El Catrin

Name: El Catrin
Address: 18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5A 3C4
Telephone: (416) 203-2121
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

5123 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Mexican

Top tags:

Reservations are booked for indoors only. Seating time will be limited to two hours maximum.

Please note, during the Distillery Winter Village November 17th to December 31st, there are limited reservations available. Please call 1-416-203-2121 or email us at reservation@thedistillery.ca for any further inquiries or questions.

Located in the Distillery District, El Catrin pairs an ambitious, wide-ranging, tapas-style menu with Canada's largest mezcal and tequila collection. El Catrin has built its reputation as one of the most celebrated restaurants in Toronto by offering transportive dining experiences, serving traditional and modern Mexican cuisine in a lively and award-winning atmosphere.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 77 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Thu 11:30 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–12:00 am
Phone number
(416) 203-2121
Website
http://www.elcatrin.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Please contact directly.
Private party contact
inquiries@thedistillery.ca : (416) 203-2363

Location
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Neighbourhood
Distillery District
Cross Street
Parliament & Mill Street
Parking Details
At the Distillery District, parking lots are accessible from Parliament and Cherry St. Nominal parking fee.At local municipal lots: 65 Trinity Street | 44 Parliament Street
Public Transit
- 65A Parliament Bus stop at Front St. - (walk one block South to Mill St.)- 504 King East Streetcar at the Distillery Loop- From Union Station: Walk 7 minutes North on Bay Street to King Street; board the 504 King East Streetcar and ride it to the Distillery Loop.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

What 5,123 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.7Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto
Mexican

