YES, YES, YES! This place is solid - menu rotates and everything that I've had at this MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand (https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/sonoma/restaurant/el-molino-central). The Deets: + Order inside. If eating at the restaurant, there is a patio with indoor and outdoor seating. + Food is incredible, I have not had anything that was not perfectly balanced. + ToGo food is available + Beer is available onsite +/- Parking lot is available, but spaces are small. If you have a larger car, there is street parking around (but not in the neighborhood right behind the business) + Bathroom is available in the kitchen + Staff works their bums off, always moving, always great customer service + Very casual dining - I've come through during a camping trip and fit right in. read more

Amazing food and service! We recently visited Sonoma for a week. This place was one of my favorite restaurants in Sonoma area. I loved the fish tacos (their signature tacos dishes) and their tamales. I was very disappointed that I couldn't try their birria tacos since it's not served during summer. However, I will be back to try once they offer them again. Perfect spot for great Mexican food. read more

Been coming here for a couple years now. First time, had no idea about this place and absolutely shocked how amazing the food was. Now, I make the 45 minute drive to enjoy the fish tacos or anything with mole and sit outside cherishing every bite. Not a fancy joint. Walk up and order. Sit outside on benches. Fast service. Always a joy. read more

El Molino Central - Chicken Mole Enchiladas and hibiscus Fresca - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

Being Mexican myself, I am always very critical when it comes to eating Mexican food away from home. El Molino sincerely exceeded my expectations and left me amazed. We stopped by on a Saturday for lunch and it was BUSY. There is limited parking so definitely keep that in mind. The line moves pretty quickly and you place your order inside. They have a large patio in the back with plenty of seating. We ordered the chips and guac, enchiladas de mole, and enchiladas suizas. The chips and guac came out first. The chips are SO GOOD. They fry their homemade tortillas into a large chip. The tortillas are very flavorful and the guacamole is rich and creamy. I think they grate their jalapeño/serrano into the avocado which allows for the flavor to be spread out across the bite. My only complaint is regarding the guac: I wish it had lime! Or if it did have lime, it didn't have enough. The food took a while to come out but the wait was worth it. The portions are huge! The enchiladas suizas were scrumptious. The chicken is stewed which makes it very moist and full of flavor. The pickled veggies weren't my favorite but I'm not generally a pickled veggies fanatic. My partner enjoyed his enchiladas con mole (which I obviously stole a bite from). The mole was very rich and decadent. Overall, we had an excellent experience and look forward to a trip back! read more

El Molino Central - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

Wow wow wow!!! We loved this place. It was a perfect addition to our Sonoma day trip. The rating don't lie. First the ambiance/atomsphere! So so cute and ample amount of seating outdoor with self service water. Food brought to your table. The service was amazing. I was trying to decided the mole vs suiza chicken enchiladas and the amazing woman ringing me up said she could do one of each! I LOVED the mole! So flavorful. We also got the fish tacos that were really yummy and a child's quesadilla. The star of the show is the tortillas!! Fresh made and sooo good. Will definitely come back here if in the area. Don't skip on this place! read more

See all

We had a delicious lunch here! The food was tasty, the service was friendly, and the outdoor picnic bench seating was pleasant (though be prepared for it to be toasty on a hot summer day)! Our family of 2 adults and 1 child (age 8) enjoyed the following: 1) Chicken mole enchiladas- excellent 2) Pork tamales- good, though I found some of the meat too fatty 3) Chips & guacamole- the house made chips were a bit too thick for us; the guacamole was tasty 4) Kids cheese quesadilla - we appreciated the fact they had a $5 kids cheese quesadilla on the menu 5) Soft serve - Delicious The set up is such that you order and pay up front, then sit out back and wait for your order to be delivered to your picnic table. The staff was cordial and the wait wasn't too bad. Our only challenge here was that our SF born and raised kiddo was struggling to eat in the 88 degree heat outdoors. Just be aware that there is no indoor, air-conditioned seating available. Overall, we enjoyed our meal here! read more

