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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Family-run operation supplying Mexican favorites & sangria in a laid-back setting since 1967.
Hours
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 123 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 476-1553
Website: http://www.eltorobravocapitola.com/
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Reviews
Kevin Maguire
El Toro Bravo was closed for 391 days following a Christmas Day gas explosion, that destroyed the apartment attached to the back of the restaurant. Luckily no one was seriously hurt!
We are so blessed to have El Toro Bravo back. The same great menu and warm friendly staff. I got the tacolotta and my wife enjoyed some taquitos. The sweet enchiladas sauce will entice you to eat the whole thing (pro tip ask for a to go box so you can save some)
The food is great and we ran into a lot of people we know so a fun dinner spot that you should leave full and happy
… moreWe are so blessed to have El Toro Bravo back. The same great menu and warm friendly staff. I got the tacolotta and my wife enjoyed some taquitos. The sweet enchiladas sauce will entice you to eat the whole thing (pro tip ask for a to go box so you can save some)
The food is great and we ran into a lot of people we know so a fun dinner spot that you should leave full and happy
Nicholas Nilsen
Service was solid very friendly and kind, atmosphere was better than most places. Bathrooms were clean. That ends the nice things I can say about this place.
Mexican food is so great because the flavors are robust and the prices are affordable. I can say the exact opposite is what this place offers. The food was very bland. I asked for a table salsa and got what tasted like canned red enchilada sauce. I asked if they had a spicier one and she brought out a green salsa which was very mild and flavorless. I asked for Chili’s to accompany my lunch because there was no spice in anything. They grilled them and served them on the side which I appreciated. I ordered steak and shrimp fajitas. I have never been served fajitas in a bowl of juices. This caused the state to be rubbery and flavorless. The shrimp took on the flavor of the steak rubber juice. And I have to say they were the worst fajitas I’ve ever had in my life.
My wife ordered a chicken taco and a chicken enchilada lunch plate. The chicken was dry and bland the taco is greasy and the enchilada was covered in a flavorless red sauce with the same dry chicken inside. I’ve never seen Mexican food so poorly executed.
Wait!!! Their ceviche was fantastic. I do have to say that it was fresh not spicy but the white fish it it was fresh and delicious.
So why such a bad review if everything else was great? The price…. Jesus! $125 for a horrible lunch is absolutely insane. We had one alcoholic beverage which was a beer. Ceviche appetizer and two main lunches should not equate to over $125 dollars.
Lesson learned. This is a tourist trap right on the water that doesn’t have to be good because it’s there. Would absolutely not recommed unless you’re from the Midwest in which case this will probably be top tier.
… moreMexican food is so great because the flavors are robust and the prices are affordable. I can say the exact opposite is what this place offers. The food was very bland. I asked for a table salsa and got what tasted like canned red enchilada sauce. I asked if they had a spicier one and she brought out a green salsa which was very mild and flavorless. I asked for Chili’s to accompany my lunch because there was no spice in anything. They grilled them and served them on the side which I appreciated. I ordered steak and shrimp fajitas. I have never been served fajitas in a bowl of juices. This caused the state to be rubbery and flavorless. The shrimp took on the flavor of the steak rubber juice. And I have to say they were the worst fajitas I’ve ever had in my life.
My wife ordered a chicken taco and a chicken enchilada lunch plate. The chicken was dry and bland the taco is greasy and the enchilada was covered in a flavorless red sauce with the same dry chicken inside. I’ve never seen Mexican food so poorly executed.
Wait!!! Their ceviche was fantastic. I do have to say that it was fresh not spicy but the white fish it it was fresh and delicious.
So why such a bad review if everything else was great? The price…. Jesus! $125 for a horrible lunch is absolutely insane. We had one alcoholic beverage which was a beer. Ceviche appetizer and two main lunches should not equate to over $125 dollars.
Lesson learned. This is a tourist trap right on the water that doesn’t have to be good because it’s there. Would absolutely not recommed unless you’re from the Midwest in which case this will probably be top tier.
