La Cabana

3.5 star rating
20 reviews Rating Details

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

467 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 1P1
Neighbourhoods: Greektown, Riverdale
(416) 461-0556
Hours:

Mon-Tue 4 pm - 10:30 pm

Wed-Sun 12 pm - 11 pm

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Noise Level:
Average
Has TV:
Yes
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20 reviews in English

  • Review from Ashley P.

    • 1 friend
    • 57 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    2/25/2012

    Went here for lunch on a cold and windy Saturday afternoon. We were the only ones in there, but that didn't bother us. I guess it was the owner that served us, who was very welcoming and friendly. Made us feel like we were at home.

    The restaurant was a bit cold, but I'm sure it warms up at night when there are more people eating there. The atmosphere was cozy, cafe style with mexican music playing in the background.

    We ordered the chicken tacos la cabana and the bistek ranchero. Both were delicious and offered plenty of food. My only complaint is that I wish there was a bit more spice.

    The sangrias were awesome, came in a big glass with fresh fruit.

    It was a bit pricey, but I would like to come back again, this time at night, and save some room for dessert. :)

  • Review from Jill C.

    • 73 friends
    • 162 reviews

    North York, ON

    5.0 star rating
    12/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Since Acapulco is where I want to be in the winter I was on a mission to find an authentic Mexican restaurant!

    I Found this restaurant from a coupon in the entertainment book and was searching for a Mexican restaurant, this is the only option that showed up so we decided to try it.

    It is a family run restaurant, very nice people, it was authentic Mexican food with lots of flavor.

    The Mexican salad was very tasty, very delicious but also very small portioned. The chicken fajitas were excellent as was the deep fried ice cream.

    The prices are also very reasonable, I will be coming back!

  • Review from Joe B.

    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Québec, QC

    1.0 star rating
    4/28/2012

    Was looking forward to it, place is closed. Thought folks should know before they get as excited as I did.

  • Review from Jorge L.

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    8/1/2011 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    My coupon-fanatic friend and I decided to come here to try the place since we get 50%.  I forgot what I even ordered but I remember not being impressed. But at least I was not horrified. There are some restaurants where you just want to run out to the street after tasting their food. This isn't one of those.

    The ambience, though, was nice and the server was good. The place is clean (very important) and cozy.

    Will I ever come back? Maybe. If I find another coupon.

  • Review from Katie W.

    • 2 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/2/2011

    Great place. Have gone on three separate occasions, always get the rassberry margarita and start with chips and salsa.

    The food  isn't that authentic or exciting, but the enchiladas are good enough for me; especially since it's a short walk from my house. Not necessarily the best Mexican in town but far from the worst. Service is speedy and very friendly. Will definitely become one of my go-to spots on the Danforth.

  • Review from Tong J.

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    1/16/2011 16 photos 1 Check-in Here

    The freezing cold weather in Toronto makes me wish I was in Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Cozumel, México.  No time to escape to the Yucatan.  So I thought of the next best thing, jaunting around México via La Cabana.

    Service was excellent here.  A friendly, cheery and outgoing Mexican guy made us feel right at home.

    The menu featured everyone's Mexican favorite dishes:  Guacamole, Nachos, Burrito, Pozole, Quesadilla, Enchilada, Chimichanga and Fajita.

    The Botanas, Guacamole La Cabana was okay for us.  We were hoping for guacamole with a bit more of a kick

    My Wingman ordered today's special, Asado de Cerdo.  Stewed pork marinated with guajillo pepper and spices.  He was kind enough to share it with all of us.  I loved the guajillo pepper blend sauce, which complimented the pork nicely.  If the pork was more tender, this dish would be even more tasty.

    Flautas de Pollo, this golden fried corn tortilla with chicken was quite substantial, well presented, but lacked flavor.

    I, on the other hand, was looking for a dish that would take me closest to Méxican beaches.  Mariscos Acapolco seemed like the perfect choice.  The broth was decent with a good amount of mixed seafood.  But the ranchero sauce based dish with overcooked seafood left me half-way to Acapolco.

    Overall, La Cabana is a respectable Méxican restaurant.  Decent food with fantastic service.

  • Review from Jennifer K.

    Markham, ON

    2.0 star rating
    1/20/2011 2 photos

    Going to La Cabana is a last minute decision since we cannot secure a reservation for Frida and my fellow friends want to have Mexican food.

    I have never been to a Mexican restaurant outside of Mexico... so coming La Cabana with no expectations... but I left with disappointment....

