Chúuk | Mexican Kitchen and Bar — Restaurant in Pickering

It was my birthday dinner with my family, so we wanted something special. I was really optimistic and excited about Chuuk! The food is mediocre to decent, while some items are exceptionally overpriced. The entire experience was ruined by poor hospitality.

We got the guacamole and street corn to start. Delicious and fun! It's a small serving of guac and at $15 it feels quite rich - overlooked as it's my birthday, not going cheap tonight! Birria tacos were off the charts! Absolutely delicious. Pollo Pibil tacos were also excellent - great value here. Cassava fries are unique and tasty. We decided to go all out and order the entire Wood Grill menu and share. The Octopus with potatoes in pesto was the winner for sure, but the chicken and steak were just ok, and at $42, the steak is poor value. Still on a high from the tacos and Octopus, I was really enjoying the night and wasn't acknowledging the prices.

We weren't going to leave without an order of churros. Our helpful server explained there were only 3 per order. As full as I was and at $8 per order, I wasn't going to get 2 orders for the 4 of us. I asked if she could provide us with a 4th. She was happy with that idea and eager to please, but returned with bad news from the manager that this was not allowed.

We proceeded to order the 3 churros, but this soured my night. At $2.67 per churro, this made up only 1% of the total bill. These were also the worst churros I've ever had. Clearly the batter was made too far ahead of time, so the churros were not light and fluffy but dense and hard. Suddenly, the entire experience felt like I was getting fleeced for food that was "just ok".

I'm not someone that asks for handouts often, but in this case, throwing an extra churro on the plate seems like such a trivial thing. When paying, I asked our server why the manager wouldn't allow this, and she wasn't given an explanation. She was clearly embarrassed for the decision. Not wanting to make a stink in front of my family, I chose not to take the matter further.

My dinner experience was ruined by a single churro. You had a customer with rose coloured glasses on, ready to fall in love with every dish served, and splurging on the entire menu. Not comping that 4th churro removed the glasses and forced me to relook at the experience for all its flaws.

Clearly this manager cares more about the dollars in the customer's pockets than their experience. I won't be returning and will be actively sharing my negative experience at Chuuk. Such a...

Absolutely incredible! My biggest regret is not discovering Chuuk sooner. This place is a true delight for those who enjoy elevated Mexican cuisine. Every dish feels carefully crafted, from the freshness of the ingredients to the balance of flavours.

If you enjoy this type of cuisine and are a true food lover who appreciates high quality, do yourself a favour and come here. You won’t be disappointed.

The restaurant itself is in a great location with ample parking! On my first visit, upon exiting my car, I got to enjoy the delightful smell of charcoal. It smelled amazing! When you walk in, the place is bright, refreshing and clean. I love the plants. The patio is gorgeous as well. I think their pineapple room is the perfect spot for events.

Be sure to try their hot sauce. It’s an absolute must and they make it in-house with habaneros! They also sell it, so you can take a bottle home with you (highly recommended).

A few comments on the food:

Cassava fries: Absolutely divine and they arrive fresh/piping hot (temperature is one of my biggest pet peeves about fried foods. If I’m indulging in it, I want it to be fresh and hot, otherwise it’s often lacklustre). Warning: they are extremely addicting!

Achiote chicken: Wow! Incredibly deep flavours and the kiss of charcoal made it next level!

Streetcorn: So fresh and delectable. Definitely order hot tortilla chips with this… so good!

Tuna crudo: Was almost too beautiful to eat! Incredible and so fresh tasting!

Tacos: There’s no such thing as a bad taco here. Every single one I’ve tried has been amazing! Birria, al pastor, campechano, etc

Empanadas: You could tell the dough and filling were homemade. This was so different from a typical empanada (in the best way).

Octopus: so tender and the char flavour is spectacular

Churros: hot and delicious; the dulce de leche is amazing

I can’t wait to come back and try more dishes!!! I feel like I’ve only scraped the surface and I also saw on social that they have a few new dishes in the works! 😃

The drinks we tried were incredible as well. They were perfectly prepared and so balanced.

Thank you Chuuk for a delightful experience! I’m...

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Chúuk on Liverpool in Pickering, and I have to say—it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the modern yet inviting ambiance. The decor strikes the perfect balance between contemporary elegance and subtle nods to Mexican culture, creating a space that feels both stylish and warm—truly something out of a magazine.

Now, the food. Every dish, from appetizers to mains to dessert, was crafted with such precision and care that my taste buds could feel the love poured into every bite. The flavors were bold yet refined, and each plate was a testament to culinary excellence.

Beyond the incredible food, the service was just as exceptional. The staff was not only friendly but genuinely invested in making the experience enjoyable. I even had the chance to chat with one of the waitresses, who shared how much she loves working there—and it truly shows. That positive energy comes through in every aspect of the restaurant, from the attentive service to the vibrant atmosphere.

During my visit, my cousin and I unfortunately encountered an uncomfortable situation while seated at the bar. A fellow patron made a series of remarks that were not only insensitive but deeply unsettling. However, what stood out to me was how swiftly and professionally the restaurant staff responded. The manager addressed the issue with eloquence and care, ensuring that we felt seen, heard, and respected. While the explanation and apology we received from the patron may be open to interpretation in terms of sincerity, the way the Chúuk team handled the matter made all the difference. Their quick action and unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment allowed us to move past the moment and continue enjoying our evening.

If you’re looking for a place that delivers on all fronts—ambiance, service, and, most importantly, food—Chúuk is an absolute must-visit. Not only is it a place that takes pride in its culinary craft, but it’s also one that stands firmly on values of respect, hospitality, and community.

I can’t wait to go back! Thank you Chúuk for a...