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Tocaya Modern Mexican

3.8 (480 reviews)
Closed • 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Order Tocaya Modern Mexican Takeout or Delivery

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TOCAYA MODERN MEXICAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Touristy

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Recommended Reviews - Tocaya Modern Mexican

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Kristine H.

Beautiful interior, delicious food, and pleasant, attentive service made for a wonderful lunch experience. The service was quick. The happy hour drink menu and impressive selection of margaritas definitely give me a reason to come back and explore more next time.

La flor looking amazing...sii amor!
Monique M.

Tocaya for the Mexican inspired dishes; healthy fresh taste and so mf good in my opinion. My favorite go to right now is the Mexicali Caesar salad. I like to think this one was made for me because the chefs always blend a perfect amount of ingredients in this gorgeous salad that tastes like my healthy life every single time. I love when they toss my salad for me, they got special hands for that dressing toss ha! No complaints. This time I added on some extra tacos to taste, La flor and cauliflower taco. Both vegan, GF and delicious. Extra glorious for the blue corn tortillas. Can we also take a moment to appreciate the goodness of their plantain chips and their flavorful dressings! I come here for both a casual dine in and take out. It's worthy!

Inside
Justin A.

This is one of my go to spots when I want Mexican food that feels a little lighter but still satisfying. I absolutely love their taco Tuesday deals. Most of their tacos are half off as well as other items. My favorite items to order are the birria torta and grilled chicken tacos. Easily one of my favorite weekday food deals in downtown. Great value, solid portions, and you don't leave feeling heavy. If you're looking for a healthier option for Mexican food without sacrificing flavor Tocaya is a solid pick.

our full spread
Andrea B.

I love Tocaya! It's a great spot for modern-Mexican cuisine with lots of vegan options. The taco meal is the best bang for your buck with two tacos, a drink, and a side. The side chips that comes with queso or guac is huge. The best taco is La Flor. The fried squash is AMAZING. I don't even care to order the other two vegan tacos. La Flor is where it's at. The queso is a MUST HAVE too. It is dairy-free by default and I guarantee you wouldn't tell. I'm sure most people don't even know because it's not explicitly advertised on the menu. I would definitely get the queso over the guacamole. I must say the portion for it is pretty small. I'm not joking when I say a little more than a tablespoon. I could've eaten it all with two plantain chips. I was literally rationing myself with the guacamole to try and make it last. I have found the best way to order is mobile on the app because you are easily able to see what items can have the meat substituted and easily swap out dairy products as well. The paper menu and the menu at the front make it hard to remember all the options. Plus you can get rewards on the app! It's quick service style, so they bring the food to your table, but no waiters. The bathrooms have codes and they are nice, not all scratched up and grafittied. Parking here is not easy, but lifehack: 2 hr parking at the Whole Foods across the street. You don't even have to buy anything there to get validation. Attempt at your own expense... Otherwise there is street parking around, just not easy. I particularly like the ambiance of Tocaya. The decor is nice, there are very high ceilings , greenery, etc. I recommend coming in the evening - it's feels almost upscale and definitely nice for not being a sit down spot. Most definitely levels above Chipotle or any comparable restaurant. So yes, I would recommend for a semi-nice date night!

TINGA
Roberto L.

One of my favorite spot to get a tacos!! Ambiance is good, the service and staff are polite and helpful. I recommend going every Tuesday, they $2 tacos. Food is great and healthier than the regular taco's.

Shanna R.

Order at the counter or from your table. Service was really quick and helpful recommendations for my first visit. The margarita I wanted was out of stock for one ingredient and so they made me a second choice and didn't charge me for the drink!! Wow! Delicious food and super clean inside also. Fresh and hot, the tacos were super tasty and original takes on old favorite street tacos. Bathroom needs a code! Ask at the counter.

John M.

I must say the food were very delicious. Delicious. A little overwhelmed by their prices, but not too bad as the portions are pretty generous. When I come here every day for lunch? No. But I would love to stop by every time I get paid. Lol. I must say, I saw a lot of other customers meals... and they all look too pretty to eat. ;) The staff is very friendly. Very fast and accommodating. And the ambience is huge bright with lot of natural lights. A lot of seats. Perfect for an office meeting, or just to catch up with some friends during lunch. Can't wait to be back!

Tam N.

I've been living across the street from this place for almost 2 years, and I'm just finding out about it! I had a work meeting here, and we decided to stop by because the director had been to their other location. Everything was really delicious, and fresh! The staff were very welcoming. Menu was easy to read and understand. The price made sense. A little bit over my budget, but I would definitely be back to try other menu items. Very spacious and clean.

Celine C.

