El Catrin, one of the most popular restaurants in the City of Toronto by delivering on both traditional and modern Mexican cuisine in a fun, lively, well-serviced atmosphere in the Distillery District.
Boasting a sharing-style menu and one of Canada's largest mescal and tequila menus, we offer a unique experience and an incredible atmosphere that is just plain fun. The El Catrin menu, created by one of Mexico City's top chefs, is designed so that you can taste a little bit of everything.
On the inside, the decor features a breathtaking mural that took over 100 days to complete. On the outside, El Catrin boasts one of the best patios in the city that is not only enormous but open nearly year-round.
Menu
Love the place. Had a great evening. Would definitely love to visit again in the summer.
Our order was missed. We sat for an hour before receiving all three of our items in rapid fire after notifying the staff of the mistake,
Absolutely great tacos! A bit small for the price but the taste makes up for it. Disappointing de-constructive pineapple dessert; was way too sweet. Definitely recommend for the atmosphere and tacos!
Service seems somewhat slow and inattentive, had to ask for more coffee, water and bring the bill
Food came out very quickly and service was impeccable! Very happy with the entire setting
We were celebrating a birthday. There were 3 of us. The ambiance is wonderful and a great lively atmosphere and the service was great.
Our only gripe was the PARRILLADA dish. For $89, it was basically a big plate of grilled vegetables with a VERY small amount of protein on it. There was a good-size piece of octopus, but besides that, that steak was nearly non- existent, just as the chorizo was as well. The lamb chops were VERY small and so thin they were over cooked. It was just a very disappointing meal for the money they charge for it.
Overall, because it's such a lively and attractive place to eat, and the service was very good, I'd give them another chance and try something different on their menu, because the Parrillada dish is very underwhelming and should be half the cost of what they charge for what they served us.
Was great, but could feel the cold air where we sat. Other than that, great experience. Definitely a tight squeeze in our particular table.
The quality of food and flavour has decreased , maybe they changed the chef , not sure .
One of my go to’s.. this place is the best!! Great food, great staff, absolutely lovely!
Had a reservation for 12:00 on a Monday. Doors were locked until 12:15 when I decided to go somewhere else. Quite embarrassed as I was with a client. Very unprofessional
Portions could be bigger for the price you pay. Waitress didn’t refill our drinks, we had to ask for more water.
Good food but definitely not worth the cost. Rather expensive for the creativity and quality of the food. I wouldn't go back.
Love the decor, atmosphere and service was great. I enjoyed the guacamole, carnita taco and short rib dish had great depth. However the ceviche, fish taco and chicken taco were disappointing which makes it difficult to give high food scores.
Excellent food and service. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at El Catrin!
Must try the Guacamole, The Various tacos and best part were the Churros and Rice pudding. Didn’t expect the amazing flavours of the Rice pudding. Definitely not your typical runny pudding! Open up your taste buds! You’ll be pleasantly satisfied!
I would highly recommend this restaurant. The food is delicious, the drinks are great and creative and the atmosphere is perfect. It is pricey. For the price we paid I would have expected a little more food, but overall it was fantastic. One of the better restaurants I’ve ever eaten at.
We’ve been going to El Catrin for years, but after our recent visit, this restaurant has sadly gotten bad. The food is not up to par with what it use to be with the exception of their guac and baja tacos. Their new taco addition “madre” is bland and their new take on the shrimp taco has too much going on. The margarita we had was overly sweet compared to how they use to make it.
Perhaps it was just bad day for the restaurant, but spending $111 for tacos and a drink is just isn’t worth it anymore.
I sadly will not be returning anymore.
Food was good but portions are small. Service was okay. Food came out fast but we felt like they were trying to get us to leave.
This is obviously a very popular place. The restaurant was full. In spite of that, the servers were quite attentive and responsive. Unfortunately, our evening was off to a less than perfect start, when we were left standing and waiting until more than half an hour past our reservation time for our table. I understand that these things happen, but our group were totally unimpressed by the cavalier attitude of the of the young ladies at the reception. I guess they reckoned that working in a hot place gave them license to ignore our discomfort.
It was also surprising, that our mains came out one by one, with a gap of close to 10 minutes between the first and the last one served. Keep in mind that we were not a huge group.
Excellent food - kind of a tapas experience where they bring out dishes to the table as they are prepared - so not everyone got their “meal” at the same time but it encourages sharing - and everything was delicious
Very tasty food and a full dining experience. Tapas style menu so you can taste many things on the menu. The guacamole en la Mesa is always a crow pleaser, and the Baja tacos (fish taco) is delish. Margaritas are great as well!
Our waiter was amazing
Super helpful and very knowledgeable
Would definitely go back
Outstanding food, service was exceptional. Will go back again and again and again.
We're NOT city folk ... anymore. Came in from Peterborough for SPTheatre. I booked on line; wife likes Mexican, we honeymooned there. Hard to get in Ptbr. City/Lake friends suggested "we chose well. GREAT place" We agreed. I left thinking ... a Summer play, outside eating would be nice. We'll probably be back ... if I can pry her away from the Summer Lake.
Thank you, the STAFF, for being part of a VERY nice Christmas evening; it was a surprise for my wife. Bob Martin, Stoney lake, Peterborough
Toronto’s best Mexican and the best fish taco I’ve had ,( and I really don’t like fish!)
Food is decent enough, but Way too expensive for what it is. Used to love this place when I lived in Toronto, but it seems like they established themselves, and then changed the focus to quick turnover and inflated prices.
The hostess and wait staff were great but the food did not close to the native food sampled in Mexico. I
We go to El Catrin every Christmas Eve. Large groups are handled well. The food is amazing as always. My only complaint is that only the lunch menu is available. I would much rather have the tasting menu.
This place is AMAZING!!! The food is UNBELIEAVBLE!!!
Place is chaotic but in a good way. Jam packed as usual. Food is great and authentic. A bit unorganized at the front end getting in especially considering most people have reservations. Should open up that front area some. Everyone should experience El Catrin at least once.
Great vibe and food
Overall great experience. Was at Christmas Market and what a nice place to stop and grab some dinner. If you want authentic Mexican food with a great atmosphere and good prices stop here. Will be back for sure
Slow service but expected as much during Christmas Market - food was exceptional though so worth the wait. Give the tomatillo tart a miss unless you want a bowl of sour goo - instead go for the churros which are the best in town.
The meal was excellent but I’d say a little overpriced for what it was. Service and ambiance were great so would definitely go again.
Went for a meal after visiting Christmas markets. Extremely loud. Disappointed that menu was only small plates. Hard to get a balanced meal ie some vegetables.
Staff were attentive but still did not bring us soup as ordered. At least we were not charged for it.
Obviously a popular spot for drinks but would not suggest for a full meal.
Definitely eat here but make a reservation!
You need to take your time ordering and eating.
The food was good, but the restaurant was very cold. I had to keep my coat on during my meal. Please add some heating by the entrance door to keep the diners warm....
Quality of food great and the service excellent. We had a great time.
Warning — it is very COLD in the restaurant during winter. It’s busy, so lots of people wait in the front vestibule area... with the door wide open. The service was ok and the food was good.
A little cold by the door even though they have a curtain up but overall amazing place, must try! Loved the Hibiscus and Tequila tea!
