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  5. Distillery District
El Catrin, Toronto, ON

El Catrin

4.5
4.5
5207 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

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 43 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • 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

What 5,207 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
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Toronto

    Mexican

5,207 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great dinner and amazing drinks. The food and menu is really well curated.

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  2. KrystalS

    Cancun

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Upon request, they graciously relocated our table away from a noisy group. The presence of a dedicated vegetarian menu was a positive aspect. Having lived in Mexico, I'd rate the food 6 out of 10 for authentic flavors, but it was still enjoyable.

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  3. NicoleD

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Great time with a group! Food was fabulous, drinks tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was decent but very expensive, perhaps because of location. Not worth the price for the amount of food served. Better Mexican restaurants close by.

    Is this helpful?

  5. HeatherJ

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    It’s a fun bustling atmosphere and the food is tasty, but honestly it’s a bit tired inside. The floors, walls and bathrooms are showing a lot of wear. At 5:30 pm the bathrooms were already quite dirty with wet counters and full waste baskets. The plating of the food showed no flair. Service was very quick and friendly.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Chips were bland. Guacamole is fresh, but needed salt and lime. Mahi mahi ceviche needed salt and fish ground instead of cut which made it taste like cat food. Flautus were so crispy and chicken was sweet. We all left feeling bloated from the GMOs and oil used. Not as good as it used to be

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambiance was bustling but intimate. The food was amazing from the fresh guacamole to the tacos and Margaritas! An experience worth the cost, will be returning in the future with friends.

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  8. Tina

    Naples

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Marg flights were delicious! Our server did a good job with recommending food and drinks.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Nicole

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food, tasty drinks and very cool atmosphere. Was a little disappointed with the Birria tacos. Was expecting it made the normal way

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  10. DFFF

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Bad representation of mexican food not authentic and overpriced, servers not overly aware

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  11. shubhi

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    All good!food was good and seating was good. Ambiance is romantic

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  12. Song

    Toronto

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Ok food but incredibly overpriced. $30 for 3 eggs is just too much. Won’t be back.

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  13. Dana

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The service was exceptional. I haven’t received that level of service in recent memory. The food was tasty. We shared all dishes and had some to take home because portion sizes were respectable.

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  14. NadaH

    Toronto

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food.friendly staff.lively ambience Recommended for a group gathering

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  15. SharonD

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent guacamole - made at the table and a generous portion for 4. Great margaritas and mojitos. Server was very friendly and attentive

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  16. BrendaB

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have dined here 2-3 times a year over the past few years and have always enjoyed the experience. Yesterday’s lunch was exceptional, great service and food.

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  17. RN4babies

    Toronto

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome food, drinks and service. Will def be back!

    Is this helpful?

  18. LindaP

    Toronto

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    The service was very poor. Our waitress went awol several times and when she did come to the table she wouldn’t give us even a minute to talk so things kept getting missed and we had to keep asking other restaurant staff to bring us things because we couldn’t see our waitress. It was frustrating and to top it all off your hostess told us to leave our table at 7:15 pm while we were still eating dessert. What kind of restaurant tells you to leave at a certain time when you are a paying customer still eating your dinner? It was very upsetting and although the atmosphere and food were good we will never return minor recommend your restaurant. So disappointed

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our first time eating at the restaurant. The food was excellent and Carol our waitress was fantastic. An amazing ambiance meets us at the door. Definitely will be returning soon.

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  20. JoshuaP

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The menu is super limited. None of the regular Mexican dishes. Just tacos and plates of food that dont sound good. Last time I mixed and matched my tacos this time they said they don't allow that.

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  21. JOJO2017

    San Antonio

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We sat on the patio. It was a lovely sunny day and we sat for a couple hours enjoying the day with a couple pitchers of margaritas that were pretty much perfect. We ordered guac at the table- perfect! Table side salsa- not great, almost creamy- did not enjoy that at all. We ordered four different kinds of tacos- fish were delicious, pastor were dry and lacked flavor, birria were outstanding and finally the potato tacos- not memorable, nothing bad just not memorable. Michelle was an excellent server. She was funny and got us everything we needed and even though she was busy she still has time to chat. There was a very nice guy helping bring out food and he was very nice and helpful. I have to say that the hostess, however was not friendly or welcoming- that is her job. She really needs to work on smiling and greeting people. She didn’t say anything when we left either. Just watched us walk out. That’s just dumb- thank people for coming or tell them to have a nice afternoon. That’s just basic hospitality. Overall a pretty much perfect day. Thank you.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Mexico City

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    No refleja nuestra gastronomía mexicana, no deberían poner reggaetón para nada es tipico de México. Las bebidas.som deliciosas, el servicio es bueno y rápido. Recomiendo las tostadas de pulpo son deliciosas

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  23. KurtisV

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I had not been to El Catrin since before the pandemic and was reminded why during this visit. I effectively paid $211 for salsa, 8 small tacos, 4 drinks and 2 desserts - that is not a valuable meal. Worse, the Pastor tacos, typically my favourite when I eat mexican, lacked flavour; the octopus had no flavour whatsoever. I would not return until pricing reflects more value and the kitchen's attention to detail improves. That said, the lamb was good.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this restaurant! Food is amazing and always a great atmosphere!

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  25. TimS

    Ottawa

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always great food here! Chips and salsa and guacamole are fantastic as they make the guacamole at our table. We had baja and spicy pork tacos as our meal with churros for dessert! Fantastic!

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  26. Lucy

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The vibe is amazing. My fav spot in the Distillery by far!

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  27. Nathalie

    Toronto

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the Ambience and the food was awesome, fresh and good quality. A bit expensive.

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  28. NatashaK

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service exceeded my expectations, first time visiting. Will be back for sure.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    great service, great food, overall amazing experience. definitely will come again!

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  30. DuyguE

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The margarita flight is a must try! And the Baja tacos were great as always…

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  31. JeffR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We sat by the fire & enjoyed a variety of tasty tacos. And I would recommend that watermelon appetizer

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  32. Jill

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    menu had a good variety with an extra brunch menu; server was very helpful in making recommendations. One server took away our unfinished app from our table by mistake but it was promptly replaced with a new one. Quesadillas were pricy for what they were but they were tasty.

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  33. Marie

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, beautiful, vibrant atmosphere, and lots of vegetarian options.

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  34. JaniceB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    El Catrin is such a cool restaurant with a fantastic menu of food and beverages. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The guac is fantastic and freshly made to order. Every dish we tried was packed with flavour. I want to go back soon and take other friends who haven't yet experienced it. Such a gem! Janice

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The experience and atmosphere were wonderful. The service was also tremendous and we really enjoyed the drinks. The only negative was that the food was average. The guac and salsa were delicious but the tacos were mediocre with little flavor. Overall great experience and would go back and try different menu items.

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  36. RickyS

    St. Louis

    90 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a fantastic dinner! Came on the day of the dead, the staff were dressed appropriately for the event, and was able to get a table at the bar for a quickly. Mehal made some excellent recommendations for trying various tequila and Mezcal. Would highly recommend the Birria tacos and the salsa is made fresh table side for you! For my first trip to downtown Toronto, this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. Will definitely be back the next time I travel abroad.

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  37. LucianaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was amazing! Excellent food, the drinks are awesome!

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  38. SorayaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food, the service and the ambience is amazing. I have been there 3 times, I love this place

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  39. Auroraresident

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing. Best Mexican food in the city. Great selection of tequila

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  40. Theodore

    Detroit

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service, and our meals were exceptional. The ambiance and decor made it even nicer

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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 5207 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 43 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
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • 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

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