El Mono
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
6 months ago
First time trying El Mono. Some of the dishes were good, while others were okay. I came with friends and I got to try a few dishes. There is a parking lot at the restaurant which is very convenient. The staff is friendly and attentive. Now for the food: -My favorite dish was the Yuca Frita 5/5: these were delicious! Not oily and just right. The dish came with a delightful chili aioli sauce. -Lomo Saltado 4/5: This was my dish. It came with rice, fries and angus steak cooked in a tomato sauce. The sauce was very flavorful, and the fries were crunchy. However, this dish tasted more like steak with tomatoes; still tasty, just different from what I've had at other places. I could choose between a soup or salad to go with the dish and I chose the soup. It was delicious! -Ceviche 3/5: this was ok. It was a bit bland, and it needed more lemon. -Tallarin Verde con Pollo 4/5: My friend had this dish, and it was good but very dense. The noodles came with a green sauce and chicken, using the same tomato sauce as my dish. It came in a large skillet, so this is perfect for sharing or taking some home. I would order this. It was good! -Drinks: we had a Maracuya 3/5, this would have been delicious if it wasn't too sweet. I had to add a bit of water to dilute the drink. Chicha 3/5, same as the other drink. It has a good flavor but it is too sweet. Overall, I had some good dishes here and tasted some ok ones. If I come back, I would try the tallarines. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but if I am craving some of the dishes, I would still give it a try. read more
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El M.
Dear Kimberly,…
2 months ago
First time here, and it was amazing! We ordered Patacones, Anticuchos and Lomo Saltado. Beef and chicken were so soft and jucy. Christian (our server) was very kind and attentive, asking us regulary if we need something else, but not disturbing. The atmosphere was chill and family friendly, perfect for a gathering with family and friends. read more
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El M.
Erika, thank you so much for visiting us for the first time and for…
3 months ago
Really great food, glad there is a Peruvian restaurant near by. We had the ceviche mixto, lomo and caamarones saltados and it was all good. My kids shared the pesto spaghetti with chicken and it was all hoemade. Would recommend for families. read more
7 months ago
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El M.
Dear Jocelyn,…
2 months ago
This restaurant was amazing the employees were very welcoming , Andre's and Christian were very nice , food was delicious! The ambiance is beautiful . read more
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El M.
Mohmoud, thank you for the kind review.…
2 months ago
Had an amazing meal at El Mono. The flavors were on point, and we were impressed with the portions. Christian is a fantastic server. We will be back. read more
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El M.
Nick, thank you for the great review. We’re glad you enjoyed the…
2 months ago
The food was great, we got the ceviche with fish, Pesto N' Steak, Estofado de Pollo, and Lomo Saltado. And our server Christian was nice and friendly! read more
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El M.
Emily, sounds like you had quite the spread. Great choices with the…
i love lomo saltado so i decided to stop by el mono, and I have no regrets! The lomo saltado was perfectly flavorful and balanced, especially with the addition of the green sauce! The seafood paella was gigantic, packed with seafood, and bursting with flavor. I also ordered the passion fruit juice which was divine. i want to go back already! ps free parking lot!! read more
3 months ago
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El M.
Hallie, thank you so much for celebrating Valentine’s Day with us.…
2 months ago
Matt, our server was amazing. Great service and attention to our needs during our visit. The food was very good!! And im peruvian so I know what authentic peruvian food should taste like!! Great place all over!!! Highly recommended!!! read more
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El M.
Erick, thank you so much for the amazing review! We’re really glad…
4 months ago
El Mono has quickly become not just one of my favorite Peruvian restaurants in the Bay, but one of my favorite restaurants period. I've been back 3 times in a month because it's that delicious. My favorite dishes are the lomo saltado, seafood paella, and tarallin verde de pollo, as well as their ceviche appetizer. The freshness of the ingredients makes every dish so flavorful-- you can tell they put their heart into it. All of the staff are super lovely too-- Christian is a wonderful waiter, and I love that the restaurant is family owned. I'll definitely keep coming back! I hope more folks try it too so they'll fall in love as well. read more
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El M.
Terisa, thank you so much for such an incredible and heartfelt…
3 months ago
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El M.
Kouji, thank you so much for sharing your experience and for…
2 months ago
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El M.
Sharon, thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed the fried rice and the…
2 months ago
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El M.
Bienvenido, thank you so much for this!…
4 months ago
Nice indoor and outdoor space...doggies allowed outside space. Delicious Peruvian food!! Fantastic service What more can you ask for...thank you El Mono read more
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El M.
Aide, thank you so much for your kind words. We’re so glad you…
4 months ago
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El M.
Tavae, thank you so much for sharing your first visit with us. We’re…
2 months ago
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El M.
