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Topanga Café
Category: Restaurants Tex-Mex Tex-Mex [Edit]
2904 W 4th AveVancouver, BC V6K
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 733-3713
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for Topanga Café
Review Highlights
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"hands down best mexican restaurant in town." In 5 reviews -
"...heard about the infamous chocolate cake from Topanga for..." In 5 reviews -
"...all come with complimentary (bottomless) chips and salsa." In 9 reviews
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Trish R.
I'm always hunting for the best Mexican restaurant and I've tried many in Vancouver (if not all!)...
I'm not a big fan of Tex-Mex or "Norte" cuisine, but I just had to try it anyway :)
Topanga's food is very fresh, generous and tasty and if anyone is looking for good Tex-Mex, you won't go wrong with this place. -
Review from Quan H.
A friend brought us 4 here based on that "You gotta eat here" show or something (I've never watched it). There was free parking right outside after 7pm on a Saturday night. The waitress was friendly and accomodating - she offered me crayons and a picture to color while waiting, when she heard me comment on the menu cover.
Other than Taco Bell and Taco Time, I'm completely clueless when it comes to Mexican food, so the little cheat sheet offered at the table with the descriptions of burritos, flautas, tacos, quesadillas etc. are, was very helpful.
I ordered the flautas cuz it seemed like the only one with any crunch in it, and avocadoes. And avocados = love. Two rolls came, one stuffed with dry beef and one with even dryer chicken. If it weren't for the heaping amounts of tomato, avocado and sour cream on top, I don't think I'd be able to finish it. Are the stuff supposed to be dry? Apart from that, it was ok. My tablemates weren't impressed with their dishes either, save for the one that ordered the hamburger LOL.
+ waiter service & crayons
+/- complimentary (stale) chips and salsa
- dry food
Prolly won't come back any time soon... -
Review from Suzette O.
Surrey, BC
After seeing this restaurant on the show, "You Gotta Eat Here", I must admit I had to go and at least try it out since the food look absolutely amazing on TV. Well that's just it, it looked good on TV and felt it wasn't worth it for the amount of money we spent. I found that the food that I ordered was bland. I had to add salt, pepper and lots of hot sauce just for flavor not heat. The guacamole and salsa was plain as well with no flavor. We went around 5pm, just in case if we had to stand in line but we got a seat well in advance on a Saturday night. The service was good but the waitress forgot our drinks so we in turn had to remind her. Also, there was no mention from the waitress if we wanted anything else such as desserts etc. My overall experience, once only never going back again.
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Review from Justin H.
Came with a few friends based on the restaurant being featured on a food show. The service was great but the unanimous consensus was that the dishes were rather bland which was a big disappointment as our expectations were somewhat elevated.
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Review from Lindsay A.
I have been remis by taking so long to write about Topanga Cafe.
This has been one of my go-to spots since forever. Because they have had mixed reviews forever I will explain why I love it.
Vancouver has too few mexican spots, something I realize all to well now that I'm living in L.A. Canada overall has this problem. Toronto makes a go of it, and while delicious it's a different flavor profile from the Mexican that brings me back to childhood dinners at Dusty's.
Topanga serves a specific craving and style of Mexican that gives me burrito boners.
First off, it has charm. The menues on the wall, and a chance to get yours up there (still haven't made it)
Everything is fresh. They dont use lard. They're beans are bomb, and I always skip out on beans.
It is always a hot mound of delicious gooey cheese and sauce and tasty meat.
There is flavor oh so much flavor. Chili relleno, enchiladas, everything is delicious. They're salsa is by far my favorite and the guacamole is smooth and chunky. (yes that does exist)
I will say this as a negative; Their prices are bullshit. I know Vancouver restaurants are overpriced already and I know cheese is expensive and their food costs must be high, but honestly now.
The service can vary so I understand if people have bad experiences but I'd say give it a shot because if you go, chances are your going to have a good meal. -
Review from Sarah O.
Topanga claims to have "California Style" food, maybe because they have a kinship to the actual area of the same name in Los Angeles.. But I'm a little confused on this place. Topanga just reminds me of Boy Meets World. Or in my case, Girl Meets Mediocre "Mexican" Food.
