4/5 Stars | Delicious food, great vibes, but those PRICES?!…read more
As a girlie who LOVES to eat and has no problem spending money on amazing food, Toca Madera definitely had me questioning some of these prices!
I appreciate fine dining, beautiful ambiance, and a luxury experience, but WHEW! Maybe it's because I travel to Europe often, where I can practically buy two bottles of wine for the price of one glass here, but some of these prices felt like a reach.
Let's start with the $44 truffle mac and cheese. FORTY-FOUR DOLLARS FOR A SIDE?! At that point, the mac and cheese better be the main character, come with its own reservation, and pay a portion of my mortgage. LMAO! I wanted to try it, but respectfully passed.
Now, let's talk FOOD because they definitely know what they're doing in that kitchen!
Fried Calamari: 10/10. WICKED delicious! I'm extremely picky about calamari, and they absolutely nailed it. Easily one of my favorites!
Passion Fruit Fire Shots: 10/10. Of course, we had to try the trending fire shots! Delicious and such a fun addition to the experience.
Salmon: My entrée, although I originally wanted the scallops. That changed REAL QUICK when I learned it was $59 for FOUR scallops. FOUR?! My bio literally says I'm a big back at heart. I came to EAT! For that price, I personally couldn't justify the portion.
Sea Bass Tacos: My husband loved these! Generously sized with a nice spicy kick, but nothing overwhelming.
Cilantro Lime Rice: 10/10. SO GOOD! We both ordered it, but honestly could've shared one side.
Brown Butter Cake: 100/10. BABYYYY! This dessert deserves its own spotlight. Absolutely delicious! I'd genuinely return just for this cake. Might even attempt recreating it at home!
Now, here's why I'm giving four stars.
We were celebrating our nine-year wedding anniversary, and while the service was friendly and attentive, the dining experience felt rushed.
It was very much, "Ready to order? Ready for your next course? Ready for dessert?" And I'm over here like, can a girlie enjoy her husband and her wine for a second?!
Maybe European dining has spoiled me, but I appreciate taking my time, enjoying conversation, and savoring each course. Especially at this price point, I want to enjoy the experience without feeling like we're on a schedule.
Then came the awkward anniversary dessert situation.
We ordered the brown butter cake, but they brought out a brownie with ice cream that said "Happy Anniversary." Naturally, we assumed it was for us and started eating it. Our waitress realized the mistake and actually took it away from us MID-BITE!
Having worked in the serving industry, I personally would've let the guests finish it, especially since the mistake wasn't ours. It was just awkward and unnecessary. And considering we were still charged for our anniversary dessert, the whole situation felt even stranger.
For a restaurant positioned as luxury dining, a small complimentary anniversary dessert or champagne would've been a thoughtful touch. Not something I expect, but those little gestures elevate an experience.
Also, this restaurant is DARK. And I mean dark as hell! Beautiful, sexy ambiance, but you might need a flashlight for that menu. I also witnessed drinks being spilled on guests at two different tables, so that was interesting!
My final thoughts
Food? Absolutely delicious!
Ambiance? Beautiful, trendy, and definitely a vibe.
Service? Friendly, but the pacing and attention to certain details could improve.
Pricing? Definitely on the extreme side for what you're getting.
For two people, we spent over $300, just FYI!
Would I return? Yes, but preferably with a larger group so we could order different dishes and sides to share and experience more of the menu.
I wish I could give Toca Madera 4.5 stars because the food deserves recognition. But between the pricing and a few service moments, I can't quite justify five.
At the end of the day, I don't mind paying for luxury dining, but there's a difference between paying for quality and paying for the hype.
Come for the food, stay for the vibes, and make sure your wallet has eaten before you arrive!
Overall, a lovely anniversary dinner with some seriously delicious food, just a few things I wish had been different!