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Tocaya Modern Mexican

3.8 (678 reviews)
Closed 10:30 am - 9:00 pm

Order Tocaya Modern Mexican Takeout or Delivery

Tocaya Modern Mexican Photos

TOCAYA MODERN MEXICAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Trendy
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Tocaya Modern Mexican

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Reviews With Photos

Manzana Steak Salad
Angela P.

Checked out this place out of curiosity. It was chill and peaceful on a Saturday afternoon. Loved the natural lighting and plant decorations. The workers were so kind! Their Manzana Steak Salad looked the most appealing. The steak was well cooked and juicy. Interesting choice of some kind of Indian curry on the side. Salad was well-dressed and refreshing. Would like to come back to try their other dishes!

BURRITO MEXICANO
Susan L.

How have I never reviewed Tocaya?! This is such good comfort food when you're in LA after 20 years in Austin, Texas. Consistently delicious. Reliable for high quality ingredients - good flour tortillas, good cilantro lime rice, tangy chicken tinga! I'm not so into the blue corn tortillas (floppy) or the plantain chips (too dry).I love that squash blossom though. I'd happily invest in a dozen of those! The sweet corn tamales are great for dessert or breakfast! The roasted salsa is irresistible. Even the fruit salad is perfect.

Seating
sanjana m.

Food was great. Service was good. Ambiance was nice, place was decorated well and very spacious. Not your classic tacos but a good spin on it. Baja taco 5/5 Steak taco 5/5

SONORA STEAK BOWL and CUCUMBER MINT LIMEADE and CHIPS & SALSA
Tara F.

Pretty decent and filling but a little flavorless. The salsa has no spice. I usually get a bowl but have to add lemon and hot sauce to bring out the flavors. Service is pretty okay too. Good for a quick lunch place or low key dinner.

Fish TACO COMBO
Sa'Rah H.

Tocaya had just the type of fresh and light meal I was looking for. It's a fast casual dining restaurant but the seating area was nice. I really enjoyed my fish tacos, black beans and street corn. I'll admit the tacos could benefit from a mango salsa or something to add a bit more flavor. Otherwise, it was delicious. We ordered at the counter and our food was delivered to our table quickly. We sat at a large booth with plenty room for all of our food and things.

Cauliflower tacos

Delicious bowl- I had the beyond chicken verde bowl which is vegan! It exceeded all of my expectations with the flavor and the freshness of the salad. I absolutely loved it and will be back! Thank you!

Meat and cheese quesadillas
Kathryn Y.

What a great location with lots of seating. We ordered the quesadilla with mushrooms and it came with salsa that paired perfectly. We also got the en fuego bowl which had kernels of sweet corn that tasted bright and sweet. I added some to the quesadilla which made it taste even better. I barely ate the Turkey part. They have a lot of to go orders. I was hoping it'd be a quick dinner given the meter running. They might be prioritizing the to go orders. Parking is street which can be hard. I really like how they offer some outdoor dining though!

Chips and queso and TORTILLA SOUP (REGULAR)
Donovan D.

I went here with a couple friends for an early dinner and it was tasty and filling! The service was quick too! I ordered the taco combo (chicken tinga and Baja) and chose chips and queso for my side. The tacos were tasty and hot, and the chips were good and not too salty but the queso was very underwhelming and bland. I ended up asking for a side of fresh garden salsa and that was better. I also decided to order the tortilla soup and was pleased. It was tasty and creamy. For dessert, I decided to try the churro bites and that was a real treat, especially with the accompanying caramel sauce. Other than the underwhelming queso, everything else was good! The booths and chairs were comfortable inside the restaurant too.

Virginia A.

Tocaya organic was good. We came here because we were running errands and wanted a bite to eat and well this was the closest Mexican cuisine they had besides La condesa. ( expensive) Service was great. Please mention if it's your first time there so that they can explain to you how their menu works. It was clean and aesthetically pleasing however the bathrooms could use a little fixing. The door latch is broken on one of them.

Baja taco and street chik'n taco
Marco G.

The food never disappoints. Great flavors with a serious effort to traditional seasoning in a semi fusion style. The service was fast and welcoming. The restaurant has a Baja-style ambience, open layout with light colors.

Ok service, good food, love that they offer vegan options. They can also veganize many of the dishes! Lots of fake plants that take away the charm. Sadly The few live plants were dying. I was enjoying the music playlist until the vibe was interrupted by the loud music coming from the kitchen. It caused too much of a clash.

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Camilla W.

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10 months ago

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Camilla W.