5,123 Reviews

k
kelseym
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Carol, our server was fantastic - she was attentive, caring and knowledgeable. A super star! The food was flavourful and presented professionally.
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JB
JennB
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
One of my favorite restaurants! Such a fun environment with excellent food - there is something for everyone!
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C
Corona
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience4
Very small portions for the prices charged but the drinks were delicious and the service was excellent.
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AG
AlexisG
Montreal
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience3
Went to El Catrin for the first time this week - the food was AMAZING! Had the salsa el jefe, guacamole, and ceviche. The margarita was delicious as well (reposado, but very heavy on the salt rim. The inside host was great, but the patio hosts were neither courteous, nor helpful. Our server was nice, but after our last plate arrived, disappeared for very long periods. The patio is awesome, though can be very windy. The inside is nice, but it was a bit too dark and definitely loud.
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TW
TrishW
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience4
The civishe flavour was overpowered by three lime juice. So it wasn't possible to taste all the flavors of the dish. Very disappointed
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall2food1service3ambience4
I thought the food was bland and not what I expected from a nice Mexican restaurant.
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RD
RebDee
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vibe, service, food but definitely pricey for what you get.
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OM
OlgaM
Toronto
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Just lovely! Great service and the food was delicious. And the cocktails and the desserts - just wonderful! Such a fun place!
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AU
AnandaU
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing ambience, friendly service and excellent Mexican food.
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SK
SurajK
Greater Boston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food2service4ambience4
Guac and chips are top notch. Rest of the vegetarian dishes are so-so.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Good food, good vibes, good service though the prices were a little high
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AH
AlaeH
Toronto
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience5
The place itself is nestled in the distillery district. The ambience is very cozy and the interior of the place is very interesting. The high tables are really comfortable, maybe even more than the regular tables. The drinks were great and the food was OK but nothing exceptional. We ordered the guacamole that comes in a bowl and is mixed and prepare in front of you. It was the most awkward minute or two of the evening with the person preparing it quietly while we watched something that is anything but climactic. We ordered the octopus Tostadas which were very fishy, oily and zesty and they were very very very small bites for a 20$. We had some tacos, the fish ones were amazing but the beef one not so much. The meet had a very weird texture like it is all clumping together. Chicken Quesadillas were good. Food was very fast to come but the waitress that night didn't really check on us regularly, she wasn't even the person that brought us the food and we had to call her many times before she came to take our order for the drinks. It might have been though because it seemed like it was only her serving the entire place which raises the question of why aren't there more staff. It was not a bad experience but not a great one, I wouldn't even say it was good. Just OK and def. not worth the price
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great ambience and service. It’s a bit expensive for the food quantity being served. Quality of food is great.
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K
Kyle
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and our server was excellent. Really enjoyed the corn on the cob, wish it wasn't just a limited time item!
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p
paul
Toronto
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great place - what an environment!!! Check this place out. Food is quite delicious and fresh. Gives you a taste of Mexico in a great location. Can't go wrong!
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AV
AdamV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Waiter was a beauty, excellent service, had red hair forgot his name.
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VP
VincenzoP
Toronto
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Positively surprised about this place. We couldn’t sit outside but the inside was equally beautiful. Food is great as the service. Place is very energetic. Price is reasonable for being in Toronto. Will come back
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience5
Food seems to have declined since prior visit - ordered tacos al pastor and guacamole and chips were both very bland. Making matters worse - two mains, guacamole and chips and two margaritas - came to $175 after tax and tip. Service and environment are still both good but food is not what is used to be.
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NA
NikunjA
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pricey but amazing food and setting. Drinks were delicious as well.
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C
Cher
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fantastic and our waitress incredible!! Can’t beat the ambience!!!
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PT
PatrickT
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Excellent food and service, however a bit too noisy
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friendly staff, good food, lively ambiance, fire pit on a chilly night - what more can I ask for?
Is this helpful?
CS
ConcettaS
Toronto
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome ambiance, fabulous octopus, amazing tacos, fantastic dining experience!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was amazing. Was seated outside and was greeted pretty quickly. Our server, Brittany, she kept the vibes lit. She was amazing. We had the Guacamole, which is a must, and the Baja tacos, which - once again - is a must, you can never go wrong with these options. Classics but great. Wanted to get dessert but missed out but if you get dessert, my fav is the tres leches cake or the churros. 10 out of 10 would come back and recommend. 🙂
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R
Ryan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server/waitress was super nice and professional. Was prompt, and very friendly with our one year old. You don’t come across many people who enjoy what they do and with a passion. She helped my wife decide on her dish that tasted amazing. Definitely would come back again. Our server went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of
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IP
IvaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and environment! We are coming back again!
Is this helpful?
AS
AmeeneS
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve been several times to El Catrin, this time to celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary. From start to finish, it was a terrific experience: our server was crazy attentive and super sweet, the food was delicious, and can’t leave out the best margaritas I’ve ever had. And the room itself is gorgeous, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. We had a really memorable celebration thanks to El Catrin, one I’ll carry for a long time.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic! Great good and the ‘flights’ of Marguerites is a great way to get a taste of the various kinds they serve.
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DT
DTKE
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A must try restaurant if you love Mexican cuisine. Unique menu, excellent service.
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LG
LeeGee
Toronto
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Consistently delivers good food, good drinks, and good vibes
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TM
TraceyM
Toronto
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall2food4service2ambience5
This was our first time to El Catrin and we loved the ambiance and the menu. It was perfect for a casual night out with close friends. Unfortunately, the service was fair at best. After we asked for chips and salsa to start, the server brought over chips, salsa and the guacamole set up to begin preparing. We let her know we didn't ask for the guacamole and instead of saying "no problem", she let us know we were wrong. From there we all felt she had a bit of an attitude and they really couldn't have rushed us through any more quickly. I appreciate they were busy (always great for restaurants!) but it could have been a much better experience with a bit of TLC from our server vs the fast-food chain style we received. We will go again before recommending to anyone.
El CatrinResponded on September 12, 2023
Tracey, thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. Your positive comments about our ambience and menu mean a lot to us. That being said, your server should not have shown you attitude and should have been more understanding so for that, we apologize deeply. Please know, we take great pride in delivering outstanding service and have passed along your feedback for thorough review by the team. We would appreciate a second chance to demonstrate the 5-star service we’re known for and you most absolutely deserve. All the best, Stuart K.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The service was excellent and so was the vibe. The food felt slightly overpriced :)
Is this helpful?
RR
RodrigoR
Toronto
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
Good very good, food 😋 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡
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AH
AHoyBay
Toronto
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience3
Hi There It is unfortunate to have to write this review as my husband and I love El Catrin. However, we visited on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend for 9:45. There was no advisory or heads-up that kitchen was closing at 10:15 and bar closing at 10:30. We were rushed out, the dessert came with our mains. We ordered the Don Julio 250 Anniversary shot as it's my husbands favourite. We asked for them to bring the bottle to us to pour the shots. That was declined. They had to go inside to see it being poured. When there wasn't enough for two shots. We were continuously advised that they were closing soon, cleaning and putting things away around us. It became laughable that we were paying for this service. Overall - I will not be returning and would not recommend.
El CatrinResponded on September 12, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We’re extremely sorry to hear about your most recent experience with us, especially regarding our service. Please know, we take great pride in delivering patient service so we’re sorry to hear that this was not the case during your visit. Also, we apologize for not communicating to you properly about our last call policy and closing time. Regardless, we fully understand there is no excuse for these actions during your dining experience so for that, we apologize. All that being said, your feedback has been heard and passed along to our team for review. We truly hope you let us create a more memorable experience for you in the future, one you know we are capable of providing. All the absolute best, Stuart K.
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YN
YessicaN
Toronto
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The Margaritas are not good. They are supposedly their flagship drink, but it's all artificial flavor and little tequila.
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PK
PatrickK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My go to place in the distillery district. Great options for vegetarians. Delicious drinks.
Is this helpful?
VR
VickiR
Toronto
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We brought guests from Cancun to celebrate one of their birthdays. Service and food was amazing! They loved it. Only disappointment was they had hoped for staff who speak fluent Spanish.
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DL
DomenicL
Toronto
38 reviews
4.0
38 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
One of our go to places for Mexican Food and did not disappoint Our server was very friendly and had a great sense of humour Enjoyed the ambiance
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SL
SassieLassie1981
Detroit
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
Cool atmosphere (sat outside). For it not being too busy drinks took too long to come. Server didn’t check back in often enough but food was delicious. Would go back but hoping for a different server.
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M
Mannella
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Brunch for two with a cocktail each. This should NOT be well over $100.00
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

El Catrin is rated 4.5 stars by 5123 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 77 times today

18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Additional information

Cross Street
Parliament & Mill Street
Neighbourhood
Distillery District
Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Thu 11:30 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–12:00 am
Cuisines
Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
At the Distillery District, parking lots are accessible from Parliament and Cherry St. Nominal parking fee.At local municipal lots: 65 Trinity Street | 44 Parliament Street
Public Transit
- 65A Parliament Bus stop at Front St. - (walk one block South to Mill St.)- 504 King East Streetcar at the Distillery Loop- From Union Station: Walk 7 minutes North on Bay Street to King Street; board the 504 King East Streetcar and ride it to the Distillery Loop.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.elcatrin.ca/
Phone number
(416) 203-2121
Private party facilities
Please contact directly.
Private party contact
inquiries@thedistillery.ca : (416) 203-2363

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

El Catrin

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Menu

What 5,123 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

How is El Catrin restaurant rated?

Is El Catrin currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day