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La Carnita-John St, Toronto, ON

La Carnita-John St

4.1
4.1
1325 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 p.m.
Booked 36 times today
  • Hot spot
  • Good for groups
  • Lively
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 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Takeout, 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: February 3, 2022

                                                          What 1,325 people are saying

                                                          Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                          4.1
                                                          4.1 based on recent ratings
                                                          • 4.2Food
                                                          • 3.9Service
                                                          • 4Ambience
                                                          • 3.8Value

                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                          Review summary

                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                          La Carnita-John St. is a vibrant spot that offers "great tacos" and "delicious margaritas," perfect for a pre-show meal. Guests rave about the friendly service and lively atmosphere, though some note the music can be loud. Ideal for quick bites and happy hour specials, this location is a favorite among locals.

                                                          1,325 Reviews

                                                          1. Janelle

                                                            Toronto

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            4.0

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 4
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            The food was good ♡ Our server was nice, but getting their attention for the bill and things was kinda rough... especially when there were a number of empty tables around.

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                                                          2. Anaar

                                                            Toronto

                                                            1 review

                                                            5.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined 4 days ago

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                            The experience and food was great. The only comment would be for better signage outside.

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                                                          3. Kristina

                                                            Toronto

                                                            5 reviews

                                                            vip
                                                            4.0

                                                            5 reviews

                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                            2. Food 4
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                            Food and drinks were tasty. Items arrived promptly so it was easy to eat & go to a show. It was quite load where we were seated due to the speakers. Comfortable booth seating.

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                                                          4. Jamie

                                                            Toronto

                                                            1 review

                                                            4.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on November 16, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 3
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            We very much enjoyed the restaurant and food was delicious and plenty. The only issue was the food appetizer came after our meal and our waiter never came back to check on us or offer more drinks… however the hostess was excellent and ordered more drinks for us!

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                                                          5. Aditi

                                                            Toronto

                                                            1 review

                                                            5.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on November 6, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Amazing experience with yummy food and ambience.

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                                                          6. Anna Maria

                                                            Toronto

                                                            1 review

                                                            5.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on November 2, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Excellent food fantastic service definitely would go back!!

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                                                          7. Christine

                                                            Toronto

                                                            1 review

                                                            3.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on October 31, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                            2. Food 4
                                                            3. Service 3
                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                            The portions are way too small for the price. I requested a birthday desert with my reservation and a birthday wasn’t even acknowledged. The waitress rushed to take our orders, didn’t ask us if we wanted any alcoholic beverages. We would have ordered 2 drinks but we were annoyed at the fact she didn’t take the time to listen to us, she was just rushing. So we just drank water, ate our food, paid and left.

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                                                          8. David

                                                            New York City

                                                            32 reviews

                                                            vip
                                                            5.0

                                                            32 reviews

                                                            Dined on October 28, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Absolutely fantastic experience yet again at the John street location! We were celebrating a big milestone for my son and the server recognized this went above and beyond making our lunch on Monday one of the most memorable as a family! I told the manager he should give this server a raise! Way to go and thank you for a great day!

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                                                          9. Jordan

                                                            Las Vegas

                                                            1 review

                                                            5.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on October 27, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 4
                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                            La Carnita provided a comfortable and cozy environment to enjoy while we waited and dined in - from energetic music to the warm lighting provided, it was very nice! we were seated and informed of the location of bathrooms and the time limit (2 hours) for eating, which was fine considering the service was incredibly quick (our reservation was at 7:30 and we had finished eating by 8:15). we had the Mexican street corn starter, which deliciously melted in your mouth with Cojita cheese and creama sauce. we then shared the loaded nachos and the special for the day (Crunchwrap tacos) which delivered an incredible blend of flavors to enjoy! finally, we had the tres leches cake for dessert and it was superb - light and fluffy with the right amount of sweetness and tart with blueberries on top! we were just visiting Toronto, but La Carnita will remain as a definite favorite looking back on our trip. we’ll definitely have to come back!

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                                                          10. Lisa

                                                            Toronto

                                                            24 reviews

                                                            vip
                                                            4.0

                                                            24 reviews

                                                            Dined on October 19, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                            2. Food 4
                                                            3. Service 3
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Food was really good, small portions, quite pricey for what it was. Not impressed with the mandatory 18% tip. Time to do away with tipping and just pay employees appropriately.

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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 4.1 stars by 1325 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                          Make a reservation

                                                          2 people
                                                          7:30 p.m.
                                                          Booked 36 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
                                                          • Neighbourhood
                                                            Entertainment District
                                                          • Hours of Operation
                                                            Mon–Wed, Sun 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am
                                                          • 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, Takeout, 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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