Highlights
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Fireplace
oChef » Cocinas Del Monte – San Diego
Cocinas Del Monte - San Diego
Photo from Cocinas Del Monte
Cocinas Del Monte at a glance
San Diego Old Town
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#344 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#52 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
487
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting Ambience
- Quality Food
- Personalized Service
Frequently criticized
- Value Concerns
- Service Inconsistency
- Parking Difficulties
The restaurant Cocinas Del Monte is a welcoming spot in San Diego’s historic Old Town neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual and cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
A standout feature here is the inviting rooftop seating, offering a unique dining experience. Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks, delicious small plates, or expertly crafted cocktails, this restaurant provides a memorable visit.
It’s a great place to gather with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Cocinas Del Monte
Cocinas Del Monte offers a generally pleasant dining experience, particularly noted for its appealing ambiance and well-regarded food. Guests often appreciate the thoughtful interior design and a menu that provides diverse, satisfying options.
However, some visitors have found the value to be a point of contention, citing concerns about pricing. While service is often praised for attentiveness, there are occasional reports of slow delivery or coordination issues.
Good
7.5
out of 10
487
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
109
negative
15
neutral
363
positive
Cocinas Del Monte achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.5, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 74.5%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from 487 customer observations, with 363 positive remarks outweighing 109 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a particular strength, creating a welcoming setting.
The Food (7.6) also performs well, with many appreciating the diverse offerings. Service (7.1) is generally good, though some experiences suggest room for improvement.
The main area for consideration appears to be Value (4.4), which some guests found less compelling.
What people like
- Inviting Ambience
- Quality Food Selection
- Personalized Service
What people don't like
- Value for Money
- Service Inconsistencies
- Parking Challenges
Cocinas Del Monte presents a generally positive dining experience, especially if you prioritize a pleasant atmosphere and a varied menu. With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s a place many diners find enjoyable for its core offerings.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and some concerns regarding value. If you’re seeking a comfortable spot with good food and don’t mind paying a bit more, it could be a worthwhile visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
160
97.5%
- $$
- Torrey Hills
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
123
95.9%
- $$
- Miramar
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
157
96.2%
- $$
- East Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
462
96.5%
- $$
- Civita
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
750
95.7%
- €€
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
437
92.4%
- $$
- Linda Vista
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Cocinas Del Monte
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, many guests are raving about the delicious and authentic flavors, often highlighting the freshness of ingredients and beautiful presentation. With 202 positive remarks out of 264 total, it's clear that the culinary experience is a major draw, contributing to a strong customer satisfaction of 76.5% and a good score of 7.6. However, some diners have noted areas for improvement, with 54 negative comments pointing to issues like menu inaccuracy, blandness, or food arriving cold.
There were also mentions of small portions and occasional quality concerns, suggesting that while generally good, consistency might sometimes be a challenge.
Food
264
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
54
negative
8
neutral
202
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, bold flavors
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Beautiful food presentation
What people don't like
- Inaccurate menu descriptions
- Bland or cold food
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodThe steak was tender and easy to cut, and the combination of potatoes with bell peppers and onions added great flavor to the dish. Overall, I really enjoyed both the food and the welcoming service, and I will definitely return to try some of the other tempting options on the menu.
- breakfastDelicious breakfast with a nice selection
- coffeeThe coffee was good and served in a large glass mug.
- fish tacosMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the food. The salmon was absolutely delicious, and I also highly recommend the Salmon Chipotle wrap, salmon salad, fish tacos, and the Oatmeal. Everything was truly Deliciiuw!
- French toastPancakes and French toast were both terrific
- burgerYes, it’s in a visitor-heavy zone, but this is a well-oiled, well-run restaurant built on solid Hispanic culinary tradition, not shortcuts. Even the burger, always the test in a place like this, was done properly. Not oversized, not overdressed, not drenched, no gimmicks.