I found this place to be WAY too expensive. Ay Dios Mio! California style Mexican food with higher-end Vancouver restaurant prices? Am I just lost in translation? Their menu was unnecessarily confusing to order from and the portion of (some) dishes were way too small for the price..
Word of advice, Topanga. Every Mexican joint in California serve FREE chips and salsa. Es Verdad. -
Review from Scott H.
We don't need no stinkin' batches! Stopped in last night for a li'l Mexican, and oddly, they have a distinct lack of Mexicans in Topangas. The food is still great and service was solid, but i do have to wonder about the price. It's becoming grande expesivoso (my Spanish blows). Another writer noted the cost of chips and salsa, gotta agree with that. Any other place throws that in as a freebie. Seems ridiculous to pay for. Our bill seemed out of scope.
That said, the food was the best Mexican I've had in Vancouver. Topangas remains a Mexican and not a Mexican't for me, but if the price keeps rising...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/17/2010
Si! Si!
Hadn't been back here in 4 years so was hoping it was still solid. It was. Get the Burrito.… Read more »
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10/17/2010
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Review from Robyn H.
Vancouver, BC
I have been told about this place for most of the time I've been in Vancouver and was SO excited to finally give it a try. I love real Mexican food, the more simple and homemade, the better.
Last night, I made the trek to Kits specifically to give it a try. I like the ambiance a lot, the staff was very friendly and though they forgot to take our order--until we reminded them about 20-30min after our arrival. They were genuinely concerned with the glitch and brought us an overflowing bowl of guacamole (which was appreciated but not necessary).
I had a margarita which is necessary to me at any Mexican establishment though I am very picky w/ them. I'd give it a 7 out of 10. The food was good and the portions were huge (don't go for a combo platter). I had a chile relleno which was deliciously cheesy. I must say however, I was FLOORED by the prices.
$25 for a taco and an enchilada?!!!
Mexican food to me is a comfort food. Like I mentioned: simple and homemade--and approachable. Unfortunately, I don't think I will eat there again, it was just simply overpriced. -
Review from Dee B.
THREE AND A HALF STARS, FELLOW YELPERS?!?! Clearly you require a lesson in Mexican, Tex Mex at that.
My review: if you can't get refried beans right, how are you going to get the rest of it right?!?! Flavourless with a hint of the essence of dirt.
Topanga, you are not what you used to be. I want to get behind your wheel and show you how it's done. I will not be back until this happens.
I give 2 stars for the salsa. Even then, I can make better salsa at home. -
Review from Carly B.
Vancouver, BC
Oh Topanga Cafe, how I love thee.
I am a big fan of the free chips and salsa/guacamole. I always get the burrito. I've had the chicken and the bean and both are super tasty. I like my burritos wet and the sauce does not disappoint. Creamy but with a kick. The portions have to be the best part. Other reviewers have complained about the price... I don't think its overpriced for the amount of food you get. I have yet to finish everything on my plate. You sure don't leave this place hungry. Oh and don't forget to try the cake. Even if you're full, get it to go.
Topanga has officially become my go to place for Mexican in Vancouver. -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
I had heard about the infamous chocolate cake from Topanga for years. I didn't even know what kind of restaurant it was, just that they had the BEST chocolate cake...so imagine my surprise to discover it was Mexican...who knew they did a mean cake???
So..this review is more about the cake them the actual food at Topanga. I recently celebrated my birthday and thought it was the perfect opportunity to have this raved about cake. I thought we might as well eat dinner there as also..so we entered...sat ourselves and grabbed the menu...and looked around at the shabby chic Mexican decor..
Now...I'm not cheap when it comes to great food...nor am I really cheap in general...but after spending alot of cash on bday celebrations I wasn't exactly expecting a little Mexican diner to be spendy...but holy crap..it was SOOOO spendy!! I have never seen $20 tacos in my life...I mean..the space didn't look like somewhere that should be selling $20 tacos...just saying...