See all

My wife And I are a sucker for a good fish taco. $19 for two tacos sounds a little rough. Possibly tourist tax. I appreciate the size and I love a homemade tortilla. I felt it had all the components to be successful. I liked the texture of the batter. It also wasn't plain so that was nice. Good ingredients and flavors for sure. What came up short was the ratio of batter to fish. Way too much batter for the amount of fish. Also it was totally the wrong fish for the batter. Way too soft. I don't know how you eat these in the restaurant but they are a mess. If I'm paying almost twenty bucks for fish tacos. I think I might expect slightly more elegance. Menu did look very interesting. I could see coming back but the fish tacos are a pass read more

See all

Been here several times now, and the food has been absolutely bomb each time. Don't be intimidated by the prices - the portions are gigantic! It's a small and casual operation - there's a large seating area behind the restaurant with self serve water. Limited parking out front, and the back lot (with the seating) also has some space for parking, but it's not hard to find parking in the surrounding area. The food here is awesome - deep flavors and genuinely a ton of craft in their work (tamales and tortillas made fresh, you can see them making it through the window by the register). The food is pretty classic, but just executed so well - I really don't think you can go wrong. My personal favorites are the mole enchiladas / tamales (gently sweet, smoky mole, not overly chocolatey and really balanced, especially with a side of pickles) and the fish tacos (GIGANTIC). read more

El Molino Central - Oaxacan Mole Chicken Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

El Molino Central had been on our radar for a while, hyped by friends as "worth the drive" -- the highest possible endorsement in the Bay Area, where we'll travel thirty minutes for a decent taco. So we finally did it. We planned our entire day around a meal. No spontaneity. Just commitment, a full tank of gas, and moderately managed expectations. The verdict? The food is genuinely tasty, the service is warm and friendly, and the outdoor seating is generous enough that you don't feel like you're eating on top of strangers. All good things. Now, about the bathroom situation. To reach it, you must walk through the kitchen. Yes, the kitchen. The actual working kitchen, where people are actively cooking your food. It feels a little like being a contestant on a show you didn't audition for -- part awkward intruder, part curious food tourist. On the upside, you get a front-row peek at how everything is made, which is either charming or anxiety-inducing depending on how much you like to know about your food before it arrives. We chose charming. Was it worth the drive? Yeah, it was. read more

See all

What an exceptional discovery for authentic Mexican cuisine. This unassuming roadside restaurant, offering dining exclusively outdoors, delivers the kind of culinary experience that reminds you why some of the best food is often found in the most unexpected places. The dining concept is refreshingly casual yet incredibly efficient. Guests place their order at the counter before making their way to the outdoor picnic seating area tucked behind the restaurant. The staff then delivers the food directly to the table, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements the rustic roadside setting. The menu itself is intentionally concise, which immediately signals a kitchen focused more on execution and quality than excess. It also appeared to feature a rotating seasonal selection, and with the beginning of summer came a fresh seasonal menu showcasing vibrant and authentic flavors of summer. We decided on the beef tacos, and they were truly outstanding. I wish I could remember what type of beef they were. The plate arrived simply presented with three street-style tacos accompanied by fresh lime wedges and crisp radish slices. While minimal in appearance, the flavors were anything but simple. The corn tortillas were among the best I have experienced, lightly crisped, with a delicate texture and subtle depth of flavor that elevated the entire dish. The beef was exceptionally tender, moist, and perfectly seasoned without overpowering the natural richness of the meat. Finished with diced white onions, fresh cilantro, and a vibrant green salsa, every component felt thoughtfully balanced. With a squeeze of lime over the top, the first bite delivered that rare and memorable reaction every food enthusiast hopes for, an immediate "wow" moment. What makes this restaurant particularly impressive is its authenticity and restraint. Rather than trying to do everything, it focuses on doing a select number of dishes extraordinarily well. That dedication to quality is clearly reflected in the numerous accolades displayed throughout the property, including multiple years of Michelin recognition. Who would expect that one of the most memorable Mexican dining experiences in the region would be found at a humble roadside establishment in Sonoma? For anyone visiting the area, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit destination. I look forward to returning soon to further explore the menu and experience more of what this remarkable culinary gem has to offer. read more