    Our waiter is one of the most friendly Mexican waiters I ever met and I don't have to speak Spanish to him... that is a plus. Services here was friendly and excellent.... 3 stars

    Now to the food...... Seriously, La Cabana really have to work on improving the quality of the food.

    Most of the food here does not have the intense taste, freshness and seasonings of the Mexican dishes I ate before...

    The chicken I ordered tasted like something I made at home with a jar of Mexican sauce I can get from the supermarket... and the Shrimp Tapas we ordered are so pathetic which I said is tasteless!!

    Luckily the spicy Jalapeno sauce which I requested after tasting the other red coloured unflavoured sauce saved the day... it gave a good kick of everything I ate...

    I asked the waiter why none of the dishes are really spicy up like the authentic dishes, he did comment that most people cannot take the heat..... hmmm??

  • Review from Nicole C.

    East York, ON

    1.0 star rating
    3/26/2011

    I think I'm missing something that the other Yelpers are all talking about: this place was horrible!

    Everything except for the chips (which we had to order while everyone else got a basket for free by the way) were the best tasting things we had for dinner since everything else was bland and boring. Plus the service was pretty slow. Its a shame because I was really hankering for some authentic style Mexican after returning home from my trip to the Mayan Riviera.

    I'm not sure if it was just an off day, but I really have no desire to check this place out a second time.

  • Review from WaYnE c.

    • 86 friends
    • 871 reviews

    Maple, ON

    3.0 star rating
    1/16/2011

    Ay, Caramba!  That's one of my extremely limited Spanish vocabulary, the rest being Food related names.  At least that's what I thought while I got up to research the small blackboard on the wall with the specials-of-the-day.  The likes of Carne Asada, Tacos Al Pastor and my selection of Asado de Cerdo.  Nice of them to put the detailed description along with the dish names but the lone friendly Gentleman server would be glad to explain as he noted to me in advance.   2.5 *star*

    There was a bit of Mexican colors to the dining space with a couple Sombreros to give it slightly more themed in comparison to the psychotic colored plastic plates used for sharing Tapas which could have been perfect for Children's Piñata Parties.

    Spicy Condiments arrive at your table as you sit and this is one of the KEYS to a better meal here.  Most items will lack the spices and it will be self-adjusted by the given Green Sauce.  No doubt it had a good SEAR on my tongue.  Good for melting the snow outside rather than the Salt on roads preserving my car like a Bacalhau Salt Fish.

    Guacamole la Cabana  -  While I like the Tortilla Chip selection better than those Nachos that come with your normal Nachos Platters at a typical Sports Bar or Pub, the Guacamole lacked seasoning and ingredients which made it more of plain Mash Avocado instead.

    Camarones Picantes  -  This was supposedly the spiciest of the three Shrimp Tapas dishes from the list but again needed to add that killer Green Spicy Sauce.  I guess Picante here is more like False Advertising.  2nd Miss!

    Asado de Cerdo  -  Guajillo Pepper Stewed Pork w/Herbs & Spices.  I enjoyed this Stew Pork served with Rice, Frijoles & Tortillas.  Much more enjoyable than the other Chicken dishes my dinnermates chose.  It still lack that spicy heat but at minimum the sauce with the Pork gave some depth of flavour FINALLY!

  • Review from Ale N.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    11/17/2010

    This place is AWESOME!!! I went in Oct. 2010 - having just returned from San Fran where you can find real authentic Mexican food at every corner, I didn't have very high expectations. BUT - the food was even better than anything I had tasted States side!!

    The portions were perfect (not huge not small). They make heir own salsa. I had the beef chimichanga - it was soooo delicious!! The daiquiris were amazing (margaritas too but I'm not a tequila fan) - they'll even mix flavours for you - I think I had strawberry coconut.

    Service was great too. Very friendly. The decor wasn't anything special but don't let that deter you from delicious food and a great experience!!

  • Review from Charlotte S.

    • 8 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    8/24/2010

    I have to start by saying that my review may come across as biased. The simple fact is that I live in the Danforth neighbourhood and I don't like Greek food (it's just a preference thing).

    My husband and I and the occassional friend group or family member visit this place about once a week. The owner, Eduardo, is the most endearing man you will ever meet and serves up hearty, delicious, fresh dishes for really reasonable prices.

    They have everything on offer from fajitas to an excellent chips & guacamole to pozole soup to many breaded seafood dishes, daily specials, etc. All delicious. He will even tailor dishes to dietary restrictions or allergies. He offers takeout and the restaurant itself is totally no-frills. When the food is this good, you can picture yourself somewhere much more exotic than Toronto eating your delicious homecooked Mexican food.

