I'm not even vegan and this place is totally awesome! I had the potato tacos and the fried plantains and the food was FANTASTIC!

I was visiting my dad in Monterey and decided to search for some vegan restaurants in the area. Just before settling on Indian or Thai, I stumbled across this Mexican restaurant, that labeled itself as vegan. Hesitant and skeptical at first, we decided to give this place a whirl after reading a stellar review on Yelp. Our table came replete with chips and hot sauce (which was really tasty). I forgot to ask but the chips appeared homemade as well. Perhaps someone else wrote about them in a review though, I could be wrong, but I digress. We ordered the gluten free taquitos as an appetizer. Which can usually be purchased in the frozen aisle of any health food store. But in this restaurant setting, they were cooked perfectly and were absolutely delicious served with guacamole. I ordered two corn tortilla (GF) tacos and didn't regret it one bit. My dad ordered a burrito stuffed to the gills with vegetables and beans. After taking two bites he stated that he would probably need to get another one because he didn't possibly believe that it would fill him up. Boy was he wrong. Overall the place stands out among the incredible amount of seafood and steak houses and blatant carnivore emporiums situated in Monterey/Pacific Grove. Next time I'm in town visiting, you can bet your bottom gold coin dollar, my dad and I will be first in line ordering some well prepared and refreshing vegan Mexican grub. Only complaint I have is that the chick working there stated she wasn't vegan while wearing a shirt that read "VEGAN" on the back. Oh well. Maybe next time we eat there, she will be. read more

Excellent food and awesome family restaurant after a long bike ride during my California bicycle tour. Must have are anything they make! Take advantage of this sweet family spot! read more

Some Great food right near the Aquarium for a cheaper price then those pesky Cannery Row resturants. Fresh Fish, and Great for people who are Gluten Free and Vegan (we had both when we went). read more

As soon as you walk in it smells so good!! Very clean and organized. The woman taking our order was not very nice, in fact she looked really unhappy, maybe a bad day or something. I was asking what was gluten free and I don't think she liked answering my questions(that's why I only give it 3 stars, a better attitude would go a long way, lol). That's ok because the food was great and I was hungry. My kids ate every last bite and asked for more rice, now that's some good food. My mom loved it she's newly vegan. My husband and kids are not vegan so for them to eat and not complain is great. My husband said the huarache he ordered was the best he had! The only suggestion I have is to make clear what is gluten free, maybe gf symbols next to each menu item. I'm visiting the area for the weekend and I will go back again before I go home. Oh and the mint ice cream was excellent!!! I'm serious, it was creamy and delicious I'm getting that again before I go home for sure!! read more

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This place is a hidden gem! I loved the Oaxacan mole "chikin", the mole was rich and delicious. The guacamole was fresh, and I loved that they didn't add very much salt. The service was quick and I will definitely be back! read more

Vegan. Authentic Mexican... Delicious! I'm so grateful to have this conscious option near my home and can only hope for more places like this to come! read more

For any vegetarian (even more so for a vegan) who is tired of walking into a restaurant and only finding a handful of options from which to choose, this restaurant is a breath of fresh (and delicious smelling) air. I felt like a kid in a candy store as I stood debating what to get; there are a ton of selections, and they all sounded delicious. I finally settled on the chickin tortilla soup and molé negro, neither of which disappointed. The chickin is similar to the meatless alternative Quorn, which in of itself is nothing spectacular in of itself, but the broth and molé sauce really won me over. Rich and flavorful, there was nothing missing from what I know can call an authentic vegan Mexican meal. The black beans and rice also hit the spot; no bland flavors there at all. I could have wolfed down a whole plate of those by themselves. The service was good too; you order at the counter, get a number and take a seat (a small dining area, so you may have to wait for a spot if you hit a rush). There was a TV in the corner (soccer game on) but it wasn't loud at all, so it wasn't a bother. The only downside is they are closed on Saturday, so sadly I was only able to squeeze in one visit on Sunday during my visit to Monterey. Check out the owners' bio on their website, there's a good chance they'll be taking your order and serving your food! I look forward to my next trip down to this area, because I know where I'll be eating! There are a few free parking spots in a lot directly in front of the restaurant if you're driving. read more

