Torito's Mexican Restaurant

Last night, after work, I went shopping in Waikiki.  After walking around for a while, I realized that it was getting late and I hadn't eaten.  I was at the International Marketplace, and decided to eat at the food court there.

The food court at the International Marketplace is an open-air, outdoor food court with approximately 20 stalls serving all kinds of food.  It reminded me a bit of the hawker centres in Singapore, only this set up was more for tourists (prices) and with less variety.  After taking a walk around the place, I decided on eating here, at Torito's Mexican Food.

I don't often eat Mexican food, and if you ask me why, I wouldn't really have a good answer for you.  Maybe it's because I find that Mexican food is expensive in Hawaii, or maybe it's because there aren't very many Mexican restaurants around.  In any case, my decision tonight was based upon the food the gentleman in the foreground was eating.  It looked good.

Torito's has quite a few items on the menu, but what I decided to have was the beef burrito plate (US$7.10).

When I placed my order, I was asked if I wanted shredded beef or ground beef.  Normally, I would have said shredded beef, but instead, I ordered the burrito with ground beef.  The plate comes with yellow rice, refried beans and salsa, but since there were beans in the burrito, I asked to substitute the refried beans with some tossed salad.  No problem!

The huge burrito was filled with lots of ground beef, cheese and refried beans, then topped with some sauce and cheese.  I must say that the burrito was delicious and packed with flavor.  The filling was well seasoned, although, I think the burrito was just a little bit on the salty side.  The rice was nice and subtly flavored, while the salsa wasn't really spicy enough.

If I was in the area, I would definitely eat here again.  Although it was a little pricey, the food was fresh and tasty, and service was excellent.  Next time, though, I think I'll try the "crazy" burrito that was on the menu.

Torito's Mexican Food
International Marketplace
2330 Kalakaua Avenue
Telephone:  (808)922-4057

Comments

[stacey]

ooo burritos! I'll be back there in exactly one week :) ... but I doubt I'll be eating mexican food. I think that's one area that Chicago may beat out Hawaii :) Well, mexican food and pizza. :) I've only had int'l marketplace food once, I got shave ice there years ago.

[Clinton]

HI Reid,

That wet burrito looks like typical Taco Bell take out to me minus the wax wrapping paper. I guess if you're munching at the International Market Place in Waikiki, the prices will be generally higher than elsewhere. Comparatively, US$7.10 is not really too bad for Hawaii's Mexican food. For about the same price at a sit down Mexican restaurant here in LA, it would cost nearly the same but will also include soup or salad and the normal complimentary salsa and chips for appetizers. But if you factor in the tax and tip, it gets a little higher. I guess I'm more biased when it comes to Mexican food here in LA because we have more to choose from and the origin is right across the border from us.

[Justin]

I was just wondering what was in the crzy burrito that was on the menu if you rmember that is. And Also I just wanted to say that I have been reading your blog for a while now and it is great. Thanks and keep up the good work

[MrsT]

I'm into mexican food.. but not those from taco bell that's all. ;)

[Trisha]

I've eaten here before and I like it. They give good portions and it's better than some other Mexican restaurants I've eaten at.

[AugustusGloop]

I've never been a big fan of Mexican either but I figured it was because the stuff we get here has been "chop sueyed". Always been curious to try the real McCoy though. Next time I'm down Mexico way perhaps... *daydreams*

[Reid]

Hi Stacey,

I hope you have a good time here in Hawaii. I don't normally eat Mexican food, but this was decent enough. I liked the burritos at Diego's a lot better.

Hi Clinton,

You're absolutely right about Mexican food and LA. I actually liked eating Mexican food in San Diego when I was there a couple of years ago. Much better than what we get here in Hawaii. My favorite place in Hawaii is La Bamba on Kapahulu. You should try it when you come back.

Hi Justin,

Thanks for dropping by. I don't recall what was in the crazy burrito, but I'll check the next time that I'm there.

Thanks for the compliment on the blog, I'm glad you like it.

Hi MrsT,

I don't eat at Taco Bell either. =)

Hi Trisha,

I think Torito's is better than Jose's in Kaimuki. I haven't been to any other Mexican restaurants, other than La Bamba on Kapahulu. I'm going to try more Mexican food though. It's something that I haven't really eaten enough to make a solid judgement.

Hi AG,

You know, if you go to Mexico, the food is really cheap, but you can't just eat it anywhere. I agree about the food being all "chop sueyed" though. That's how a lot of our Chinese food is. =P

[milgwimper]

Reid if ya come up this way there are several taqueria's we'll have visit. I think $7 id reasonable, but I could be wrong I make my husband pay! ^_^; Usually I do not know the price of the food we're eating at the taquerias(he's the one who made us eat so much mexican food and Pho one year I'm still recovering LOL) so I'm a pretty bad source to tell you. But i'll scout out how much the it costs here for you. Get back to you soon.

milgwimper

[Conor]

There is one in the Market City Marketplace, I go there when I can. Free chips and salsa (their salsa is good) And usually less busy then driving thru Waikiki =)
And Shredded beef > ground beef

[Reid]

Hi Conor,

Thanks for visiting my blog and for leaving me a comment.

I've seen the one at Market City before, but have never been inside. I see that it's quite crowded when I pass by. Have you tried the crazy burrito?