Went around 7 pm on a Friday and it wasn't too busy. Order at the counter, seat yourself in the back patio ("indoor" and outdoor options), and they will call your name and bring your food to your table. We ordered half zoraidas mother's Oaxacan mole chicken enchilada and half chicken enchilada suizas $19/$16 (it was nice that they allowed half/half so we could try both), birria tacos $19, fish tacos $19. All the food was fantastic. High quality ingredients, great flavors, good portions, and reasonable prices. They sell bottled and canned beers. Self serve water station outside. Parking is very limited in their private lot. We parked elsewhere. Well worth a visit read more

El Molino Central - Enchiladas, fish taco, birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

This place was such an amazing surprise! You would not guess that the most amazing flavors lay behind those small walls. Being from San Diego, I know good Mexican food, and this place had THE BEST tamale I have ever had in my life. The mole sauce was incredible, and the masa was so soft and flavorful! I also ordered a fish taco, that was beer battered and it was to die for! Everything at the table was beyond delicious. You order at the counter, and since it was our first time there, the server was very helpful in guiding us towards the best order to get the most out of our experience. Once you order you head out back to a cute little patio, and they will bring your food out to you. You will not be disappointed if you eat here- I can't wait to go back!!! read more

El Molino Central - Crispy Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

Really enjoyed the chilaquiles here! There wasn't too crazy of a difference between the red and green one, although the green chilaquiles came with serranos on the top which added a nice kick. We came in about 10 AM on a Sunday and there was no wait. The staff were really nice and we ended up eating our breakfast in the backyard patio - a lovely way to spend the morning in Sonoma. read more

El Molino Central - Chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

Great presentation for such a small kitchen. Food was great. Ordered insides and have lots of outdoor sitting. Music playing. Lots of pups around which was a plus for us. read more

See all

El Molino Central in Sonoma was highly recommended to me, and now I understand why. The first time I tried it was when my girlfriend asked if I wanted to order tamales, and they were incredible. Since I knew we were going to be passing by, I had to stop in and try it for myself. I ordered a couple of tamales, one chicken mole and one pork. The pork tamale was delicious, and the chicken mole was so good too. I am not usually used to eating mole, but this one was rich, flavorful, and unique. You could really taste the depth in the sauce. I also tried the crispy shrimp tacos, and the shrimp were enormous. They were served on corn tortillas with shredded cabbage and definitely gave me Baja vibes. Overall, everything was delicious, fresh, and made with high quality ingredients. When we arrived, it was packed with a long line, which says a lot. I also loved that they have a grab and go fridge with lots of items to take home. I would definitely go back for more. Great food and friendly staff! read more

El Molino Central - Shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

My first visit and it did not disappoint. Short wait on a Sunday afternoon, the food here is excellent. The poke tostada was recommended and was extraordinary. Looking forward to going back to try other items. read more

El Molino Central - Poke tostada - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

I have a full-blown obsession with El Molino Central, the fact that it's Michelin-recognized only validates what I already knew. Ever since I discovered the Fairmont Spa through ResortPass, this has become my perfect ritual: spa day, then lunch here, then a second stop before heading home to stock up on their ready-made items. If you book the happy hour pass at the spa, come here for lunch. The homemade chips and guac are non-negotiable. The verde chicken enchiladas are generous enough to feed at least two people. And the seasonal chile relleno? Will have you thinking you'd never want another chile relleno ever again... that beef-and-pork mix, with the sauce, and fresh pomegranate. Our obsession has reached the point where my boyfriend literally Zelle's me in advance to make sure I bring home a full haul from the refrigerated case--tamales, enchiladas, chile relleno, guac, dips, chips, fresh tortillas, beans, desserts... It's dangerous in the best way. Pro tip: If there's something specific you want, pay for it earlier in the day and pick it up later to guarantee it doesn't sell out. And if you have room (make some!), don't skip the soft serve. The portion is huge, easily shareable, and the perfect sweet ending. NOTE: They pop up at the SF Saturday Ferry Building Farmers Market, look for the LONG LINE. read more