So...after taking a look through the menu..my dinning partner and I decided that mayhaps we should just grab the cake to go and find somewhere a bit more cheap and cheerful....we ordered up 2 huge slabs of cake..which was only $7 for both..so at least the dessert is affordable..and off we went...
The cake...OMG..the cake...SO yummy..totally worth the hype..YUM..I have no idea what's in it but it can't be good for you to be sooo effing good...seriously..there must be small traces of crack or something 'cause I am hooked...
I will for sure be back for the cake....and maybe when not broke I'll even try the $20 tacos...is they are half as good as the cake it will be worth the money! -
Review from Daniel B.
"Can you recommend something good on the menu?"
"Dude, we've been open for 20 years and the menu hasn't changed. Everything's good on the menu."
That pretty much sums it up.
The restaurant serves Mexican food, is themed like California and is physically in Canada. It's like an advertisement for supporting NAFTA. -
Review from Gersham M.
Vancouver, BC
Most excellent Californian-Mexican style Tacos, Burritos and Enchiladas. In that context you'll find nothing better in Vancouver (and oh, I've looked).
The Chocolate cake and cheesecake is really good as well if in the improbable event you have room after the bottomless chips and salsa and the large entree portions.
One star removed for the price. Way too expensive for what you're getting given this isn't much more than a hole in the wall.
Edit: Just came back from Topanga again and I'm knocking off another star. It has become way too expensive for what you get. The place is a hole in the wall, not some fancy restaurant in Yaletown. Sheesh. -
Review from Andrew S.
Langley, BC
Savoury food but at what cost?
Dined here today. Found it to be quite tasty, and decent sized portions. Had the enchilada/chile relleno entree with a lime margarita. My wife had a enchilada/taco entree with a strawberry margarita. Given the decor and sparcity of the room, I don't think it should have been $57 for that meal (with tax). Very tasty but would not go back at that price, too many other places to check out.
Apparently they have been in business there for 30 years, so they certainly are doing well for themselves. For me personally, I'll pay less and go back to Los Margaritas sadly. -
Review from Brett C.
Toronto, ON
I must admit upfront, I am extremely spoiled when it comes from Mexican food. Having lived in California from age 8 to 26 I grew up with great, cheap Mexican food. This makes it hard for me to appreciate any Mexican food that one can find in Vancouver.
While Topanga Café is fine, it isn't that great compared to what I am used to in California. While the portions are good for Vancouver, the taste is in no way great.
If I ignored all Mexican food I have eaten outside of Vancouver, I would give this place a solid 3. -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
Would give it 5 stars if they accepted credit cards so warning--bring cash or use debit.
I like the taste as it's not really spicy at all (not that I mind spicy but it's a nice change). The wait staff are always willing to explain what is in the dishes. The food is always fresh and the volume, if a bit much, is at least manageable.
It's basically Tex-Mex with a California spin to it. -
Review from Steve K.
Richmond, BC
As you have read in my reviews before - I am really critical on Mexican in Vancouver. I must say that I was a little more impressed with this little Mexican cafe. The place is a little dated and should consider remodelling for the price of the products, but the portions were really big.
It was a one of the hottest Saturdays on record so we opted to sit out on the patio. I was really glad that this place is on the south side of West 4th. Avenue, or we would have been burnt to a crisp.
The chips and salsa were endless - true. The Dos Equis Lager washed them down just fine. We were really glad we ordered the one burrito entree as duel item would have been taken home or made us POP!
The quality was good for any of the other places that I have dined at in Vancouver, but I wished there was a little more lettuce and tomatoes withe the burrito, beans, and rice.
We wanted to try the chocolate cake, but didn't have room to breathe - let alone move. Sorry, we might save room on our next visit.
See you nice folks next time! -
Review from Crazy P.
Vancouver, BC
Tastes a bit like fast food. As another reviewer said it is very Tex-Mex.
Note: one entrée is a lot of food.
Positives
+ friendly staff
+ good for kids (can draw on the place mats with crayons)
+ the food is decent (isn't most food good if it is fried ?)
+ a lot of food (two entrees was way to much food for two)
+ they do take out
+ not spicy so you can add as much heat as you like
Negatives
- cost ~$54 for 2 burrito entrée, 2 taco entrée and some guacamole
- guacamole tastes like it has garlic in it (why do that?)