- chilaquilesMy experience at this restaurant was a delicious breakfast with a nice selection of options. I enjoyed the variety, including pancakes, French toast, waffles, omelettes, and traditional Mexican fare like chilaquiles with a contemporary flair. The staff were super friendly, and the restaurant itself was clean and comfortable.
- menuI rarely eat at places where tourists hang out, but this restaurant is worth the experience. There’s something for everyone on the menu. We had fish tacos, SoCal burrito, & tropical salad.
- smoothiesFor visitors: your bet is safe here. Comfortable seating, stylish but relaxed atmosphere, good food done right, and excellent smoothies to finish things off. A solid, reliable stop just steps from Old Town - without the usual tourist regret.
- appetizerOur server was so accommodating, and everything we got was amazing. I ordered an appetizer as my dinner entree, and it was more than enough food and super balanced and tasty!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was cold and it felt like they let it sit for too long.
- coffeeCoffee was blah - tasted more like water.
- food qualityThe sides were not given to me, and I had to remind the waitress multiple times. The food is mediocre, and the food is overpriced for the quality.
- FoodFood:2
- Mexican foodnot for real Mexican food
- appetizeranother 10 min for our appetizer
- baby shrimpit was the baby shrimp and we all know that was previous frozen
- baconThe bacon they serve is so salty, could eat them.
- blackened chicken on top of noodlesthe chicken was nowhere near Blackened , it was a skinny piece of chicken that tasted sour
- chilaquilesThe coffee was good, and the server was nice, but that mistake impacted the experience. Overall, it's an okay place, but I probably wouldn't return due to the price and the lack of quantity of chilaquiles. I ordered chilaquiles, not beans or rice.
If you're looking for flavorful, authentic dishes with great presentation, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mention menu descriptions not quite matching or occasional inconsistencies in food temperature and portion size.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally earns a good score of 7.1, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed but leaning positive 68.9%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and amazing customer service, often highlighting a warm welcome and personable interactions. With 93 positive comments out of 135, theres a strong sense of appreciation for the team.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 40 negative opinions point to some areas needing attention. Guests occasionally encountered slow service, significant waiting times, and a noticeable lack of coordination among staff. Some also mentioned feeling unwelcomed or dealing with overwhelmed servers, indicating consistency could be improved.
Service
135
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
40
negative
2
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Poor coordination
Often praised
- serviceThe flavors were rich and well-balanced, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to traditional yet innovative cuisine. Overall, *Cocinas del Monte* is a gem that delivers both great food and excellent service. Whether you're there for a casual meal or a special occasion, you can count on a memorable dining experience.
- staffThe staff was friendly and attentive, offering helpful recommendations
- customer serviceThe customer service was personalized
- serverEverything else we tried was also very good. The server was super welcoming and very patient. I would run back if I were still in San Diego.
- DannyDanny was very attentive and check in on us often
- ServiceService was genuine, helpful, and appropriately attentive without hovering.
- ownerWe tried a couple of different breakfast plates, and both were great. The serving size was big, and the owner is lovely! I recommend this place if you find yourself in Old Town.
- AdrianThe food is absolutely delicious, the atmosphere is perfect, and the service is outstanding. Adrian was wonderful! 10/10.
- AdrianneAdrianne was awesome
- PedroPedro was a one of kind, amazing personality
Frequently criticized
- servicethey couldn't be bothered to even bring the menus
- foodit came out in spurts so not everyone was served at the same time
- waitressThe service is terrible, and the presentation of the dishes and the work equipment are fatal. I mentioned the rotten lemonade to the waitress, and she didn't even offer an apology. If you want to get a stomach ache, this is the right place.
- waiting timeI usually don’t go out of my way to leave a negative review, but our service here was pretty bad. Even though we had reserved a table for 7 a few days in advance, we still waited 15-20 minutes to be seated. After being seated, we still did not get water for an additional 10 minutes.
- Amantehe said blackened chicken on top of noodles and for an appetizer a shrimp quesadilla
- ServiceService didn't feel welcoming
- checkthe check took even longer.
