Food News

Toca Chida opens in Assembly Row

The new Somerville restaurant from the same group behind Papagayo calls itself a "world taqueria."

By Katelyn Umholtz

May 2, 2024

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A new restaurant, Toca Chida, is taking over the space of the last-standing Papagayo in Somerville’s Assembly Row on May 3.  

It’s from the same restaurant group (Legendary Restaurant Group) that brought Boston’s multiple, now-closed locations of Mexican restaurant Papagayo, as well as Assembly Row’s Civility Social House and Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen in downtown. 

And even though there will be traditional Mexican dishes on Toca Chida’s menu — opening just before Cinco de Mayo — restaurateur Chris Damian said the menu will have more cuisine influences from other Latin American countries, the Caribbean, even some Asian food influences. In a press release, he called it a “world taqueria.”

“I have this vision of coastal Mexican and influences from any hot-climate country,” Damian said in an interview.  

He gave an example when discussing the Toca Chida taco menu. There’s the old school section, which will include traditional options like carnitas and tinga. Then there’s the new school, with items like the crunchy edamame falafel taco. 

Toca Chida will also be on the lighter side — compared to Papagayo’s Tex-Mex menu of enchiladas and burritos — with smaller, more shareable options, though there will still be entrees available for those who want a bigger meal.

What is coming back from the Papagayo days, Damian said, is tableside guacamole. There are plans to expand that tableside service to ceviche and nachos, too, in which guests can customize toppings and add-ons. 

That table-side guacamole is $12, and an order of tacos (two per order) can cost $10 to $13, depending on the taco. Entrees run from $23 to $26. Get a house margarita for $12, or other specialty cocktails for $13.

The space, which Damian described as feeling like you’re on vacation, includes more than 200 seats that are a mix of 28 seats at the bar and communal tables. And now that we’ve entered warmer-weather territory, you can expect al fresco dining in the form of open front windows — Damian called it an “internal patio” — as long as the weather behaves.

Damian said the hours will likely expand after the first few weeks from opening, and plans to offer weekend brunch and lunch.

7 notable menu items at Toca Chida

• Beef birria empanadas 
• Lobster tacos
• Tuna nachos
• Housemade guacamole 
• Poblano Escobar with Ghost tequila, cucumber, poblano pepper, cilantro, lime, and chili dust
• Tormenta Tropical with Pusser’s rum, Montenegro, lime, passion fruit, and Angostura bitters
• Ay, Papi made with Milagro reposado, Montelobos mezcal, and mole bitters, served smoked

Toca Chida opens May 3; Tuesday-Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; kitchen closes at 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; kitchen closes at 10 p.m.; Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; kitchen closes at 8 p.m.; 331 Great River Rd., Somerville