See all

I saw Instagram foodie Festus try Mexican restaurants in the Santa Rosa and Sonoma County and he stopped by El Molino. I've been looking for a go to Mexican restaurant in the North Bay and decided to give it a try. I got the same two dishes he ordered, Beer Battered Fish Tacos and the Chicken Enchiladas. The guacamole and sauce in the tacos really made the dish! I can see why Festus likes wearing gloves while eating because it was tasty but messy as the tortilla broke cause it couldn't support its contents. The Chicken Enchiladas were delicious and you got to check out the nice cheese pull it has. The service was friendly and great. The seating is in the back and there were several bench patio tables. If I'm in the neighborhood again I would definitely be back :) read more

El Molino Central - One of two Bohemia Beer Battered Fish Tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

Casual place with a casual ambiance. Food is good and is one of those places where the food is absolutely incredible if you're starving if that makes sense. Food is closer to Tex mex. Big portions. Food is rich. The refried beans were great. Beef tacos were skippable. Came on a weekday for dinner and grabbed a table in the back. Surprisingly busy for a weekday but still plenty of picnic table seating with some heated lamps. Dimly lit, great for a casual dinner. read more

El Molino Central - Crispy Beef Tacos with Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

Stopped by here for linner after exploring the nearby Jack London State Park. I ordered the winter menu item of the Yucatecan Pork Panuchos which looked like a small tostada with a crispy tortilla layered with beans and hard boiled eggs, topped with pork, avocado, and pickled red onion. It was delicious, and defined by the orange marinade in the pickled red onion which I've never tasted before. This came with 3 small portions which was filling without being stuffed The chips and guacamole came with delicious freshly fried tortilla chips, but the guacamole could have used a bit more salt and lime. My friends orders of the potato/chard/cheese tamales, chicken enchiladas, and beef tacos were all well received. The soft serve ice cream also comes as a generous height of swirl. Logistics: - Heated outdoor seating only (with umbrellas and some roof) - Limited parking to either side but more parking a few blocks away - Vegetarian options read more

El Molino Central - Pork panuchos - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

Excellent, authentic Mexican food! Every dish was superb and full of flavor. The only downside is that the seating is outdoors, so it can get quite warm during hot weather. Even so, the food is absolutely worth it. Must try! read more

See all

The pork tamales here changed me for the better. Took a while, but worth the wait. Highly recommended. read more

El Molino Central - Rufinas Pork Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

Have to stop by and pick up take out if you're in the area; it doesn't matter that you're full. Their to go selection in the fridge is great. Yesterday I picked up corn tortillas, chile relleno en nogada, chips and salsa. The chips are thick and big while the salsa is fresh and is spicy. I picked up my 2026 calendar, too. read more

Two well deserved, Michelin stars in 2021 and 2025!! Without a doubt some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten and I've eaten a lot of Mexican food. For starters, the hand made chips and salsa were amazing. Thick corn tortillas, hand pressed, rolled and fried. The refried black beans, which are the hallmark of every good Mexican food experience are to die for. Excellent texture and taste. My wife had the the Butternut squash enchiladas. I would not have ordered that, but they were outstanding. Creamy texture and so flavorful. I had the pork tamales. Again, the Masa, the texture and flavor were out of this world. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, water station and fast friend services. read more

See all

a Michelin guide taco spot !! Truly amazing though! Parking is limited, you'll enter through the front door and get drinks + order your food. Around back is a beautiful patio area to enjoy your meal. The nachos verde is a must order and the lamb tacos were amazing. I ordered the enchilada chicken suiza, which was great but a super large portion. Staff was super kind and good came out pretty quickly! read more

