El Mono | Fresh Flavors of Peru

The food and service was amazing. Tuti was great and provided our group with a joyful time.

Tuti is the best in the west. Pretty funny and pretty cool

I recently had the pleasure of dining at El Mono and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance was cozy yet elegant, perfect for a special occasion or a casual night out. The server assigned to our table was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu offerings. They guided us through the menu with expert recommendations, helping us navigate the extensive selection of dishes and beverages. As for the food, each dish was a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. From the appetizers to the desserts, every bite was a delight to the senses. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were balanced, and the attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the meal. Whether it was the perfectly seared steak, the delicate seafood, or the decadent desserts, each dish surpassed my Expectations. Overall, my experience at El Mono was nothing short of outstanding. The combination of impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and inviting atmosphere made for a truly memorable dining experience. I highly recommend El Mono and Tuty our server was so amazing!

The best Peruvian spot I’ve been to. The Tallarin con Pollo was the best ever. Great service. Great food. Great music. Thanks, Tuti! You’re the best!

Solía ir siempre con mis hijos, parece que cambiaron de chef , la comida un desastre , la atención deja mucho que desear no te limpian la mesa antes de poner los postres, te dicen que la cocina cierra a las 9 y si pides algo a las 9 en punto apagan la música y tienes que escuchar como los cocineros escuchan su música y como suenan los platos , y eso que fui el día de ayer nuevamente, nunca mas volveré a ir no vale la pena gastar un dólar en ese lugar en la actividad, antes era uno de mis lugares favoritos

It has been months since I’ve been to El Mono. I had visited several times, and unfortunately, the experience has been consistently disappointing. The food leaves much to be desired. During one particular visit at lunchtime, I ordered Ají de Gallina; the rice was undercooked, and the Ají de Gallina tasted overwhelmingly like parmesan cheese, lacking the balanced flavors it should have. On a different occasion, the Arroz con Mariscos was overcooked and lacked depth of flavor, with an imbalance of ingredients, notably more calamari than shrimp, and lacking octopus altogether. The Ceviche and Tiradito were passable but nothing remarkable. On the positive side, the Yuquitas Fritas were excellent, as was the accompanying sauce, and the Chicha Morada is a standout beverage. However, the overall experience does not justify the high prices; the quality of the food does not reflect the cost. On a brighter note, the Saturday’s live band and drinks add to the atmosphere, and the service at El Mono is consistently excellent, which helps to mitigate some of the disappointment in the culinary offerings.

Absolutely delicious food. Hands down, some of the most authentic Peruvian food I’ve had around here. Service is relatively fast for being so busy/popular. Wait time isn’t too bad and every staff member has been very kind + friendly each of the multiple times I’ve been here. Definitely will be coming back for the DELICIOUS lomo saltado! A little pricey (20-30$ per P) but worth it!

Amo este lugar

El Mono is one of the best restaurants in the East Bay. Such an amazing hidden gem. The food is incredible. I had the steak and pesto which was to die for. Honestly, you can't go wrong. The staff was fun and friendly. They also had live music the night I went which was a perfect touch, not too loud, but just right for atmosphere. It's just the best.