El Cantaro - Molé negro with chickin - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Wow! Vegan Mexican food, with lots of Gluten-Free options. Definitely worth a visit when in Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel. read more

Usually I avoid vegan restaurants because they substitute cheese with tons of nut butters. This place is unique from that perspective. Food is good, freshly made tortillas, tons of veggies. Taste and service is good too. read more

If there was a place like this near my house, I would just rent a room in their dining space. We stumbled upon this quaint little joint and went in based on the name alone. It was a very happy surprise. The food was delicious. The staff was very courteous. I would definitely recommend this to anyone- vegan or otherwise. read more

This place is great! The owner's vegan and all of the dishes are plant-based - which is awesome - but the food's delicious by any standard. So far I've had four different tacos: the sautéed vegetable, crispy potato, Nopales and ranchero. All of them were fresh, super flavorful and had just the right amount of kick (if you want some more several hot sauces are readily available). I'll be coming back often! read more

Holy mother of vegan gods!!! This place is incredible!!! I cannot believe they have managed to take authentic Mexican food and turn every recipe into a vegan entree that's better than most restaurants! I recommend the taquito, the tamale, and enchiladas!!! You really can't go wrong. Great friendly service, fast food, and all good for the planet while harming no animals. Wait..why isn't everyone vegan yet?? read more

Most variety I have ever had for a mexican restaurant and my wife and I are vegan. Loved the chili relleno and my wife loved the taquitos!

Great vegan restaurant! Always cooked to order and delicious! Recommended for vegans and non vegans.

Great food. I love their giant TLJITA thing. I don't know what it is actually called. The only thing I would change is more toppings. Otherwise all their vegan food is amazing. I love mexican food. I am not vegan. I still love this place. read more

So excited to dine in an all vegan establishment for the first time. I thank you it was a pleasure and I am looking forward to coming back again. We loved the horchata it was muy delicioso! We were served fancy type lemon/cucumber water that was nice but room temperature which was strange. My wife loved her veggi wet burrito with red sauce which was said to be mild but was actually much spicier than the green sauce. She was thrilled as was I. I ordered the #3 which (potato taco)was just good. I am not a big fan of diaya cheese which was sprinkled on everything. I think they could kick up these recipes a notch if they tried Miyokos Vegan mozzarella cheese(I am disclosing no affiliation). Chips and guacamole was awesome and everyone was friendly and facility was immaculate. Kids had quesadilla which wasn't eaten much but he was overly tired so I'm thinking that's why. The girl had bean burrito and fries which were good but under cooked(I still ate them). Overall like I said looking forward to dining here again when I'm in the area. read more

El Cantaro - The inside of a veggi wet burrito. Layered squash tomato rice beans. Looking forward to eating this again tomorrow. - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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The best vegan ever! Casual dinning atmosphere, clean bathrooms and friendly service. We have not been disappointed with any items on the menu. We were told that the family has been vegan for generations! read more

These guys do an amazing job in this niche market. Proof that vegan and strong flavors can go hand in hand. Even the fake meats satisfy.

OMG, how I've been craving good Mexican food, which I haven't had since going vegan five years ago! This is just like I remember it! I was delighted to try their mole sauce over a tamale -- so creative and tasty. Such nice spices and flavor combinations, all prepared very fresh and homemade. The horchata was to die for and I could've drunk a gallon of it! The only tiny complaint is that the chips tasted commercially-made, but I always eat too many of them so who cares. I can't wait to go back when I'm in Monterey and try everything on the menu. read more

So delicious! We tried several things...enchilada, tamale, tacos -- all phenomenal. Highly recommend you try, even if you're not vegan!!

Excellent concept. I am not vegan, but I try to eat better for myself, the environment, the animals, etc. this place will do very well. Hope they open another in the Bay Area. read more

We went to the Aquarium this weekend and then wanted some vegan food. We found El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant and let me tell you, this place is awesome. The Oaxaca Mole was the best I have ever had - vegan or otherwise - and the little tortillas were fresh and hot. I had watermelon agua fresca and that was very refreshing. I tasted a bite of the tomatillo sauce and it was excellent. This place is a real treat if you are in the mood for vegan mexican food. read more

Absolutely great tacos! Clean restaurant, warm service. Definitely going to come back here very often.

