Cancel

Open app

Search

Tobalá

4.5 (137 reviews)
Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

Tobalá Photos

TOBALÁ ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Trendy
Romantic
Classy

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Tobalá

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Flan
Minique D.

A must in Riverdale. Authentic Mexican restaurant with a cozy ambiance. Great place for a date night or dinner with friends. The service was EXCELLENT. Great recommendations from the servers. Drinks made with good quality liquor. Each dish balanced and not overpowering. Will definitely be back!

Amazing guacamole. Get it!
Jess L.

Tobalá was one of the best meals we can remember in a while. There was some issue with our online reservation, but with our email proof, they found us a table and honored it. The vibe is trendy but also not too pretentious. The simple decor is a really nice touch. It was fun sitting near the kitchen window and feeling that energy. Everything we had was excellent. The guacamole was unlike any I've ever had before - wonderful textures and flavors - that I'm still talking about it. For drinks, I had the Guelaguetza, which was refreshing, but ultimately really liked my La Milpa the most, a twist on an old fashioned. I loved the bite. I could drink any of these. We also can't stop talking about our mains - the tenderness of the meats and great flavors. My partner got the tacos de barbacoa and toasta de camaron, and I got the emoladas de pato - truly delicious. High recommend.

Michelada Monopolio negro
Lorenzo M.

This establishment is the flagship for Oaxacan cuisine and culture, this restaurant offers more than just a meal -- it's a heartfelt celebration of family, heritage, and community woven into every part of the dining experience (from the moment you walk through the threshold of door. To the time you leave). Great service, great ambiance and aromas!

Abbey R.

I came back to Tobalá to celebrate my birthday, and the ambiance is absolutely beautiful definitely a spot I'd recommend. We had the Paloma and El Mero Mero, and both drinks were solid. For appetizers, we ordered the guacamole and the scallops with mole verde. Everything was very fresh, but I didn't find the guacamole particularly different from others I've had. The scallops were cooked perfectly, though the pumpkin seeds made the dish a bit slimy for my taste. For dinner, we had the Pulpo de Puerto and the carne asada with molcajete sauce, along with the seasonal salad. The octopus had lots of flavor and is meant to be eaten with tortillas, I preferred it without. The carne asada wasn't your traditional preparation again featuring molcajete sauce, which was delicious. I do prefer my steak more heavily seared, but the flavors of the sauce really stood out and were enjoyable. I personally prefer their tacos and more traditional Mexican dishes. Overall, a great atmosphere with thoughtful dishes and solid drinks.

Kat C.

Yes! Yes! This place is a hands down WINNER for delicious food, perfect cocktails, excellent service and fantastic, well-designed space. Just be ready to open up that wallet- worth it.

Esquites.
Pamela D.

Stopped by on a whim around 5ish PM because I've been dying to try their cocktails. From all of the pictures & videos I've seen online they look delish! We had a spicy margarita, Cadillac margarita, and two bartenders choices. The margaritas were good! The spicy one could've been spicier, but the taste was def there. One of bartenders choice drinks was a take on a pina colada with a horchata whipped cream. Wow. To die for. Just right on the alcohol. The other was made with pineapple, but unsure of what else because it was a "surprise" lol. Really, really good too. The bartender, John, is very knowledgeable when it comes to cocktails. He was great. We ordered the carne asada tacos and esquites, which are made with chicatana mayo. (Omg I just googled what the ants look like :/). It's obvious that everything is made fresh and the authentic Oaxacan experience is there. Both were just okay to us. Perhaps our palettes are not that advanced lol. The restaurant is very beautiful and minimal. It has a very clean aesthetic. I would return to try other menu items for dinner.

Pina tamal
Shawn H.

Really amazing. Every bite was excellent, with the pulpo, enmoladas, cabbage, and short rib memela probably being our favorites. The guac, esquites, scallops, and barbacoa tacos were also solid re-order candidates. I'd probably skip the pozole next time. If there was any surprise, it was how much we loved the desserts -- the bunuelo with spiced chocolate ice cream and the pineapple tamal were both excellent (especially the bunuelo).

Christian R.

