Wow!!. what an amazing lunch to start the new year !! .. Excellent food . All meat items made up with vegan replacements. Had the chicken and fish tacos , the Chile Relleno and the taquitos. They were all awesome with Renelle topping the list . Good service and decent parking space of its own as it's not easy to find parking in Monterey downtown . Would definitely visit again when in Monterey . read more

El Cantaro - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

A vegan Mexican restaurant is a dream come true! So many options and it was so delicious! Fast and easy. Great prices. Service was great. read more

El Cantaro - Crispy Potato Taco and Taquitos - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Must go to vegan spot while in Monterrey. Try the combo #3. It's sooo good and we got a horchata too. Right by the aquarium read more

El Cantaro - Holy cow. We got the veggie supreme mole burrito and the combo #3. To die for die hard vegans - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Excellent food and great quick service ! Their a a great variety of excellent tasting tacos !

This place is amazing! I'm so happy I came! My boyfriend and I both got the veggie supreme burritos. I added green sauce to mine ! It was SO DELICIOUS! I will for sure be back next time I'm in The area. 5 stars! Excellent customer service and delicious food Also the veggie burrito was so large I could not finish it! read more

El Cantaro - El Cantaro street sign - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Delicious Vegan Mexican food in Monterey. A couple of tables are available in front of the store. Service was fast, friendly and efficient. read more

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Be warned... this place is completely vegan. despite "steak" being offered on the menu.

So grateful to have found a tasty vegan place in Monterey- I got the loaded tostada and wet burrito and tacos. They even have the works: vegan crema and cheese. Truly an extensive menu- I will be going back next Monterey trip. read more

Extremely tasty would have totally believed it was not vegan. Tried the ranchero taco and potato taco ended up ordering an additional ranchero taco after I was done. Great service and very cute ambiance. Will definitely be back read more

We always hit this spot whenever we visit from So Cal. The BEST vegan Mexican food, hands down! Salsas are the bomb, beans and rice on point, hugest menu selection, rare and authentic dishes... what else can I say? This is truly the best vegan Mexican food I've had. From SD to the Bay Area, this is the REAL DEAL. Now you know! read more

A killer vegan taqueria by the ocean? What more could you ask for? The food, the service, the overall vibe 10/10 would recommend and I'm not even vegan! This is my go to spot now for whenever I'm visiting Cannery Row and need a quick, delicious meal. I will warn you though, location matters and pricing can be steep. But, everything is in this area so it's to be expected really. Still worth it! read more

We loved the food here. We both ordered the vegetarian supreme burrito (with no sour cream) and it was delicious. My mom got the spinach tortilla and I got the flour tortilla (there is also a tomato tortilla). It was packed with vegetables (yellow squash and zucchini). The flavor was incredible. The salsa on the side was great as well. It did not come with chips, which was fine since the burrito was the size of a Labrador puppy. read more

El Cantaro - Veggie Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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My fiance and I tried this place for the first time over the weekend and really enjoyed it! I got the combination #3 plate which included a crispy potato taco, a chicken taquito, a chicken enchilada, beans, and rice for just under $19. The young girl that served us was kind and helpful. It didn't feel as welcoming or inviting overall though, the staff seemed to be a bit overwhelmed and kept to themselves. The restaurant itself was quiet. We ended up taking our food back to our hotel room and we shared a good laugh together when we realized this place was a vegan Mexican restaurant. We somehow didn't notice beforehand. I would've never guessed based on the flavor alone, it was delicious! The only thing that had me wondering was the texture of the chicken because it didn't really look like "real" chicken lol. Sure enough ended up looking up reviews here on yelp and found out it was a fully vegan spot. Neither one of us are vegan, but I'm all for it and I'd happily get it again when we visit Monterey again read more

El Cantaro - Crispy Potato Taco Chicken Taquito Chicken Enchilada with beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Bomb dot com status! Order the combo plates so you can try a bit of everything. It was so good that we will be back for dinner and maybe lunch again tomorrow while in town. You won't be sorry you made the trip. It's rare to find a 100% vegan Mexican restaurant..... we are impressed read more

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Service was super quick and food was delicious. I highly recommend the potato tacos. Wasn't a huge fan of the taquito but it was still good. You really can't tell it's all vegan. Would definitely come back! read more

El Cantaro - Combo #3 - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

OMG! If we lived nearby, we'd eat here multiple times a week! There was nothing we didn't love!! The tortillas were the best we've EVER had!! The menu was expansive. Seriously, you're missing out if you don't try this place! read more

El Cantaro - "Beef" enchiladas with rice, beans. One "beef" and one "fish" taco. SO delish!! - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

