PRESS
Lula Cocina Mexicana is a Mexican restaurant at 2720 Main Street in Santa Monica, California. Geraldine Gilliland founded it in 1991 with recipes from her mentor, Mexico City Chef Lula Bertrán. Celebrating 35 years on Main Street in 2026, Lula is known for regional Mexican cooking, tortillas and tamales made in-house daily, and the signature Lula Margarita. Below is recent coverage of the restaurant, its people and its food.
ABC7 Los Angeles
ABC7 Los Angeles:
“Lula Cocina Mexicana celebrates 35 years of Mexican food and community in Santa Monica”
Rachel Brown, ABC7 “Community Eats,” November 6, 2026
In November 2026, ABC7 Los Angeles featured Lula Cocina Mexicana on its “Community Eats” segment as the Santa Monica Main Street restaurant marked 35 years.
The story highlights Owner Barry Kinyon and longtime General Manager Chuck Craig, the signature Lula Margarita, garlic-butter shrimp over blue corn pancakes, 16 house-made sauces, and the Taco Tuesday and Enchilada Wednesday specials.
Santa Monica Daily Press
Santa Monica Daily Press: “Lula Cocina Mexicana Marks 35 Years on Santa Monica’s Main Street”
Maaz Alin, June 22, 2026
In June 2026, the Santa Monica Daily Press marked Lula Cocina Mexicana’s 35th anniversary on Main Street. The story traced how founder Geraldine Gilliland opened the restaurant in 1991, inspired by her mentor, Mexican chef Lula Bertrán, and how owner Barry Kinyon has since added the Lula Burger, a signature mole and an octopus dish alongside long-running staples like poblanos and slow-cooked carnitas.
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times: “In the capable hands of dedicated cook, caterer and teacher Lula Bertran, a dash of innovation and a measure of imagination can transform conventional Mexican cookery into Nuevo Cuisine, which rivals the more traditional foods served in restaurants.”
Barbara Hansen, October 10, 1985
In October 1985, the Los Angeles Times profiled Mexico City chef Lula Bertran, whose recipes later became the foundation of Lula Cocina Mexicana, opened in Santa Monica in 1991 by her protégé Geraldine Gilliland.