Service was absolutely amazing Matt and Andres were super attentive and went above and beyond! Will definitely be coming back just for the amazing service! read more

El Mono - Lomo Saltado, paella, Maracuya sangria - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Christian and Adrian were amazing! Food was delicious!! So much flavor in the lomo saltado

My new go to Peruvian spot! Definitely cannot go wrong w their Lomo Saltado and their and tallarin con pollo. Sangria also did not disappoint. Was a great spot to bring my father for Father's Day. read more

All the dishes were great! We're glad we saved space for desert. The Lucuma Ice Cream was delicious. Matt and Niurka took good care of us. Overall great atmosphere, not too loud and nice place for date. We're definitely coming back to try more of the dishes. read more

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Brought another group of friends here to try their delicious food and tried to make reservations for 6 people online but it wouldn't let me so I messaged the business and they were able to make a reservation for 6 people. The food, service and ambiance are on point. Two of us ordered the maracuya (passion fruit drink), while we waited for the others to arrive. One of my friends is allergic to garlic and the restaurant mentioned that they can make food without garlic, as everything is made fresh. My friend decided to order her own dish separately of pasta with shrimp while the rest of us, ordered food to share! We ordered the trio sampler of ceviche and fried calamari which was flavorful, the poor man's steak medium rare and what a big steak that was to cut and share with plantains, fries, fried egg and jasmine rice, very tasty, Isabella salad, paella (more than enough to feed 5 of us and very fresh and delicious). For dessert, 2 of us had coffee, 2 of us had affogado, 2 of us had the lucuma with the cookies and I had the lucuma ice cream. My friends enjoyed the flavorful food and dessert! read more

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Food was delicious, thank you Anibal Orlando! Great customer service with Taya, and Niurka. read more

My husband and I have been to the El Cerrito location quite a few times since it happens to be our favorite Peruvian restaurant in the whole Bay Area. We were stoked when we realized this second location opened up and decided to try it. I love the interior at this location! And they have some parking in the back of the restaurant which is nice. Matt and Andres took care of us and were fantastic. We came in with a hangry toddler and Matt quickly got crayons and a coloring page that kept our baby entertained until the food arrived. They always made sure we had what we needed and offered other sauces to go with our meal (hot sauce, tartar, etc). We ordered our go-to dishes: pescado a lo macho and chupe de camerones. Listen, we've been chasing these flavors restaurant after restaurant throughout the bay, hoping to find somewhere closer to our home that is just as good. Nowhere else has come close to being as delicious as El Mono. Both the dishes we chose are seafood based dishes, with pescado a lo macho having a variety of seafood and chupe de camerones having shrimp. In both dishes, the seafood is cooked perfectly. No over-cooked, rubbery, dry pieces to be found. And the sauces are heaven sent. Oh! I also have always loved the corn nuts they serve complimentary when you first sit down. Definitely eat it with the green sauce they give you. It's scrumptious. read more

El Mono - Chupe de Camarones - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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A must try!!! Not only was the food made fresh but the team was so kind!! (Matt, Criss, Niveka) The paella was fabulous and so was the pesto pasta. Gotta shout out the ceviche too, a must try!! Good portions and everything is made friend! read more

El Mono - Ceviche Pesto Pasta Frito Sampler Peruvian Paella - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Came on a Friday for lunch specials and I was not disappointed! It wasn't busy when I came, but by the time I was leaving, the restaurant was almost full! Matt immediately helped me find a nice spot to sit, and quickly took my drink order. He also recommended several items for me to try, since it was my first time. He recommended I try the cebiche, paella, and their fish with rice. Everything was seasoned to perfection and cooked perfectly. The cebiche was fresh and melted in your mouth in every bite, and pairing it with the veggies, nuts, and sauce it came with, was the perfect combination in your mouth! The paella came out piping hot! It was good and I wish I got 2 plates for this. It's a lot but I wanted leftovers, I couldn't help but finish it in one sitting. The fried fish was delicious and breaded evenly. It didn't feel too heavy and was the perfect amount to pair with the rice that was provided. I can't wait to come back and try more items! Definitely highlights the tastes and flavors of Peru! read more

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This was my first time trying this spot. I've driven by it a few times while passing through the neighborhood, so I was excited to finally stop in. I'm a huge fan of rotisserie chicken--especially the kind you find at Peruvian spots--so it's always great to discover a place that offers something healthy yet hearty. The staff was warm and welcoming, and I really liked the vibe of the place. Overall, it was a great experience. I ordered the rotisserie chicken, salad, plantains and Peruvian beans, and everything was top-notch. My server, Christian, did an amazing job and was attentive throughout my entire visit. If you're looking for good, wholesome Peruvian food, this is the spot. Don't miss out on this gem. read more

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Food is authentic and delicious. Music also good, nice ambiance. Service was awesome- Matt took care of us when we asked for Lucuma ice cream. They were out but he found some for us and it sealed the deal. Will return soon!! read more

El Mono - Alfajores-N-Cream - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

The food at this El Mono is as authentic as the original. Maybe even better. The menu is the same (feels like they got more items). Feels new but traditional food staples are papa la huancaina, (puff potatoes with ceviche). arroz Chanda (fried rice) , and the desért ice cream is a buet chocolate coffee that's delicious. the pulpo parillado (grilled octopus) appetizer is amazing but only available weekends. Also they have a lot indoor and outdoor Spaces. And parking. Taya was our waitress and she was great she had great recommendations and knew the menú back and forth. read more

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Great Peruvian restaurant, we had the special fish dish with shrimp and the flavors were so good. The flan is amazing also. Will be coming back read more

New spot, big flavors, ceviche that lives rent-free in my head Came through **El Mono's new Berkeley location** to check it out, have a quick bite, and I'm so glad we did. The space is super clean, bright, and welcoming. Right off Gilman in a chill neighborhood. It already feels like it belongs there. The menu looks stacked. Like...so many things I want to try, plus a solid lineup of drinks. Definitely one of those places where you already know you're coming back before you even leave. We ordered the ceviche and WOW. Full stop. That dish alone is worth the visit. Fresh, bright, perfect, and honestly one of the best ceviches I've had. Spring day? Summer afternoon? Random winter craving? I'd come back for this every single time. We literally drank the sauce. Whatever that mix was, I want it on everything I eat for the rest of my life. Also shoutout to the super woman Zoraida. Absolute powerhouse. She was everywhere: kitchen, picking up plates, cleaning, moving nonstop. Total badass energy. Love seeing her efficiency and care. Can't wait to come back for more food and more drinks. If you're in Berkeley, go check this spot out. El Mono is doing it right. read more

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Food was very authentic! And service by Christian was great! Favorite dish was Antonio's Pescado al Achiote. read more

El Mono - Pescado achiote - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Freshly made and well balanced dishes. I'm really impressed with all the sauces that accompanied my dishes -- I don't always like the sauces that are provided at some of my local Peruvian spots, but these were simply delectable. Great service and a menu that has something good for everyone. read more

El Mono - Chaufa de Camarones (Lunch) - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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First time trying Peruvian food at a restaurant! The interior and server were very nice though the food can be a bit pricey but the taste was definitely worth it! The ceviche was very proper, fresh, tangy but also fulfilling. All the sauces (both for ceviche & beef) were very tasty. The presence of corn & yuca was amusing. The drink had a strong cinnamon taste, which was not quite my type but not bad either. read more

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Not my first time at El Mono, but my first time in the Berkeley location. Was familiar with the menu since dining at the El Cerrito location previously. The location is on a corner, and has an outdoor patio, but we dined inside. Service was courteous and welcoming. We shared some patacones and plátanos to start, and I went with saltado de pollo for my main. All was tasty and the addition of green beans to the saltado was a winning move. With the diverse and reasonably priced menu, we'll definitely be back. read more

