Drop In on Flavor at Surf n Turf Tacos

Whether one is ending a surf outing, or simply looking for a freshly prepared, delicious meal, Surf N Turf Tacos has brought a wave of flavorful Mexican cuisine to Hawaii. The eatery has occupied its Monsarrat Avenue location fronting Diamond Head for three months now, and patrons have flocked there for quality, authentic Mexican food.

Chef Martin Gonzalez brings his experience to the kitchen, and the native of Sonora, Mexico, infuses fresh, local ingredients with the traditional dishes that he grew up with.

“The base of everything is authentic Mexican food,” explains manager Dustin Hara. “All the recipes are from Martin’s mom, so they’re the real deal. Everything is made from scratch, fresh in house.”

Surf N Turf Tacos is gaining notoriety for its stellar Fish Taco ($4.50, add $1 for guacamole).

The dish can be ordered with either beer-battered or grilled fish, and pairs perfectly with one of four homemade sauces ranging from the mild green tomatillo variety to the red chile verde sauce, “secret” DH sauce and the sweat-inducing habanero pepper blend made with island-grown habanero peppers.

“We use fresh fish in our tacos, and they’re the bomb,” Hara says. “The beer-battered fish taco is probably our best seller, while the grilled fish taco is a close second. We also make our sauces and salsa in house, from scratch.”

For those looking to start the day on a high note, Surf N Turf’s Breakfast Burrito ($7.50 to $8.95) offers up eggs, pico de gallo, seasoned potatoes, beans and cheese wrapped up in a 12-inch tortilla with one’s choice of bacon, turkey bacon, Portuguese sausage, steak or vegetarian filling.

Nachos ($7.95) are another popular dish at Surf N Turf, as the selection features a mountain of tortilla chips topped with beans, melted cheese, salsa and sour cream. Diners may add chicken, carnitas (slow roasted pork) or steak for just $1 more.

“This is Hawaii, and people love to eat, so our philosophy is to give people good portions of authentic Mexican cuisine at an affordable price,” Hara says.

“There’s a definite need for authentic Mexican food on the island.”

Burritos ($6.95 to $11.95) also are specialties at Surf N Turf Tacos, and diners may choose from a host of flavorful fillings including char-grilled chicken, carnitas, steak and fish to complement the refried or black beans and rice wrapped up in a 12-inch flour tortilla. Also, for $1 more, one may choose to add sauce for a wet-style burrito.

In addition to selecting their favorite a la carte items, customers are encouraged to make the meal into a combo (additional $2.99) with the addition of chips, salsa and a medium drink. Or, one can “make it a meal” (additional $3.99) by adding beans, rice and a medium drink.

Customers are allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages, and may enjoy these drinks for a minimal $5 corkage fee per party. Also, keep an eye out for Surf N Turf Tacos in Waikiki as the eatery is planning to open a second location in the near future on Kuhio Avenue.

Surf n Turf Tacos

3045 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu
456.5345
Open daily
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.