Diana, thank you so much for your continued support and for visiting…
2 months ago
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El M.
Jordan, thank you for such a thoughtful review. We really appreciate…
10 months ago
OMG this restaurant is just what 4th street needed!!! I can't wait to go back to get the full dining experience. I came today during the closing period 5 mins before 3pm. Thankfully I allowed to order food to go read more
2 months ago
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El M.
David, this is the kind of review that makes our whole team smile.…
4 months ago
Food was amazing. Lomo saltado beef was amazingly cooked. Arroz con Mariscos (Paella) had a very smokey and crisp taste. Causa was amazing. Ceviche was really good (get mixed seafood). Our server Christian was really good and was very attentive and full of good information about the restaurant. The restaurant inside is very inviting and spacious. Please check this place out! read more
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El M.
Andrew, thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful and detailed…
3 months ago
The food, the service, ambiance was O'Mazing!!!! It's a whole experience We loved it. Taya has this big beautiful smile and beautiful warm personality she made us feel so welcome. Treat Yourself , You Deserve It read more
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El M.
Lauri, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful feedback. We’re…
4 months ago
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El M.
May, thank you so much for your continued support and for updating…
10 months ago
Service - went on a Friday night without a reservation and got seated at the bar, which is fair. Sat for 20 min and nobody came to take our order. After the order we placed, waited another 30 min for the food to come out. Food - probably the worst peruvian food I've had. The lomo saltado was dry and most of the pieces were burnt, flavoring was off too. We were very disappointed! read more
13 days ago
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El M.
Tiffany, thank you so much for the amazing review! We’re thrilled to…
Brunch time at El Mono was interesting to say the least. My girlfriend and J were the youngest people in the restaurant by at least 30 years which isn't an issue but for a hip spot it just wasn't expected lol. The side door of the restaurant remained open for the entire time which made it almost unbearable to sit and eat while freezing cold lol I literally had goosebumps. The food however was pretty good. I'd give it a 6.5-7 out of 10. I feel like because the door was open it cooled my food down so it wasn't piping hot. The inca kola was GAAASSSSS read more
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El M.
Dear Dorian,…
2 months ago
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El M.
Judy, thank you so much for such a detailed and thoughtful review. We…
2 months ago
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El M.
Gabi, thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed the piña colada mocktail and…
2 months ago
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El M.
Cristina, thank you for your continued support.…
My wife and I celebrated our anniversary yesterday and honestly had a perfect meal at El Mono. Every aspect was superb: the decor, attentiveness of management (Matt rocks!), ease of ordering, and of course, superb food with authentic ingredients. We experienced an array of new foods including lucuma fruit; rocoto peppers; and Peruvian Chinese flavors. There's something for everyone on this menu (including vegetarians). Don't skip out on the bright Miti Miti nonalcoholic drink and their version of affogato! read more
2 months ago
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El M.
Eric, thank you for the great review. Hearing “best Peruvian in the…
2 months ago
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El M.
Alice, thank you so much for the wonderful review. We’re really happy…
11 months ago
Hmmmm I love Peruvian food. I spent a few months in Peru after the earthquake in 2008 and really fell in love with the food and the kind people. I really want to love this place but the chicken, which is signature, was over salted, over seasoned, and overcooked. Salad was undressed Rice was great though!! The rice was great lol. The servers were nowhere to be found and you have to order from qr which is so stupid. Just give me a menu. The seafood with aji sauce, Antonio's Special was quite good though. The fried yuca was cold and hard. The aji sauce could have been spicier. The beans had no flavor and weren't even peruviano beans. But the seafood was great do it was redeeming for the terrible chicken. Anyway they are new hopefully they work out the kinks. As dry chicken is Sadface They did comp half of the chicken as we ate half so there's that Good luck!! Do better. read more
3 months ago
11 months ago
Desire is SO SWEET. Both servers on shift were very attentive. I usually go to the original location but this one is so much more convenient! And the food is JUST AS GOOD. I always have to get the Trio De Mar whenever I come. Get the Miti Miti for something refreshing! Love the very minimalist style of this location and how bright/inviting it looks. We were lucky to come in on a day where it wasn't packed (heard from Desire that it usually gets so busy). Also the parking lot? MAJOR PLUS. read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
12 days ago
Business owner information
El M.
Natalia, first of all, happy birthday, and thank you for choosing to…
More info about El Mono
1300 Fourth St
Berkeley, CA 94710
West Berkeley
Directions
(510) 778-8884
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.elmonofresh.com
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We are currently waiting for our Beer and Wine license to be approved. More than likely by the end of August 2025. Thanks for your patience!
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El Mono - peruvian - Updated May 2026
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