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Matt, the owner, and Chris, our waiter, made our dining experience exceptional with their warm hospitality and attentive service. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel genuinely welcome and ensured everything was perfect throughout the evening. The food was outstanding--every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and clearly made with care. It's the kind of meal you'll be thinking about long after you leave. For the best experience, I highly recommend arriving at the beginning of dinner service. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and an unforgettable meal. We look forward to coming back! read more

Love the food, and our servers, Taya and Matt were great! And even got $5 off because we are in the loyalty program. Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

We came in around 2:45pm, right before the kitchen was set to close at 3pm, and asked Matt if we could still dine in. He was super accommodating and let us stay, which we really appreciated. The food did not disappoint, everything was amazing, especially the lomo saltado. The beef was incredibly tender, and the sauce was rich and full of flavor. You can tell they really know what they're doing in the kitchen. Great service and great food. I'd definitely come back! read more

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Food: 4.5 out of 5 Spectacular food. Everything was seasoned well with quality ingredients. Service: 4 out of 5 Service was a bit slow. Please try and stagger your servers throughout the restaurant so I don't have to get up to get someone's attention. Environment: 4 out of 5 Interesting restaurant because fantastic food but provides a fast casual restaurant. I would recommend more comfortable seats and cushion. A lot of dishes take time and that's not the problem, but ensure your patrons feel comfortable. Overall: 4.5 out of 5 I was instantly transported back to Peru and reminded of why I enjoy their culinary scene. The chica morada is a must and traditional drink. I ordered it with less sugar and it was still flavorful. Come with a group to try a lot of different dishes and you won't be disappointed. Fair warning that there will be a wait for certain dishes. Amazing food takes time! read more

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We went to El Mono over Thanksgiving weekend and had such a delicious dinner. We had requested outdoor seating (hard to find in the cold, windy Bay Area), and Desiree and another gentleman whose name we didn't catch made it happen. They got the heater running and even grabbed another propane tank so we'd be warm. Above and beyond already. It was my partner's family's first time here (and my first visit to the Berkeley location), so Desiree gave us some of her favorite recs -- and honestly, TAKE HER RECCS. Everything she suggested was spot on. My partner ordered his usual, the aji de gallina, and it was great like always. I got Antonio's Pescado al Achiote, which she highly recommended, and wow... so good. Definitely getting that again. I also really like the Tapado A lo Pobre. For apps, she suggested the trio de antojitos and my hands-down favorite was the beef heart bites. Will 100% be ordering that again. For dessert, I recommend the Peruvian flan. It's rich, creamy, and delicious, but ask for the wine sauce on the side. We both liked the flan a lot more without as much sauce. My only tiny complaint: for the price point, I wish the portions were just a bit bigger. I'm a decent eater, so I need both an app and entrée to feel full here, and I usually like having a little leftover at this price range. And for Antonio's dish in particular, I would've loved one more spoonful of that sauce/soup/curry -- I like my rice saucy and didn't have enough to cover it all. But honestly, everything tasted high-quality and made with care, and the service was incredible. All in all, a wonderful dinner and the staff truly went above and beyond to accommodate us. Thank you to the El Mono team! read more

El Mono - Peruvian Flan! Get with sauce on the side! or light sauce - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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First of all, Taya and Matt were hella cool and incredibly attentive. Great people with a chill vibe. The food is amazing, my steak was perfect. Definitely recommend El Mono! Thanks guys read more

Food was great, hard to find peruvian food sometimes. The Yuca Frita appetizer came out with crispy fried cassava and servied with zesty rocoto chili aioli. The yuca fries were definitely double fried and came in thinner cuts/slices than I normally see. It was hot and fresh, went well with their aioli. The Lomo Saltado had a decent amount of tender meat and side of fries. It is a classic stir fry tender with angus beef, onions, tomatoes, crispy fries, and cilantro, tossed in a savory soy sauce served with garlic jasmine rice. Recommend passing on the Arroz Con Pool which has cilantro rice served with 1/4 pound rotiserrie chicken, marinated in herbs, spices, and zesty lime before wing roasted. The chicken was dry and wish it had more flavor to it. The herbs and spices seemed lacking on this dish and we ended up barely touching it. The paella was the best dish here. Looked like everyone was ordering the paella and for good reason. Highly recommend trying the selection of paella here and it's large so easy to share in groups of 2 or 4+! 1 dish per person seemed way more than enough for the table and not including the appetizer. read more