See all

We stopped by for dinner on a Sunday night. Many items were sold out so we opted for the enchiladas and chips w salsa. We sat out back, wiping the table down with a bleached towel in a nearby bucket. Water was available in a large cooler with reusable cups. It seemed like we waited a long time for our food. Finally, they delivered our food. The temperature was good, the quantity was enormous and the taste was just ok. I was hoping for better. I think the mole sauce needed some salt. The chips are too thick. The guac was fine and the green sauce was good. I liked the pickled veggies. They don't come back to check. We cleaned our table and took our leftovers home. I wouldn't go back. It's just ok. And there are lots of Mexican places nearby. We went because it's walkable from where we stayed and we did not need a reservation. read more

See all

Food is absolutely amazing ! The fresh tortillas , the feeling of eating authentic Mexican food was so delicious! We had the fish tacos, and enchiladas we decided to share everything and of course chips and salsa !!! Can't wait to be back already read more

See all

Another bestie food adventure... and absolutely worth skipping the gym. Sorry not sorry, Lance. We went all in and shared: chips and guacamole, crispy chicken tacos, fish tacos, and chicken enchiladas suizas. Pro tip -- order a bunch, share everything, and turn it into your own little food flight. Let's start with the chicken -- seasoned, juicy, and tender. No bland, boiled chicken situation here. The flavors really came through in both the crispy tacos and the enchiladas suizas. The taco shells had a great crunch, and the salsa verde was delicious (and yes, I'm a little biased -- verde over roja all day). The fish tacos were fried perfectly but could've used a bit more seasoning. Still good, just not the standout compared to the chicken dishes. Now, the tortillas -- definitely different from your typical masa tortillas. They were soft, fluffy, and on the thicker side. Not bad at all, just not a wow moment for me -- more of a "this is interesting" kind of bite. The chips, on the other hand, were also thick but worked perfectly for scooping up that fresh, flavorful guacamole. We came on a Friday just before the lunch rush, and I'm glad we did because parking is not it. There's a small lot (shared with the patio), but spaces are limited. We lucked out with nearby street parking, but be prepared to walk. Seating is all outdoor patio -- a mix of tables and chairs plus picnic-style seating under large umbrellas. It's a great setup for groups and gives off a casual, communal vibe. Bottom line: zero regrets. Great food, great company, and yes -- still worth skipping the gym for. read more

We stopped by after wine tasting in the area and it hit the spot. Came on a beautiful sunny evening. Parking lot is small but there's also a lot across the street you can park at. You order food at the counter and there's plenty of outdoor seating in the back. We ordered a side of guac and chips, chicken mole enchiladas and mushroom tacos (blue corn tortilla). Everything was delicious, the mole was sooo good! read more

El Molino Central - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

I have to make this quick since I'm behind on submitting my reviews. lol. Nonetheless, please don't let my brief review keep you from this gem! The food was amazingly fresh and tasty! Everything was made to order and made fresh. I did not capture any pictures but we ordered the ahi tuna tostadas, cheese quesadillas and the soft serve ice cream and all of them were fantastic!!! The tortillas were hand made. The ahi tuna was so flavorful! The staff was so nice! The location doesn't offer too much parking and most of the seating is outside. Just keep that in mind. It's a very low key chill establishment with quality food. read more

This place was so good. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I ordered 2 fish tacos and they were so tasty and filling. Easy walk up ordering inside and lots of seating out back. Friendly service. Would definitely go back. read more

El Molino Central - Fish taco - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

This place seemed promising as it had a long line out the door when we arrived. You order at the counter and they have lots of outdoor seating in the back patio which makes for a fun evening! We had the chips and guacamole; these are delicious, the chips were thick but crisp and a perfect match to the guacamole. Then o had their Shrimp tacos, the tortillas were homemade and were delicious though they are very dense, the shrimp was weird as it was fried and they were good but they had so much breading, they looked like shrimp clusters with multiple shrimp in each price but it was one of, with lots and lots of breading so I pealed it off and just ate the shrimp inside which was much better! Cabbage mix was fresh and tasty! Fun atmosphere and loved the outside patio; food was good but would have preferred a fish or shrimp taco that was not breaded ! read more

