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  5. New Westminster

El Santo

4.5
4.5
1320 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Mexican
Welcome to el Santo, a restaurant experience that’s uniquely New West. This is a place for you to unwind. To connect with good friends over cocktails. To experience Chef Sam Fabbro’s sustainable menu. And most importantly, to leave satisfied and happy. Get ready to redefine everything you think you know about Mexican cuisine. Come in to our home, fellow luchadores. We’ve got something special for you.

We are excited to announced that el Santo was recently awarded best latin restaurant in Vancouver by Vancouver Magazine.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Options

  • Logo image for Skip The Dishes
  • Logo image for Uber Eats

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Mexican

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Thu 11:30 am–2:00 pm Brunch Fri–Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (604) 553-1849

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Executive Chef

    Sam Fabbro

Popular dishes

What 1,320 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Vancouver Suburbs

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • Vancouver Suburbs

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Vancouver Suburbs

    Lively

Sort by

  1. TaraH

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great dinner at El Santo! Paloma and margaritas are incredible. Brussel sprouts are delicious! Highly recommend
  2. RachelG

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had birthday dinner for our adult sons and there was a server switch and experienced a delay in service in the beginning. But Tracy the manager personally attended to us and changed the whole experience to one of the BEST dinner experiences we’ve had! We ordered the chef’s tasting menu and it was sooo awesome 💯
  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing food, tasty drinks and outstanding service. One of our go to’s for date night. Always a good time!
  4. AmandaLynn

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Can't say enough about how wonderful this restaurant is. The service is always wonderful and the dishes are amazing.
  5. ShawnH

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Al pastor tacos are solid! Fish tacos ok - way too much cabbage slaw that was unseasoned. Needs a sour crema and a lot more spice in the batter for fish. Guac trio ok. Service was lagging…we were there fairly early and it got very busy at the end. So I would expect attentive service in the beginning and slow at end, but our server was absent for most of the meal. Would have spent more on drinks, and been less grouchy about waiting forever to pay and leave. Just my $.02
  6. JayneM

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visited El Santo before attending a concert. The restaurant was inviting, the service was excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed our food. Nina was exceptionally knowledgeable on the menu.
  7. DiningS

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Alejandro is the spirit behind this fabulous place. His charm and engagement with clients is just one reason why El Sanyo is memorable. And the food is authentic. If you want ketchup and Taco Bell, don’t come here. Thank you for making us feel like we always eat there!
  8. AnujC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great. Just need better explanation of the mean.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Congratulations to Alejandro & his team for always creating an amazing experience from start til finish. Top notch service,to refreshing crafted drink , through to the main course..always outstanding. Easily one of the best restaurants in the lower mainland
  10. binak

    Vancouver

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Food was very average, good thing the margaritas are delicious
  11. ShayneO

    Vancouver

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It's been a couple of years since we last visited El Santo, and I'm happy to say it's every bit as good as it used to be. My daughter enjoyed her kids menu - cheese quesadilla, veges and dessert. My wife and I shared the La Cena De El Jefe - chef's tasting menu. We received Coles De Bruselas (brussel sprouts) and Panza de Jabali (boar belly) as starters - both were superb, and the Carne Ahumada (wagyu steak) was even better. Dinner rounded out with lovely churros and dulce de leche as part of our tasting menu and our daughter's kid's menu. Service was great, the food was awesome and the happy hour drinks wonderful. Top class.
  12. MrTaxes

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service are always amazing. Great ambience and authentic Mexican decor and menu. Highly recomended.
  13. Kate

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Music too loud when restaurant filled. Excellent birthday meal! Would be cool if Alejandro had cooking classes in the winter perhaps? Love the risotto!
  14. DebbieW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Taco’s we’re delicious, drinks were also delicious, had a wonderful cinco de mayo
  15. JoeM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food service and cocktails. Best Mexican out side of Mexico. Killer list of Agave Spirits and fair prices too
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Edmonton

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience2
    Well to be honest. The food tasted burnt for both mine and my wife’s meal. The best thing had was the tortillas and sauces. The soup tasted mostly of just tomatoes. Not impressed by the quality of food. Chicken tacos tasted as if they were burnt and scrapped from the bottom of the bowl Sadly nothing really seemed authentic Mexican food or ambiance to this place. They need a complete revamp of the kitchen staff if they intend on surviving. If they have been around a long time. I’m really surprised. Sorry not to be insulting but absolutely terrible. We paid and left.
  17. SabrinaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, drinks and service. Always love this place. Great ambience as well. Will come back again
  18. Chris

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the level of service and taste married to a delightful presentation were beyond our expectations. As a bonus the price was reasonable.
  19. DeidreT

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Was a decent experience - the servers were positive but they didn’t clear very often. Noise level was high for us but lots of fun. The food was very tasty and good size servings.
  20. ChloeYVR

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service! Highly recommend for a lively night out with friends.
  21. Anon

