If you can’t visit the Mayan Riviera, La Casita is the next best thing. This pop-up patio at Casa Madera features decidedly Mexican-inspired shareable plates and mains in a gorgeous open-air retreat just a stone’s throw from all the 2026 FiFA World Cup action.
The spacious patio features casual, upscale picnic tables with umbrellas to protect you from the sun although they were not needed during dinner when the sun swept around the corner.
We started with a pretty bespoke mocktail whose dominant flavour was strawberry and topped with an edible flower.
For the appetizers, we ordered Casa Guacamole, prepared with avocado, jalapeno, tajin-dusted mango, and served with plantain chips. The dip was incredibly creamy and the addition of mango elevated this popular Mexican appetizer. We also ordered Ceviche Blanco made with white fish, red onion, habanero, lime, citrus supremes and cilantro. The ceviche was incredible and yes, my mouth was on fire from the habanero, but I loved it! Do make sure you have a glass of juice handy (water does not seem to work) to cool down the heat.
Our mains included 1) Pollo Asado (organic Ontario half chicken, herbs, tomato, fresh peppers, warm Mediterranean rice salad and 2) Pescado Zarandeado (Mexican west-coast style grilled black cod, seasonal herbs salad, cotija and pine nuts). The chicken was so moist and delicious in the cacciatore sauce. The black cod was extremely tender and beautifully complemented by the herb salad and satiny tasting Cotija cheese.
We ordered the most delicious sides: addictive Confit Truffle Potatoes and Chili Charred Broccolini. The broccolini required a bit more cooking as I needed a steak knife to cut it, but the mildly spicy chili marinade made up for it.
Our dinner ended with the prettiest desserts: Brown Butter Tarta; and Salted Caramel + Chocolate Truffle. The artistry prevented us from wanting to eat them! The Brown Butter Tarta featured feuilletine crunch, caramel sauce and blueberry coulis and was served with brown butter ice cream. The blueberry coulis was an inspired touch since it perfectly complemented the caramel and brown butter flavours. The server told us this was the most popular dessert and I can see why. The Salted Caramel + Chocolate Truffle was made with Swiss meringue, vanilla pavlova, chocolate almond cookie and chocolate ice cream. My dining partner loved the light texture of the dessert and rich chocolate.
Thank you so much for inviting me. The service and cuisine was exceptional. It was truly a special evening!
La Casita is open to the public until July 20, 2026
La Casita at Casa Madera, 1 Hotel Toronto, 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto M5V 2V5
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