El Maizal

I walk past this strip of stores and restaurants frequently and didn't know it was here. A Mexican friend of mine told me it's one of his favourite Mexican restaurants. We arrived at 9 PM on a Saturday night. It's a small charming restaurant inside. The food is MEXICAN. Please don't expect "Tex-Mex". The mole sauce was on point, chocolaty but not overpowering. I had the chicken burrito, I think! It was great. The side salad was small and refreshing. The tortilla chips and guacomole very good. The traditional margarita arrived in a massive heavy glass and was a refreshing drink with the food. We will go back often.

My friends and I stopped here for dinner. From the outside, this tiny restaurant in Liberty Village doesn't seem like much, but it is truly a hidden gem! We went here because my friend is from Mexico and kept raving about this place, and she had every reason to do so!First of all, the owner, Ivan Wadgymar was there and was able to explain everything to us, including that the hand-made drawings on the chalkboard depict how the maize he grows on his farm is cultivated to corn flour to make tortillas for his restaurant.We ordered chips with guacamole and beans to split, along with horchata. They were delicious! For my entree, I ordered the chicken mole tacos and they are just not enough words on the English dictionary to describe how phenomenally delicious they were. Not to mention, everything was reasonably priced! Everyone was happy with their meal, and we all agreed that it tasted fresh and authentic, and it was a great meal overall.I will definitely re-visit!

My husband and I were expected somewhere at 4 pm and it was close to 1:30. We were famished and wanted a coffee break. Fortunately, we found parking in front of the cafe. We stepped inside a very pleasant, informal and a small place. Loved the decor, specifically the big hand drawn boards with information on the corn tortillas' journey from the seed to the plate. The coffee was aromatic and served in beautiful hand made pottery mugs. We had a cookie. ( sorry can't remember which but it was delicious ) I was tempted to try the tortillas which were made by grinding the corn on the premises. I thoroughly enjoyed the beef quesadillas. Super friendly staff. A hidden gem, must try.

We visited for drinks and appetizers on a Saturday afternoon.The restaurant makes their own tortilla chips daily from corn that they actually grow themselves. You can most definitely tell the difference! The pico de gallo and guacamole was also incredibly fresh, as was the tomatillo sauce.My only suggestion food wise would be to make the tortilla chips a little less salty and they would be perfect.The red sangria was also excellent.Service was slower than we would have expected. Perhaps the restaurant was busier than they anticipated, and they could certainly have used more staff.

Very busy fast paced establishment. Although it is small it is charming and the service fast. Recommend either making a reservation or coming before noon as it fills up really fast. Food is also very good, portions fair and good value for money. Lunch for three of us was less than $50.00. They also have take out.