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La Carnita-John St, Toronto, ON

La Carnita-John St

4.3
4.3
1336 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 30 times today
  • Good for groups
  • Lively
  • Great for happy hour
Locally designed with the help of some of Toronto’s best street style artists, La Carnita is the spot to enjoy delicious tacos, a handful of churros, run through a mixtape, and wash it all down with a fresh cocktail or beer. Our aim is to serve up a dynamic menu, and connect with the community through our love of art & music.

Located in the financial district is La Carnita’s South Central location in a beautiful two-story heritage building. The upstairs makes for an engaging venue, seating 55 guests with its own bar.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 12:00–23:00 Thu–Sat 12:00–00:00
  • Phone number
    (647) 348-1166
  • Website
    http://www.lacarnita.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Jon Hamilton
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the heart of the financial district is La Carnita’s South Central location. The beautiful two-story heritage building was locally designed and features the works of some of Toronto’s best street style artists. The upstairs makes for an engaging venue, seating 70 guests with its own bar.
  • Location
    106 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 2E1
  • Area
    Entertainment District
  • Cross Street
    King St W/John St
  • Parking details
    Paid parking across the street on John.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Starters

  • Tortilla Chips with Dip

    Dips: Guacamole, Corn Salsa, Spicy Bean

    • Mexican Street Corn (2pc)

      Crema, queso añejo, árbol & ancho chili powder

      • Scorpion Wings

        Confit chicken wings, scorpion chili BBQ sauce, seeds of paradise, coconut crema

        • Smoked Chorizo Quesadilla

          Mexican chorizo sausage, smoked queso Oaxaca, roasted habanero, caramelized onions, sweet potato crema

          • LC Ceviche

            Bay scallops, lime, cilantro, sprouts, Guajillo sesame seeds, mango salsa, blackened chili powder, taro chips

            • Queso Fundito

              Roasted pepper salsa, pickled chillies, scallions, chipotle hot sauce, Mexican chorizo sausage, tortilla chips (Make It Veggie With Mushrooms)

              Salads

              • Avocado Mango Salad

                Red Chili, crispy Plantain, Jicama, queso Fresco, pepitas, cilantro-lime dressing

                • Cali Salad

                  Grilled corn, grape tomato, black beans, chickpeas, avocado, sunflower seeds, pea shoots, Agave Sherry dressing

                  • Kale Caesar Salad

                    Shredded kale, parmesan, bacon, tortilla croutons, chipotle caesar dressing (Add Fried Chicken / Add Carne Asada)

                    Tacos / Tostadas

                    • In Cod We Trust

                      Crispy Cod, Voltron sauce, lime crema, pickled red cabbage, green apple, cilantro

                      • Mexican Chorizo

                        Chorizo Sausage, Habanero Mayo, Cotija Cheese, Mango Salsa, Guacamole, Chicharrones, Cilantro

                        • Carne Asada

                          Grilled Steak, Chipotle Mayo, Tomatillo Salsa, Crispy Shallots, Lime Avocado, Cilantro

                          • Pollo Frito

                            Fried Chicken Thigh, Peanut Lime Hot Sauce, Crema, Salsa Fresca, Green Cabbage

                            • Achiote Chicken

                              Grilled Chicken, Pineapple & Jalapeño Salsa, Crema, Crispy Shallots, Cotija Cheese

                              • Tuna Ceviche Tostada

                                Fresh Tuna, Guacamole, Coconut Milk, Habanero, Tomato, Cucumber

                                • Grilled Fish Tostada

                                  Grilled Fish, Corn Salsa, Crema, Pea Shoots, Diablo's Fuego Hot Sauce

                                  • Hardshell Tacos (Tuesdays Only)

                                    8 Hardshell Tacos, Mexican Spiced Chorizo + All The Sides! Serves 2

                                    Vegetarian Tacos / Tostadas

                                    • Crispy Cauliflower

                                      Charred Pepper Hot Sauce, Queso Añejo, Crema, Pickled Celery & Jalepeños, Cilantro

                                      • Crispy Cotija

                                        Cotija Cheese, Pinto Bean, Pickled Carrots, Chipotle Sauce, Green Onion, Cilantro

                                        • Mushroom Tostada

                                          Fermented Chili Crema, Mushrooms, Arugula, Pickled Chili, Cotija Cheese, Crispy Shallots, Chipotle

                                          Kids' Menu

                                          • Quesadilla

                                            Crema, guacamole

                                            • Crispy Chicken

                                              Crispy chicken pieces, honey

                                              • Buttered Corn

                                                1pc

                                                • Chips and Guac

                                                  Sweets

                                                  • Churros

                                                    w/ Housemade Cajeta

                                                    • Tres Leches Cake

                                                      Seasonal Accompaniment

                                                      • Paletas

                                                        Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookie Monster, Feature Paletas

                                                        • Sweet Jesus Ice Cream Cake

                                                          Ask your server

                                                          Last updated: 3 February 2022

                                                          What 1,336 people are saying

                                                          Overall ratings and reviews

                                                          Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                          4.3
                                                          4.3 based on recent ratings
                                                          • 4.4Food
                                                          • 4.1Service
                                                          • 4.1Ambience
                                                          • 3.9Value

                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                          Loved For

                                                          • Old Toronto

                                                            Child-friendly

                                                          Review summary

                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                          La Carnita-John St. offers a vibrant dining experience with "delicious food" and a lively atmosphere. Known for its "great tacos" and enticing happy hour margaritas, the restaurant is a favorite for pre-show dinners. While service can be inconsistent, the "friendly" staff often leave guests satisfied. Perfect for special occasions!