- the quality and taste of the food is not worth the price -
Review from Tim L.
This is a hidden treat as not too many people know about this place compared to Las Margaritas.
Their style is a little different focusing more on the California/Mexican type of food and taste. For that it gets it bang on and is absolutely delicious. Portions are generous and staff are very jovial and friendly for the older staff.
If you happen to get one that's most likely attending UBC and is here waiting tables it tends to be not so friendly and attentive.
The food makes up for it though. -
Review from Neil M.
Vancouver, BC
I grew up going to this restaurant and used to be a huge fan... until about two years ago.
Sadly, the original owner passed away and since then the restaurant has slowly gone downhill. While the food is still delicious, with a prompt kitchen and (generally) friendly service, the prices keep rising and are no longer in sync with the service, location or ambience.
I still eat here on occasion, but when there are so many great restaurants in this city in the same price range that offer more exciting food and service, it is more out of habit than anything else. -
Review from David G.
Vancouver, BC
I've been here a couple of times with my wife. They serve up great tex-mex at decent prices! The salsa they brought out before the meal was great and the waiter (had the same one each time) was couteous and friendly.
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Review from West D.
Vancouver, BC
A small restaurant with the tables packed together. Noisy, like you're in a tin can, because of no sound deadening. A little expensive for the standard nacho-laden Mexican fare.
Everything tasted OK, but there were SMALL ROCKS IN THE FOOD ! I told the waiter and he's like: "Oh yeah, it happens all the time" - then explained something about how the beans are sorted on the ground and rocks get scooped up with them when bagged for shipment. Small comfort if I'd broken a tooth. -
Review from Renee S.
Vancouver, BC
The food was good: large portions, but fairly plain. Decent service -- though we came right after work, so there weren't a lot of people there yet. The food is not spicy, as one other reviewer noted, but it's also kind of bland. I wouldn't say it's worth the price they're charging for it, honestly; I'd heard good things, but I was a bit underwhelmed!
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Review from Mike O.
Port Moody, BC
Such a relaxed little place. Feels like you're in some San Diego café, except that there weren't any Mexican-American's working when I went. The atmosphere is pretty casual and colourful. There are neon signs everywhere. The server told me it was to detract the cockroaches. Joking of course. Chips and salsa are served free when you get there - another Mexican tradition. Try the Chicken Quesadilla or the gorditas. They serve them both with extra cheese and guacamole. Everything is served with rice and beans and salad. They have some good seafood fare, but why bring the ocean into all this? Stay inland and in Mexico. There's tons of stuff on the menu. Si, senior...si...
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Review from Megan S.
Hooray for good Mexican food! Hooray for decent Mexican food in Vancouver! Being from Austin, Texas, I have to adjust my standards when going out for Mexican. Though my review will be nit picky, I will say that this is the best Mexican I've had in town.
It's a nice little hole in the wall, just past McDonald and 4th. They have a very small patio- not sure hot it gets used in warmer weather. You get to pick your own table- most are 4 seat tables. It's a very small restaurant, so tables are pretty close together. I LOVE that on the wall they have many framed pictures of their menu colored in. Some of them look so good.
The menu had the standard options, but was pricey. For instance, since
when does an a la carte item, like a taco, cost $8. Seriously? A taco meal, with rice and beans was just a little more, but if you wanted 2 tacos then the price nearly doubles! Not sure what's going on with those prices. When you order an entree, chips and salsa are free. The salsa is very bland (where's the zing?), but definitely eatable. I ordered the single cheese enchilada meal. The cheese covered the enchilada, and much of the rice. Not stingy on the cheese is a bonus in my book! The enchilada was good- I was surprised to see that they used green onions inside the enchilada- not what I'm used to, but it was good. The rice and beans were traditional and good. I ordered a Dos Equis- and was surprised when they brought me the amber version. Isn't the lager typically the default? Well anyways, if you want the lager- I guess you should specify. My friend ordered a coke, and for her $2, she got a can and a cup of ice. That is a major down side in my book- for $2 you should be able to get as many refills as you want. Come on, get fountain drinks!
