very good food. authentic Oaxaca food. the waiters are very nice. My family and I have been going here for years and were always treated warmly

We move this small, unpretentious Oaxacan eatery tucked away in a corner of a small strip mall in Santa Monica. Staff is super friendly, gives good advice and will accommodate vegans like myself (try the Tlayuda!!)

Me encanto todo. Buen servicio, muy tranquilo y delicioso! Habia comido aqui hace 8 años y supe que si me econtraba por aqui tenia que refresar y lo hice!

Gracious service, delicious food, above and beyond effort to provide a positive ambiance. I cant give Monte Alban enough stars. They deserve 6 stars for niceness and excellent service. The nicest service I can remember and a unique experience with their dishes. Ok, this is a Mole restaurant and that means their takes on Mole especially with its connection to authentic flavors will not be for everyone. This is not a Mexican restaurant that serves mole. It's a Mole restaurant. They have many flavors (four that I tasted) and they ranged from good to excellent. You kinda have to find the flavor your palette enjoys. I actually liked the alternative moles vs the usual dark chocolate one that most restaurants have. The yellow (which looked orange to me) was spicier and the green was almost like a peruvian aji verde sauce. I loved the Oaxacan Queso Fundido so much. The soup, and enchiladas which I tried were great. All around a well done meal. The ladies serving us were very nice and ran that place to a T. I'd definitely go back. And they can handle large groups without any issues. Be there and enjoy the unique dining experience. I'm going to try their burritos next time!

We used to come here all the time, unaware that Monte Albanian shared the same strip mall as the sublime Kato prior to COVID and its current Michelin fame. In any case, if you're looking for good Oaxacan food on the Westside, don't look any farther since this is about as good as it gets. You are greeted by the scent of the highly complex Mole sauce and a friendly host who will seat you at tables and chairs that appear to be made of Mexican hardwood. Our server, complete with fedora and flowered necktie was efficient and quick, adding a cozy feeling. The tostadas were hot and not greasy although they lacked the ultimate burnt corn taste of the handmade variety. Beer was served in a glass rimmed with chili salt according to the current trend, although I'll skip it next time the standout was the chicken mole, a 1/2 pound succulent pounded chicken breast in the complex mole and wrapped in a tortilla, one of the better examples of this dish. The tacos and other dishes did exude a pronounced Oaxacan flair. Though better artisanal Mexican restaurants are out there, for the price, convenience, and food quality, Monte Alban is a winner, likely to be added to your go-to list.

This place is amazing!!! The restaurant is so pretty and cozy and we were treated so well by the workers. The food was delicious and the portion sizes are very generous. This was my first time trying mole and I'm so glad that I came here for my first time. I definitely see myself coming back here really soon to try more items on their menu.

One of my favorite go-to restaurants for comfort foods. They have THE best mole, salsas, tortillas, cafe de olla, and horchata! Love that it had fruits and pecans in it --- get it with the scoop of cactus fruit sorbet! I've been going to Monte Alban for over 10 years and without fail, they've always had the best customer service and the best food. Everybody that I've introduced to this gem loves it.

Monte Alban is a hidden gem in West LA. I love this casual, family-oriented Mexican restaurant. Every visit I've had has been so warm and welcoming--the staff are kind, there's usually litle to no wait, and the food is delicious. Their menu marks their mole dishes as their specialties, so I usually order the mole burrito with an horchata. My girlfriend also really likes their fried plantains with rice and beans too. One time I tried their fried grasshoppers, and they tasted great! They tasted similarly to small dried shrimp in some Asian dishes, in case people wanted some comparison. A few times I have gone there was also a singer performing during dinnertime, which added to the homely environment. They have outdoor seating now along with many lunch specials that I am hoping to try. I see a lot of people order their Molcajetes too. Getting there is pretty easy--the restaurant is located in a strip mall on Santa Monica Blvd, so there is parking on-site and good bus coverage too. I definitely recommend coming to Monte Alban!

Came here because it appeared on the Michelin guide and since I am in LA where it is near the border, the Mexican would be better than Canada. First off I would have never entered this place on my own. It's in a strip mall and it looks like a hole in the wall. Honestly it doesn't look like much. But it could be authentic to how it would look in Mexico based on my many trips there. Had the hibiscus drink. Delicious and not too sweet. Get this. The chicken tacquito appetizer was too hard skinned. Not enough chicken either. The guacamole was delicious but I'd skip this dish. The house made black mole with chicken was very nice. I admit this is not my thing but based on the moles I have had I can tell this is unique. Those who enjoy moles should have this. Overall. Good.