Writing this post is eliciting some very confusing and tormented emotions.
I have loved Toro Bar and El Camino for a long time. Six months ago, had you asked me where the best Mexican in town was, (as I know you’ve been dying to ask me) I would have said ‘Toro Bar slash El Camino’ without hesitation. But now… now I’m not so sure.
Situated in the heart of Kingsland, El Camino and Toro are separated by a rogue kebab shop. This arrangement has long bamboozled me – they have exactly the same menu, the same food, the same style of service – but they’re different locations. It’s like a really badly planned franchise.
So, for the sake of this review, I’m going to treat them as one and the same. But if you do have a choice, go to Toro – it’s bigger, the seating is better, and the décor is a vast improvement.
The joints are usually jammed packed, so booking ahead is a must. Especially on Sundays, as they do a micro-menu of mains (including the gluten free taco) for $12.
The food itself is solid Mexican; the usual suspects star as mains – tacos, burritos, chimichangas, nachos – served with fresh greens, delicious guacamole and salsa, and rice and beans. Although they’re not marked, the corn-based options (i.e. tacos & nachos) are gluten free. But if in doubt, ask.
However – and maybe this is just bad timing or the moon being in Jupiter or I stepped on a crack on the way there – however, the last few times I’ve dined there, the shine of the Mexican spot has waned somewhat. The flavours aren’t as strong. The food, not as fresh. The service, more surly. But mostly, it seems the meals are just not being made with love anymore.
Evidence, you ask?
Exhibit A: These nachos. Are burnt.
Exhibit B: The time before, I found a hair in my taco. They replaced it straight away and placated with a free beverage. But still, the care factor (and maybe a hairnet) wasn’t quite there.
Still, I’d recommend it – especially on a Sunday evening (book people, book) – it’s the best Mexican in Kingsland without a doubt. In fact, here’s the conversation I just had this very minute with my flatmate:
So you see this review is a little disingenuous. I’m still a fan, but it’s lost the top Mexican spot in my authoritative rankings.
Maybe someone just needs to get into the kitchen and give the chefs a hug?
My rating: 6/10 (7/10 on a Sunday)
- Quality: 5/10
- Value: 6/10 (*9/10 on Sunday nights)
- GF selection: 7/10
- Service: 6/10
- X-Factor: 5/10
Toro Bar & El Camino | 480 New North Rd, Kingsland | Facebook page
This post is submitted as part of the March ‘Our Growing Edge’ event. For more details, visit the lovely Bunny Eats Design & Keeping Up With The Holsbys blogs.