- coffee or water refillNo server came to refill our coffee or water
- coordinationcomplete lack of coordination between the servers and the kitchen
- dining experienceJust a poor dining experience
If you value friendly and attentive staff, this place is often a great bet. However, be aware that service can sometimes be slow or inconsistent, so it might be best to visit during off-peak hours if you're in a hurry.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! This spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.4 and leaving 89% of customers satisfied. With 65 positive remarks out of 73 total, guests frequently rave about the calming vibe, charming setting, and overall cleanliness, making it a truly pleasant place to dine with a great atmosphere and decor.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A handful of the 73 opinions, specifically 6 negative ones, point to some challenges. While many appreciate the vibe and patio, a few found parking space to be difficult and noted wheelchair accessibility issues, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
73
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, cozy atmosphere
- Clean and well-decorated
- Lovely patio seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Wheelchair access issues
Often praised
- atmosphereFor visitors: your bet is safe here. Comfortable seating, stylish but relaxed atmosphere, good food done right, and excellent smoothies to finish things off. A solid, reliable stop just steps from Old Town - without the usual tourist regret.
- restaurantrestaurant is comfortable
- vibea vibe that feels both classic and new
- ambianceThe ambiance was warm and inviting, with a rustic yet modern vibe
- interiorThe interior immediately sets the tone: warm, floral, confident, and respectful of its roots.
- placethe place was lovely
- Aestheticsthis place gets 8/10 for Aesthetics
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ParkingOur server, Fernanda, was particularly friendly and helpful. Parking was easy, and the decor inside and outside the restaurant is also very nice.
- beautiful locationMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I found it to be an excellent place for brunch with delicious food and a beautiful location. The waiters were nice and very attentive.
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- Wheelchair accessibilityReally bad access I'm paralytic and they made me sit on the tall chairs.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- racist placeinstead the most racist place I ever been too.
- work equipmentThe food is too bad, and the strawberry lemonade we were given was already spoiled. The service is terrible, and the presentation of the dishes and the work equipment are fatal. I mentioned the rotten lemonade to the waitress, and she didn't even offer an apology.
If a beautiful, clean, and charming atmosphere is high on your list, youll likely love this place. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and double-check accessibility if needed, but overall, its a solid choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
The value proposition here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.4 score indicating it's average, yet customer satisfaction sits at a poor 20%. Based on 15 comments, some guests found the prices to be extremely reasonable, especially when taking advantage of happy hour deals and the convenience of a free parking lot. However, a larger number of guests (9 negative versus 3 positive comments) expressed concerns about the overall price.
Many felt the food was overpriced for the quality or serving size, citing issues like automatic gratuity, unexpected extra charges, and the requirement to pay upfront.
Value
15
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Free parking lot
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- Overpriced food
- Hidden extra charges
Often praised
- extremely reasonable pricesThe prices were extremely reasonable
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- happy hourWe came for the happy hour
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced for serving size and poor quality.
- PricesPrices are a lil expensive for what's given
- bacon and eggs plateBacon and eggs plate was $18.50 + tax!
- extra chargedidn’t know it was $8 extra
- gratuityMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with food that was really good and service that was good. However, at the time of paying, I was informed that a 20% gratuity would be added automatically. I wasn't given the opportunity to decide the tip amount myself, and I didn't see any mention of this mandatory gratuity on the menu.
- pay upfrontI had to pay up front after I just ordered and only cash.
If you're looking for a good deal, this spot might disappoint unless you specifically target their happy hour or appreciate the free parking. Be prepared for potentially higher-than-expected costs and automatic gratuity, which could impact your overall perception of value.
How are the prices at Cocinas Del Monte?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 84 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend within the 11 – 30 $ range, showing prices cluster nicely around that average, with only a few venturing into higher price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cocinas Del Monte
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Salmon and Breakfast Options!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the food. The salmon was absolutely delicious, and I also highly recommend the Salmon Chipotle wrap, salmon salad, fish tacos, and the Oatmeal. Everything was truly Deliciiuw!