                                                          1,336 Reviews

                                                          1. Harleen

                                                            Toronto

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                            La Carnita on John was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The tacos were fantastic (my partner and I both ordered a mix of fish, chicken and steak options) and the service was prompt and friendly from the moment we sat down. We'll definitely be back!

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                                                          2. Patrick

                                                            Toronto

                                                            5 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            5 reviews

                                                            Dined on 14 December 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Great Restaurant! Excellent Mexican in Toronto! I would definitely go back!

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                                                          3. Willy

                                                            Toronto

                                                            6 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            6 reviews

                                                            Dined on 11 December 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                            Reservation was honoured in time. The staff made you feel happy about being there. Food was good My fourth and certainly not my last visit

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                                                          4. Rhonda

                                                            VIP

                                                            Toronto

                                                            8 reviews

                                                            3.0

                                                            8 reviews

                                                            Dined on 11 December 2024

                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                            2. Food 3
                                                            3. Service 3
                                                            4. Ambience 1
                                                            Music was quite loud and not really appropriate lunch music. Took a while to get service but when we did our server was great

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                                                          5. jaime

                                                            Toronto

                                                            1 review

                                                            1.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on 7 December 2024

                                                            1. Overall 1
                                                            2. Food 2
                                                            3. Service 1
                                                            4. Ambience 1
                                                            Don’t go here on a date.. We spent more time in an Uber than we did Eating… We didn’t even get two sips into our margarita and the Appetizer and tacos came within 10 minutes of sitting down. Which is good if you’re looking to eat and run. Food quality was ok…felt more like a truck stop but much louder.

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                                                          6. chelsea

                                                            Los Angeles

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            3.0

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            Dined on 5 December 2024

                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                            2. Food 3
                                                            3. Service 3
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            I made a reservation here for a work dinner. I had two extra people that were joining us last minute. I called before I got there to inform the restaurant and the host was one of the rudest restaurant staff I’ve ever spoken to. Her attitude, inflexibility and how she spoke to a customer was something I’ve never experienced at a restaurant before. Our group arrived and we squeezed the 2 extra people in ourselves with no help from the host. Besides that the food was pretty good but how the host treated our group overshadowed the whole experience.

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                                                          7. Prerna

                                                            New York City

                                                            4 reviews

                                                            2.0

                                                            4 reviews

                                                            Dined on 4 December 2024

                                                            1. Overall 2
                                                            2. Food 3
                                                            3. Service 1
                                                            4. Ambience 2
                                                            Been here a few times and the service is always pretty bad. The person at the door was very rude. Our server was ok. However every time I come here I am made to get up within 1.5-2 hours of sitting down and no one tells us that we only have the table available for that long when we sit down. Pretty poor service for a very average place.

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                                                          8. David

                                                            Toronto

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            Dined on 3 December 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Not your usual entre meal restaurant. Fun and delicious.

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                                                          9. Marg

                                                            Toronto

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            Dined on 30 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Always enjoy coming here for great food and ambiance.

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                                                          10. April

                                                            Toronto

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            Dined on 27 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            The place has good food, fast service, and good ambiance. We were here lunch time

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                                                          FAQs

                                                          La Carnita-John St offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (647) 348-1166.

                                                          La Carnita-John St is rated 4.3 stars by 1336 OpenTable diners.

                                                          Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                          Make a booking

                                                          2 people
                                                          19:00
                                                          Booked 30 times today

                                                          Order delivery or takeout

                                                          Google Map for La Carnita-John St

                                                          106 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 2E1

                                                          Additional information

                                                          • Cross Street
                                                            King St W/John St
                                                          • Area
                                                            Entertainment District
                                                          • Hours of Operation
                                                            Mon–Wed, Sun 12:00–23:00 Thu–Sat 12:00–00:00
                                                          • Price
                                                            CAN$30 and under
                                                          • Cuisines
                                                            Mexican
                                                          • Dining style
                                                            Casual Dining
                                                          • Dress code
                                                            Business Casual
                                                          • Parking details
                                                            Paid parking across the street on John.
                                                          • Payment Options
                                                            AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                          • Executive Chef
                                                            Jon Hamilton
                                                          • Additional
                                                            Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                          • Website
                                                            http://www.lacarnita.com/
                                                          • Phone number
                                                            (647) 348-1166
                                                          • Private party facilities
                                                            Located in the heart of the financial district is La Carnita’s South Central location. The beautiful two-story heritage building was locally designed and features the works of some of Toronto’s best street style artists. The upstairs makes for an engaging venue, seating 70 guests with its own bar.
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