I remember rolling up to their original location right after we moved to the east bay. It was a great experience for us in this strange and wonderful new town. I love this place and the family vibes - I may still be partial to their first spot, but am happy they're growing. BB read more

We had a great experience at El Mono. The Peruvian Paella was full of flavor, the rotisserie chicken was juicy and perfectly seasoned, and both the Chicha and Maracuya drinks were refreshing and delicious. Taya was amazing, very friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout our visit. Her positive energy made the experience even better. Highly recommend this place if you want fresh and authentic Peruvian food in Berkeley! Thanks Taya Habibi read more

The new Berkely location has the same family feel as the main El Cerrito restaurant. When you walk in, you see the familiar faces of the staff, all smiling to greet you. The food is the same at both locations. Large portions, full of flavor, and prepared to order. Go check them out!! read more

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Our waiter Cristian was amazing! The food, service, and overall experience were all excellent. The prices are reasonable, and honestly, everything on the menu looked so good that it was hard to decide what to order! read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

If you're reading this come check out this spot. The food was delicious and the service was delightful. The paella was 10/10 ! It was sizzling hot with fresh. The Lomo Salado 8/10, good flavor and presentation. Only downside was it came out a lukewarm warm. Christian provided 10/10 service. Everyone inside was kind. Come check out this location. read more

Good food and service! Try it all! Welcome and attentive except for a broken glass. All good.

Always delicious and Taya and Marlene were great! Tried the soup for the first time...yum! read more

The manager here deserves praise. He has the perfect temperament to do the job he's doing. My meal did take a little long to come out, but I ordered paella, so I always expect it to take time. The manager was tracking ticket times, discretely nudging his kitchen (which seemed short staffed, but was still pumping out good food), and was providing solutions for his staff and customers. The two servers I saw working were pleasant and attentive, and were discretely communicating things to the manager so he could do what he needed to in order to keep customers satisfied. The meal I had was really good (seafood paella), there was a tiny bit more grit than I would have wanted in my seafood, but with the amount of seafood they provided I wasn't bothered. I also got a chance to try the passionfruit/blue corn drink they offer which was really refreshing and the perfect sweetness for me. read more

This place is a hidden gem! The food quality is amazing, the service is excellent, and the ambiance is spot on. We've came here a couple of times, and have always been greeted with familiar faces -- Matt and Christian are awesome host. The crowd is diverse and is a welcoming community. This is our go-to place for Peruvian food in Berkeley. read more

Good food, good service, very friendly staffs, Matt, Criss, Niurka, I will come again

We had such a great experience at El Mono in Berkeley, and a big part of that was our server Matt. From the moment we sat down, Matt was welcoming, attentive, and clearly passionate about the menu. He took the time to walk us through some of the dishes and made great recommendations without making us feel rushed. We ordered the Peruvian paella, the lomo saltado, and the pesto pasta, and every dish was delicious. The paella was packed with flavor and perfectly cooked, the lomo saltado had that amazing savory sauce with tender steak, and the pesto pasta was fresh and comforting. You can really tell the kitchen cares about the food here. Matt checked in on us at just the right moments, kept our drinks filled, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. Service like that makes a big difference when you're dining out. If you go, definitely ask for Matt -- he'll take great care of you. We'll absolutely be back! read more

El Mono - the Peruvian paella, the lomo saltado, and the pesto pasta - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

El Mono is hands down one of the best Peruvian spots I've been to. Everything we ordered hit, but the ceviche alone is worth the visit - super fresh, bright, perfectly citrusy, and just the right amount of heat. You can tell they know exactly what they're doing. The rotisserie chicken was insanely good, juicy, flavorful, with that perfect crispy skin. Paired with the fried yuca (crispy on the outside, soft on the inside) and the plantains (sweet, caramelized, and addictive), it was one of those meals where you don't want it to end. Shoutout to Christian, our server, who made the whole experience even better, super friendly, and attentive. Service was great, vibe was relaxed, and the food absolutely delivered. Will 100% be back. read more

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

El Mono - I had the shrimp ,with potatoes and garlic jasmine rice it was so flavorful and, GOOD!!! - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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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

El Mono - Camarones saltados - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Highlights: good service, amazing ceviche The causa and anticuchos were also really good. read more

Thank you for having for having such a welcome and inviting atmosphere on Valentine's Day!!!! We were welcomed seated and treated sooooooo well on such a busy day!' Teya was our server.... And ohhhhmygoah what a sweet and beautiful gem' thank youuuuu for your wonderful 5 star service you are truly appreciated!!! We hope to have you as our Server when we return!! Happy love day!!!! read more

The food is amazing. I've door dashed here and decided to take my dad in person. Dnt forget to order a chicha sangria :)

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

El Mono - Lomo saltado - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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

El Mono - Lomo Saltado - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Amazing meal! Peruvian food is so flavorful and diverse. Service was amazing; very friendly and helpful. We sat outside. Beautiful patio with heaters and beautiful indoor. The Poor Man's Steak, sangria, and alfajores were delicious. I cannot wait to return. read more

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 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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First time being here really good food and good service! Will definitely come back again! read more

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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

El Mono - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great service, welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. The waitress offered great suggestions.

Food is amazing, authentic, well balanced flavors. All Hail the Causa! Antonio's pescado is Devine! Atmosphere is pleasant. The service is good although slightly slow. We will be back! read more

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

El Mono - (Left to right) Pesto N' Steak, Estofado de Pollo, Lomo Saltado - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Nice addition to the neighborhood. Went for lunch but could be a nice evening spot. Christian had everything coming out smoothly. The sweet potato fries were well executed. Tuna sandwich was simple but worked well with the cilantro dressing. read more

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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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

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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

El Mono - Antonio's fish half eaten. But super tasty. - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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

El Mono - Chicken lomo saltado - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Visited El Mono for the first time tonight, and it was some of the best Peruvian food I've ever had. My friends and I had the lomo saltado, trio del mar, paella, and lamb. The meat was so tender and perfectly seasoned. All of the seafood was incredibly satisfying. In addition to the food, the ambience was great. Authentic Peruvian decor with plenty of parking and cute outdoor seating. Will definitely be back! There are also delicious vegan options for those who need it. read more

Everything was perfect! The staff that served us, Criss, Matt, and Niurka were so welcoming, friendly, and helpful! Criss gave us an amazing suggestion to try the seco de cordero and it was absolutely delicious and great portions. The ambiance was relaxing and they had the World Cup games playing. We will absolutely be back! read more

El Mono - Seco de cordero - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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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

El Mono - Trio De Mar (back) + Ceviche (front) - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

FANTASTIC restaurant! Every dish and drink we tried was outstanding, full of flavor and wonderfully refreshing. The service matched the food: our waiter Christian was attentive, genuinely helpful, and elevated the whole experience! The ambiance struck just the right balance...comfortable and relaxed, perfect for easy conversation. Can't wait to come back. Bravo! read more

There are so many restaurants in this Berkeley area, and we chose El Mono to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary dinner. Taya and Christian, our servers, were awesome! The food was fabulous! Exceeded our expectations. We will spread the word to our family and friends! read more

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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

El Mono - Top right: Ceviche Middle: Causa (Lunch) Left: Lomo Saltado Bottom: Peruvian Paella (Arroz con Mariscos) - Peruvian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Food is always delicious, service is excellent & place is very nice with ample parking. Matt is a wonderful host. Visit El Mono it won't disappoint. read more

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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