I remember one day driving by Cielito Lindo and seeing it boarded up. I though it was sad because their food was amazing and we had enjoyed coming here. Well, little did I know, there had been a fire which had caused the closure of businesses in the strip mall. I'm not in this area often but we happen to drive by it and I saw their sign was there again! My first thought was CHICKEN MOLE!!!! We immediately pulled in and ordered dinner! Our 'old faithfuls' were still in the menu... tabasco combo and chicken mole! We order a takeaway but they are open for dine-in. This restaurant NEVER lets us down. The food is OUTSTANDING and the quality has never wavered. I'm so glad they've weathered all the storms they have faced and are still going strong. read more

Cielito Lindo - a variety of mexican food - Mexican Near Me - Pickering, Ontario

This place is close to where I live, so I wanted to check it out. They always seem super busy. I ordered the Mole Poblano and had horchata. I had some issues with this place. First of all, there are too many table and chairs in the restaurant area. So much so that if someone has their chair pulled out a little bit, it's really difficult to sit comfortably. Secondly, it is very obvious when they are busy the server (singular) becomes overwhelmed very quickly. We didn't receive chips and salsa as is normal for a restaurant like this. Also my drink never came because the person said he was off his rhythm. I don't think it's a rhythm, I think you have too many tables for a restaurant of that size, even without taking into account take out orders or delivery apps. The food I had was very good though. I loved the mole sauce, it was not too choclatey, and not too spicy. It was very well balanced. My partner had the Pollo poblano though, and there was not a poblano to be seen. I was initially confused why they had Pollo Con Mole and Pollo Poblano but no Mole Poblano. I think it's because there's no poblano used. At the same time it is the best Mexican food restaurant in Pickering. read more

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Wasn't accepting such a small place to be that amazing. I have tried many mexican restaurants and few have disappointed me. But this is amongst the top ones. Family owned, great customer service and great tasting food. I can see myself going here everything I want mexican food. Full stars for taste read more

Cielito Lindo - the front of a restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Pickering, Ontario

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Excellent food, warm and friendly service even no, I think they had just finished a big rush. Quite fast. Very reasonable, nice portions. Not my favourite atmosphere but we will be back! read more

We went to dinner here with friends. Quite small space, need to reserve if possible. Pleasant surroundings. Nice margaritas & sangria. Unfortunately the Bassa fish I had was not great for me, it tasted very fatty so I didn't finish it. My friends said it is usually very good so maybe not a good day for the chef. We ordered a dessert, white cake which was very good. We may give this another try as our friends really enjoy going here. read more

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ Just updating with the menu pictures! Service was amazing and chips and salsa was great read more

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The decor is fun. Lots of parrot decorations along with toucans, butterflies, suns and moons. The service was acceptable although it was a bit slow to get and pay the bill at the end. (We were the only table at this point) I ordered the enchiladas with diablo sauce. They were smaller than what I was used to. They were tasty but even with the rice, beans and salad that came with it I found myself polishing off the complimentary chips and salsa that came with the meal. The salsa had a weird tomato taste to it (stay with me) it was almost like tomato soup or spaghettios. The diablo sauce was so mild I questioned if they even put it on. Other dishes that were ordered at my table was the nachos and a NY strip steak. The nachos did not have any meat, so keep that in mind if you order them. The steak was cooked very uneven. It seemed to be well done in parts and medium rare in others. I don't know what causes this since it was an even thickness. Overall, I don't think I will be back. read more