    It's the best Mexican food I've had (I've tried Margaritas, Quesada, Willow and a number of other places) and they all come up short in some way by comparison.

  • Review from Phillip Jessie j.

    • 2 friends
    • 71 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    11/25/2009

    great food, I had the calamari with some sauce with a mango daiquiri  and my friend had the enchiladas. The owner is very nice and attentive, but he gives you lots of space. The atmosphere was good with some nice Latin music in the background and dim lighting. Food and service was good, pretty cheap too, we both got drinks(alcoholic) and a meal and it was $37. I will go back for sure

    (it may not be authentic but its damn good.)

  • Review from Joanna L.

    • 10 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    12/14/2009

    I went to La Cabana this past Friday night with a fairly large group of friends.
    While the owner was very friendly, the decor unfortunately leaves much to be desied.
    The fruit flies buzzing around were kinda yucky too.
    On a positive note, the food was tasty and the beverages, especially the alcoholic ones, were very generous! ) I'd say the food/drink selection overall was pretty good.

    Unfortunately, the food portions we're a little scarce and many of us left feeling not quite full or had to order a second dish halfway throughout our meals.

    It was a decent little place.

  • Review from Ricky C.

    • 11 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2010

    As with many others in the city, my search for good Mexican always falls short. The other issue is that most of the well received Mexican restaurants are in the west end of the city. La Cabana is an amazing option in the East end (and the entire city).

    The service and hospitality of the place is always warm. We are usually greeted by Eduardo (owner) and he is always in a pleasant mood. I have tried several of the popular menu items:
    -Tortillas and guac: absolutely amazing, perfect blend of seasoning and and underlying cilantro flavour
    -Shrimps with salsa verde: Shrimps came out tender to perfection (I was able to pull the shrimp out of its tail perfectly using just a fork. The sauce is not too spicy, allowing you to taste all the flavours.
    -Chicken burrito: simple, but yummy. Shredded chicken seasoned perfectly and refried bean sauce
    -Chicken Enchilada: Simply amazing (doesn't come out too spicy which is fine for me. I'm a spice lover so I just season to taste with their homemade hot sauce. If you are really adventurous, try their special habanaro hot sauce)
    -Veggie Enchilada: usually veggie options at Mexican places are sad. It usually means just some fried onions and peppers -this included that and more - eggplant, zuchinni. Delicious and hearty.

    In conclusion, the is overwhelmingly going to be my go-to mexican joint. Prices are quite reasonable. $70 (plus tip) for 2 people for all of the above, plus a HUGE pitcher of sangria.

  • Review from Jason D.

    • 1 friend
    • 1 review

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Great tacos al pastor, just like they are traditionally made!  Highly recommend this small, homey restaurant. Great service every time.

  • Review from Zoran B.

    • 1 friend
    • 28 reviews

    Markham, ON

    2.0 star rating
    9/22/2010 1 Check-in Here

    OK, this review is overdue. Been here with my wife a few weeks ago. True, the ambient is pleasant and colorful, the waiter was friendly and entertaining, but the food left us unimpressed. We had enchiladas, mine were supposed to be spicy, my wife's mild. They both tasted the same, which is to say, they had no taste at all. They were quite bland. Sangria felt like there's been quite a bit of water added to it, all in all an experience I wish to forget and never repeat. The sombreros on the wall and bright colors were not enough to make me reconsider.

  • Review from Steve S.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    2.0 star rating
    11/13/2011

    It is hard to find decent Mexican in Toronto and this place is no exception. The decent reviews fooled us. The food was very bland. I've actually had better frozen dinners.

  • Review from Bill C.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    East York, ON

    1.0 star rating
    11/7/2011

    The service here is warm and friendly, but the food really is run of the mill. The one-star rating applies only to the food, which really is bland. They don't make their own chips and their refried beans taste like they are from a can. Just can't recommend this place.

  • Review from michael t.

    • 6 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    12/16/2008

    My partner and I moved here from texas 6 months ago and thought we would never find good mexican food.  We were happily surprised when we found La Cabana.  The place is clean and cozy...and serves up real mexican food with a flair.  The only sad part is that they do not make their own chips or tortillas.  When dining you will probably be waited on by the owner or his niece...both extremely personable.  My favorite dish is the fajitas...but they are more like carne guisada that real fajitas.

  • Review from Jennifer P.

    • 2 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Tasty dinner tonight as always.  Great homemade-style Mexican food....and always served with such a pleasant demeanor.

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