Wow! The dishes were delicious and innovative! Our server, Daniel, was spot on with his recommendations - we enjoyed our cocktail (La Guelaguetza) and sharing the generous portions of Esquites (corn), Tlayuda (large tostada), and Enmoladas de pato (duck confit). As a corn lover, the flavor note of Esquites just reminded me of elotes that you get from a street vendor in Mexico. The Tlayuda was huge! We added carne asada as our topping, and it turned into an huge entree that's shareable between two people. We finished our meal with the most flavor-intense dish - duck confit enmoladas. Despite not being a crazy mole fan, the mole sauce that was drizzled all over the enmoladas had a perfect balance of rich notes with a bit of bittersweet chocolate undertone. The ambiance was great with both indoor and outdoor seating. We were there to celebrate our anniversary, and the restaurant made it so special for us by providing a menu printed with "happy anniversary" with a note card and glasses of sparkling wine! This is a gem that's not to be missed!!! read more

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We were in the area and just went in because Mexican for dinner sounded good. Once inside, I saw the Michelin sign and slowly realized as I looked around the restaurant that this was not a casual Tex-Mex kind of place. By then the hostess had already seated us and I was immersed in the excellent service and the delicious aromas from the open kitchen. My husband lived in Mexico City for a time and he said this was some of the best Mexican food he'd had. The corn vermouth was delicious and I'd never heard of sotol so tried it in a paloma, which was great. Definitely will go back again, but only once my wallet has recovered. read more

Tobalá - Tlayuda with shrimp add-on - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Tobalá is not only an aesthetically pleasing spot, but rather a truly authentic oaxacan restaurant. The service was amazing and attentive. Every dishes we had was great. A true stand out for me was the esquites and trio de moles. Trying the trio de moles felt like trying a mole flight. I also really enjoyed their housemade vermuth de maiz. Highly recommend this restaurant! read more

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Had this on my list for sometime and finally made it up the hill. Ordered the Tlayuda with carne asada and it was delish. Would recommend with the add on but good vegetarian option without. While large it was still a light meal even with the protein add on. Would definitely get again. The service was great. The space gives Tulum vibes, very beautiful space. I did ask for hot sauce which took some time to receive. They offered their salsa trio which was an additional $8. Not sure it was worth the additional charge but good to know. Cocktails were also good. Will have to check it out again for brunch. read more

Tobalá - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Everything was fresh! However some items did not meet my expectations of this type of restaurant! The guacamole it was just smashed avocado! The corn cake it feels more like a dessert not an appetizer! The only item that was good was the mole! read more

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Made a reservation for 4 people for brunch and had an amazing meal here! I tried: + Cafe con leche + carijillo + Tacos de barbacoa + Guacamole + Corn hot cakes + Enmoladas de pato + Chorizo and eggs + Pollo with mole rojo + bunuelo de viento + Granizado de coco Highlights were the enmoladas de pato, followed by the guac and bunuelo de viento. Also loved the barbacoa tacos and chorizo and eggs. Highly recommend this spot! read more

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Absolutely delectable dinner.. everything we ate was expertly put together. Best bite was the cauliflower hands down! Service was personal and kind, and the ambiance was incredibly sexy, perfect for date night. read more

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Delicious food, good service, and a massive selection of agave-based drinks. Lovely ambiance / decor inside, and the dishes/bowls that they use are also lovely (and for sale, apparently). The place is among the most expensive in the neighborhood by a decent margin, but you certainly do feel like you're having an elevated experience (and the food was surprisingly filling). We started with the trio of moles which were delicious, though the lightest one they offered did taste surprisingly close to vodka / tomato sauce, they provided tortillas which was nice but not nearly enough (we had to ask for more and then they charged us extra for it, despite not giving us enough the first time). The menu is rather short, so make sure there are things you like before going. The tlayuda with added meat was delicious, as were the tacos (which were $10 each) and the aguachile also good (watermelon in summer is always a welcome treat). read more

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! read more

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Server was surly and rude. It took 90 minutes to be served one taco, one shrimp appetizer and one filet. Instead of apologizing, server said "I'm sorry you feel that way." As if it is our problem that they can't conjure the most basic of mercado fare in less than 90 minutes - ridiculous. As for Oaxacan claims, it is basic Mexican on ceramic plates w bad attitude. The website indicated the restaurant was booked up, after calling, we got a reservation at 6:30 though restaurant was never even half full. $200 for a meh meal with bad attitude. Truly disappointing. Riverdale has other Mexican options that are better in service, price and quality - and definitely more fun!Highly recommend both but not Tobala read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Tobalá - Amazing guacamole. Get it! - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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! read more

