La Tortuga — Tortas a la Mexicana logoLa Tortuga, Seaside California

Tortas a la Mexicana

The best tortas in Seaside, California

A Mexican-style sandwich in a white bun called "telera" with chipotle mayonnaise, black bean paste, tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, avocado, & your choice of:

Order a torta · (831) 394-8320Full menu
La Cubana torta cut in half on telera bread, showing breaded beef, black bean paste, cheese and avocado

Every torta we make

26 fillings, all built on the same telera foundation.

  • La Cubana

    $14.23

    Combination of breaded beef, roasted pork, hot sausage, guac & cheese.

  • La Ahogada

    $13.18

    Pork torta drowned with our spicy red sauce.

  • La Hawaiana

    $13.50

    Ham, pineapple, seasoned pork, & cheese

  • Jamon y Huevo

    $12.77

    Ham and eggs

  • Tocino y Huevo

    $12.77

    Bacon and eggs

  • Salchicha y Huevo

    $12.77

    Hot link sausage and eggs

  • Chorizo y Huevo

    $12.77

    Chorizo and eggs

  • Res Desebrada y Huevo

    $12.77

    Shredded Beef & Eggs

  • Nopalitos y Huevo

    $12.77

    Cactus and eggs.

  • Mexican Style Eggs

    $12.77

    Jalapeños, onions, tomatoes and eggs.

  • Asada

    $12.77

    Grilled beef filet.

  • Milanesa

    $12.77

    Breaded beef filet.

  • Tinga de Res

    $12.77

    Shredded beef filet cooked with tomato, onions, & spices.

  • Cecina

    $12.77

    Grilled marinated pork fillet.

  • Adobada

    $12.77

    Seasoned pork meat.

  • Al Pastor

    $12.77

    Grilled marinated pork & pineapple.

  • Pierna

    $12.77

    Oven roasted pork shoulder.

  • Salchicha Picosa

    $12.77

    Hot link sausage.

  • Pechuga de Pollo

    $12.77

    Grilled chicken breast.

  • Tinga de Pollo

    $12.77

    Shredded chicken cooked with tomato, onions & spices.

  • Pechuga Empanizada

    $12.77

    Fried breaded chicken breast.

  • Pollo en Mole

    $12.77

    Shredded chicken in our special Oaxacan mole sauce.

  • Queso Fresco o al Comal

    $12.77

    Grilled fresh Mexican cheese.

  • Pambazo

    $13.18

    Torta with bread brushed with red smoky salsa with chorizo, potatoes, fresh cheese, sour cream, & lettuce.

  • Hongo Portabella & Cheese

    $13.00

    Portabella mushroom & Mexican cheese.

  • Chile Relleno (Queso o Pollo)

    $13.27

    Chicken or cheese chile relleno sandwich.

How we build it

Six layers, one perfect bite

A great torta is about balance: crisp exterior, creamy spread, bright vegetables, rich protein and just enough heat. We build every sandwich in the same order so the first bite tastes like the last.

  1. 1

    Telera roll toasted on the plancha until the cut sides are crisp.

  2. 2

    Chipotle mayonnaise on one side, Oaxacan black bean paste on the other.

  3. 3

    Fresh tomato, onion and jalapeño sliced thin so every bite has crunch.

  4. 4

    Avocado laid down next so the bread stays moist.

  5. 5

    Your choice of protein — breaded, grilled, stewed or vegetarian.

  6. 6

    Queso fresco or Oaxacan cheese, then the top half pressed into place.

What to pair it with

Build the whole order, not just the sandwich

A torta is a full meal on its own, but a few additions turn it into the order regulars place every week. Chips and fresh salsa or guacamole to start, a side of Mexican rice and refried beans if you're feeding two, and an agua fresca or Mexican Coke to cut the richness.

Feeding a group? Tortas hold up better than tacos for office lunches and road trips — they're wrapped tight, cut in half, and still good an hour later. Call ahead for six or more and we'll stagger the grill so everything comes out at the same time.

Chips & salsa

Fresh-fried tortilla chips with roasted red or bright green salsa.

Guacamole

Hand-mashed avocado with lime, onion and cilantro.

Rice & beans

Mexican rice and refried beans turn one torta into a plate for two.

Aguas frescas

Horchata and jamaica when available — ask what's fresh today.

Torta questions, answered

Not sure which one to order? Here's what guests ask most. Still deciding? Call (831) 394-8320 and we'll walk you through the menu.

What is a Mexican torta?
A torta is a Mexican sandwich built on a soft white telera roll. Ours are spread with chipotle mayonnaise and Oaxacan black bean paste, then layered with tomato, onion, jalapeño, avocado and your choice of more than twenty fillings.
Which torta should I order first?
La Cubana — breaded beef, roasted pork, hot sausage, guacamole and cheese. It is the sandwich guests drive up Highway 1 for. If you want heat, order La Ahogada, drowned in our spicy red sauce.
Do you have vegetarian tortas?
Yes. The Queso Fresco al Comal and the Hongo Portabella & Cheese torta are both meat-free, and the cheese chile relleno torta is another favorite.
Can I order tortas for takeout?
Absolutely. Call (831) 394-8320 and we will have your order wrapped and ready at 1257 Fremont Blvd in Seaside.
What makes a telera roll different?
Telera is an oblong, soft white roll with a thin crust and a light, airy crumb. It holds up to saucy fillings without falling apart, which is why every torta here is built on one.
How big is a torta?
Our tortas are full-sized sandwiches, cut in half and packed with protein. Most guests take half home or split one with a side of chips and salsa.

Ready to try the torta everyone talks about?

Order La Cubana, La Ahogada or build your favorite by phone. We'll tell you the wait time and have it wrapped when you arrive at 1257 Fremont Blvd, Seaside.

Call (831) 394-8320Get directions