First time at Tocaya Organica - I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the restaurant and flavors of the food. Service was decent as well. They also serve alcohol! I ordered the Sonora Bowl which consisted of carne asada tossed in tomatillo salsa, w/ purple potatoes, Mexican rice, grilled street corn, guacamole, pickled red onions & queso cotjia. It's definitely an elevated and more flavorful version of Chipotle that still tasted great after reheating next day. I would come back to try other items on the menu!

Vegan squash blossom taco & chicken taco
Sam F.

Exceptional service from both the counter staff and the man that brought the plates to the table. We ordered the chips and salsa and the chips were basically in crumbles so they happily replaced them promptly.. They have so many different options that it's easy to please any dietary restriction as well as the carnivores.. simple airy ambience, and quick quality meal will have us returning

My lunch date
Quintin E.

Tocaya Organica in DTLA Is A okay. We stopped in for an impromptu lunch. With lunch on me we ordered, got some cups for water and found a nice table toward the further end of the restaurant. The decor was deep with earthiness, plant life, calming colors, bright natural light and plenty of tables + booths including bar seating. Loft upstairs that may just be for storage - doesn't seem to be open at any time (not at all while we were here). I always forget this organic healthier take on traditional Mexican dishes has dessert (try the churro bites - vegan and gluten free - does contain almonds and coconut) as well as cocktails (margaritas, paloma, sangria) and other beverages (wine, beer, agua fresca, tea + horchata) - somethings I might considered for a possible next time as I have enjoyed them at other locations. We order before two tables that got their order first... Which was wild. Felt like we waited forever after we saw those tables get served and dig in. We see you T.O. lol - Normally not that big of a deal, but we were pretty hungry for lunch. And I had really sold this place based on experiences at other Tocayas. Finally on the table - a Guiltless Burrito with adobo tofu (achiote chicken.- subbed out) and no cheese. Tocaya Organica has more than one kind of non-dairy cheese option normally, but they were completely out of both somehow. My guy had a huge Grilled Pineapple Al Pastor that he enjoyed okay. Flavors were solid, but not too strong/super impressionable. We had plenty of water between arriving, waiting and at the end of our meal I had to use the bathroom - it's a keypad combo so you'll need to ask up front. When I went up there was a line so I came up on the side and the girl who rang us up was just as friendly as she was when we arrived and gave it to me. They could consider printing it on the receipt. I know this is to cut down on non customers taking advantage - but this would be a good alternative. Luckily we weren't in a rush, just spending the afternoon together. Not sure I'd recommend for fast casual - but possibly for pick-up or delivery. Tocaya Organica has a massive assortment of burritos, bowls, salads, soups, tacos and tortas. Kid friendly menu. Cookies, churros and/or fruit for para postres y chips, guac, salsa or street corn for those munchables. Loads of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options or easy modifications. They also specialize in family style meals/trays including a stellar take and bake nacho kit I sometimes get at other locations as it can be done vegan. Q Tips: Street parking, lot or garage only here which isn't the best. Clean inside and directly outside. Enter or exit from Olive Street (main side). Exit only door onto 8th.

Burrito

Great experience here! The staff was super helpful on recommendations. You order at the counter, get your drinks then head to a table. Their staff brings the food to you. Our group had the tacos, queso and chips, burritos and bowls. Our favorite was the bowls! We got 2 bowls, combined the leftovers and had almost 2 more meals! Definitely recommend.

YUCATAN SALMON CHOP
Baylei Y.

Tocaya food is so delicious , everything is a 10/10. Food is always fresh. There tacos are heaven especially the birria & fish taco. Atmosphere is clean , beautiful , Modern, & light. Staff is polite & they are fast with making your food. Great option for lunch & dinner.

Verduras Tacos Trio

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Reviews are mixed. Many mention fresh, flavorful food, a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options, and friendly, helpful staff. The modern, inviting atmosphere is also appreciated.

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Camilla W.

This review made our day! Thank you Celine!

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Camilla W.

Thrilled to hear we hit the spot - we hope to see you again soon!

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This review made our day, thank you Jessica!

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Tocaya Modern Mexican Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Tocaya Modern Mexican

Hello. Regarding the vegan options, what type of oil do you use? And is it separate from your meat items?

Hi Jennifer, we use a blend of sunflower oil and olive oil for all of our recipes. The same oil is used for our vegan recipes as well. All products are kept on the line and we do our best to keep vegan protein separate. Thank you.

Does the vegan cheese and vegan crema contain nuts?

No only the waffles have nuts

What kind of oil is used on the plantain chips? Is it organic oil? I understand most places don't use organic. I just don't want to make a habit of ordering certain items if not. Thank you

Sunflower

Does this location have a liquor license yet? Happy hour?

