Cocina de Doña Julia

Here stands a relic of an era that predates the gentrification of the Junction/​west Dupont neighbourhood of Toronto. The vast majority of the property on or just off of this stretch of Dupont and even more so, east on Dupont has seen a price jump in residential and rental properties. Consequently, the price of rent and land taxes have driven out the old Italian, Portuguese and Greek immigrants and their families who purchased these properties in the days of yore– a time when these houses were worth practically nothing compared to their counterparts situated just minutes south of Bloor. Since, the astronomical jump in rent prices/​property values in the Annex, and practically every area surrounding this neighbourhood, there has been a spill over to this quaint stretch of Dupont. This means that the clientele and market for a lot of restaurants on this stretch have become quite different and now boast chic artsy décor and aloof waitstaff.
This is NOT the case at Cocina De Dona Julia– the furniture, the counter and even the service door exist purely for function with a complete disregard for how unprofessional and homely they appear to customers. There is a large, well-​used leather massage chair from the early 00s that the waitstaff hang out on and watch TV on while waiting for orders to arrive from the kitchen, and often times, the waitstaff are even sitting at the tables for customers with all their comfort-​things spread all over the place. With that said, this attitude and approach makes this place the least stuffy of any restaurant I’ve ever entered, and in fact made me feel the most comfortable I have ever felt in a place of business. It doesn’t feel like they’re doing business at all: you feel like a family friend who stopped off for dinner and your bill and tip is just you chipping for groceries.
Even with all this said, the food and the presentation of this food is almost scientifically meticulously crafted. The dishes, especially the fried fish look amazing consistently and taste amazing. The rub used on the pulled pork is spectacular and virtually unmatchable by any slow-​cooked oven pork in the city, it tastes less harsh and overpowering than the average rub, almost like a complimentary butter.
Come here, hang out, chat with the staff, watch TV and eat an awesome meal and leave some cash for groceries. Its the best way to spend 25 dollars for two in this area, hands down. Skip the fast food, delivery and fake atmosphere of other restaurants. This place is home, nothing dishonest about this joint– down to the fact that its cash only. As real as it gets, ya’ll.

We decided to give this place a try a couple of years ago. We were heading down to Ecuador and wanted to sample some of the cuisine first. I have been eating here regularly ever since as the food is awesome!
My favourite menu item for sure is Hornado (slow roasted pork). It is a huge serving that comes with potato cakes, salad, and your choice of hominy or rice. The Churrasco is also pretty killer. They have a bunch of different main dish options here and snacks like empanadas and humitas.
This place is definitely worth checking out. It’s tucked in a little strip mall at Perth and Dupont. They are only open Friday to Sunday and it’s cash only.

Just finished our first meal here. Huge portions, all handmade with love and attention. The ceviche was my personal favourite, not too acidic, but completely delicious — the shrimp are served whole, which I like.
The Hornado was delicious, and the Churrasca was huge and satisfying. We will definitely be back soon. Mainly to try the empanadas and tamales!
Warning: cash only!