Cielito Lindo - Mexican Near Me - Pickering, Ontario

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Sat in for Monday evening dinner. Gestured to sit by a smiling middle-aged woman. Already knew we were off to a good start. Ordered chorinachos, the enchilada suiza, and fish tacos between 2 people. The chorinachos were unlike anything else... the Mexican sausage did not overwhelm the other ingredients but at the same time took centre stage. It was served pipping fresh with a good amount of crunchy nachos versus nachos completely obscured in toppings, just how I like it. The entrees took a while to exit the kitchen but not a person in the restaurant seemed to be effected by this, I can justify insofar that when it did arrive on the plate before me there was only love. Just love. The enchilada was a delicious extravagance of beef, cheese, sour cream, and green tomatillo sauce. Though it was not seasoned (read: over-seasoned) to my usual taste, only deep appreciation for the interaction of ingredients as they should taste could be had. The fish tacos were good but the least outstanding of this meal. No complaints but would explore other menu options before reordering them. The service and interior of the restaurant was nothing short of charming, however quirky the bird decorations were. I would recommend this hidden gem in Pickering to everyone. read more

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My brother and I were really craving Mexican food but didn't want to drive out far from where we were. Searched on Yelp and found this place 5 minutes away from home. It seemed to be a small little family owned restaurant, in the plaza beside Swiss chalet. The woman who was serving us was incredibly nice & welcomed us right away. The food took a little longer than I would like it BUT it was so worth it because it was well cooked, and was delicious. You could tell that the owners appreciate the business they get and really take the time to make sure their food is served well & full of flavor. Will definitely be coming back again to order. New favourite spot in Pickering. read more

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While the decor is not much more than a lot of stereotypical Mexican souvenirs, it's alright because all the attention is focused on the most important thing, the FOOD! I've had a number of items from their menu and my recommendations are the nachos with Chorizo, and the Chicken in a poblano cream sauce. The nachos are made with handmade tortilla chips, in-house made chorizo, beans and cheese. The presentation doesn't do it much justice but once you put one of these chips in your mouth, you experience the spiced pork goodness. I brought a friend with me to have these and she wanted another order after we finished. As her entree. The chicken in poblano cream sauce is a house speciality creation, not the most authentic Mexican dish but the chicken breast simmered in this flavourful sauce is tender and so delicious, that when I order take out, I try to save the extra sauce for later just to dip bread in - or pour over anything I can think of. On the menu you'll also find enchiladas, chimichangas, camerones (Shrimp) and rice. All dishes are served with a small salad, and beans topped with queso fresco on the same plate. (Even the beans are really good.) They make their Guacamole fresh to order, sometime table side if it's not busy. Nothing is terribly spicy, but everything is very flavourful and you can tell spices were carefully selected to draw out certain flavours. If you want something made spicy, just ask! If dining in, the staff - it's a family run establishment - are very nice and very accommodating. They have a few Mexican beers such as Modelo, Dos Equis, and of course Coronas. Their margaritas are really good too. The food is amazing. I eat here often. I dine in, and order takeout. If I go without my husband, he gets upset. The menu is of a good size, and everything is authentic. If you order anything with chorizo, or the poblano cream sauce, you will make it a point to make a return visit. The family and their extended family own restaurants all over the Toronto and Durham region, having visited a few others, this is the best one. Oh I forgot to mention, the food besides being amazing, is also very reasonably priced, a couple can dine for $50 with an appetizer, 2 entrees and a drink each! read more

Visited their Pickering location last week and ordered camarones nopalitos and a acapulco combo. While we were waiting, they served us some house made tortilla chips with their very well balanced red sauce for dipping. Soon after arrived 6 large shrimps cooked perfectly in a slightly tangy and spicy green cactus sauce in my very reasonably priced appetizer with a side of garlicky bread. The beef burrito and chicken enchilada were both very flavourful in a mild red sauce (tasted similar to the sauce they served with their tortilla chips earlier) with moist meat inside. They are now licensed and we enjoyed bottled tecate with our meal. The meal was very satisfying and we will definitely return to try their steak. read more

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Went with a girlfriend of mine a few nights ago and I was reminded once again why this pace is one of my favourite places to go. Of course we had the Chorinachos and for once I decided to have the Camarones with the Borrachos sauce (wine and garlic sauce). Only down part is that there were only about 5 pcs of shrimp, however they were cooked to perfection. My friend, who was a first time visitor to the restaurant, had ordered the Basa Fish which I had a piece of and it was perfection. The large fish filet was lightly battered and perfectly fried. It was covered with the most amazing tasting sauce which was also accompanied by a generous amount of shrimp. What was very impressive was how crispy the fish was even with all the sauce. This is probably the best fish dish I've ever had in town (GTA). The next best fish dish I've had and will never forget is Red Snapper at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico so that says a lot! This particular dish is part of their special menu but great news; it will be part of their new menu very soon. Definitely 5/5. read more

Cielito Lindo - Camarones with Borrachos (aka wine and garlic sauce) - Mexican Near Me - Pickering, Ontario

Complimentary appetizers at a resto is seldom that when I actually get it from a casual dining spot I'm happily surprised! Nothing fancy but the nachos and simple salsa were a great start. The chimichanaga entree was good. I tasted the beef. It could've been seasoned more so of course I reached over for my partner's mole sauce and covered my chimichanaga with it! Mole sauce on errthing! The chicken enchilada with mole sauce was the better dish. The mole sauce is slightly sweeter than I'm use to- more sweet than spiced but I liked it like that! This is my 4th time here. The closest Mexican resto spot in Scarborough without having to venture out downtown. Ya know when you're from Scarbs, anywhere outside of it is a little journey! Lol read more

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If you want fine-dining, this place isn't for you. But if you're looking for a home cooked taste and feel, you'll love this place. The owner is a sweetheart and the food is very delicious. Restaurant reminds me of the old authentic Mexican Restaurants we used to have in Toronto (Bloor & Bathurst) before the big chains opened up. We enjoyed it! read more

Cielito Lindo - Mexican Near Me - Pickering, Ontario

Food here is amazing, does take a little long after you order but it's worth the wait. Real authentic Mexican food and service is amazing. My favourite so far the chicken quesadilla, and the chicken enchiladas. read more

So let me start with, ok the decor inside is very interesting and bold. Interior could use a facelift. However, for my first time me and friends ordered the beef nachos. They were good, 7.8/10, could use a little more flavour or a kick of heat but good app to start. I then ordered The Tabasco. 8.2/10 because portion size was big and filling and that it's tasty comfort food. It's worth the price just by eating the rice, salad, beans and the beef tortilla, I was still able to have the chicken tortilla packed for to go. My friends ordered the Enchiladas and rate it at 8.2/10 as well. For dessert, I ordered a Caramel Flan. I love flan and this was not your typical soft, jello like soft consistency, this was more dense, and a bit cakey consistency as you can see from the picture. It was still yummy just a different type of flan and presentation is cute. Flan is a 8.7/10 The tres leches was very moist and like a wet pound cakey, alright nothing crazy great, 7.5/10 read more

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I'm sad that my experience here resulted in only three stars. I've been to several other lindo locations and this one fell short. The decor is fun and entertaining to look at while you are waiting for your chips and salsa. The salsa was very soupy and bland. Imagine dipping your chips in v-8 juice. I ordered the surf and turf because the waiter said it was the signature dish. I should have known better than to order steak, it seemed like the steak was previously frozen. The shrimp definately was from frozen. The sauce on the steak was very tasty, saved the meal actually. My daughter ordered nachos and to her disappointment it did not include a protein. It was just chips,cheese and sour cream. My brother ordered the enchiladas and i didn't hear him complain, however he said he was still hungry. The service was friendly enough. We had to wait a while to get our bill everyone was talking in the back. Overall it was edible. With so many other lindo locations I won't be returning to this one. read more

This place got a lot of raves, but to me it was just okay. Would probably not come back. Chips were not fresh, guacamole had no cilantro and no visible chopped tomato pieces and an outre flavour (could not quite put a finger on what it was). The salsa served with the chips was flavourless and seemed like diluted tomato paste. Main dishes were reasonably generous though they did not come with warm tortillas on the side. The burrito in one of the combos was much more like an ordinary enchilada. Refritos were a bit too runny. Flavours were okay but could be a bit spicier. Kitchen was extremely slow (one cook on a busy night). One positive thing I can say is that it is an open kitchen and seems reasonably clean. Good selection of Mexican beer; we did not try the margaritas. Small storefont so not good for large groups. I have given up on finding good authentic Mexican food in Canada. Either it is overpriced and made by gringos for gringos only or it is reasonably authentic (like this place) but just not that good. For now I'll stick to burrito joints and indulge my taste for more authentic Mexican when I visit the States. read more

I only recently found this place despite living so close. I'm so glad I did, though: I'm definitely going to become a repeat customer. Cielito Lindo's is in a rather non-descript plaza, with (as others have mentioned) less than stylish interior décor, but that doesn't take anything away from the food. The staff are kind and this is very much a family-run place: I think I actually saw the owner's young daughters sitting quietly at a table, playing on their iPad. I recently ordered the Tabasco combo, which includes one beef burrito with a spicy red sauce and one chicken enchilada with green tomatillo sauce. You also get a portion of rice, refried beans, and simple salad. Before your entrée, you also get a healthy complimentary appetizer of tortilla chips and two sauces (a mild salsa, and that spicy red sauce -- definitely keep some water on hand for that.) It's a good amount of food - I was stuffed before even finishing either my burrito or enchilada. I preferred the enchilada over the burrito (liked chicken better than beef), but both were delicious. I don't know what they do with that tomatillo sauce but it's SO GOOD. I just wanted to dip everything in it and then lick my fingers afterwards. My meal was about 12 bucks; totally worth it. The only downside to this place is that it is tiny. I would love to come here with a group of girlfriends, but I don't think we'd all be able to fit (assuming other customers are there - and there are ALWAYS customers there.) I would love to see this restaurant grow into a huge success, offering the owners an opportunity to upgrade and maybe move into a bigger space. With their food, I'm certain they could fill a place three times the size easily with hungry customers. read more

Food was original and amazing. Priced well. Give this restaurant...for taste a 5 stars. Just a small mama pa's but amazing food. read more

Cielito Lindo - Yummy Mexican food - Mexican Near Me - Pickering, Ontario

Popped by for a quick dinner yesterday. Ordered a glass of red wine sangria which was good. The guacamole was very good! It tasted very fresh. I got the appetizer portion of the shrimp in garlic and wine sauce. I got it with bread instead of rice. It was good too. I live in the west end of the city and am rarely in Pickering but I highly recommend this place! read more

- good mexican food for the heart of pickering - very simple place with tacky decor - always go for the specials. had the pollo pablano today.... really nice chipotle sauce - i'd come back - i do wish they had more types of tacos like al pastor read more

We tend to get the same thing every time: Guacamole (with nacho chips) and chicken burritos. The quality and taste if these are consistently great each time. I wish they would enlarge the height of the pickup window and update the decor. read more

My parents and i love this place. it is very small and pretty slow but please remember that it is a small family owned buisness. The owner cooks things to order. come here and expect to wait but its worth the wait. read more

Ay caramba! This place has a real latin feeling going on! I always get the chimichangas. The refried beans are perfect. The salad is always crisp and fresh. The service is very sweet and hospitable. I'm getting hungry just writing this review! read more

First of all if you have time to wait then yes you will have to be very patient because the services is SLOW SLOW SLOW. Regardless of how many customers are in the restaurant whether its take out or eat in, there is a WAIT a very long ridiculous wait!!!! However, as much as the wait is frustrating, the food is worth it. We aren't talking about gourmet Mexican, this is simple, home cooked style food. Price is inexpensive especially for their competitors like Mexico Lindo. Portion is kinda small but enough food. My kids enjoy the kids option and we particularly enjoy Enchillada Suisa and their soups. We go there once a week and truly find this a treat! read more

Hidden Mexican gem in Pickering. The place has a good selection of different unique Mexican dishes such as shrimps in tomatilla sauce. We went here on Wednesday night and there was a constant flow of customers to eat in and take out. The food does take longer because there was only one cook, however it was worth the wait. I would recommend this place for casual dining. read more

Very authentic Mexican food at very reasonable price, simply loved it. Will soon come again with kids.