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2 months ago

The food is absolutely delicious and so fresh. I feel like I'm treating myself to a healthy and good nutritious meal when I buy from Tocaya.

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2 months ago

Delicious-fresh food! Friendly service and restaurant is clean; great vibes. Tuesday specials are good!!

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2 months ago

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Camilla W.

Thrilled to hear it hit the spot, Adam!

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4 months ago

Food was delicious and fresh. Service was quick and welcoming. Tried their taco salad and tamarindo agua Fresca, would definitely recommend.

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8 months ago

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Camilla W.

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1 year ago

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4 months ago

Fast service, great quality food, gluten free options! Very clean and nice atmosphere. Plenty of street parking in the area too.

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9 months ago

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Camilla W.

Thank you, Jacqueline, we look forward to your next visit!

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2 years ago

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Camilla W.

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Camilla W.

Thanks, Noah! We appreciate your support!

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2 years ago

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Camilla W.

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11 months ago

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Camilla W.

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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Camilla W.

Thrilled to hear they hit the spot, Maria! See you again soon!

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3 years ago

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Camilla W.

We're thrilled that you're a fan! Thanks for all of the love, Brandy!

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9 months ago

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Page 1 of 17

Ask the Community - Tocaya Modern Mexican

Are there some outdoor tables now? Or are you just doing takeout/delivery?

They have outdoor seating available

Are there plant based options on happy hour eats?

Hi, our Happy Hour is Monday through Friday. From 3-6 on our beer, wine and margarita. We also have $2.00 side as followed, Chips & salsa, street corn, black beans and cilantro lime rice. Which is all vegan.… Read more

Do they have a nutrition menu?

Hi Currently we do not, we will have this in the future Thank you.… Read more

Hi, what cooking oil you use? Thanks!

Hi Lina - we use sunflower oil to fry our plantain and tortilla chips.

Do you go up to order or does a server come to the table?

Hi Simone, When you walk in you would order at the counter, the cashier would give you a number and… Read more

Are there soy-free items?

Yes there are..... many

View All 7 Questions

Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

4.3
(2.3k reviews)
0.3 mi
$$

I was craving a burrito, had never been to this place, and had it delivered…read more The burrito was SOOOO good AND it was massive. Every ingredient in there was perfect. I was worried I was going to get something small for the price but you get a huge portion for what you pay for. This is the kind of burrito where youre saving some for lunch for the next day. I also got a churro (which is something I never get) and it was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I will absolutely be ordering from here again

Stopped in around 10:45 on a whim. I was driving through Santa Monica, got hungry, saw the sign and…read moreswung around the block. They'd been open maybe an hour and there was one other person there picking up an order. First time here. The guy at the counter was very friendly, asked if I knew what I wanted, and I told him no and asked what's popular. He recommended three tacos so I went with that. He never asked about tortillas so they came out on corn. I'm not the biggest fan of corn tortillas, but after I sat down, I looked at the soda cup, and saw "handmade corn AND flour tortillas." Would've gone flour if I'd known that was even an option. My bad for not asking, but also a great opportunity to let a new customer know it's an option. Food came out fast. Three tacos, chips, a couple sides of salsa. All the meat was cold. Not fridge cold, but noticeably below room temperature. I'm sitting five feet from the kitchen in a place that opened 30 minutes ago. How is that even possible? The non-beef tacos were seasoned well, both of them, that part was fine. The beef was where it fell apart. Every single bite had pieces I literally couldn't chew through, and I kept pulling chunks out of my mouth. After my second bite I just stopped going back for more. For over $4 a taco, that quality is atrocious. Very fast if you need something quick to eat. First and last time for me.

Photos
Front counter and menu
Front counter and menu
Carnita and Al Pastor tacos
Carnita and Al Pastor tacos
Front counter & ordering kiosk

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Front counter & ordering kiosk
Prima Cantina & Tacos

Prima Cantina & Tacos

3.8
(250 reviews)
0.8 mi
$$

Oh the places I go...this ride took me to Brentwood, yes LA Brentwood...I needed a splash, I saw a…read morePete's managed to park and it was closed, ok its 730 so...I'll walk up the street (Montana st.) I saw folks sitting st a Bistro table on the sidewalk and yes a decent looking Mexican restaurant, perfect Good menu, hum...Oh Short Rib tacos with R&B add a bottle of soda water. The chips came first after the water, The chips were house made as was the delicious salsa. Then three short ribs taco's, rice & beans. Ya know everything was flavorful, the rice not your usual orange colored stuff and the pinto beans were actually cooked from dry beans. WoW I was impressed, great dinner. Short ribs perfectly tender and not the fatty bits either Great place, I'd as I watched other entrees walked by me If you're in the hood stop in for a shot or a taco or both Thanks Lad's Foodguy-Martin