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I had the fish tacos and would have preferred that fish was not battered. The actual fish was quite small and because of the bulk of the batter it made it awkward to eat. Cod tends be lacking in taste. Haddock might be a better choice. We had the guacamole and the cerviche which were excellent. Service was excellent. I/we found it difficult to talk due to the noise level. Overall a pleasant dining experience. Would recommend with caveats.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    22 reviews

    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    Food was good as always. Service was only ok. Our server never came around our table unless we flagged her down or when the food came out of the kitchen. When we caught her attention, she came over quickly but otherwise we sat without water, without drinks when cups ran dry.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and atmosphere! The fish tacos were amazing
  24. VanessaV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service! Make sure to make a reservation because it’s usually a busy place
  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday churros are excellent, cocktails are creative!
  26. PaulT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food and service! It is noisy inside however.
  27. YourMom

    Vancouver

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and beverages were very delicious, the portions were a little small and priced a little high for the amount of food/drink... that said, very tasty
  28. MaggieH

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our visit at El Santos was so wonderful. All the dishes were delicious and flavourful. Our server was really knowledgeable with the menu and provided us with genuine feedback and suggestions. We had such a lovely experience and we cannot wait to come back :)
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our reservations were for 8:15 pm. When we got there our table wasn't ready. We had to follow a few times. Got seated closer to 8:30pm. Our server was very friendly and helpful. However, we didn't get our cocktails until mid way through our dinner. In no way was that the fault of our server but something clearly went wrong. Overall food was great. How ever, the noise level was excessive for a restaurant. We had to shout to just have a conversation. Would not recommend for a date night especially if you're looking to have a conversation with someone.
  30. LisaS

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We’ve dined approx 6 times and food/service excellent. Two items from yesterday, husband had chicken empanadas and dish seemed small, had to order side rice. Hard to have a conversation as ambient noise quite loud. Of course we’ll be back as wonderful food!
  31. chelseam

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I visited El Santos back in December with my family as it was recommended as one of the best restaurants in New Westminster and I had just moved to the area. We love Mexican food and often travel to Mexico a few times a year and wanted an authentic experience and cuisine and this was just that. Our first time here the owner of the restaurant was extremely hospitable, welcoming, and shared knowledge about each dish and his passion for the industry and food he served that evening. The ambiance was perfect a bit loud but to me that always means if it’s busy and loud people must be having a good time. The drinks were hand crafted and delicious and the food was even better. I had a friend visiting New Westminster last night and I decided to take her back to El Santos to share my previous experience of great cocktails, food, ambiance, and service. If you are looking for a great spot to bring your family, friends, or enjoy a date night this is the spot! Highly recommend.
  32. TracyH

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Pleasant staff, great experience. I can’t speak too much on the food as we has appes and drinks but it was good food and the drink was catered to my liking. Staff is super pleasant.
  33. LaurieG

    Edmonton

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have always enjoyed a fine meal and great drinks at this gem of a spot in the heart of downtown NewWest.
  34. OccasionalDiner

    Vancouver

    27 reviews

    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We have been coming to El Santo almost since it opened. This was an Easter treat which didn't quite work out as expected. I was interested to try the new menu items and chose the enchiladas stuffed with goat cheese with mole sauce. What a mistake! No the kitchen's fault - mine for choosing a dish not suited for my digestion. Oh well, back to the things I like and like me next time. Fellow diners enjoyed the fish tacos, the charred salad and the side of beans. Also the cornbread.
  35. GarrettH

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It was our first time to this restaurant and it was great. The best part was the attentive service.
  36. localfood

    Vancouver

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    This is my 3rd time at El Santo and they seem to be understaffed. We walked in during Happy Hour and it wasn't terribly busy. Unfortunately, it took almost 10 mins after being seated to get the server to take our order. Things picked up a bit after that, and the service improved so I chalk it up to it being understaffed when we walked in.
  37. BrianLP

    Las Vegas

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We’ve been here a few times and enjoy the food. It’s not your typical Mexican restaurant. The dishes are more authentic and seem to have more thought put into them. The service was great as well. Would return again.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience1
    The food has gotten significantly worse than the last time I went there (about year ago) very loud we could barely talk. also we made a reso and still had to remind our waitresses to give us a table after the they sat us at the bar. Overall nothing special place is going downhill
  39. Lesley

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated my husband's 60th birthday. Wonderful atmosphere, great food, ambience, & the service was outstanding! Will definitely go back & also recommend to friends & family! Cheers and thanks for a great night...
  40. BrennaL

    Edmonton

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Quality delicious food every time! Excellent service! Make reservations even on weekdays.

FAQs

El Santo does offer delivery in partnership with Skip The Dishes and Uber Eats.

El Santo is rated 4.5 stars by 1320 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Options

  • Logo image for Skip The Dishes
  • Logo image for Uber Eats
Google Map for El Santo

680 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A9

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood

    New Westminster

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Thu 11:30 am–2:00 pm Brunch Fri–Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mexican

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Parking Details

    Street Parking

  • Public Transit

    One block away from both Columbia and New Westminster Sky train station

  • Executive Chef

    Sam Fabbro

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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