I just found this gem while passing through Monterey. I bought a chickin' burrito an an amazing cantaloupe water. The chicken was delicious and tender, the salsa was delicious, and their guacamole and sour cream were above par as well. I would recommend this place for vegans and meat eaters alike. read more

This place is Vegan!!! We didn't realize and we kindly asked to be compensated for some of it and they refused. Later on before walking out they asked if we would like something different and suggested the potato taquitos they were so kind they said they didn't want us to walk out hungry after spending $40. I appreciate it and recommend it to vegans read more

This place is fantastic! I work in a restaurant and know my type of questions are found "annoying" and these guys totally appeased me. I called to know the carb content and fiber content of their flower tortilla and they took the time to find out, major points! Allowed me to come in a few minutes after closing and pick up my order and on top of that add a half order of nachos. Everything is super fresh and literally cooked right in front of you. Their "chips" are out of this world, they are certainly fried on site. Efficient staff. AND VEGAN. Over all, great great great. I'll come back :) read more

They have apparent system when they're busy, but do not let that ruin your experience. Having been there 3 times and being more satisfied each time, I will keep going back; no matter how frustrating the service might be. Great place. read more

This place was amazing! Delicious food. Nice people. Clean. Best vegan mexican food Ive ever had, hands down! So good.

I'm not vegan myself and their food is usually pretty bland, but I loved this place so much. They were lovely and helpful when I asked for suggestions, and their recommendations where phenomenal. I tried several of their entres (with friends), and I loved every one of them. If you're a local, or just passing through Monteray I'd say stop by and enjoy a quick mexican meal from their lovely staff; I'd recommend the Grilled Pinapple Veggie Burrito. read more

Loved the potato tacos. Excellent meal all around. Friendly staff, fast service. Menu has a large selection.

We visited this place for the first time 11/2 years ago and LOVED it then. And today we were able to visit for the second time: and were not disappointed! They're even better than when we first visited, and I couldn't see any room for improvement then! The environment is small, yet tastefully decorated with very clean dining and food prep areas. The food is cruelty-free and deliciously flavorful; with many selection choices. I can hardly wait to return!! read more

Love it here! Too bad I had to travel miles away to find it!! The pozole was great! The flavor was just right! read more

El Cantaro - Vegan pozole - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

fish tacos were awesome but the mole tamale was really bad, mushy with no flavor. they have a few weird efficiency issues: 1. getting water is too difficult (you have to wait in the register line again to refill your tiny plastic cup) 2. when you walk in, the register staff asks you to sit down with a menu and then come up to order. NEVER do that, unless you want to watch 10 people come in after you and stand in line reading the menu, and then you get up to wait in line and those same people who unknowingly jumped queue also sit down and take your table. they have a few parking spots which is nice if you can get one. read more

SOOOO yummy!! I thoroughly enjoyed the pineapple burrito and the chips & salsa were excellent as well. Would definitely come back again.

In Monterey for a few days and found this place on Yelp. Vegan mexican food?? Yes please!!! I was able to order online which made it even better. The Posole was the best one I've had in awhile. I only wish there was one closer to home. read more

Excellent flavorful food. Try the combo plate for a variety of items. Simple fast food interior. Helpful staff. Not far from cannery row. We will be returning again and again. So nice to have this tasty vegan option in this town. read more

We got the mole and chilaquile plates. They were delicious. The only negatives for me were the oiliness (I aim for little to no oil in my food) and the chicken bits in the mole , which I just didn't like. Next time I go (because I will, because it's an ALL-VEGAN restaurant and I'm mexican and this place is actually great), I'll just ask to substitute the fake meats with veggies. read more

Even my wife (very much anti-vegan food) liked her tamales. My veggie burrito (wet style) was very tasty and filling. The fresh french fries were amazing. We will be coming back when we visit the aquarium. read more

Delicious food. Oh and it's vegan. And I am a carnivore that loves meat. Yet I am not the least bit sad, the food is SO good. Wide selection, but the tamales will keep me coming back read more