No, no license for the downtown location.

Do they have taco Tuesday specials? If so what are they?

Yes they have Taco Tuesday 🌮

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

District - Pork chop

District

3.8(702 reviews)
0.2 mi•Downtown
•$$

Have been here a few times now for happy hour and always have a good experience. It feels like a…read morehidden gem in The Bloc, and is infinitely better than the always-crowded and usually-mediocre Joey DTLA right above it. This past visit I came with a large group and was still seated immediately. I didn't realize just how large it is inside, as I usually am towards the front or on the small front patio. ANYWAY The Korean wings were very good but admittedly could have been a bit spicier. The loaded fries had a bit too much melty cheese on top that oversaturated the other ingredients. The chicken quesadilla was I enjoyed but was a little basic. Last time I was here before this I had a chicken tikka quesadilla which I think was a more inventive dish that is certainly more memorable than this one. Small critiques but I do very much enjoy District and will one day come not just for happy hour. The cocktail of the day is usually good!

BE WARNED! The…read moreatmosphere was decent, the food was acceptable, and the service was average. Then the bill arrived, and I was surprised to see an automatic 20% gratuity added. I ended up paying it(because they leave you no choice), but my biggest issue isn't the amount itself. It's that there was no clear notice beforehand. If a restaurant automatically adds gratuity or service charge, especially for a single diner, that should be clearly disclosed before you order or at least be prominently stated in the beginning. A 20% tip should reflect exceptional service. That wasn't the experience I had. The lack of transparency left a bad impression and felt dishonest. With so many great restaurants in Los Angeles that offer better food, better service, and straightforward billing, I wouldn't recommend this place.

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District - Bar area with front door in background

Bar area with front door in background

District - Spicy buffalo wings

Spicy buffalo wings

District - Bar area

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Bar area

Manuela - Manuela now open for curbside pick up and delivery via Tock.

Manuela

4.2(2.4k reviews)
1.3 mi•Arts District, Downtown
•$$

I live right around the corner to Manuela and I would have to say it's my go to spot…read more You can just walk in and get a seat at the bar. The bartenders are chills and super accommodating. The ambiance is refreshing to see in Arts District. The food is great but you HAVE to get their biscuits and/or their cornbread.

We enjoyed a solid Friday night at Manuela in the Downtown LA Arts District, with a 7:30 PM…read morereservation, before heading to a concert just down the street at the Moroccan Lounge. This is a GREAT launching point for an evening in the area. Dinner, drinks, live music... what's not to like? First, parking. There's plenty of parking in the surrounding area, but finding a spot on a busy Friday night might require some patience. Fortunately, Manuela offers valet parking for $22, which instantly solves that problem! Finding the restaurant is part of the adventure. Tucked away within the Hauser & Wirth art gallery complex, you make your way through what feels like a little alley before discovering this hidden gem. The atmosphere is idellic! Manuela has a cool industrial-meets-rustic vibe, with exposed brick, interesting artwork, warm lighting, and plenty of greenery. The open kitchen adds energy, while the beautiful outdoor courtyard offers a more relaxed setting. A terrific combination of art, architecture, and dining! Our waiter, Luke, did a great job shepherding us through the evening. Truth be told, I never even looked at the menu! I put my trust in Luke, and he certainly didn't steer us wrong. The chicken was OUTSTANDING! Beautifully roasted, exceptionally moist, tender, and loaded with flavor. The accompanying sauces added just enough kick, and the portion was GENEROUS! My wife and I split the chicken, and there was plenty for both of us. We paired it with a delicious arugula salad featuring fresh pears, creamy goat cheese, spiced pecans, and aged balsamic. A wonderful combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. The pecans were particularly good! To wash it all down, I enjoyed their refreshing white sangria. Light, fruity, and VERY tasty. I could have easily enjoyed another! Now, a couple of observations. The atmosphere can get LOUD. We had a long table for six, and those seated at either end occasionally had to strain to hear the conversation. Of course, maybe I'm just getting old? LOL! Either way, it's a lively restaurant, so don't expect a quiet, intimate evening when the place is hopping. Another interesting twist: the restrooms aren't directly connected to the restaurant. You'll need to step outside and head across the way. Not a big deal, just something worth knowing. Speaking of the restrooms, ladies, apparently there's some rather unusual wall art awaiting you. Keep your eyes open for what looks like a chocolate-colored garden gnome crossed with Chewbacca. And take a CLOSE look at the interesting adult toy he appears to have discovered in the garden. Let's just say it's definitely NOT a carrot! LOL! Apparently, even the bathroom art has a sense of humor. Bottom line: We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Manuela. Excellent food, terrific service from Luke, a unique atmosphere, and an ideal location for a night out in the Arts District. The chicken alone is worth coming back for! Great food, good friends, live music afterward, and apparently a naughty garden gnome. I'd call that a successful Friday night!

