El Mono

Hola! Welcome to El Mono!

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From Peru, South America, to the San Francisco Bay Area in just one bite. We are proud to bring the bold and vibrant flavors of the ancient and mystical land of Peru straight to your neighborhood.

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Founded by Dani and Matt in 2012, El Mono began at the intersection of family, culture, and a shared love for cooking and hospitality. What started as a heartfelt idea grew through long days, late nights, and countless meals shared with the community they hoped to serve. We are deeply grateful to every guest who has supported us and allowed El Mono to grow into what it is today.

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As a family owned and operated restaurant, we go the extra mile to serve thoughtfully sourced ingredients, time honored recipes, and an experience that feels welcoming and memorable. Every dish reflects over a decade of patience, perseverance, and pride in building something meaningful together.

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Cheers to health!

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What does El Mono mean?
El Mono is Spanish for “The Monkey.” In the Nazca Desert of southern Peru, ancient civilizations etched massive geoglyphs into the earth, known as the Nazca Lines, created between 400 and 650 AD and so vast they can only be fully appreciated from the sky.

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One of the most iconic figures among them is The Monkey. Playful yet mysterious, El Mono reflects the spirit of Peru itself, rich in history, full of character, and endlessly fascinating. Much like the flavors you will discover here.