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Los Angeles, CA

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Tocaya Modern Mexican

3.8 (480 reviews)
Open • 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

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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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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!

Mi Corazon - carne tacos

Mi Corazon

3.8(773 reviews)
4.3 mi•Los Feliz
•$$

This bar is fantastic! A large space with lots of options for seating inside and out. Very chill…read morevibe. We had intended to go to the bar next door, but one look at the crowd there and the loud throbbing music turned us off. I had wanted to go to Mi Corazon anyway, and was glad the group agreed. Lots of great mezcal and tequila options, as well as a well-stocked bar with wine, beer and cocktails. And the food menu looks great, but we didn't try it. Next time! The bartender was great and served us at our table. Brought us chips and a delicious homemade spicy salsa. The atmosphere was perfect for conversation, with good indie music playing at the right level. I will be back.

1 Star -- Extremely disappointing experience…read more Unfortunately, our experience at this restaurant was horrible from the moment we arrived. When I first arrived, I gave them the name of our reservation, and the staff had no idea what I was talking about. We were a party of 6, yet they seated us at a tiny table that was clearly not appropriate for our group. When it was time to order, my husband very clearly told the waiter which pasta he wanted and even showed him a picture of the item on the menu. The waiter looked at it and agreed. My food came out, but my husband's food never did. We eventually found out that his order was never even put in. What made it worse was when the waiter came out saying, "Oh my God, I thought you said you didn't want it." Everyone at the table looked at him completely confused because my husband had literally told him what he wanted and showed him the menu item. Instead of simply acknowledging the mistake and fixing it, we were left waiting. On top of that, trying to get anyone's attention was nearly impossible. We had to repeatedly try to get someone's attention just to get basic service. Then there was another issue with the entrance fee. My sister-in-law had messages showing that we were told that if we ate at the restaurant, we would no longer have to pay the entrance fee. We showed those messages to the woman handling the wristbands, but instead of looking into it or speaking to someone who could clarify the situation, she simply said, "I don't know, you have to pay." No attempt was made to investigate or resolve the issue. After everything that happened, they still added a tip to the bill, despite the extremely poor service we received. Overall, this was one of the most frustrating restaurant experiences I've had. Poor communication, poor service, lack of organization, and no effort to make things right. I definitely will not be recommending this place to anyone, and we will not be returning.

Photos
Mi Corazon - The veggie burrito diet works!

The veggie burrito diet works!

Mi Corazon
Mi Corazon - The Shinning Star (Paper Art Sacred Heart Collection)

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The Shinning Star (Paper Art Sacred Heart Collection)

Guelaguetza Restaurante - Complimentary Chips and Mole.

Guelaguetza Restaurante

3.9(3.3k reviews)
2.5 mi•Harvard Heights
•$$
Family-owned & operated

Guelaguetza is a festive and joyful space for celebrations. There's colorful art throughout with a…read morepink tree in the middle surrounded by marigolds. As you enter the main dining room, there's a show. A couple people are laying down an energetic beat on a large marimba while guitarists play traditional Oaxacan melodies. Chapulines: These toasted grasshoppers are crispy like chips or fried shrimp. Seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and chile de arbol, they'd be s great snack with a cold beer. Tear off a piece of the house-made tortilla and form a taco with some chapulines, avocado, Oaxacan string cheese, and salsa. Mole Rojo: The incredible red mole is a complex blend of warm spices. There's layers of creamy nuttiness from toasted almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds. Heirloom tomatoes provide redness and sweetness. The Chilhuacle rojo is an heirloom chili pepper from Oaxaca known for a citrusy fig-like flavor with jalapeño-like heat. Ancho chilies add some faint smokiness. The aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves add to the boldness of smooth comforting flavors. With giant, juicy, and tender pork ribs and rice, and more house-made tortillas, it's easy to clean up all the delicious mole! Flan: For my continuing birthday month festivities, my friends surprised me with a big slice of flan with a candle. The custard is cold, thick, rich, smooth, and creamy. Parking: They have a huge valet parking lot for $7. There's also street parking in the neighboring streets.

Maybe they're really good at what they do, but I'm just not into authentic mole sauce and tostadas?…read moreI feel like we sampled a big part of the menu (4 kinds of mole with shredded chicken, a huge Tlayuda and a Mamela sampler (5 tostados, but not easy to share each kind because it's hard to cut), but nothing really stood out for me. The food prices were reasonable (but not drinks - they were pricey!), but I guess it's hard to live up to the level of hype this place gets (Eater LA, James Beard nom, lots of other awards, etc). My 3-star award would set expectations at a more realistic level. Regret not going to a Korean place in koreatown.

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Guelaguetza Restaurante - Beautifully painted mural outside of Guelaguetza Restaurante

Beautifully painted mural outside of Guelaguetza Restaurante

Guelaguetza Restaurante - Delicious chocolate cake.

