Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I really wanted to love this place, especially since it’s a family-owned business—but unfortunately, I just couldn’t. After seeing so many high ratings and not much constructive feedback, I thought I’d share a more detailed review that might actually help the restaurant grow.

What I liked:

We were seated quickly, and the staff seemed genuinely friendly. The margarita was solid. My partner really enjoyed the steak picadillo and said it was delicious. The rice and beans were well-prepared. The chips were clearly made in-house, which I appreciated.

Where it fell short:

The beef chimichanga was a big letdown. It was overly fried, filled with plain beef and nothing else. Most chimichangas I’ve had include cheese, beans, or some sort of flavorful mix, but this one lacked seasoning and depth.

The salsa didn’t live up to expectations either. I usually look forward to house-made salsa at family-run spots, but this one was watery and heavy on the heat without much else going on. It might work better as a taco or burrito topping, but not as something to enjoy with chips.

Service also missed the mark. Although the place was a little busy, we only had our drink and food orders taken. Aside from someone briefly stopping by to refill water, no one checked in to ask how our food was or if we wanted another round of drinks. That’s disappointing, especially when you’re hoping for a warm, attentive experience. I typically tip generously, but I ended up tipping just average due to the lack of engagement. It would’ve made a big difference if someone had simply asked how things were going.

Another issue was the seating arrangement. The tables were packed so tightly together that it made having a conversation nearly impossible. Every table seemed to be speaking louder just to hear their own party, which created this cycle of competing voices and noise. It completely took away from the comfort and enjoyment of the dining experience.

Overall, I wouldn’t return. But I hope this feedback is helpful and that the restaurant considers making a few small changes. It has potential, and I’d love to see it...

You either have known about this place for decades or you don't. If you don't, this is the start of knowing Gilbert's for decades. That's what happens to all of us after first experiencing all things Gilbert's - the food, the atmosphere, the family, and having a great time with your friends.

There's no Mexican food restaurant like Gilbert's. I've eaten at hundreds. There are only two that come to mind as all-time #1's. Gilbert's the far and away winner in my book with La Taqueria in San Francisco's Mission District also a #1 but in a very different way. That's more of a get in, eat, get out. Gilbert's is an experience.

Let's get service out of the way: simply exceptional. They are on it. They way they handle service is like an eagle hunting - they know when you need something but you don't see them coming, they swoop in, smoothly take care of what you need and you almost don't notice it's so quick and effortless. High-end restaurants should use Gilbert's as training ground. Always friendly, family trained and run.

The food is the best. For decades, I've always had the #1, two tacos, rice, beans. There's something totally unique about the flavors and texture of the #1. You will develop a craving for it when you get close to 20th street (blocks away) like a Pavlovian dog. The chips are incomparable as are the carrots that you get the minute you sit down. It's all the little things Gilbert's does right to equate a total Mexican food experience. I absolutely love this place as do all of my friends and family. We've been going there since the 80's and never want it to go away. Simply put, Gilbert's is a special place for all the...

Stopped in for my first time this past weekend and was very impressed. That won’t be my last time that I dine here. I grew up in San Diego, but moved to LA five years ago but still struggle to find Mexi restaurants in LA that I like as much as back home, but this is certainly one for the books. The flavors are truly great and taste very authentic and as someone that has been down to Mexico for surf and vacation trips countless times it tastes like cuisine down across the border. I would say Gilbert’s and Don Antonio’s are my two favorite sitdown Mexican restaurants in Santa Monica. This location has a free parking lot in back and they have a very large menu filled with all of the Mexican classics. Our server was very polite and everything we ordered came out super quick.

For my meal I chose two of my favorite dishes to order: Albondigas Soup and Carne Asada. Both were absolutely terrific, and the Carne Asada plate was very large in portion size and cooked perfectly. The steak was not as thin as some other cheaper cuts you get at other places, it was very thick and juicy. They also have some great merch and I especially like how they have a lot of indoor and outdoor seating available.

Overall Gilbert’s is a seriously delicious Mexican restaurant that would hit the spot no matter the time of day that you visit. I would recommend to anyone searching for a good Mexican meal and I definitely plan to be back again in the...