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Matt is an attentive server, making great recommendations! We enjoyed the beautiful fresh drinks, mushroom saltado, and alfajores with lucuma ice cream. Lovely space in Berkeley! read more

My receipt shows what I ordered as 1 Fillet & 5 Shrimps. I can't seem to locate it on the online menu. Anyway the fish was delicate and the sauce was most pleasing. The shrimp was a good option to take advantage of. It was a Sunday night and business was slow. Previously I had been to the San Pablo Avenue location years ago and I was overdue. I need to come back soon and try some other items. The food looks so good here! read more

El Mono - Fillet & 5 Shrimp - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Delicious! Just as good as the El Cerrito location so I'm glad to have a location that's closer to me. Our servers and the staff, Criss, Niurka, and Matt were all great. Highly recommend for the best Peruvian in the East Bay. read more

Had an excellent time! Our servers were Taya, Matt, Niveka and they were very attentive and wonderful! The food is fantastic and the environment is fun and lively! read more

What a wonderful new discovery. Authentic Peruvian food with a flare. Flavors that you have never tasted before and combinations with proteins that totally work. Not only was the food amazing but everyone we met. There was so nice. Christian was our server and Maisey saw to our needs as well. Located westbound on Gilman Avenue on fourth it's easy to find and they have plenty of parking. I like that they have a nice handicap slot right outside the front door and a wheelchair ramp next to it. I thought that was very forward thinking. I noticed as we approach the front door. They had a nice seating area outside with heaters that were set up and ready to go for customers. Sometimes it gets windy and cool there but you're protected and you get a little heater with it. Once through the front door is walking and I noticed that the place smelled wonderful and Was very clean and organized. With the hard floors and the high ceiling, it can get a bit noisy in there, but that's to be expected with the architectural design. We were immediately seated and our servers and were absolutely wonderful. The three of us shared our specific meals with each other. My daughter had the Salado de Pollo and my wife had the Lomo Saltado. I found these very unique in the sense that they had basically the same spices but they let the flavors of the meat change the overall flavor of the sauce. How brilliant is that? I had the Cerviche which was one of the most excellent and balanced I have had in a long time. Everything and it was cooked perfect perfection, and just the right tenderness and flavor to it without being overpowered by the lime. For dessert we shared the Peruvian Affogato. Surprisingly it's an ice cream in a cup with espresso coffee put over it. What a nice way to finish the meal. My daughter also had the Miri Miri which is a sweet beverage and impaired perfectly with her entrée. It was delicious. Is this a place I would return to for a food experience? Absolutely each of us enjoyed it completely and would certainly return. I have to say it was a truly unique experience. I knew nothing about Peruvian food. I was surprised that I want to explore it again. read more

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I went here with my family the day after valentines. It wasn't too busy so we got in time to have dinner. This is their newest location and it is quite better. I do miss eating at this restaurant that closed down in Concord and this place was quite similar. I enjoyed the hospitality they gave us. The food was pretty good. We will be back to try other things. In addition, they accommodate gluten free people. read more

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Drove by on a Friday night, saw the place packed. Google the spot to see what all the hype was about that night. Found an episode of Check Please Bay Area of the restaurant talking about how good they were. Come in a Wednesday afternoon only to find out it's better than Good. It was amazing. I have only eaten Peruvian once before at a more commercial spot and was like "it's okay." But the journey of real Peruvian flavors MATT took us on was so AMAZING. I have never tasted these flavors interpreted like that before. From the MITI MITI CHI CHA to the Ceviche and the Paella with this green sauce and chimichurri, my wife and I were so amazed. Can't wait to get back. Ask for Matt if you don't know what to eat. But get ready he will take you on a ride to flavor city. Thank you MATT for making our day. Matt. read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Excellent food, excellent service, and a wonderful overall experience. Matt, Niurka, and Taya, along with the entire staff, were friendly, attentive, and provided outstanding service. The ambience was warm and inviting, and the drinks were excellent as well. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and look forward to coming back. read more

