Whenever I think of El Torito, I remember big plates of food, the hum of conversation, and that special feeling of weekend indulgence. It had been years since I last visited, but when I spotted them on this year’s dineLA list, I knew it was time to return. This time, instead of brunch, I was going for dinner.

For $35, their dineLA menu offered a three-course feast. My friend and I came ready to taste our way through it.

First Course: Crispy Flautas + Chicken Tortilla Soup

I started with the Crispy Flauta. This starter came with four golden rolls filled with grilled chicken and melted cheese, topped with crumbly cotija and a generous swirl of crema fresca. These flautas were accompanied with jalapeño jelly and a red pepper dip. I found that the red pepper dip paired especially well with the creamy filling. It really gave each bite a nice burst of flavor.

My friend chose the Chicken Tortilla Soup, and of course I couldn’t resist a taste. The broth was warm and flavorful, with chunks of tender chicken, creamy slices of avocado, and crisp tortilla strips on top.

Second Course: Fajitas Duo + Carne Asada with Shrimp

For our mains, we shared two dishes: the Fajitas Duo and the Carne Asada with Shrimp.

The fajitas came with grilled chicken, skirt steak, colorful peppers, and fresh guacamole on the side. The fajitas paired well with the rice and frijoles de la olla.

The Carne Asada and Shrimp plate was a hearty, satisfying choice. The steak was flavorful and tender, the shrimp plump and perfectly cooked, and the fresh pico de gallo added a bright, zesty kick to every bite.

Third Course: Deep Fried Ice Cream + Flan

By the time dessert came, we were already happily full—but there’s always room for something sweet, right?

I went for the Deep Fried Ice Cream, which was pure joy in dessert form. The golden, crunchy shell gave way to cool vanilla ice cream, all dusted with cinnamon sugar. It was cold, crispy, and creamy all at once. This was easily my favorite dish of the night.

My friend’s Flan was smooth, silky, and rich with vanilla—a wonderfully sweet way to end the night.

dineLA was the perfect way to rediscover El Torito and enjoy a fresh look at their offerings. From the comforting tortilla soup to the bright, zesty carne asada and the indulgent deep fried ice cream, each course had its own standout flavors. For $35, the portions were generous, the variety was satisfying, and it was a fun, flavorful way to experience this spot again.

For more smiles, please check out my Yelp Review on El Torito,