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El Santo, New Westminster, BC

El Santo

4.6
4.6
1656 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Mexican
680 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A9

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 14 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 11:30 am–2:15 pm Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Brunch Fri–Sun 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Sam Fabbro

What 1,656 people are saying

El Santo reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Vancouver Suburbs

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • Vancouver Suburbs

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Vancouver Suburbs

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
El Santo offers a "sumptuous culinary experience" with "delicious food" and a "friendly, inviting environment." Known for authentic Mexican cuisine with a fusion twist, it boasts a "casual but elegant ambiance." While some noted slow service, many praised the "great atmosphere," "amazing cocktails," and "unique dishes."

1,656 Reviews
  1. Mary

    Vancouver6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and great happy hour, the the mushroom enchiladas were so delicious and the corn fritters with the habanero apple butter was amazing. And the drinks were awesome Our server did a great job. Whenever I want great Mexican food I always go there.

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  2. christine

    Vancouver1 review

    2.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Service was disappointing, and the food was just okay. Nothing really stood out, and I’m not sure I’d return.

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  3. Chris

    Vancouver3 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on April 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I wanted to have a nice dinner with my mum and brother and sister-in-law. My wife and I have been to El Santo before but unfortunately value-for-money is way down. The service wasn't great. Very expensive for really poor portions. I sort of feel bad for my mum as she wanted Mexican food coming down to the lower mainland for a visit. I cannot recommend this place unfortunately.

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  4. Amar

    Vancouver2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely extraordinary experience! The food was fresh and delicious. Service and hospitality was next level. Whole experience was amazing. Definitely appreciate the extra effort made in terms the quality of the food, the service and overall experience.

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  5. Trevor

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience as always. Friendly and inviting environment and staff. Authentic Mexican cuisine!

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  6. Daniel

    Vancouver4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great time and great food! The sangria was wonderful and the cocktails are amazing.

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  7. Carly

    Vancouver1 review

    3.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Everything was good aside from the brussel sprout tacos that I ordered for my entree. It was dripping with oil and very salty.

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  8. Max

    Orlando1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service was fantastic. No complaints.

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  9. Sarah

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great little spot. Tastefully decorated, very clean, delicious food and friendly staff ! Noise level was comfortable and went with the amount of ppl. Was a great first experience and will be back 🙂

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  10. Giovanni VIP

    Vancouver9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 17, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    If you are Mexican you have to be open minded, this is not a Mexican restaurant, more like fusion flavours; the esquite is not an esquite with cream, butter, cheese, spices, etc; the Taco Gobernador is just a quesadilla with tiny bits of shrimp; pretty much all the plates and deserts were made for a different crowd. Do not ask for the Arroz con Leche!. Servers were very nice, the drinks took an average of 7-10 mins but overall were good.

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FAQs

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

El Santo is rated 4.6 stars by 1656 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Vancouver / British Columbia
  4. Vancouver Suburbs
  5. New Westminster

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 14 times today
Google Map for El Santo

680 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A9

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    New Westminster
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 11:30 am–2:15 pm Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Brunch Fri–Sun 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Price
    CAN$30 and under
  • 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
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