Carmelitas Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

The Wyck Recommendation: Carmileta’s (The Junction) Rating: 3.7/5 Pupusas So Good I Forgot to Take the Damn Photo

Intro Scene There’s a certain joy in sitting on a scrappy Toronto curbside patio, elbow deep in sauce, sun burning your scalp, margarita in hand that tastes like someone waved tequila at it from across the street At Carmileta’s, I learned if the pupusas are good enough, you’ll forget the photo —and your manners.

What Was Ordered A reckless spread of pupusas every variety fresh, stuffed just right, dripping that bright, zippy house sauce. That purple curtido soaked the plate like edible confetti. I chased it with a polka-dot margarita that looked like a party, tasted like it RSVP’d ‘Maybe.’

Service Commentary Service was pure gold. Our server was genuinely sweet polite without the act, attentive without lurking. Friendly in that way that makes you want to come back just to see them again.

Vibe Check Neighbourhood gem energy. It feels like your friend’s kitchen if your friend plastered the walls in papel picado and community flyers. The patio? A Toronto curb lane special picnic benches and umbrellas wedged between parked cars and planters. Not exactly private, but good for people watching and airing out last night’s sins.

The Space Itself Bright yellow facade that dares you not to smile. Mismatched vintage plates, that iconic sauce bottle, and a front window that says ‘we care, but not enough to get fancy.’ Inside feels like someone’s cousin was paid in pupusas to decorate exactly how it should be.

About the Neighborhood Right in the heart of The Junction meaning parking’s a gamble, but you’ll run into dogs, strollers, and bearded dads in denim jackets. The perfect strip for a mid- day food coma and a semi-regrettable frozen drink with your accountant buddy.

Hits & Misses ✓ Pupusas: fresh, variety, sauce game strong ✓ Service: warm and genuine ✓ Patio: works when the sun’s out ✗ Margaritas: looked cute, tasted ghosted ✗ Parking: same old Junction headache

Final Verdict If you want comfort food that feels like a hug and don’t mind your margarita playing hard to get, Carmileta’s delivers. Come for the pupusas, stay for the sauce, tip your server well, and accept that you’ll leave with curtido on your shirt.

Perfect For

Sneaky weekday patio lunch

Showing your accountant buddy you have better taste in food than you...

Carmelitas is an absolute gem in town. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff made me feel right at home from the get-go.

The menu at Carmelitas is extensive and has something for everyone. The margaritas are especially delicious, and the food is out of this world. I highly recommend trying their fajitas or their enchiladas, both of which were cooked to perfection and bursting with flavors.

The atmosphere at Carmelitas is relaxed and fun, with fantastic music playing in the background and friendly chatter amongst customers. The decor features traditional Mexican artwork and bright colors, which adds to the lively vibes.

Service is impeccable - my server was knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly, and always made sure I had everything I needed.

Overall, I highly recommend Carmelitas for anyone looking for an incredible dining experience. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service is unbeatable. It’s the perfect place for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner with...

I really wanted to like them after all the high reviews but sadly the food did not meet expectations.

The pupusas were overpriced as they were quite small.Also I ordered mine with cheese, beans, and chicharron but there was barely any filling. As someone who was craving comfort food it was disappointing and felt like I was just eating masa.

The yucca fries were decent, yucca is basic nothing really to comment on then. I didn't love how they packed curtido right beside the yucca instead of a separate bag like they do with the pupusas as it resulted in the yucca getting a bit soggy and also I'm not a fan of curtido to begin with. I didn't realize they even served it with curtido.

I ordered the Salvadorean Horchata and that I can admit was delicious.

Overall though because my main dish left much to be desired, I'm ranking this a 3 only because the Horchata was great.

I was excited to have a pupusa place near me as I used to eat pupusas from a restaurant by my parent's house all the time, but sadly it seems I will just have to wait to visit my parents to enjoy good...