Tocaya Modern Mexican — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Update: I emailed them about a month ago and they didn’t respond, so I’m wondering if their response to my review might have been a bit of an empty gesture, offering to help when someone has an issue/suggestion to make themselves look a bit better. I didn’t expect them to respond and was just being honest in my review, hoping they improve their processes, but them offering to help just for online optics is kind of disappointing, so downgrading to 1 star.

We really liked coming here for their amazing vegan options and an amazing deal for $2 per taco on Tuesdays when we first found it. The locations are also beautifully decorated and in convenient places like the mall or on Venice beach. But of the 3 out of 4 times we went, the food and service had some issues. The last time we went here it wasn't busy at all, but our chips were really stale, and the queso was and tacos were room temperature. We also went to another location where it was really disorganized, it took 45 minutes to get the second half of our order (I think they may have forgotten), without any apology. It also came out rather cold. I can totally understand if this happens sometimes, especially when busy, but there really were only like 5 other groups sitting down. Even paying only $2 per taco, it still just isn't worth it when you end up...

Tocaya is a relatively quick serve modern Mexican joint in the Westfield Century City mall, close to the movie theater with a lot of options for vegetarians. I had dinner here after seeing a film after we realized we couldn't get a spot at one of the nearby full service restaurants. The line was quick (you order at the counter and they bring the food to you) and it's overall ambiance is a step up from any fast/fresh mex spot you can think of.

The food was great, especiallty as a vegetarian to have so many options (faux meat etc) available and front and center on the menu made me feel particulary welcome. I'm not vegan but vegan cheese is available too.

I had the vegan version of the three taco sampler. I had asked for them to put non-vegan cheese on it but I think that message got lost as I got the vegan stuff, so tiny bummer there, but the tacos themselves were still tasty and generous in portions.

I loved the house-made chips too...fresh, crispy, yummy.

I also enjoyed the fresh Strawberry Basil Lemonade, and even with drinks there were other creativem interesting beverage options to try (including alcohol.)

I'd definitely...

A bit overpriced, and very inconsistent, I cannot recommend this place though I've been a few times. While convenient, in Century City Shopping Mall, Tocaya here fails to deliver quality one would expect. Guilt-free Burrito for example is a bit boring and very small for over $15. The salads are probably the best items, but my last visit was a mess. I ordered a salad with vegan chicken but they brought it with real chicken. After a bite, being vegetarian for over 15 years, I knew it was not vegan and asked them about it. I was told by someone who had not spoke to the cashier, that the cashier didn't hear me say vegan. The fixed dish came but had a mere pinch of vegan chicken and that was completely bland and felt like eating scaps off someone else plate. When I inquired why so bland, I was told they do not have a more seasnoned vegan chicken. I will not be returning. That little salad and a lemonade cost $20 for reference. You order and pay up front and seat yourself; food is brought to you. Negatives aside ingredients have been fresh except the vegan...