Delicious all around. I sat at the bar during happy hour--which, to my surprise, ran a little longer than expected, giving me extra time to enjoy the vibe and the drinks. The espresso martini was truly to die for--not like any other I've ever had. Rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Every cocktail we tried had its own personality, distinct and full of layered flavor. I started with the Tacos de Cochinita, which were tender, flavorful, and packed with slow-roasted goodness. The guacamole was fresh and creamy with just the right amount of lime and heat, served with warm, crisp chips. You could tell everything was made with care. The service was a standout--attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. They offered helpful recommendations and checked in without being overbearing. The setting itself felt upscale yet welcoming, with modern Mexican flair. It's the kind of place where you can dress up a little, enjoy quality food and drinks, and still feel completely relaxed. Whether you're there for a casual happy hour or a full dinner, this place delivers an elevated experience across the board.

Yanderi F.

Visited Tobola for a date night. Perfect place, ambiance was great, intimate with nice music playing at a level where you could still converse. This place makes you feel like you took a trip to Mexico. Our server was Ury and she was amazing she gave such a clear explanation of the menu and inquired about food allergies then made suggestions. I had the "Carajillo" drink which was amazing and I found out there is an article in The NY Times talking about it. We ordered tostada camarón, esquites, and tacos de barbacoa. All were delicious. Must try!! Will be coming back

Yuki B.

Ahhhh what an experience. This food was extremely unique in a fine dining aspect. The flavors, service and attention to detail was all up there and i understand why Michelin gave it this rating. My wife and I indulged in every single dish we tried and the cocktails were as good as any upscale cocktail bar you can find in Manhattan. I am so happy that you can find such an upscale dining experience in the Bronx. Will be back!

Guacamole, esquite, short rib
Melissa B.

We got a variety of dishes, eveything was very flavorful. The restaurant was very beautiful and the service was great. It's a perfect place for a celebration dinner. We left very pleased and have recommend to many friends.

Fish taco
Denise F.

We group of 9 of Us had dinner reservations for a Saturday evening. Upon arrival we were informed at least 5 people from the party had to be in attendance in order to sit at the table. I have visited this place before for a few cocktails however, this was my first time having dinner. The drinks were fine & so was our meal but, I feel like something was missing to give this place 5 stars. I probably won't have dinner again here perhaps, cocktails once again.

Guacamole
Sara G.

Our server Victor was fantastic. I mentioned I'm vegetarian, so he went through all the options and recommended some favorites. Also, everything at the restaurant is from Mexico, including the alcohol, ingredients, etc. We enjoyed all the dishes and drinks that we tried, (especially the mole) and we appreciated the simplistic decor. I really like the bathrooms with external sinks as well. Prices are a little steep for the amount of food you get, but you can tell everything is prepared with care.

Tacos

See all

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Superior everything. What a pleasant shock to find a destination spot in the restaurant desert of Riverdale.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

The whole place is great but definitely the bartender, Piazza hitts it high with the drinks

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Erik B.
103
68
2

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Susan G.
210
41
3

3 years ago

The food, service, and cocktails were really wonderful. I didn't think it was over priced for what they were offering. I would go again.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Hugo R.
43
67
155

3 years ago

After all was ok very pricey!!! Service not too good !!! The vibe of the place is nice !!! But everything else ehhh

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Tasty chilaquiles, but I found this place overpriced and pretentious. Service was friendly.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Nice place to be, Great location. Near to subway. Good dishes, staffs are nice and clean.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Bea C.
0
60
3

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lacie P.
528
64
72

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of N S.
0
18
2

2 years ago

Yummy! And great service. We had a great dinner and they made my 5 year old son feel special and grown up.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 2
Photo of Ron K.
17
13
0

3 years ago

Excellent Mexican restaurant with delicious food beautifully presented! A welcome addition to our neighborhood! Long May they reign!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Wil M.
60
10
2

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sabine K.
9
100
36

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

10/10! Service, fresh ingredients, open kitchen, great menu! Beautiful restaurant! The octopus is a must try!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K V.
0
7
0

2 years ago

This is a destination restaurant right here in Riverdale! Superb everything cocktails, food and service.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 4

Tobalá Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Tobalá

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Mexican 98,768 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Bokaguá - Fried Crispy Red Snapper  with Coconut Rice (Drinks are Sangrias)

Bokaguá

3.9(109 reviews)
0.1 miRiverdale

BOKAGUÁ in the Bronx really did what needed to be done... Dominican x Asian fusion?? Yeah... they…read moresnapped. From date night to girl night this is definitely the perfect spot. The ambiance was nice and moody but still gave sexy. The music was good and service was even better... Oxtail samosas, lobster fried rice, cocktails, and a whole vibe I will definitely be back... did i mention I actually enjoyed each dish...them oxtail samosas so good.