Photos
Manuela - Now offering Wine & Beer for takeaway and delivery.  Visit our website for more details.  manuela-la.com

Now offering Wine & Beer for takeaway and delivery. Visit our website for more details. manuela-la.com

Manuela - Cast Iron Cornbread, Steen's Butter

Cast Iron Cornbread, Steen's Butter

Manuela - Black Beans Chilaquiles, Crema, Fried Egg, Radish, Cilantro, Queso FrescoChilaquiles

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Black Beans Chilaquiles, Crema, Fried Egg, Radish, Cilantro, Queso FrescoChilaquiles

Girl & The Goat - Beet Salad

Girl & The Goat

4.4(2.5k reviews)
1.4 mi•Arts District, Downtown

We have a long history with this restaurant, having been blown away by Stephanie Izard's flagship…read moreChicago location back in 2011. Naturally, we were thrilled when the Los Angeles location opened a few years back in the Arts District, but our first few visits left us disappointed. While the food was always good, the service felt kind of arrogant and snooty. GATG subsequently fell off our dining radar. However, a recent invitation to a private group event completely turned things around. From the moment we walked in, the hospitality was flawless--starting with a warm welcome at the hostess stand and continuing with the incredibly attentive, friendly servers assigned to our room. Because it was a set menu for our party of 12, we ended up trying several dishes we wouldn't normally order on our own, and every single one was spectacular. The creative cocktails were equally impressive. While the location is, for us anyway, still a bit off the beaten path, the space itself is beautiful, featuring a gorgeous blend of indoor and outdoor seating. Our private dining room was lovely and comfortably hosted our group, though it could probably fit a few more. If you are looking to host a small group event with great vibes, stellar food, and top-tier service, I highly recommend giving them a look.

I've been to the Girl & the Goat multiple times for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not have a great…read moreexperience last night. The food lagged and the dishes were not as delicious as they used to be. Green beans: this dish used to be my favorite dish and I always order for the table. Unfortunately, the dish was super salty and did not taste like is has previously. I let the waiter and waitress know but they didn't offer anything besides an apology Grilled Dorade and Naan with dip: these were the highlights of the show and items I also always order for the table. S'mores dessert: we ordered a s'mores dessert and it was a super small deconstructed s'more with one marshmallow. The graham cracker was almost a thin pretzel and had overwhelming cinnamon flavor. This dish was disappointing and the size for a child. The restaurant is beautiful, but the food and service were not up to the same caliber as usual during yesterday's dinner.

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Girl & The Goat - Whole Branzino

Whole Branzino

Girl & The Goat - Skirt Steak

Skirt Steak

Girl & The Goat - Duck Tartare

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Duck Tartare

Republique

Republique

4.2(8.1k reviews)
5.1 mi•Hancock Park
•$$

What a fantastic place! It took me working with an…read moreex-employee of Republique to even find out this place existed. His advice: "go in the morning, their cakes and pastries are killer; a long line forms even before they open, it will be worth it" it's hard to not go broke here, they have sometimes unnusual combinations of pastries that are always incredible! Their chocolate + salted caramel cake is my husband's favorite, its a bit much for me but I cannot deny its beauty and quality. I love all the passion fruit desserts, their danishes, anything with Caramel is also my husband's jam. Come hungry, eat something here, take some home. When dining in I've loved a slice of their quiche of the day, they give you a nice side salad with a zesty dressing, I also love ordering the baguette with salted slow-churned cultured butter (Rodolphe Le Meuiner Beurre de Baratte) and jam - simple but WOW! Fantastic place for those coming to LA for the first time, the building is just gorgeous, and for those who live in LA: you should come! I love a good french pastry, I don't come in often but when I do I am always satisfied

The French toast is out of this world!…read more I first visited République about 5-6 years ago for brunch, and the food was pretty bad. I recently went back to try their famous French toast, but they were sold out that day. We ended up ordering a burger, kimchi fried rice, and adobo fried rice, and all three were mediocre at best. A few weeks later, I gave them another shot, and OMG, the French toast was so good! It was crispy on the outside and very soft on the inside. Hands down, one of the best French toasts I've ever had! The other dishes I tried were disappointing, but the French toast alone made me glad I came back. Just make sure to get there early before they sell out!

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Republique
Republique
Republique

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Tocaya Modern Mexican - mexican - Updated October 2026

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