El Catrin, Mexican restaurant in Spadina—Fort York, Toronto, Canada.
El Catrin is a Mexican restaurant located in Toronto's Distillery District, housed inside a red brick building that dates back to the 19th century. The interior is covered with hand-painted murals, decorative tiles, and Day of the Dead motifs spread across several dining rooms.
El Catrin opened in the Distillery District, a former industrial site that operated as a whisky distillery throughout the 19th century before being converted into a cultural and dining destination. The restaurant was part of the wave of openings that helped turn the district into one of Toronto's main dining areas.
The name "El Catrin" refers to a dapper figure from Mexican folk art, often depicted as a well-dressed skeleton. This character appears throughout the murals and decorations inside, giving the space a recognizable visual language rooted in Day of the Dead imagery.
The restaurant sits in a pedestrian area of the Distillery District, which makes it easy to walk to from nearby streets and parking areas. A terrace is available for outdoor dining when the weather allows, so arriving earlier in the evening helps secure a spot.
El Catrin is said to hold one of the largest tequila and mezcal collections in Canada, with bottles from regions that are little known outside Mexico. Some of these spirits are produced in very small batches and are rarely found in other bars or restaurants.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
