Tocaya Is The Healthier Chipotle

Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

"Born in Venice CA, Tocaya embodies all that is California. Fresh ideas, fresh flavor and a soulful vibe you'll find nowhere else. More than a restaurant, it's a sense of place. As Californians, we compromise nothing when it comes to food or lifestyle."

If you're looking for a guilt-free lunch or dinner, look no further. Tocaya is one of the best spots in Los Angeles, and in my opinion, significantly better than Chipotle.

"Modern Mexican means never compromising. Since 2016 we've redefined dining with delicious, guilt-free meals that taste too good to be good for you. Bold flavors, big taste, crave-worthy food made from real ingredients. For the health-conscious and the flavor-obsessed."

First off, start with their Take & Bake Nachos in which you build and bake your own nachos at home! House-made corn tortilla chips, choice of queso, pico de gallo, roasted tomato salsa, vegan chipotle crema, black beans, and guacamole.

Next, get their chips & salsa, and their guacamole, which is made with pomegranate seeds, lime pepita seeds, red onion, jalapeño & cilantro served w/ plantain chips (tortilla chips by request). I prefer their tortilla chips but plantains are good too.

They also have a delicious side of street corn which is made with cotija cheese & chipotle powder and it's delicious.

I always order their salads, bowls or burritos. Their salads are great, especially the Taco salad with shredded romaine & kale, tajin tortilla strips, grilled corn, black beans, shredded cabbage, lime, onions & cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado & roasted poblano dressing.

Another option is the Tocaya Salad (also delicious), made with shredded romaine lettuce w/ whole black beans, diced tomato, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado & spicy cilantro-lime dressing.

You can pick a protein of your choice, my recommendations are the chicken tinga or chorizo.

In terms of bowls try out their Fajita Del Rey bowl with sautéed peppers & onions, cilantro lime rice, black beans, vegan chipotle crema, guacamole & pico de gallo (recommending: chicken tinga)

They also have a new bowl called Grilled Pineapple Al Pastor with chili-dusted grilled pineapple, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, pickled onions & guacamole. I have yet to try it but if it's anything like the rest of their food it's probably a 10/10.

Burritos are a great way to go to, they have breakfast ones and regular. My favorite is the The Fajta Burrito withsautéed peppers & onions, cilantro lime rice, black beans, vegan chipotle crema, guacamole & pico de gallo, in a jalapeño tortilla (recommending: beef chorizo)

If you come on Taco Tuesday try their Cali Tacos, made with an avocado-onion salsa, or their Baja tacos with shaved cabbage, sweet chipotle sauce, cilantro & vegan chipotle crema.

I've come here for dinner several times and luckily they have cocktails as well. My favorite is the prickly pear. You won't regret trying this spot out, and the best part? It's Guilt-free.

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