Campechano (restaurant)

Campechano is a chain of Mexican taquerias operating in Toronto, Ontario.

Campechano
Restaurant information
EstablishedNovember 9, 2015 (2015-11-09)
Owner(s)Daniel Roe[1]
Raena Fisher[1]
Head chefDaniel Roe[2]
Food typeMexican
RatingBib Gourmand
(Michelin Guide)
Street address504 Adelaide Street
CityToronto, Ontario
CountryCanada
Seating capacity43[2]
Other locations460 College Street
Websitecampechano.ca

History

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The restaurant's first location, on Toronto's Adelaide Street in the downtown Fashion District was established in November 2015.[2] It was opened by couple Daniel Roe and Raena Fisher, who sought to highlight a simple menu of 'real Mexican food'.[2]

Co-owner and head chef Roe was born and raised in Mexico City, before moving to Canada in 2005.[2] He sought "to serve the tacos [he's] been eating [his] whole life" at the restaurant.[2] The restaurant uses imported heirloom corn from Mexico to make their tortillas, which are made fresh throughout the day and are never reheated.[1] According to Roe, it took six months for him to perfect the tortilla recipe being used at the restaurant.[3]

The restaurant's name Campechano, comes from the Spanish word for 'good-natured' or 'cheerful'.[2]

A second location was opened in summer 2021 on College Street in Toronto's Little Italy neighbourhood.[1] The College Street location is larger and provides more seating for patrons, but offers a similar menu.[4]

Recognition

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The chain's original location on Adelaide Street was awarded a Bib Gourmand designation by the Michelin Guide at Toronto's 2022 Michelin Guide ceremony, and retained this recognition in 2023 and 2024.[4] A Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants who offer "exceptionally good food at moderate prices." The guide praised the restaurant's small menu of tacos, stating that "if you’re here for anything [else], you’ve come to the wrong place."[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Agrba, Liz (13 September 2021). "What's on the menu at Campechano, the Toronto taqueria's new Little Italy location". Toronto Life. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Brudz, Andrew (2 January 2017). "Campechano: Toronto's restaurant of the week". Bold Traveller. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  3. ^ Nuttall-Smith, Chris (16 April 2016). "The tortilla, tacos and Toronto". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "Campechano - Toronto". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America. Retrieved 18 December 2024.