Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Toronto / Ontario
  4. Toronto
  5. Distillery District
El Catrin, Toronto, ON

El Catrin

4.5
4.5
5123 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Mexican
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

2 people

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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact directly.
  • Private party contact
    inquiries@thedistillery.ca : (416) 203-2363
  • 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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Toronto

    Mexican

5,123 Reviews
  1. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  3. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. 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

    Is this helpful?

  6. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  7. RebDee

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great vibe, service, food but definitely pricey for what you get.

    Is this helpful?

  8. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  9. AnandaU

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing ambience, friendly service and excellent Mexican food.

    Is this helpful?

  10. 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?

  11. 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

    Is this helpful?

  12. 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

    Is this helpful?

  13. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  14. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  15. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  16. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  17. 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

    Is this helpful?

  18. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  19. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  20. 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!!!

    Is this helpful?

  21. 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?

  22. 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?

  23. 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?

  24. 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. 🙂

    Is this helpful?

  25. 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

    Is this helpful?

  26. 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?

  27. 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?

  28. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  29. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  30. LeeGee

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Consistently delivers good food, good drinks, and good vibes

    Is this helpful?

  31. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  32. 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?

  33. RodrigoR

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Good very good, food 😋 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

    Is this helpful?

  34. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  35. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  36. 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?

  37. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  38. 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

    Is this helpful?

  39. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  40. 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

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 77 times today
Google Map for El Catrin

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
  • Phone number
    (416) 203-2121
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact directly.
  • Private party contact
    inquiries@thedistillery.ca : (416) 203-2363
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo