Pretty good Mexican food in a really fun environment. Stopped by for lunch and got the tacos aguilenos, tacos adobados, and guacamole. Both tacos had a fair amount of meat and the mole was tasty and earthy. The guacamole meanwhile was rich and smooth. Food was a bit pricey for the portion sizes but everything is expensive these days. The star of the show though was the place and the people. Decor and music were so colorfully vibrant, and the people were so welcoming and kind. This place definitely has a great vibe! read more

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Shared El Sol Meat Platter for 2 ($54) It was enough for 3 portions. Loved taco aguilenos( soft flour tortilla w/chicken, potato in adobo sauce) and taco sonorenses( soft flour tortilla w/ chorizo, egg & veggies). Was so filling and flavorful. However was not too crazy about their hardshell taco offers. Taco dorados( hard shell corn tortillas with chicken & potato) was okay but corn tortilla itself was not too impressive, Tostadas Nortenãs with shredded beef had almost like jerky texture. Both hardshell tacos were covered with thick matchsticks of carrots cucumber which have no flavour in wintertime Canada. I still have not try their Enchiladas, empanadas, mole, tamale & pozole, therefore it is early to say if I liked their food or not. But for tacos I would stick to softshell choices. read more

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The food was all super flavourful and delicious. We started off with guacamole. And got a few tacos. The portions were pretty big and all come with rice and beans. The service was lovely. We came with our child and server was very nice and got more napkins before we Could even ask for them for our kid. Some of the food does take a little bit on the longer side to make since it's all being made fresh. read more

I like how the place is set-up with all the bright colours and various display pieces. There is a great sense of authenticity with the whole aesthetic. We were already supposed to dine here one Friday evening a couple of weeks back, but the place was packed during that weekday night. This time around we were able to secure seating during a Sunday evening between 8 to 9PM. During the time there were 2 other table groups of diners present. What we had was the Tacos Dorados ($18.75) and the Enchiladas De Mole ($26). We were supposed to order their Menudo ($26), but they mentioned it was not available to order during that time. There were a couple of other dishes in the menu which we tried to order, but they can't be ordered during the time which led to us settling with the Enchilada De Mole. The Tacos were great. The Enchilada De Mole was something else. It was a lot of different flavours at the same time. I personally enjoyed having it because I am someone who enjoys trying out new unique tastes and flavours. The menu items are on the pricey side. There is also a long wait time before the order gets ready. The last unfortunate wrinkle in the whole dining experience was that our server even had our order cheque mixed up with a different table. read more

El Sol Mexican Gallery Restaurant - Tacos Dorados y Enchiladas De Mole - Mexican Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Great food! Very different place. Very colourful. Highly recommended. Better than other Mexican restaurants in Toronto read more

El Sol Mexican Gallery Restaurant - the dining area - Mexican Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

We were craving burritos, a quick search for a mexican restaurant nearby brought us to El Sol. Which is funny because they don't have burritos on the menu...but we were not disappointed. The food was really very tasty and plentiful! we will be back! read more

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My partner and I absolutely LOVE El Sol. We actually stumbled upon it one day when we couldn't decide what to eat. We decided we would try it, and we keep coming back! The whole atmosphere makes you feel like you're in Mexico. The food is fantastic. I'm more of a mild person when it comes to spice, and he prefers hot. We both decided to get medium, and both of our mouths were on fire! It was an enjoyable hot though, lots of flavour and more spicy than hot. It was definitely authentic Mexican food - and we loved it! We've been back once since and again, loved our food. We'll be back again next time we're in the city! read more

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Every business owners are looking for ways to sustain their business by trying out something new I love how El Sol mexican restaurant is now selling some authentic and unique things from Mexico. They're still open for food takeaway, but I love how they showcase and embrace the heritage and history of not only the food aspect but also now the culture into the merchandise that they are selling. That's why unique shops and small business owners need our support. They are brave enough to try, so we should also be brave enough to show our support towards the small business owners that keeps the Danforth stretch filled with unique little stores and restaurants full of individuality. If you're looking for some good Mexican food and gifts ... You should check out this place. read more

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Very authentic tasting Mexican restaurant. Entire menu had primarily Spanish dish menus but contained very descriptive English translations and pictures which was very helpful for folks like me who haven't tried many authentic ones. Delicious taste and portions were generous. The avocado dip was very good. The only one flaw was that they didn't offer are desserts in their menu to top off the meals. Decor as you can see is very warm and beautifully designed to make it look like you're in Mexico. Definitely would go back. read more

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It used to be my favourite Mexican restaurant because the food is excellent (although they take a long time to prepare it). However, I just learned that when they make a mistake, they take no responsibility for it. I ordered Vegetarian Entomatadas (27$) for takeout and when my husband brought it back, we found that they had instead charged us 50$ for a Vegetarian Platter for 2. The person who answered the phone refused to send me an alternate order free of charge (apparently they were out of the Vegetarian Entomatadas) or refund me 50$. He only offered a free guacamole (12$) on my next visit. He said he wasn't responsible because he wasn't the one who took the order over the phone. When I told him to put someone on the phone who would take responsibility, he hung up on me. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and will have to find a different Mexican Restaurant. read more

Very good and fresh food so authentic just like in Mexico portions are well measured house made hot sauce is delicious

Every single time we try to order from them on skip, Uber, anything, the machines are on but they never accept and they always cancel. When I Google, they are closed. They need to learn to turn their machines OFF when the business is closed. I work at a restaurant and pretty much never leave poor reviews but this is ridiculous. Is been about five times now. We are trying to support this business and they can't push a button on a tablet. Sad. read more

I was there last night with two friends, we've been wanting to go for a while, and what a disappointment :-( ... the service was very slow, it took 23 mins to get a beer and another 20 mins to get the food (the food was ok). And On top of that, we were overcharged - they charged me extra $15dlls and extra $7dlls to one of my friend; the guy at the cashier gave me $10dlls but he wasn't happy about it. Anyway, I think this restaurant needs to get more employees to provide better service or to train the ones they already have, and they also need a better reliable system to charge costumers with their proper bills, so they don't overcharge like they did to and my friend. read more

Yes, the service is slow. They cook to order and the wait staff and cooks seem to move at a speed which is probably normal in Mexico... but in Toronto, too many people expect instant service. Sometimes good food is worth the wait. The Platter for 2 combo is a great deal with a lot of food... love the soft tacos with the spicy fillings, and the hard tacos with the cool crisp salad veggies is a great way to cool the palate. Oh! The rice and beans are really good! I could make a meal out of them alone. The salsa is heavy on the cilantro, so if you are like me, and not a fan of cilantro, skip the salsa and get the yummy guacamole for the fresh house made tortilla chips. The art on the walls is a nice touch, and available for purchase. read more

Been coming to this restaurant with my family for years now, and can proudly say that it is our favourite spot for authentic Mexican food. Highly underated, give it a shot ! read more

Not the fastest service in town, but the crispy tacos are OFF THE HOOK GOOD. Really delicious food, and friendly people.

Avoid. Only got as fsr as chips and salsa. The salsa was bland. But i was served a lovely bowl of peppers in oil. Ate one and a swallowed a mouthful of horrible oil. Turned out it was not olive oil but pure canola oil ... (rape seed oil) ... rest of the might i felt likr i had a rock in my stomach. Very sick later on. read more

El Sol Mexican Gallery Restaurant - Looked sad on the outside but i thought i would give it a chance. Bad decision. - Mexican Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Great place with tons of Mexican decor around the restaurant. As what everybody else stated, the service is very slow. The guacamole is fantastic and so is the salsa. I order the garlic shrimp and my friend had the chicken breast with a tomato sauce. The portions were decent as well. I'd go back again. read more

El Sol Mexican Gallery Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Super interesting place! a sensory experience to say the least, loud music, walls filled with knickknacks and shelves filled with handmade glasses and beautiful pitchers (makes u want to make a giant batch of sangria!) My husband and I strolled into el sol randomly on a Sunday afternoon. We ordered the soft tacos with beef. It was hearty food, very home made, the sides of rice and refried beans were delicious. read more

El Sol Mexican Gallery Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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More like el slow The portions here are pretty big and the dishes are very tasty, homemade kind of feeling to them. The drinks are also very well made, I got a pina coloda and was almost scared to drink it because it was so pretty and delicious. The service is terribly slow and the servers didn't seem all too enthusiastic (not to say they're jerks though) but despite the very slow service, your food is hot and your drinks will be cold. The decor is pretty self explanatory if you look at the pictures. If you want to have some great (authentic?) mexican food with a friend you really like (otherwise the long wait time would be awkward) then this is a good place to try, I haven't seen many restaurants where the food tastes homemade. read more

The northern area of Mexico, the region represented in most of the meals served here, has been referred to as dangerously "so far from god, so close to the United States." And indeed, this restaurant struggles with these two pressures. There is no sour cream or other indicators of Tex Mex, but on the other hand, concessions are made to beef, which has a higher profile here than in mexican meals. Fish, accessible to Mexicans thanks to two ocean coastlines and many rivers, is featured in a delicious taco. Spanish rice is the unique Mexican variety. Corn, central to the the Indigenous heritage of central mexico, is in many dishes. But,separate servings of salad, common in North America but not Mexico, are standard here too. i like to think of the two pressures as creative tension; it's the force behind folk fusion, which is happening to cuisines from around the world. One aspect that's a little much is North American portion size. My wife and I order one dish, and both of us leave feeling full. I celebrate the folk fusion trend in my book, the No Nonsense Guide to World Food, and i am pleased to be able to celebrate it anew whenever I eat here. read more

Wow, you've got to check this place out, if even just for the decor. But it goes further, 'cause the food is very good. My adult nephew and I started with the Guacamole (w chips and homemade salsa). The guac and salsa were very good. We were asked what degree of heat we wanted for the salsa, and our server customised it with what appeared to be home-made coarse chile powder at our table. He left us the powder for further customisation. The chips were very similar to "Mad Mexican" brand. Good, but not outstanding. I had the Quesadillas Baja (cheese, mushrooms green/red peppers and onions) which were probably the best and most authentic quesadillas I've eaten. My nephew liked his Enchiladas de Pollo con Mole, but actually enjoyed the appetizer and accompaniments (beans and rice) most. The food did take a while (i.e. about 15 minutes for the guac), but we were in no hurry, and there is plenty to look at on the walls. read more

This is a very authentic Mexican restaurant. If your expecting American style so called Mexican food, then this isn't the place for you. In real Mexican cuisine they're no chimichanga's or burritos, so if that's what your looking for, then this isn't the place. I've eaten authentic Mexican food from several place outside of Canada and this place is the only place I can say serves EXCELLENT authentic Mexican food! I only give it 4 stars because there is only one thing wrong with this restaurant and that is EXTREMELY SLOW SERVICE! If you are really hungry have a granola bar or something small to tide you over before heading out here. It's worth the wait though! Enjoy! read more

The food at El Sol is really good. We normally get the mixed platter for 2and there is always enough food that my wife and I both leave full. As most other people have commented the problem with the restaurant is that the service is VERY slow, so slow in fact that when mentioned El Sol last night my wife refused to go because she can't bear to wait. I give it high marks for food quality/quantity but the wait will definitely push the boundaries of even the most patient diners. I will return with friends or when my wife is not that hungry. read more

My Favourite Mexican Restaurant in Toronto hands down. One warning though, the service is absolutely slow. So if you go in with patience on your mind you will not be let down. That's how I do it. Wish their drinks were alittle cheaper as I would be drinking alot more of their rum conga's. The Guacamole is to die for and I always go for the platter for two. If anyone can suggest something as good Mexican wise I'm up for the challenge but at this point its El Sol for life. read more

I made a special trip here, looking forward to some delicious Mexican food, as promised by the other reviewers. Arriving early I walked around the area for twenty minutes and then returned only to find that they still were not open. I called them and was informed that they might open in around an hour. I told the woman that I was outside and had been waiting for them to open. I am upset and disappointed! In my business, if I can't follow through on a commitment I've made, such as what time I'll show up for an appointment, I always offer to go out of my way to make it up to the person, often offering them compensation more than double what I owed them. The folks at El Sol offered me nothing for my inconvenience. I'm not impressed! read more

Food is bland. Expensive. Slow asf. Place looks wonky. Dont come here unless ur desperate read more

GREAT FOOD! Slllllloooooow service and long wait for food. Worth the wait yes, just order chips and salsa, although I've been there enough times they aren't always fresh. A bit pricey but give big portions. I'm only rating the hard shell beef tacos as that's all I've ever eaten there. Brought many people there who've ordered other items and some loved it some not impressed. Not too many GOOD Mexican places around so in comparison with the MANY I've wanted to love, this ones gotta be my fave. read more

Slow service but we keep coming back so I guess that tells you something. Taco platter for 2 is my favourite. Chips and salsa/guacamole are fresh and so much better than the chunky tomato and vinegar salsa that you get at most places. They could use a new/better sign out front - it looks cheap and doesn't reflect the quality of the food or the colourful atmosphere inside. Definitely worth a try if you like fresh, authentic Mexican food and aren't in a hurry. read more

Eat before you get here. That's the best way to enjoy this place. Your dinner isn't going to be ready anytime soon. And when it does arrive, you're going to realize that what you've got is yet another all-too-commonly-found, Ontario interpretation of Mexican food. Every dish is basically a matter of deciding in which order the beans, starch, meat and shredded lettuce will be stacked. You will swear that your order was phoned over to some other Mexican restaurant in the west end and delivered on a moped. However, if you'd just like to enjoy some margaritas and don't really care if, when or what you are having for dinner, you'll love the place. read more

I always love eating at El Sol. Their guacamole is the best I've ever had, and almost everything else is well worth eating. Basically, the food is great, the service is slow, and when they're busy, it's very slow. Good food can take time, but you might also find that you'll have trouble getting another drink while you're waiting, which isn't good for their bottom line. If you're in a rush, you should probably not eat here at all, and if you want to make it as painless as possible, I'd suggest coming early. Still, the food is great, the drinks are pretty solid and the decor is fun. It's worth going, just go when you can afford to take the time. They close for a month or so during the winter months sometime, so if you don't know when that is, you might be in for a surprise if you go and they're totally closed. read more

Stopped by this place absolutely randomly after watching a Dusk Dance show in a park. Expected just a regular restaurant with some Mexican burritos but it turned out to be a very unique experience. The whole place inside looks like it's a museum or authentic art souvenir store. All the walls are covered with Mexican artsy souvenirs (clay suns and chat dishes) and all the shelves are full of cool vases and cups. Everything can also be bought. The ambience is very relaxed and casual. There were barely any people there when we arrived on Sun afternoon. The food is pricey but delicious. Not that many veg dishes but a couple. The sangria is amazing! read more

Had a very disappointing meal there about a year ago - so we decided to return and give it another shot. Definitely will not go back! 1. Restaurant is open to the small patio in front - therefore no A/C inside...... 2. Service was non-existant AND there were only 4 tables occupied. Waiter provided the menus and disappeared to a phone call. If I'm going to pay $50.00 for a meal for 2 people - I want service. If I wanted a meal with lousy service I'd pay $6.00 at MacDonald's! We left and will not return. read more

Should be renamed "EL SLOW" Good: food is pretty good (but Tenoche in the west end is better) ; decor is "interesting" Bad: 1) overpriced -- 2) very very very slow - expect to wait an hour for a simple meal. Uh and yeah I've been to Mexico where the same food arrives in 20 mins so don't tell me it can't be done read more

Honesty one of my favorite Mexican places on the planet. My wife and I enjoy almost everything on the menu with Dinner for 2 (carne) being our go to. The sangria is stellar tho I always feel so bad ordering more as it's so labor intensive (made from scratch) and the poor guy is always solo. Most of the time we order a second round when he delivers the first ;) The decor is a sight to behold and "art cafe" certainly does it justice. read more

The service sucks so don't go if you are in a hurry but the food is great and worth dealing with the crappy service. I have to say the service is getting much better read more

Holy is it expensive for what it is. Chips and salsa $7?! 3 Tacos $16?! It's no wonder it was dead on a saturday. No fish taco's which seems strange, the nacho's (around 15$) was OK but not at all worth the price. The taco's we got were hard shell and VERY greasy but pretty decent in taste. I wouldn't go again, but the decor is very nice and traditional. Taco's should not be this much, mexican food is cheap to make, they must make a killing, but then again with so few customers maybe they need to charge this much. read more

This place has the Best Guacamole in Toronto. It tastes amazing and has chunky pieces if guacamole. You can taste the onions, garlic, tomatoes, etc. In the mixture. The customer service is kind and courteous. The gallery is a nice added touch. Well worth the trip to the east end. read more

Ok, let's get the bad over with first. You're going to wait for your food, no doubt about that. I've been here several times & in each instance it took almost 1/2 hr for our order to arrive. I'm also never sure when they're open as I was told by the manager they sometimes 'play it by ear' On to the good... The food is a legit Mexican experience and the menu's veggie side is fantastic. It's a nice change to savour home-cooked approach as opposed to the assembly line mentality of some dining experiences. Oh, & the interior is pretty darn neat. read more

We had a great experience here tonight. We went for an early dinner and there was no wait. Their home made food was served at a pace i would expect. The staff was super friendly and the decor was very interesting. Great place to eat authentic, home made Mexican food with lots of art work to look at while you take your time. their side of hot chilis was a great bonus so each of us could add the amount of heat we wanted. My margarita was amazing. Not pre made mix crap but real lime and good tequila. We left very full having had the guacamole and platter for 2. Exceptional value and very tasty. Cant wait to return. This is the real thing. I too have been to Mexico and this is one regions authentic food. read more