We love this place. Vegan Mexican food at its best. The menu is extensive. Service is friendly and speedy. Ambiance is casual and homey, with a soccer game often playing on the corner TV. Tables are available outdoors, as well. The word is out on how good the food is, and one sometimes has to wait for a seat. read more

This was 'N So good! I come here every time I'm in the area. Love the potato tacos! read more

El Cantaro - Combo #3 - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Well, if I was vegan this is defintiely where I would go. I'm not but I saw so many good reviews and they had the word steak in the menu so I thought they had some meat options. I was so wrong. It tasted great as a vegan dish. Had the nacho with steak and a taco. The sour cream was vegan, even the cheese, though it started to feel snotty after a while. My friend was confused the whole time eating, he got the stuffed mushroom empanada. If I come back again I'd defintiely get something more basic like their potatoes. It was a bit risky as a person who likes steak and chicken, but it defintiely fit the bill as a vegan place. Surprised how there aren't that many Mexican restaurants around here. read more

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Delicious food! The menu is really big and a little overwhelming but staff were very helpful in offering suggestions. Everything we ordered was delicious, fresh, well seasoned and well portioned. The crispy potato tacos were outstanding as was the torta read more

El Cantaro - Tortas - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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We found this restaurant on YELP and I had the spinach encenchiladas. Outstanding flavor!!! The service was friendly and inviting. Even though this place was small, it still was pleasant. read more

My partner and I were visiting Monterey for 3 days. We came here to eat once each day. Massive menu! We had something different every time and it was all good. read more

This place is awesome for vegetarians and vegans. Super fresh food and super flavorful. The burrito was full of fresh veggies, fingerpicking tofu and beautiful assembled. My kids loved the fresh beans and flavorful cheese at this place. I wish they have a air conditioning because it was super crowded and it got overwhelmed. We have been visiting over the years. read more

El Cantaro - Three Enchiladas Plate - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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I ordered a Chick'n Tostada and a Steak Taco. Pictured below is the tostada, but they were both delicious and reasonably priced. The tostada had a a generous helping of avocado atop delicately seasoned chick'n on a bed of lettuce, pico de gallo and a drizzle of crema. I highly recommend El Cantaro! read more

El Cantaro - Chickin ' Taco - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

So good! I was happy that they were super knowledgeable about their menu and knew which items were not GF ! My friend said it was the best burrito he's ever had and then didn't believe that it was vegan ! Can't wait to come back ! read more

Food was good! We originally wanted the chiles reños and chilaquiles but they were out:( that means those are good right ?? Horchata was delicious and a healthy smoothie it was purple SO good! Service was decent she had a lot of hickies on her neck. The ambiance was cool we saw the ocean from the outside seats but the table was so wobbly! read more

Exceptional vegan burritos! My husband said it was one of the best he's ever had so far. All their food is vegan. Their menu hosts a huge variety of healthy Mexican cuisine. Casual ambiance and friendly service. They also have their own parking lot. read more

I was excited to finally visit this place that everyone had been bragging to me about. After a long week of working at a campground about an hour away, we were excited to sit down and enjoy plant-based Mexican food. As someone who eats mainly plant-based, it can be difficult to find good plant-based food at a decent price. I love Mexican food and the fact that there was an option for a fully plant-based menu was amazing! The food was delicious, the drinks were delicious, and the place where it is located is cleverly placed in a corner of a well trafficked area. The only downside I could see is the parking situation. They are in a smaller area and the parking is a little weird entering and exiting, but people seem to make it work. Indoors, it is full of life, bright colors, and limited seating. Be sure to get there as soon as possible to get good seating especially if you have a larger party. The menu can be a little overwhelming but the customer service gave great suggestions of what has been popular as of late. I tried out one of each of their tacos and found them not only filling but very tasty. If you are in the Monterey area or any neighboring city, and you are looking for good plant-based food, you need to be here. read more

Omg, this was our favorite restaurant during our time in Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. We ate there twice in 24 hours and would have been more had we had time! It's a hole in the wall with counter service and no alcohol license but so so good. Will please vegans and carnivores alike. My favorite was the crispy potato taco and tortilla soup read more

El Cantaro - Burrito mole - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

We are so lucky to have El Cantaro on the Monterey Peninsula-- it's truly a gem. It's one of my go-to weekday take out spots, and I've also dined in several times. The restaurant itself is located in the heart of New Monterey, and is also easily accessible form Pacific Grove. As someone who has tried many of the menu items here, I will recommend a few that are must-try options. Firstly, the crispy potato tacos! The plate includes 4 very sizable tacos with a side of beans that could easily be a light meal for two people. The tacos have these perfectly crispy, fried shells with a mashed potato filling. Add a splash of hot sauce and guacamole? "Chef's kiss" delicious! The tofu veggie burrito is also a must-- and it's enormous! Easily will last you two meals. Lastly, be sure to try the nachos. Vegans and non-vegans alike will delight in the generous toppings. The rice and beans here are seasoned so deliciously. With such stellar staple ingredients, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. El Cantaro is a casual, affordable, and extremely high quality restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula. read more

