i've always loved the space, even when it was the boiler house. the space is airy, the lighting is good and the patio is lively. i just love the mural on the back wall (i couldn't stop staring at it!).
the food is very good. the tacos and ceviches are inventive, fresh and tasty. out of six dishes, only one was a bit lacking (the octopus). however, the pork belly more than made up for this peccadillo.
even though the restaurant was packed (christmas market time), service was good. no complaints at all.
one last note: el catrin is in the distillery district. it's a tourist hotspot and prices are (unescapably) elevated. however, given the quality of the food and service, i really wouldn't say that el catrin is a tourist trap. as a longtime torontonian, i'd definitely go again.