El Torito Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Brisbane City

For M on our trip around the world in Brisbane we chose Mexico; and thus went to El Torito to immerse ourselves in a truely authentic Mexican culinary experience.

Thank you for the restaurant's warm hospitality, and pride in their food culture, which really shone through in the restaurant's decor, the quality of what was served, and authentic friendly and well informed service.

Drinks: We had the special mango and blueberry margaritas and home made lemonade. The regular margaritas also looked enticing, but as I drove, I limited myself to one.

Mains we had included: Chochinita Pibil, which was pork marinated with achiote, black peppercorns, orange and lemon juices. Served with rice and whole beans. I'd have to say it was light, with delicate, well balanced flavours that showcased it's ingredients in such a delicious way. The brown rice was fluffy and soft perfection.

An ensemble of tacos as recommended by our friendly waitress, a very helpful young Mexican lady, who was rightly proud of her food culture. All of the tacos were delicious, with wonderful flavours and textures that transformed our understanding of tacos.

Lastly, the young one ordered nachos minus sour cream. Despite the ingredient deletion, the nachos were also satisfying.

Dessert: We had two apple flauta and the caramel flan. All were nicely balanced with their sweetness and flavours, not too sweet, and rounded off our meal nicely, even with the chocolate sauce, which you could adjust to your taste.

We had a lovely experience and could only recommend it to others who are looking for a casual and friendly establishment that turns out excellent food, whether passing through on your way to some other places in the area, for which there are many, of just to have a meal in West...

MY WORST 'dining' experience ever and I've been around a long time and dine out at least twice a week. 21 dollar nachos was literally a layer of shop bought corn chips with around 2 tablespoons of very bland sub par something or other on top with a token gesture of sour cream and runny guacamole...all tasteless and presented like a 2 year old plated it...we should have got up and left then!!! How the Hell can you mess up nachos??? My local mex up the coast has amazing 16 dollar nachos I can't finish. The burrito was small and void of taste again, lettuce was brown around the edges and all sitting in a pool of liquid and the cook seems cheese phobic! The wait staff were sweet but untrained and English as a third language made it hard. They mistakenly doubled our bill due to untrained staff trying to get their heads around a time consuming tablet ordering system. Got that fixed but still came to near 100 with three awful beers from a selection of 2 other more awful beers and still hungry. Fronted the owner about our displeasure and he just shrugged and said "everyone has different tastes" while that's true 'some' taste would not be an unreasonable expectation. Honestly, this place was appalling. No effs given for quality or presentation. Makes me think it's just a money laundering exercise as no restaurant owner could be this bad...really??? 'Some' positive reviews and pictures here are blatantly contrived and the website is nothing short of fraudulent advertising. Disappointing start to a night out! A case for consumer...

El Torito is a treasure trove of authentic Mexican flavors! From the moment you step inside, the lively ambiance and vibrant decor transport you straight to the heart of Mexico. The aroma of sizzling spices and freshly cooked tortillas fills the air, setting the stage for a culinary adventure.

The staff at El Torito exudes warmth and genuine hospitality, making every visit feel like a reunion with old friends. They are incredibly attentive, ensuring you have the best dining experience possible.

Now, let's talk about the food - pure magic! Each dish is a symphony of flavors, carefully crafted with love and authenticity. The enchiladas were a personal favorite, bursting with the perfect blend of spices and melted cheese. The tacos were a delightful surprise, offering a burst of freshness in every bite.

And let's not forget the drinks! The margaritas are nothing short of legendary, providing that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and just the right kick.

El Torito is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience that leaves you with a full heart and a happy belly. Every visit to El Torito is a reminder of the beauty of Mexican culture and cuisine. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a taste of true Mexico right in the heart of West End. ¡Viva El...