El Molino Central - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

Great Hole in the Wall place you would not give a second thought to go to passing by. Parking is a challenge! Seating is outside on Picnic tables, order inside and food is brought out to you. BUT it is a Michelin RATED restaurant! And the food bears that out. All 4 of us loved what we ordered! Do NOT miss this place if you are in the area. read more

See all

This place is soo good! I feel like it's an institution around here since it always satisfies whenever you eat here. On my most recent lunch date I came here with a work friend and we ordered to share. Portions are HUGE! We shared the chicken mole tamales and fish tacos. Both were exceptional, I'm sure others have shared the deep joy one gets when eating the mole here. I swear angels sing when you eat the mole sauce. It is so robust in flavor. Just exceptional. The smell when you walk in is one of the best parts - fresh masa. I never trust a restaurant that doesn't smell good when you walk in. They don't disappoint here. I'm surprised we don't eat here more often because it's always so satisfying and delicious. read more

El Molino Central - Chicken mole Chicken Mole Poblano Tamales in Banana Leaf and crispy Bohemia Beer Battered Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

Everything here is delicious, enchiladas mole, fish tacos. I especially love the chip and guacamole. You order at the counter and they bring everything to your table. Service is fast and friendly. Parking is limited. read more

We went for tacos....and not a single classic (non seafood) taco on the menu. Our mistake! Pivoted and got chicken enchilada suizas instead and they did not disappoint!! Chips and salsa were tasty. Got the flan and strawberry short cake too, both just eh, would skip those next time. A little on the pricy side but portions were generous! read more

El Molino Central - Chicken Enchiladas Suizas - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

This is a Sonoma classic and for good reason! Excellent no thrills Mexican food with a simple menu and delicious classics. The enchiladas suizas are a staple, and we always buy extra green sauce to take home because it really is the best. The guacamole is simple and top tier, and the chips and thick and crispy. Overall very authentic fresh food that's a must whenever we are in the area! read more

El Molino Central - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

Oh man. What great Mole. Had the Chicken Tamales Smothered in Mole Sauce. Best Ever. It's a little hole in the wall place just outside of downtown Sonoma. My friend took me there. Not a big Mole fan but their Mole had great flavor. read more

El Molino Central - Maria Ojedass Chilie Relleno - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all

Stopped at El Molino Central while visiting Sonoma and ordered Zoraida's Mother's Oaxacan Mole Chicken Tamale. What I got: two tamales covered in green salsa (not mentioned on the menu) and a three pickled veggies. The veggies? Delicious. I wanted more. The tamales? Dry, tough meat, and flavorless. The red sauce inside was all heat, no flavor. The green salsa on top was super salty and spicy--two bites in and my nose was running. I couldn't finish it. Maybe other dishes are better, but this one was a no for me. Zero stars for the tamale, five stars for the pickled veggies. Service was a bit lackluster. The male cashier didn't greet us or smile--maybe just a bad day? There's only one indoor table (occupied by staff), so we ate outside at a picnic table in the gravel parking lot. When your food is ready, the staff comes outside, stands at the edge of the gravel, and yells your name, so stay alert! I saw a few orders go back to the kitchen because folks didn't hear their names being called. read more

See all

If you are looking for Tamales, Enchiladas, or Fish Tacos - you have come to the right place! It doesn't look like much from the street, but this has been a go-to spot for Mexican food for me when I am in the area. You order from a small menu inside and then find a spot on the covered patio out back. It's very casual, but the service is always super friendly, and the delicious food is served on piping hot plates. On our last visit we had Mole Enchiladas and the Enchilada Suiza (chicken with green sauce). Both were outstanding and super fresh tasting. My partner thought the mole was the best she had ever had! If you are in the neighborhood - be sure to give them a try! read more

El Molino Central - Mole enchiladas! Delicious mole! - Mexican Near Me - Sonoma, California

See all