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Tobalá is, in my opinion, the best restaurant uptown. The food is absolutely delicious and clearly made with love, the space is beautiful, and the cocktails are authentic, creative, and exceptional. The warm, welcoming ambiance keeps us coming back. A special thank you to Oscar at the bar--his hospitality and kindness always make our experience even more memorable. Highly recommended! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Sunday reservation at 7pm. On arrival we were not greeted , we decided to sit at the bar as to not commit to anything. Thank God we did , the bartender was not friendly either. I ordered a tequila (Don Julio) but was told they didn't carry that , they had their own . No pineapple juice either because apparently they only use organic juices and only had guava , ridiculous , pretentious attitude. We decided to go some place else, and glad we did. read more

The food is very unique for the Bronx and Westchester. I like that they change the menu, and while I've usually had their meat dishes, we had mostly seafood this time. Last night we had Oysters Aquichiles, which somehow were among the best oysters I've ever had. Even better was the Pesce del Día bronzino. Amazing. As usual, they have an great drink menu. One time I have to come early enough to try the Carajillo. read more

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). read more

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Delicious food, spacious and airy atmosphere, fun and friendly bar tender, high prices. The service staff is attentive but the meal took about 3 hours. The smoky mescal drink was $17 a glass, delicious but challenging to have more than one. Food is well-prepared and delicious, I go one a year for a work event, and I enjoy all the food. I will definitely be back for a drink at the bar. read more

Great Mexican spot with an awesome vibe. I only had the guacamole and drinks this time around, but both were fantastic--fresh, flavorful, and perfectly done. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, making it a great place to catch up with friends or kick off a night out. Can't wait to come back and try more of the food--it all looked amazing! read more

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 read more

Tobalá - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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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! read more

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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. read more

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An absolute treasure in Riverdale! Michelin mention is well-deserved. Inventive, creative Oaxacan cuisine served by enthusiastic, thoroughly knowledgeable, hospitable staff, including support servers and hosts make this among the most enjoyable dining experiences this well-traveled diner has enjoyed. EVERYTHING on the menu is special and created with love. The young owners are destined to be superstars. So thrilled to be along for the ride. The decor is modern, clean and welcoming as well. An A+ experience all around. read more

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. read more

Tobalá - Guacamole, esquite, short rib - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Service was good. I did not like the food. Place is beautiful but food was not for me. It was expensive and food was not good for me.

I came here on a Tuesday night, you can tell the effort and experience that this place wants to create, high-end dining. However it's just missing something. Mexican food is excellent, knowing the culture and the food and history behind it is what it feels like this place wants to portray within the experience. Our server was very thorough extremely attentive. The service is exceptional, albeit the bus boy was a little too aggressive in removing my plate from in front of me literally after my last bite lol. I get it they want to keep the atmosphere clean. But coulda been a little less reaching over my face to clear the table. Food was ok. Don't get me wrong I can see the effort, in an attempt to create something elevated...but not worth the price. The drinks are good, excellent in regards to authentic tequilas would love to come back just for that tho. Wouldn't come back to eat here though. I can get authentic Mexican food for a 3rd of the price in various places with similar experience. read more

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. read more

Tobalá - Fish taco - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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I've now been to Tobalá three times... and while I wanna love this place, it's just very "meh" to me. On paper, Tobalá checks all of my boxes--it's located near me in Riverdale, Bronx... they serve Mexican cuisine, which is one of my favorites... and they feature a Margarita Happy Hour. So, sure, if I would easily return to this restaurant for their Margarita Happy Hour. But, I'm not yet convinced about their food. Speaking of food, I've tried different dishes each time I visited Tobalá, but nothing has really resonated with me. I know that the chef is trying to make the dishes more "high end," but they don't really work IMHO. Most of them are small and/or overpriced, and, while all the dishes are visually pleasing, I feel they do not stack up taste-wise. I really wish the chef would take time to simplify the dishes, make them more hearty, and more accessible. This is Riverdale, Bronx--not the Upper West Side. As for the drinks--this is the best thing going at Tobalá. Their margaritas are definitely tasty and priced reasonably at Happy Hour. I'll close by saying a few nice things about the staff. They are all super nice and knowledgable... and they are super attentive. read more

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FAAANNN- tastic!! in "da Bronx": who wouldathought?!?! 1] and very, I mean VERY! pleasant. . . 2] Surprising: beautiful Design, from the subtle, tasteful and elegant exterior . . . 3] whose: Graphics, discrete and inviting . . . 4] to the understated, comfortable interior, Family-oriented . . . 5] OH! The Food! Really 'Oaxaqueño Comida': not "just Mexican"! 6] my Wife and I were treated to the Experience by our Friends, who have lived in Da Bronx for 40 years +/-! 7] the Staff: Hostess-knowledgeable; Servers-precise 8] please Consider this Review as "Part One" for Tobalá!! "I Shall Return!!" read more