- salmon10
- Salmon Chipotle wrap10
- salmon salad10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Mixed Feelings on Chilaquiles and Price
My experience at this restaurant was okay, but with some notable drawbacks. The place itself is nice, and the food tasted good. I ordered the chilaquiles, and the server asked if I wanted chicken or steak without mentioning it was an extra charge.
When the plate arrived, there wasn't a large portion of chilaquiles; it was mostly sides. The steak was alright, but I was surprised to find out it was an $8 extra charge later. The coffee was good, and the server was nice, but that mistake impacted the experience.
Overall, it's an okay place, but I probably wouldn't return due to the price and the lack of quantity of chilaquiles. I ordered chilaquiles, not beans or rice.
- food7
- steak5
- coffee8
- chilaquiles3
- extra charge2
- price3
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Great Coffee!
We visited from TX and found this spot. We have to say the food was delicious and the coffee was so good. We chatted with the owner and he was just a nice guy.
We were so impressed with this spot and sorry we didn’t get to eat there again, but we did grab coffee again on the way out of San Diego. If you get a chance, this is definitely a place to try if you’re in town.
- food9
- coffee9
- owner8
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Classic Tradition, Tourist-Proof Gem
Right across the street from Old Town and its parking lot, this place looks like it could be a classic tourist trap, and that’s exactly why it deserves credit for not being one. The interior immediately sets the tone: warm, floral, confident, and respectful of its roots. There’s a sense of order and experience here, the kind that comes from knowing exactly what you’re doing.
Yes, it’s in a visitor-heavy zone, but this is a well-oiled, well-run restaurant built on solid Hispanic culinary tradition, not shortcuts. Even the burger, always the test in a place like this, was done properly. Not oversized, not overdressed, not drenched, no gimmicks.
Just crunchy where it should be, naturally juicy where it matters. The fries were spot on. Fresh vegetables, grilled with intention, balanced and clean.
Respect. Service was genuine, helpful, and appropriately attentive without hovering. You get the feeling this place has loyal local fans.
For visitors: your bet is safe here. Comfortable seating, stylish but relaxed atmosphere, good food done right, and excellent smoothies to finish things off. A solid, reliable stop just steps from Old Town - without the usual tourist regret.
- interior10
- Hispanic culinary tradition10
- burger9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Breakfast with Memorable Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding, especially for breakfast. The food was some of the best I've ever had, offering lots of variety and top quality. The service was equally wonderful.
The staff's attentiveness was remarkable; they remembered us from a previous visit a month ago and even recalled my autistic son's specific pancake request. We visited from out of town but definitely plan to return on our next trip to San Diego. The atmosphere was very quiet, though I note this was the morning after a holiday.
- breakfast dishes10
- variety9
- quality9
What Cocinas Del Monte offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What unique features does Cocinas Del Monte offer for diners?
At Cocinas Del Monte, you can enjoy a distinctive dining experience with options like rooftop seating and a cozy fireplace. The restaurant also provides a casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying happy hour drinks, small plates, and cocktails. You’ll find it’s a great spot to relax and unwind.
Is Cocinas Del Monte accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Cocinas Del Monte is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For families, the restaurant is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. Plus, you’ll usually find plenty of parking options, including free street parking and a free parking lot.
How does Cocinas Del Monte generally perform?
Cocinas Del Monte has a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 74.5%. Its strengths lie in Ambience (8.4) and Food (7.6), with Service (7.1) also performing well. Value (4.4) is an area where some customers have concerns.
What do customers appreciate most about Cocinas Del Monte's atmosphere?
Customers frequently praise the restaurant’s inviting ambiance, describing it as comfortable, stylish, and having a warm, rustic yet modern vibe. Many find the interior design appealing.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing or service at Cocinas Del Monte?
Some customers have expressed concerns about the value, citing prices as a bit high for the serving size or quality. While service is often good, there are occasional reports of slow waiting times or coordination issues.