Delicious chocolate cake.

Guelaguetza Restaurante - Chapulines

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Chapulines

Mirate - bar downstairs

Mirate

4.1(1.2k reviews)
4.4 mi•Los Feliz
Private events
Outdoor seating

The food was stellar. We were there for brunch on Saturday. The wait was mot bad. The service was…read morecharming - only there at the right times. We loved the atrium and the art. Downsides - hard to find parking, long climb up the stairs.

I would actually give Mirate a 3.5 because the drinks are phenomenal but the food was a huge let…read moredown. Unfortunately the flavors for the food here fell really flat for us for the most part. We came here for my friend's birthday and her steak was perfectly cooked and delicious. The pulque bread with miso butter and the guac were also delicious appetizers. Those were the 3 best dishes of the night. We also shared the crab bunuelos, the cochinita sopes, and the pulpo tacos. Sopes are my favorite Mexican dish, but these ones were too difficult to cut through/bite through. The pulpo taco, we could mostly taste the tortilla, the pulpo didn't shine through. And the bunuelos were fine, but not something super memorable. One of my friends had the duck emolada, and I had the branzino. As I mentioned, the birthday girl got the steak and that was delicious. But my other friend was really let down by his emolada which he has been wanting to try forever. My branzino was well cooked, the green sauce was pretty good. But the tomatillo greens salad on the dish was possibly one of the worst things I've ever eaten. And I love bitter, and I love greens.... But this was next level where I involuntarily made a sour puss face with each bite. For dessert we had the chocolate cake with cafe de Olla which was moist and good. We also got the pulque with the prickly pear, which was veryyyyyy sweet and none of us cared for that much. (Even tho I usually love prickly pear desserts) The service was nice, no one dropped the ball, but nothing stood out either. The restaurant itself is beautiful but it is open air (with no AC) so it was very hot since we have had so many hot days here in LA. We took a Lyft so we didn't have to worry about parking.

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Mirate - Brunch

Brunch

Mirate
Mirate - Brunch

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Brunch

El Tepeyac Cafe - 7/28/24: Okie de Pollo Burrito -- fireeeeeee!!!

El Tepeyac Cafe

3.8(2.9k reviews)
3.4 mi•Boyle Heights
•$$

4++ This place feels like an East LA/ Boyle Heights institution. They serve as both a café and a…read moretakeout window. You can die in and have a vibe of a small pop type place or you can order it and have takeout at the side window. The folks here are very friendly either way. A few coworkers and I were trying to get some takeout so I went with the Hollenbeck chile verde. This burrito was huge and the food lasted me at least two meals easily. The price is pretty reasonable as well. I've been wanting to come to this place a long time. Years ago I saw this place on food shows and what not. Can't believe it took me this long to come here. Glad I got to experience it. One of their items is that huge burrito which of course I couldn't partake in especially since I was planning on going back to work. If you want a good hearty meal in the area for a decent price this is a great option. Especially for their burritos.

Been coming to this place since I was a kid & recently started coming back. Taste is always great…read morebut the business is practicing deception w their pricing. Last time I was here was last June & the menu prices were not the correct prices. I was not notified of this by the waitress but when I received the receipt. A difference of $3 for the burritos from the menu prices. The waitress's reasoning was they haven't got their new menus OK no problem. I go back today, 3.5 months later. The burrito menu prices have not been corrected in the menu & I revise the receipt w an increase of $3 and no indication on the menu. The waitress uses the same excuse as she did in June, except this time I call her out on it. She states that it indicates that "prices are subject to change", in very small print. I inform her that that change must be indicated by the waitress or the menu by California law. Even though I brought this to her attention, she stuck by it. She also charged twice for cheese. I also paid for the Large burrito but it came out the mini-burrito. I hate to say, but this place is practicing pricing deception. The owner and the supervisors better correct this, quick. It is the waitresses job to inform the customers of the price increase. This Is technically theft, just like if a customer walks out on a bill. I didn't argue. I just adjusted the tip accordingly. These are tough times & no one should be taken advantage of. Manny would not be cool w this. ***Just spoke w the Manager Ghay about the issue & he was unwilling to listen, & very defensive. He claims that he knows the law & does not have to indicate the current prices. After I explained he was violating city laws by not informing patrons of prices. He said I could speak to the owner "Carlos" & hung up on me. This guy is gonna learn the hard way that he's committing theft. This guy better change his tune bc the place is usually empty these days.

Photos
El Tepeyac Cafe - Interior restaurant

Interior restaurant

El Tepeyac Cafe - Chicken enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas

El Tepeyac Cafe - Beef tacos Crunchy

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Beef tacos Crunchy

Tocaya Modern Mexican - mexican - Updated October 2026

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