This spot feels like it's quietly stepping into a much-needed role as a high-end date night option…read morein an area that leans heavily casual and family-friendly. The crispy octopus easily rivals anything I've had in Manhattan, super tender with just the right crisp. The cassava hash browns were so good I was almost annoyed by how simple they were. Paired with a rich, meaty sauce and a fresh fennel crunch, the whole dish was incredibly balanced. The wings were the most straightforward item on the menu (in the best way), lightly spiced, slightly sweet, and great for picky eaters. Someone needs to give the bartenders a raise. I ordered three drinks just to test consistency--every single one was balanced, spirit-forward, and not overly sweet. The presentation was different on each one and felt intentional without being gimmicky. I've seen some of the lower Yelp ratings and they mostly call out price, but this is very much a you get what you pay for situation. The quality of the food, the portion sizes (especially for this level of execution), and the overall intentionality behind the menu justify it in my opinion. Service was excellent. They squeezed me in last minute, and my waiter, Dionicio, handled my coconut allergy (not easy at a Dominican spot) with real care and ease. The space itself is worth mentioning - moody, mushroom/mossy interiors. Super cute, very well thought out, and definitely a place I'll be coming back to.

Photos
Bokaguá - Indoor Bar Area

Indoor Bar Area

Bokaguá - Fried crispy Red Snapper

Fried crispy Red Snapper

Bokaguá - Bokagua Cocktails

See all

Bokagua Cocktails

Home Bx - Gambas

Home Bx

4.2(107 reviews)
0.4 miKingsbridge

I've patronized this spot a couple of times in the past years and visited as recently as this past…read moreSaturday. You get what you pay for here. The chef loves his job and we can taste it in his creations. The music is loud but I honestly can't complain about the selection. The waitress didn't visit much but we also didn't need her. I have absolutely no complaints and should probably visit more often to get a full experience of the menu and the chefs talents. The only possible inconvenience I can foresee is parking if you're not one of God's favorites. Other than that the music's good, foods great, the temperature is accommodating. Enjoy.

I went to Home BX Steak for my 36th birthday dinner, and overall it was a mixed experience…read more The ambience is really cute--definitely a nice spot for a celebration or a night out. The service was also top tier. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made sure we were taken care of the entire time, which I really appreciated for a special occasion. As for the food, it was just okay. My steak had a bit more fat than I would've liked, and while it was still decent, it didn't fully meet my expectations. The drinks were on the sweeter side, which may be a plus for some, but weren't really my preference. My friends and family felt pretty similar--everyone said their food was okay, nothing bad, but nothing that really stood out. Overall, it's a cute spot with great service, but the food could definitely be better. I'd still consider going back for the vibe and maybe trying different menu items.

Photos
Home Bx - Bar and drinks. Tamarindo mojito and passion fruit margarita

Bar and drinks. Tamarindo mojito and passion fruit margarita

Home Bx - Seafood Bisque

Seafood Bisque

Home Bx - Lobster Mac and Cheese

See all

Lobster Mac and Cheese

The Last Stop - Appetizer Platter everything was good

The Last Stop

4.3(187 reviews)
0.5 miKingsbridge
$$

I ordered a hangover burger and the butter chicken, both were delicious. The marinara sauce on the…read morechicken was amazing. The churros were also very tasty. The waiter was very kind and attentive. Overall, it was a great experienc!

