El Torito - Monterey

El Torito - Monterey reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. Z

   Zeke VIP

   San Francisco3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was great EXCEPT i bought a lot of money on INKIND because we eat there are were so happy with that app and we were unable last night. I am not sure I will go back because they are not on the app and we were never notified that was gonna happen.
   

   Is this helpful?

2. M

   Michele VIP

   New York City25 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fabulous as always. Went for taco Tuesday and honestly their tacos are the best on the peninsula. We also had guacamole made at the table and it was some of the best we had ever had. Can’t beat the view there sitting in the window watching the boats go by. 
   

   Is this helpful?

3. w

   will

   Philadelphia County1 review

   4.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The food and service was great, however even with a reservation it was still a 30 min wait.
   

   Is this helpful?

4. G

   Guadalupe

   San Francisco3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was great. It was really busy super busy, but the line was moving fast, the food was super delicious, and the lady that help us she was super nice and friendly, I hope she gets amazing reviews by not just us but everyone there as well. Thank you.
   

   Is this helpful?

5. M

   Marty

   Central Coast7 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   This is the second year in a row that we have made a reservation for the Sunday buffet. This year for Mothers Day. We had a 1215 reservation for a party of 13. We checked in 15 minutes early. I had requested a view table but held little hope that would happen. At check in, we told the hostess that we did not want to be seated in the tent. The crowd of people waiting was at least 50-60 deep. Many were complaining that they had been waiting over an hour even with a reservation. We too waited over an hour before we were called and even after saying we did not want the tent, that’s where we were headed. We said no tent then waited several more minutes before being seated inside. We never saw our server only a bus person who got our drinks. Food lines were long and the food temperature was luke warm. Flavors were pretty good. I’m sure El Torito is only concerned with the dollars and cents this brings in. It’s clear that they over book with no regard for reservations. The restaurant also charges an automatic 20% gratuity and adds a service fee on top of that. I don’t mind paying gratuity of the server offers service but in this case we never saw our server. The extra service fee was never explained. We won’t return for special events.
   

   Is this helpful?

6. N

   Nicole

   San Francisco3 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   We waited 45 minutes after our reservation time to be seated and received the worst service! Our waiter came to our table once and had to be flagged down for refills, extra napkins, and when asked for coffee creamer we were directed where to go get it. However when it came to the bill he dropped it off before we were finished eating and expected it to be paid immediately; it was the only time he checked on us without being flagged down. The view is beautiful but the service made for a horrible experience!
   

   Is this helpful?

7. A

   Alan

   Central Coast1 review

   5.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Perfect location for a Sunday Brunch Very good selection of food including appetizers , mains and deserts and great view of the bay
   

   Is this helpful?

8. A

   Arianna

   Tahoe2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Always a great experience! We look forward to this brunch every year thank you!
   

   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

9. A

   Andrea

   Central Coast2 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Our reservation was for 7:45. Didn’t get seated until 8:45. Our drinks took 25 minutes to get to the table. Food took another 45 minutes. Once we had the food the waiter completely disappeared. Not a pleasant experience.
   

   Is this helpful?

10. M

    Mario

    Unspecified1 review

    1.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1

    Took my wife for Mother’s Day, she order some margaritas but did not taste like alcohol at all, when we said something the waitres said “everyone complains about that” and walked away. Food was not good at all either.
    

    Is this helpful?