Andrena Duffy
Glad to see that this little place has reopened as it was a favorite of ours, especially for evenings when friends are visiting. Last nights meal and experience was a bit disappointing though, the new interior is very cute however the new lighting in the restaurant area was super bright it was very uncomfortable, it was also extremely loud that you couldn’t hear your own conversation even with the place not being full, inside could really benefit from some acoustic sound deadening (maybe some rugs on the floor).
The food was a bit of a let down for both of us while it came really quickly, but was covered in a very mild gravy that tasted like corn starch, the guacamole was very diluted overall everything was flavorless. I’m sure as this gets back up and rolling the vibe and flavors will improve.
… moreThe food was a bit of a let down for both of us while it came really quickly, but was covered in a very mild gravy that tasted like corn starch, the guacamole was very diluted overall everything was flavorless. I’m sure as this gets back up and rolling the vibe and flavors will improve.
Jacob R
It was unfortunate about the damage that was done that caused a lot of repair work. What this place lacked in food quality and taste it made up for with charm previous to the remodel. That is, the food was only tolerable because the dining experience had a homey feeling. However, the recent remodel is not good and was done on the cheap. It’s super bright with cheap LEDs, everything is white, the molding on the wall is all crooked and weird, it is loud and uncomfortable. Back to the food: it is bad. This is not made by a chef. It’s someone who heats food up. Everything is cut with cheap beans or filler, and things are pretty bland. Prices don’t reflect what you should be getting. I’m sorry, El Toro Bravo – either you get with the times and improve or you may start losing business. I know I won’t be coming back.
… moreTool Man
1/8/2026: Unfortunately this as of this writing, this place is still closed following a gas explosion in the area that took out the gas supply for several businesses in the area. I remember this place having outstanding authentic Mexican cuisine.
… moreJeff Meyer
We were looking for dog friendly place to eat near the beach and El Toro Bravo fit the bill.
The outdoor seating area is small, but cozy and offers nice view of beach area. The server was friendly and the food was tasty.
I’d recommend the Sangria. My chili verde super burrito was good, but I couldn’t pick it up, needed to use knife and fork. I’d probably go with carne burrito next time.
… moreThe outdoor seating area is small, but cozy and offers nice view of beach area. The server was friendly and the food was tasty.
I’d recommend the Sangria. My chili verde super burrito was good, but I couldn’t pick it up, needed to use knife and fork. I’d probably go with carne burrito next time.
Json “J-Gante” Salas
Awesome food at this Mexican food restaurant down in the Capitola Village! The menu speaks for itself and the charm of the staff is always welcoming. Parking can be a struggle, but that’s normal for a beautiful setting with delicious food! Highly recommended.
… moreDustin Vaden Pascal
I was their first customer of the day, arriving before they opened at 11:30. Greeted cheerfully by the person who would be my server I was told I could wait inside if I wanted to, so I snapped a few pictures with their permission. The chef was ready to serve before normal opening time and I was able to order quickly from the server, making a couple minor requests outside the standard items that were no problem for them to accommodate. The chips were crispy, sturdy, and, in my opinion, some of the best I’ve ever had. The salsa, though not my favorite style, was traditional and flavorful. I informed the server that I had a coupon from the “Santa Cruz You’re Invited” coupon book, ordered the ground beef chimichanga and nachos con todo with a couple drinks, for myself and partner. The chimichanga was a sight to behold, and quite tasty, though I think next time I’ll upcharge to shredded beef or asada. The nachos were the best I’ve had in a loooooong time, and cooked in an oven without a microwave at any stage. All the food was fresh and seasoned well. Healthy portions, reasonable prices, exceptional service, positive reputation in the community, and likely my new go to for Mexican food.
… morePeter Lau
Friendly service and delicious Mexican food, family owned since 1967. Ordered the grilled burrito with shrimp. Chips served to start with mild chili sauce.
… moreBella
This tiny place had a super authentic feel, as well as keen pricing so you feel you are getting value. Overall, I think as long as you stick to the classics you will be fine; I had the ceviche, which was not great, but my partner has the chimichangas and loved them – so mixed overall!
… more