What a wonderful spot for you to explore…read more We wanted to take our friend out to dinner for his birthday he likes a low key style. We called a head since it was 6 of us to see if we could do a walk in or if we needed a reservation , and both options are available which is a plus. Dress attire is your choice we dressed regular nothing fancy just day to day hang out style. We were greeted kindly by the staff sat down handed a set of dominoes to play with while we waited for our food and drank some water. The place is decorated nicely and you can see the vision in mind definitely. We placed our orders and I'm not gonna lie I came in thinking the food was gonna be eh but I was blown away by the flavors. For drinks we ordered a spicy sunset, pretty young thing and cokes. The spicy sunset is a nice strong drink and is rimmed nicely with just the right amount is tajin as you drink it; it has a nice smoky after taste to it definitely was delicious. The pretty young thing was a nice citrusy drink with a little salty aftertaste, which balanced out the flavor nicely. The cokes were not water down they were good as well. For food we ordered the Cuban sandwich with parmesan fries, butter chicken wings, butter chicken macaroni and cheese, steak nachos grande, butter chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries and mom's butter chicken platter. This was a wonderful Spanish and Indian style combination of flavors. Definitely my first time having this type of food and wow what a mind blowing experience. Not one person in the table complained or had anything negative to say about their food. We all tried each other's food and each bite we exchanged to try was delicious and better than the last . The Cuban was delicious but the parmesan fries stole the show from that meal it was paired so lovely who would've thought those flavors would've mixed nicely. The buttery chicken wings oh my God dripping with goodness each bite was legit finger licking good lol. The butter chicken macaroni very very delicious. Had a nice cheese pull and a good balance could not stop eating it. The steak nachos were delicious I wish It had a little more meat, but it was not bad. The butter chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries also delicious and the fries were cooked so nicely that it was crispy and soft at the same time per bite. The mom's butter chicken platter was delicious they gave the right amount of sauce, the pita bread was delicious and soft, the salad that it was paired with was good too the rice was decently portioned. Everything was definitely tasty. Not one complaint of any of the meals. We did not wait long for the food. Bathrooms were nice and clean. I want to come back to try more things in the menu that's how good the food was and our group agreed to also come back with us. This spot is definitely a place to try. They have a beautiful quote right near the bar that really spoke to us, especially during these times it said "you are exactly where you need to be." It makes you stop for a second and really take it in and just live in the moment ... especially living in New York, where you have to be always go go go fast fast fast. This was really beautifully written thank you to the staff who made our night and our friend's birthday special we'll see you soon.

Photos
The Last Stop - Inside

Inside

The Last Stop - Mom's butter chicken platter

Mom's butter chicken platter

The Last Stop - Message

See all

Message

Taqueria Tlaxcalli - Chicken tostada

Taqueria Tlaxcalli

4.4(809 reviews)
4.5 miParkchester
$$

I came here for dinner, and this was one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to! Being…read morefrom California, I definitely missed the Mexican food scene, so I wanted to try Taqueria Tlaxcalli to taste a bite of home. When we entered, we were greeted with kind smiles from the ladies and they welcomed us to sit at any free table. Inside has lots of decor with ample seating. We sat and a server grabbed us menus. We got a carnitas burrito, grilled cactus side, horchata, and strawberry limeade (per her recommendation). Everything came so fast, and they even split the burrito for us! Oh my god, everything was so good. This has to be one of the BEST burritos I have ever had, comparable to the ones in San Diego. I love carnitas, and they do it so well here. It was tender, flavorful, just the perfect amount of sauce and seasoning! And the horchata was the best I have ever had too! The strawberry limeade was refreshing, and the grilled cactus was good! It was my first time trying it and it reminded me of aloe vera/okra texture. I had such a great time, such a great experience, I will definitely be back!

Taqueria Tlaxcalli was an elite level taco/burrito meal and well-worth the visit. The restaurant is…read morequite small with a number of 2-3 person tables and narrow, with Mexican music playing. They have options for dining in or taking out and were quite efficient We went with a burrito and a few tacos - the burrito is massive, I would say it's meant for two people at once and filled with rice, meat, vegetables, thick flour tortilla and covered with different sauces - it is very heavy! The tacos are Mexican-style with meat and vegetarian options and were simply delicious. The meats we got - carnitas, steak, chicken were all cooked great with tender juiciness. They gave ample lime and sauces to pair as needed. Prices felt reasonable. Overall taqueria tlaxcalli had exceptional Mexican food for NYC with very good hospitality and dining options and I highly recommend! The tacos were a tier above my favorite NYC tacos - Santos, Los tacos no 1 and carnitas Ramirez.

Photos
Taqueria Tlaxcalli - Decor inside

Decor inside

Taqueria Tlaxcalli - Guacamole

Guacamole

Taqueria Tlaxcalli - Steak burrito

See all

Steak burrito

Tobalá - mexican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...