I'll tell you, though the food & ambiance/decor was great, it was the drinks and service that pushed this place over the top! I want to give a shoutout to our waitress but I feel terrible that I can't remember her name. She was tall with black hair. She was Dominican and from a brief conversation with our group I recall that she had a daughter. Anyways, she was very nice, very lively and at the same time efficient. The bartenders were very welcoming as well! On to the drinks, I really loved their margaritas and I specifically remember ordering the Guava flavor. You don't see that everywhere. I followed that up with a Mango Marg. If I lived in the neighborhood I could see myself stopping by for just those alone. The group of five of us seemed to be enjoying them too. We ended up ordering almost all of the appetizers. The guacamole, esquites and taco options all stood out in my memory. Again, if I lived in the neighborhood, I'd probably add those to my after-work dinner snack trips. For dinner, the Cochinita and Carne Asada seemed to dominate the conversation but don't get locked in on those. The Branzino got a good look too! If you live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens etc., this might be a little bit of a trip. For my squad, which included people from the BX and Yonkers, it was actually neutral territory. In any case, I think it's still worth the trip. There is street parking but it can get a little tight so get there 30 mins before your appointment time. read more

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This is honestly the best mexican restaurant I've been to in New York City - I know Oxomoco and Cosme are great, and I love them both, but this rivals them due to authenticity, service, and value. The food is just so excellent, with every dish I had being a real standout, and the prices for each of the dishes allows you to try them tall, which makes for an even better time. The prawns, grilled, with a beautiful salsa, oh what a delight. The spicy chorizo quesadillas are a treat that just can't be beat. So cheesy and yummy and full of depth in flavor. The chilaquiles we ordered two of because they're a brunch dream (and we were hungry). I don't know I have as many great things about the duck mole, in my opinion it was a bit dry and uninteresting. I usually love duck, but this didn't crush it. The spot would work just as a beautiful place to drink mezcal. Their mezcal selection is incredible and the space is out of this world. The service was so knowledgeable on the food and on the mezcal, and it was caring each step of the way. Making sure that we were well taken care of and enjoying everything we had. If you feel like a cocktail, you should definitely get at least one, because they're some of the best cocktails I've had in NYC. I'll be back - it's great for brunch, it's great for dinner. Truly keep coming to Tobala. read more

Tobalá - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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We went on Cinco de Mayo, Daniel our server was amazing. Drinks were on point and the ambiance was great. I will be back

Not my first review for Tobala and likely won't be my last. It's one of my go-to spots in Riverdale because the ambiance is just so so good. The interior is beautiful and feels like an oasis away from the city. A great place to grab a drink and sit at the bar if you have the time. Today though I ended up ordering the Guelaguetza to drink and the lamb tacos and elote to eat. All were solid and were a perfect light dinner. Portion sizes at Tobala are not huge so keep that in mind when you come. Lastly, I wanted to shot out the service. I'm always pretty indecisive at restaurant and I felt that my server was patient andddd provided a lot of helpful recommendations. read more

Tobalá - Lamb tacos - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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The service and the ambiance were great. Wonderful selections of mezcal. The food portions were a little small but definitely delicious and beautifully plated. read more

Such a lovely place, very aesthetically pleasing and the aroma of food is spectacular in here. Along with the great service. We opted to give this place a try on our date nite and so glad we did. From the prime liquors to the fresh food it was a treat. We started off with the Guacamole w/smoked corn, queso fresco, corn tortillas chips and the Esquites off-the-cob roasted corn, chicatana mayo, & cotija cheese. Both of these appetizers were packed with flavor and freshness of ingredients. For dinner we opted for the Tacos De Carne Asada, carne asada, salada tequera, Onions, & Cilantro and the Short Rib Tacos w/Beef short ribs braised for 10hrs in dark beer and fall spices. Best tacos i have had at any restuarant and i eat at a lot of places. Its a must try and our favorite. It also comes with different salsas. We cant wait to come back and try some other items on the menu! Oh and of course i forgot to mention but the margaritas are the best here! read more

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I was in New York visiting for the weekend and I was recommended to visit Tobalà. Starting off with just how great and calm their ambiance is, staff is friendly and attentive. We ordered their Guac and Corn, amazing! And two orders of their Tacos, amazing as well. I started with a Carajillo and then a Mezcal Marg, and well let's just say I cant wait to travel back and visit again. A must try, very aesthetically designed. read more

Tobalá - Carajillo and back seats - Mexican Near Me - Bronx, New York

John C ,from Westchester All I could say is you need to give them credit for robbing people the way they do, prices are higher than eating at the fanciest restaurants in nyc, Never ever again, we were six people Counting 2 kids 650.00 before tip it's really sad read more