The waiter took our plates at the end of the meal, and never gave us a
bill. I'm not sure what's traditional. Finally, we just went up to the
counter to pay. Is this customary? I didn't see anyone else doing this,
but perhaps it's the norm? A little confusing.
Like I said, best Mexican I've had in Vancouver, but still room for
improvement. -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
The quality and portions have not changed in the over 20 years of eating there. This is Vancouver's only real California Mexican restaurant. It has the feel of a neighbourhood haunt and is always warm and welcoming, I forget about it for months then crave an eggplant tostada and I'm back. They have great margaritas at really cheap prices for Kitsalano.
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Review from Paddy R.
Their signs says "California Style Mexican Food". It should say Canadian Style Mexican't Food. I'm currently visiting from Los Angeles to see family and wanted some Mexican food. Seeing how I'm born and raised in SoCal (that's southern California for those who don't know) you could call me an expert on Mexican food. Topanga Cafe is NOT Mexican food, it just decorated to look like it.
I ordered the carnitas (pork) burrito plate. First of all the waitress didn't even know what carnitas was! Then I had to request to have the cook put beans and rice in the burrito. WHAT?! and ordered it wet as well. It came wet, a little bit of red sauce and a lot of there guacamole sauce, not!! The meat was not Mexican style it was a Canadian pork cutlet cut up. Then I tried the beans, again, WHAT?!! They put cumin it the beans. I didn't order a bowl of chili. Mexicans don't put cumin in beans, not even the Cali ones.
The staff was very nice and the price was way to high and the food is not Mexican!!!
Jonesing for a taco truck. -
Review from James E.
We only ordered a plate of nachos to share, but they were supreme (guacamole!) and perfect for a quick lunch.
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Review from Kal B.
in the words of russell peters.. this place is mind blasting!! no not mind blowing.. it blaaaaaaaasted my mind (said in cheesy indian accent)!!!
this has been my favourite mexican restaurant in Van for the past few years or so since i first went.. very tiny hole in the wall place in Kits close to 4th and bayswater.. i still have trouble seeing it sometimes cuz its so hidden
it touts itself as California-style Mexican food.. not very large inside.. the walls are actually adorned with colored in menu covers.. all in different styles.. dozens to hundred+ framed menu covers.. its actually kinda cool.. when you sit down the food menu, the drink menu and a laminated chart describing different mexican dishes (definition of tostada, burrito, enchilada, chile releno, and so on) are all already at your table
when i first came here this place was usually packed or had a line up especially on fridays and saturdays (they are closed sundays!).. and there is no 'waiting area' like anton's so seats which are in short supply were highly sought after.. over the past year or so this has tapered off.. i think one of the reasons is that as other reviewers for this joint have mentioned is the prices are STEEP for the food.. they've actually gone up about $5-10 further in the past 1.5 years or so.. so now they are VERY STEEP for certain items.. that may deserve at least one star being knocked off.. but the food is so DAMN good.. it gets a 5 from me!
i've come with a bunch of people who have had their firsts at this place and its been memorable for all of them.. on my most recent visit last nite, my friend said this is one of those places that you know you'll 'crave'.. for me its always been comfort food and a place where you know you are going to get a solid meal
i 'think' i've mastered the best things to get off the menu:
entrees all come with complimentary (bottomless) chips and salsa.. the salsa is fresh.. a hint of spicy but not overpowering.. and i usually order a full order of guacamole for about $6.. which is like OMG sooooo good... creamy, fresh and just delightful!
the wine is outstanding.. i always get a carafe (which i swear got bigger.. and holds about a litre) of red import wine which is only $12.. i believe its a Chilean wine if memory serves me correctly.. this helps offset some of those high food costs.. drinks (margaritas, etc) are also very cheap
for entrees.. i usually get the enchilada and burrito entree.. a LOT of food! most times i can't finish it and have leftovers.. but sometimes i can stuff it down if i'm super hungry and if i'm there for a while.. the dishes come with rice, beans and a bit of salad (i usually sub for more rice instead of beans but they are not bad; just not a huge fan of beans).. the dishes are baked.. so you have a nice green mole sauce on your enchilada and they have cheese baked onto your burrito and the rice.. the secret is in the details and these guys have nailed it! this entree is about $22.. and i always sub for premium fillings.. ie grilled chicken and sirloin at $4 per upgrade.. so basically this dish is $30! again steep for mexican food.. but gosh darn it they got me hooked so i am more than happy to fork it over!
