas, and more for lunch and dinner. The menu features these items and tacos for lunch and dinner.
Try their California Burrito; it’s like heaven wrapped in a flour tortilla. When you finish your tacos, you get a bonus meal: a taco salad made from the leftover crunchy taco bits. Combos that come with rice and beans are also available.
This place has garnered positive reviews for its food and atmosphere, offering outdoor seating. The customer service is excellent, and the food comes out quickly. You’ll love this place and will keep coming back.
Lula Cocina Mexicana
At Main Street in Santa Monica, Lula Cocina Mexicana is a lively restaurant with a Dìa de Muertos theme. They offer creative twists on classic Mexican dishes and boast a selection of over 300 tequilas.
The menu draws inspiration from the founder’s time in Mexico City and incorporates influences from various Mexican regions.
You can find popular items like Tlacoyos (a top appetizer), sizzling fajitas, and their signature Lula Margarita.
The restaurant has a popular patio for outdoor dining and offers daily Happy Hour specials. To reserve a table for your next meal, corporate event, or birthday celebration, give them a call.
Sol Agave
Sol Agave is a trendy, upscale Mexican restaurant and bar on Ocean Avenue. They specialize in seafood and steaks.
The menu presents diverse dishes such as botanas, taquitos, and loaded nachos. Moreover, a brunch menu featuring Cazuela De Queso and Taquiza is available.
Pairing a Margarita flight with shrimp taquitos makes a delightful choice! A happy hour menu teeming with chipotle glazed ribs and pork belly bites awaits patrons.
They focus on safety and take considerable measures to protect customers with dietary restrictions. They also offer gluten-free options.
Step inside Sol Agave and feel like you’re in a beautiful Mexican hacienda. The outdoor heat lamps and shading create a charming atmosphere that changes throughout the day. It’s a delightful experience!
In summary, Sol Agave is an excellent choice for those who want a unique and delicious Mexican meal in Santa Monica.
Gilbert’s El Indio Restaurant
Gilbert’s El Indio is a family-owned restaurant located at Pico Boulevard. They’ve served the Santa Monica community since 1974; the same family still runs it.
You can find South-of-the-border favorites, like machaca, platos Mexicanos, burritos, tacos, tostadas, salads, soups, and more.
The food satisfies, and they serve alcohol, including margarita pitchers for groups. There’s a full bar with margaritas by the pitcher and specialty drinks.
With a splendid outdoor seating area and friendly and helpful staff, they’re open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can use the free parking at the back or find metered street parking.
King and Queen Cantina
Photo: King and Queen Cantina | Yelp.com
If you want an unforgettable music experience with Mexican fare, visit King and Queen Cantina in Downtown Santa Monica.
They present delicious tacos, seafood, burritos, desserts, margaritas, wine, and other cocktails. Don’t miss their watermelon and cucumber margaritas. The menu also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
This small place features an outdoor concept, two bars, and a dining area. They accept reservations for full meals and recommend them for groups of 15 or more.
Besides, they provide event space for private gatherings, creating a lively atmosphere with music videos on many screens.
Among the Santa Monica Mexican restaurants, It’s an ideal spot whether you’re stopping by for drinks or drinks and light bites.
Socalo
Opened in 2019, Socalo is a delightful beachside spot at the Gateway Hotel Santa Monica.
Run by talented chefs/owners, it’s a charming blend of Californian beach vibes and Mexican flavors.
They offer quick counter service during lunch, while happy hour and dinner transition to full-service dining.
The menu is diverse, featuring options ranging from seafood and beef to pork, chicken, and veggies. What sets Socalo apart is its commitment to conscious sourcing.
They prioritize organic beans, rice, and corn tortillas, use seasonal and local ingredients, and opt for hormone-free meats and poultry. Their dedication extends to sustainable seafood choices as well.
Don’t miss the Birria Tacos – a true standout. The lamb Birria tacos showcase the perfect balance between modern and traditional flavors. Socalo’s unique salsa selections and premium, fresh ingredients further elevate the dining experience.
Tu Madre
Tu Madre is another Mexican restaurant in Downtown Santa Monica. It has served tacos and breakfast burritos with care from a colorful Westwood shop since its establishment in 2015.
The Back Patio offers lovely, secluded seating from the restaurant’s hustle and bustle.
The menu at Tu Madre highlights a variety of flavors from the city, including slow-roasted and braised meats, house-made fermented chili salsas, crispy shrimp tacos, and vegan options.
Additionally, they offer sweet treats like their signature red velvet churros.
The atmosphere is casual, with friendly staff who work together seamlessly. We recommend checking out Tu Madre!
FAQs
What type of Mexican food do restaurants in Santa Monica offer?
Mexican restaurants in Santa Monica offer various popular Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tamales, mole, and more. You can find classic Mexican flavors and Baja-style seafood.
Do these restaurants offer vegetarian and gluten-free options?
Many Mexican restaurants in Santa Monica offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Check the menus or ask your server about veggie tacos, plant-based bowls, gluten-free tortillas, and other dietary accommodations.
Are Santa Monica Mexican restaurants good for large groups or celebrations?
Absolutely! These restaurants have lively atmospheres perfect for large parties and celebrations. Many offer private dining rooms or areas to accommodate big groups. Let the restaurant know if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