While searching for our favorite food, we stumbled upon El Mono Restaurant. The food was 100% bursting with authentic flavor; I always say that in another life I must have been Peruvian, given the love I have for this culture and cuisine. Matt was an excellent waiter, and the kitchen--though physically the least visible part of the establishment--is definitely where all the magic happens. From appetizers to dessert--we will definitely be back! read more

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I have always loved the food at el mono and I was super excited they opened this new location. The interior is beautiful and it felt more spacious. I also loved how spacious the parking lot is considering that I drive an SUV and parking was always tight for me at the el cerrito location. I just don't know if the slow dining/slow service works for me. I was greeted immediately and was told to sit wherever I liked. After about 5 minutes, we still weren't given any menus so I had to get up and ask for one myself and I was asked "how many do you need" lol as if they didn't remember me walking in or something. It took another 10-15 minutes before someone came to take my order. And as I sat there waiting for my food, I saw them bringing menus, waters, and nuts immediately to other tables so idk why we were the odd ones out. I did have to ask for water 2 times before someone brought it. But don't get me wrong, the staff here are super friendly and as I mentioned, I love the food here, it taste amazing. It's just the slow service that doesn't work well with me and will most likely do takeout in the future versus dine in. It was my boyfriend's first time getting Peruvian food and I recommended the lomo saltado to him and I got the aji de gallina. The steak was a little bit dry but the sauce/seasoning made up for it. Loved the aji de gallina as always. We also got a Shirley temple and the passion fruit juice. Our total came out to be $70 not including tip. read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

First time at the 4th street store. Excellent food as always! Had the lomo saltado, paella and a stew beef. It was busy but owner Matt and our serve Criss came over to check on the table multiple times to make sure we are taken care off. Will be back again! read more

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I was in the Neighborhood visiting my Friend Dave , He is a Professional Mixologist friend of mine!!! I was Famished when I left his home. So I stopped by El Mono a Peruvian Restaurant!!! I rolled in and was Greeted and Seated!! My very Beautiful Server asked for my Food Order!!! I Ordered Calamar Frito for my Appetizer!!! For my Main Dish I Ordered Peruvian Paella !!! I was brought Roasted Corn Nuts to Start With. Seriously Service is Top Notch!! I was Checked on quite Frequently!!! When I Finished My Calamari Appetizer the Plate Was Cleared within Seconds!!! The Ambiance is really Nice and Clean !!! My Peruvian Paella arrived next on a Flaming Hot Cast Iron platter!!! It was a Delicious and Generous sized Platter!!! For dessert I ordered a Strawberry Flan !!! It Arrived very quickly!!! It was a Nice sized Piece and Each Spoonful was Heaven On Earth !!! Service was Fast and Efficient!!! I paid by Credit Card and Rolled Out!!!? For all These Reasons This Is A Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!!! I keep my Pimp Hand Strong !!! read more

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Customer service was really good. Mat checked on us multiple times. The food was delicous & savory. The poor mans steak was my favorite meat was perfectly made. The flavor on the papa la haucaina was yummy. For desert we got the lucuma icecream which was so good The atmosphere is nice + good music! Will be coming back.. read more

El Mono - Poor Man's Steak - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The food was amazing, highly recommend! The servers were the opposite of attentive, which could be understandable if it were busy - but it wasn't and the three servers spent much of the meal chatting with each other at the front register while we waited for various meal milestones (taking the order, bringing the water, bringing the check) that proved impossible because they never checked in, never made eye contact from across the room, until we eventually sent a member of our party over to the counter to ask for whatever it was (a water refill, the check). There didn't seem to be a designated host or hostess, so there was a painfully long wait to be seated despite a room full of empty tables. I would definitely come back for the food but would make sure I allotted extra time and patience in case the same three servers were there. read more

Authentic Peruvian cuisine. We were a party of twelve for my daughter in law birthday. Great service, good food. Highly recommend read more