i've had the chile releno (basically a large, deep fried, stuffed with cheese jalapeno popper) before.. its just OK, not really worth it.
the prawn entree (either enchilada or burrito) is also in my list of faves! this is what i suggested my friend get last nite.. she had her reservations (prawns at a mexican place.. is that gonna be good?)... YES its really good! they put some sort of coating or flavouring on them that send yum shivers down your spine!
reading some of the other reviews on this place i didn't realize the dessert was so popular.. i NEVER have room for dessert at this place but once me and a couple friends did split a piece of chocolate cake which was around $4-5 and it was not bad.. nothing crazy good but i will give it another go i think to reassess
hands down best mexican restaurant in town.. most people know las margaritas as a house hold name and its ok too.. but this place is DA BOMB.. so bring your appetite, and your wallet for a post FOOD COMA good time! -
Review from globalgal L.
After a second visit to this little Mexican spot, I wanted to give some feedback. However, I have to note a key background point for my average rating - first, is the realization of limited good Mexican food thus far in Vancouver. Having lived in Colorado where Mexican food is cheap AND delicious (i.e. taco dinner for a few dollars), I have had a challenge finding tasty, flavorful Mexican food here.
In light of the limited options in Vancouver for REALLY tasty Mexican, I think Topanga is good. Its ambiance is nice, especially in the evening, the waitstaff isn't overtly offensive nor overtly friendly and the food... well, the food is about the same - nothing to write home about nor to throw out onto the street. I tend to try a standard, like a chicken taco which, if done well, will leave you saying, was that just a taco?
That said, I do think the prices are a bit high - $10.95 for one taco with rice and beans? And, $18.95 for two tacos! However, the quantity of beans is more than one could (or should) ingest in one sitting - take that as good or bad. On the flipside, the creative decor of menus on the wall and vibrant colors adds a nice little touch.
So, all for all, definitely pop in for a bite and enjoy the cute setting, but I will continue the hunt for the best Mexican food in town where the flavours are as genuine as the friendly staff at the door bringing up fresh memories of my time in old Mexico (and Colorado!). -
Review from Daniella E.
Vancouver, BC
Growing up in Cali Mexican food is my fav. And I'm quite picky. I may have ordered the wrong things here, since my friends seemed to enjoy their food. And my one friend has been eating here since he was young and devoured three things on the menu plus chocolate cake. HE would give this place a FIVE. Tho myself just barely a three star... Why? One: my black bean soup was more like dip it was so thick. It was tasty but not appetizing after a few bits. Honestly I wanted to ask for a bigger bowl and some hot water or sour cream or something to thin it out. But that would be gross so instead I asked for it to go and did that a t home. Second: my Eggplant enchilada was sour and very very greasy. Took a few bits and couldn't eat anymore. Two much cheese and grease turn me off. The chips and salsa at the top of the meal was good! Also it was so expensive.. especially since I didn't eat my food. I would expect it to be amazing for that price. Also the service is fine.. it's ok. . I know Vancouver doesn't have amazing mexican.. I feel like I should go back and give it another try after reading positive reviews.. ahhh not any time soon.
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Review from aiden b.
Vancouver, BC
Topanga cafe - this is not California mexican - nuff said
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Review from j b.
Vancouver, BC
Just have to echo what everyone else has already said. The food is good, but not outstanding. Prices are ridiculous. I've never had the privilege to live in the US where excellent Mexican food is cheap and plentiful, but I was still horrified to see tacos with a $20 price tag. Still on the hunt for that perfect place...
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Review from naila d.
Burnaby, BC
Yummy food! Love the beef enchilada. There is usually a line up but it is worth the wait. The service is polite but curt.