El Cantaro - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

El Cantaro 12/30/2019 visit All vegan Mexican. Super small parking with spaces for six cars Plenty of diverse menu options. Check out their website Pozole soup $7.85 Combo #3 $12.85 Total $22.28 Combo #3: One Crispy potato taco one Chickin' rolled taquito & one Enchilada with lettuce, salsa fresca, sour cream, cheese, guacamole and a side of rice & pinto or black beans. Open with spicy red salsa and great tasting chips. Pricing really good for quality and quantity compared to many others. Everything seems made to order working hard on the kitchen right behind the counter. Kafla was efficient order taking and repeated back for accuracy. Green sauce not spicy but flavor full. Enchiladas chicken had a crisp look and I enjoyed the taste Potato taco was fine but I squirted the contents out the end in my lap! Taquito was topped with guacamole, cheese and pico salsa. Chips and salsa with black beans was a nice improvisation. Lots of people ordering Pozole orders when I was there. Found a bay leaf and a high chunk of garlic in mine which I didn't eat. Just wish they brought it out before my main course because it got cold as I finished my combo. While Vegan GreenGo in Santa Barbara was the Chipotle of vegan Mexican, El Cantaro had the feel of a more complete casual vegan Mexican establishment. Despite the critique, it was a great meal and unfortunate being 120 miles away not sure I'll have the opportunity to try all the other options that others have found delicious read more

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This place was awesome!!!! Authentic, delicious food. Pretty sure the tortillas are homemade. We were so satisfied here. The green enchilada sauce...I could drink it. read more

Oh. My. Word. Everything. Is. So. Good. I had the chiliquiles, green sauce. So good. The sauce is so bright and flavorful, they had mushrooms on there too! We started out with the taquitos for an appetizer, they were so tender on the inside and crispy on the outside! My husband had the vegan poodle and raved about it! To finish everything off we had a tender vegan flan. Make sure if you are vegan or vegetarian you come here! read more

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The best vegan Mexican food we've ever had!! 11/10 would return for a delicious authentic experience The grilled veggie pineapple, reviewed by a vegan: sweet and juicy and bursting with sauce and veggies!! zero flaws The Cantaro, reviewed by a non-vegan: The chick'n tasted so real and the salsa was tasty and spicy!! wish there was more beans and flavor was extra tomato-y but overall outstanding experience read more

El Cantaro - Grilled Pineapple Veggie Burrito and the El Cantaro Burrito! - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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I accompanied my son and his gf for a quick bite, i had the steak taco, my son had the combo plate, steak, chicken taco and cheese enchilada. My son's gf got the steak nachos. Everything was extremely good. read more

Really enjoyed eating at El Cantaro while visiting Monterey during car week. SO nice to have 100% vegan mexican cuisine with authentic flavors. We enjoyed the chile rellenos, tostada de nopal, and horchata. The staff were very friendly and service was quick! read more

First time ever having vegan food, never would've thought it would have been Mexican at that! AMAZING QUALITY!! Will be coming back!!

The fake cheese they use is not good. It has that really fake flavor and too-smooth texture that's just nasty! Aside from that issue the food was pretty good. Since I'm a cheese lover, I would probably just skip the fake cheese or go elsewhere if I came back to Monterey. But, I honestly probably wouldn't come back to this restaurant because there's enough good food around. The upside is that it's near the aquarium and much healthier and affordable than their cafe. read more

Heard so much about this place from friends, that I had to try it out even though I'm not vegan. I'm so glad I did! And I look forward to bringing my vegan family members here in the future. I opted for the el cántaro "chicken" burrito. Comes with grilled "chicken", vegan cheese, pinto or black beans, rice, and salsa fresca. This burrito was HUGE! I also tried the potato taco. There was a slight coconut taste (?), but wasn't too overwhelming. This is a popular restaurant for sure! They have a small parking lot. You'll most likely have to park along the street. Line was out the door. Additionally, I had to wait 40 minutes for my food. I recommend getting there early, ordering ahead of time for pick up, or walk along the coastal rec trail while you wait. Overall: decent portions, a bit expensive, delicious vegan menu. read more

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Such a great vegan spot! Food is always delicious and the people are so friendly. I forgot to get pics because I scarfed it down. Got the chilaquiles this time and they were great. I've also had the birria tacos, nachos, platters, tamales, taquitos and enchiladas. Can't go wrong with any of it. read more