This place is just a traditional type of Californian taco shoppe. They have a great bar menu and…read moreplenty of choices for food to go with. We arrived early before they opened for lunch so we waited at a table outside. Since they opened a few minutes late, we were not sure about the employee situation so once inside, we chose to sit at the bar since we were the only ones at the restaurant. The bartender pleasantly greeted us and asked for our drink order. I went traditional with a skinny margarita and my husband had a screwdriver which pairs very well with Mexican food. The kitchen was just getting started so we waited a few minutes to order. The menu had so many great choices, we were excited to order our food. I went with the Shrimp Ceviche which was so fresh and delicious. I loved that there was so much shrimp and not a lot of onions and peppers filling the bowl. The fried crunch tortilla was also great for scooping the ceviche. My husband is more of a burrito naturalist so his chicken stuffed burrito was great. It had all the fresh ingredients neatly wrapped tight for easy eating. The service was very good and the restaurant did get quite crowded shortly after opening. I also enjoyed their homemade hot sauce that was just spicy enough when mixed into the complimentary mild salsa that came with the complimentary chips. I would definitely return to check out the other menu items.

Photos
Inside
Inside
Prima Cantina & Tacos
Tequila bar

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Tequila bar
Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant

Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant

3.9
(1.1k reviews)
0.7 mi
$$

My wife and I by chance walked by Casa Martin and loved the ambiance so decided to stay. From the…read moremost friendly welcome by Fernando to the Amazing tacos and refreshing margaritas we were happy we stayed and enjoyed the pleasant experience. Casa Martin is a must stop for us whenever in Santa Monica.

We celebrated a high school milestone yesterday with a group of seven at Casa Martin in Santa…read moreMonica, and the experience was absolutely spectacular from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, Sandro and Fernando, the hosts and owners, greeted us with warmth and genuine hospitality that set the perfect tone for the evening. The ambiance is vibrant yet comfortable--ideal for a celebratory gathering. Service stood out as much as the food. Sandro and Fernando went above and beyond to ensure every detail was just right, checking in with our group, accommodating dietary preferences, and offering thoughtful recommendations that enhanced the experience. The menu offered a wonderful balance of flavors, with dishes that were beautifully presented and crafted with high-quality ingredients. Each course arrived at a perfect pace, allowing us to savor the evening without feeling rushed. The staff's attentive but unobtrusive service contributed to a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that our group will remember for years to come. A special shout-out to the chefs for delivering standout plates--creative, well-executed, and clearly made with passion. The wine and beverage pairings complemented the meal perfectly, adding an extra layer of celebration to the night. If you're planning a group event or a special occasion in Santa Monica, Casa Martin is a stellar choice. The team, especially Sandro and Fernando, will make sure your celebration feels personal, festive, and absolutely unforgettable. Would highly recommend and we're already looking forward to returning soon.

Photos
Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant
Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant
Skinny margarita and sangria!

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Skinny margarita and sangria!
El Cholo

El Cholo

3.5
(1.4k reviews)
0.4 mi
$$

Had such a wonderful experience at El Cholo! From the moment we arrived, the service was warm,…read morewelcoming, and attentive. A special thank you to Jen, the manager, who truly sets the tone for exceptional hospitality. She was incredibly gracious, checked in throughout our meal, and made us feel genuinely cared for. It's clear she takes great pride in creating a memorable experience for her guests. Our server Carlos was also wonderful --friendly, attentive and so personable. The food, drinks, and overall atmosphere made for a super fun evening, but it was really the outstanding service that stood out most. We'll definitely be back, and I'll be recommending El Cholo to friends and family. Thank you for such a lovely experience!

Went to dinner here with coworkers after hearing several recommendations, and unfortunately, I was…read morevery disappointed. The guacamole was salty and tasted more like a salty avocado paste. My sister and I ordered a shared platter, a greasy mess. Everything on the plate seemed soaked in oil, and the different items had blended together into one unappetizing pile. We picked at it for a few minutes but ultimately left most of it untouched. The only highlight of the meal was the strawberry margarita. It was strong, flavorful, and easily the best part of the experience. Other than the margarita, nothing stood out, this place just wasn't for me.

Photos
Back patio
Back patio
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken Fajitas
L.A. lemonade

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L.A. lemonade

Tocaya Modern Mexican - mexican - Updated July 2026

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