Food: Amazing food! The portions are large and the drinks are well spiked.! When you go, try the enchiladas, enchiladas suizas, or chimichanga. Delish -accompanied with rice, re-fried beans, and salad. They usually serve you homemade chips to start. ....though you should really order the guacamole -so good, and in a great presentation dish. The dessert is okay. The main dishes is what do it for me. Service: The service is okay. Sometimes you have to wait a while for the food to get to you, but once you get it, it's worth it. Venue: The place is small. The actual size of the restaurant is pretty small -with maybe 10 tables at most. The atmosphere is great there though. They're always playing the latin american music, the walls are decorated with beautiful artisan pieces from Mexico, Mexican sombreros, and parrots of different sizes. Price: Pretty affordable. An enchilada dinner, for example, is about $10 flat. read more

Amazing food and great service at a cute little yellow-walled restaurant. Love that they give you nachos before your order. Would definitely recommend - everything is delicious. read more

Love this restaurant! Went here for the first time on Sat, March 4 for dinner. Not a big place so it's better for couples and small groups or families. Decor is festive and loved that you can watch and listen to music native to this family's home land. We ordered Calamari and Nachos Fiesta to start. Entrees were Fish tacos, Beef tacos and the Tabasco combo. For dessert, we had deep fried ice cream. You can tell the food is made with love here. A little bit of a wait time but it's all worth it! This is the real deal! They've been open for 10 years now and we are sure to come back (all the way from Vaughan!) This place is as authentic as you can get. read more

I been going to his restaurant for many years, here food is amazing, been to Mexico many times and there's no difference in taste. The husband a wife handle the restaurant do a amazing job in the coming aspect and taking care of clients read more

Came here with a party of four. Delicious Mexican food. We had various dishes -- flautas, fajitas, tacos, and other things. Everything tasted delicious. Portions are pretty large. The server was attentive and friendly. read more

This place is the typical don't judge a book by its cover. The decor and the upkeep of this place is not the greatest, however the food is pretty great! They have beer and some mixed drinks. You get complimentary nachos and salsa while waiting for your food, which was hot and the green and red sauces were tasty. I ordered a Chimichanga which was huge and stuffed with meat, served with side of rice and guacamole. My partner ordered the chicken fajitas, also served with rice, this was also very tasty. Portions were great for the price, we couldn't even finish my meal. They do have dessert but we were too stuffed to try it. We will definitely be visiting again! Delish! read more

Found this little gem about 3 years a go and been going ever since. The Decor is very simple some tacky decorations and Spanish music witch is a nice touch. But don't let the decorations fool you this a awesome little restaurant. I usually start with a shrimp appetizer witch comes with toasted bread for dipping. Next I get a shrimp burrito witch comes with beans rice and a salad. Have also that their guacamole is to die for. Prices are decent great little place if your hankering for some authentic Mexican food read more

Came here on a Friday night, it was busy but the service was great. Got the Baja fish tacos with an order of guacamole... both were fantastic. I've also gotten enchiladas from here and that was great too. This is a great option for Mexican food in Pickering! read more

Been coming her for 2 years and the place is absolutely good ! The owners are very friendly. Totally recommended

Eating my taco salad made me feel like I was in a college dorm eating refried beans from a can. I felt like I was eating the cheapest of ingredients here. Yuck. read more

This place has amazing food. And the owner is a great guy! Really takes care of the customer. Makes food with passion. U looking for real authentic mexican food. Well this is the spot to go. read more

I ordered the vegetarian burrito, worried that it was just going to be large chunks of veggies with sauce and cheese, but it was DELICIOUS! It was chopped up small with tons of cheese and sauce and sour cream... my mouth is watering just thinking about it! LOL Not fancy, but unpretentious and delicious. Very happy with my food every time I go! read more