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From authentic taquerias to more modern Mexican eateries, Toronto offers everything that can sate your gastronomic desires. Toronto’s vibrant food scene is a melting pot of global cuisines, and when it comes to Mexican food, the city is sizzling with incredible options. If you’re still peckish, delve into their chiles rellenos—the combo of stuffed chilies with cheese is divine. Coming to the grub, their al Pastor tacos—marinated pork with pineapple—are a hit.
Ranked as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Toronto for vegetarians, the concept comes from the Grant van Gameren team who also run El Rey and Quetzal. Skip inside Fonda Lola and you’ll be greeted by a rustic cantina vibe featuring corrugated metal paneling, dangling bird cages and edison bulbs. The brand had gained a cult following with pop-up appearances, including the world’s largest tequila tasting, which had them serving over 1400 tacos in one night!
Known for their creative tacos and a wide range of tequila, the restaurant channels the spirit of Mexican street markets through its inventive menu and urban aesthetic. Dine at the King West restaurant and you’ll find a menu inspired and influenced by traditional Mexican dishes and flavours. Walker adds, “A traditional comal is used to cook fresh tortillas and toast chilies and seeds, while the ceviche bar offers an array of raw dishes inspired by the flavours of Mexico.” Our comprehensive guide to Mexican restaurants in Toronto features cheap and cheerful taco shops, mezcal bars, Tex Mex menus, fusion Mexicana concepts and fine dining rooms. Their tacos are simple, fresh, and bursting with authentic flavours.
Toronto’s related cuisines
You’ll find Kalbi beef and kimchi paired with tomatillo salsa and bulgogi shrimp stuffed in tiny tacos. Barrio Coreano’s kitchen does an excellent job mexican food toronto downtown at crafting memorable fusion dishes. The concept is similar to other Playa Cabana restaurants, specializing in small plates and shareable snacks. Skip through Rosalinda’s front doors and you’ll discover a design-tastic 138-seat restaurant.
- Hungry foodies nosh on tacos on the left and right while hunched over stainless steel counters.
- Skip inside Taqueria Gus and you’ll find casual stool seating at the front, open kitchen overlooking the checkout counter and pretty backyard patio.
- Etchings of street-art-inspired graffiti covering the walls provide this place with a ‘cool cat’ charm.
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
With a spicy margarita in hand, wag your finger down the Anejo menu and you’ll find tableside guacamole, creamy Queso Fundido, pork belly and shrimp stuffed tacos and classic crunchy churros. The menu features street food favourites like tacos, huaraches and tortas with influences from various regions across Mexico. Located in the former Butter Chicken Factory space, Luis H Restaurant is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant serving elevated tacos and regional dishes from Oaxaca. And while there is a time and place for Tex Mex, we were delighted to find a clutch of Mexican restaurants in Toronto serving a slew of authentic dishes.
The 7 Best Mexican Restaurants in Toronto
The restaurant’s unique concept as a “TACO-BAR” sets it apart from competitors, blending the casual charm of a bar with the irresistible appeal of Mexican street food. Known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, this Mexican restaurant offers a carefully curated menu that brings the bold flavors of Mexico to life. From refreshing 20oz Cheladas to a variety of new lunch menu options, this restaurant continues to innovate while staying true to its roots. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings, this establishment specializes in serving traditional Mexican dishes that are perfect for both dine-in and takeout experiences. With a focus on bringing people together through food, this taco restaurant has become a staple for those seeking a satisfying and authentic Mexican meal. Gus Tacos brings the vibrant and authentic flavors of Mexican street food to Toronto with its snug taqueria-style atmosphere and classic menu.
That’s right, Ceviche, and this is exactly what La Cevichería is here to deliver. Its original Little Italy spot remains one of the city’s most stylish places to satisfy your taco cravings. La Carnita began as a humble pop-up taco shop and has since grown into a local favourite with four locations across Toronto. One standout dish is the Memela, a toasted blue corn tortilla topped with smoked mushrooms, melted cheese, and crispy chicharrón, offering layers of texture and flavour in every bite. El Catrin not only serves the best margaritas in Toronto, they also have the country’s largest mescal and tequila bar for you to enjoy.
Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Toronto
In Mexico we have a lot of traditions and celebrations that are tied into our food, which I think are very captivating for people. Aguilar describes the unique appeal of Mexico’s culinary traditions, “It’s not only the vibrant flavours that draw people in, but the experience. There are cooks in this city that are making authentic Mexican food that aren’t from Mexico. Each dish comes exactly as it says on the menu and they bring you toppings to put on yourself.“ I seriously had my eyes roll to the back of my head.#pastortacos“
With a commitment to bold flavors and innovative menu items, the restaurant has earned its place in our directory for offering a unique twist on traditional fast-food dining. The restaurant offers a seafood-focused menu inspired by the vibrant flavours of the chef’s hometown, Tampico, Mexico. El Catrin Destileria offers an authentic tapas-style dining experience, showcasing flavours and textures from across Mexico.
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With over 17 years of journalism experience, Andrew is recognized as a global expert on luxury hotels, restaurant food culture and recipe development. The Tacos El Asador menu offers a selection of Mexican and Salvadorian dishes, which are served on colourful plastic plates lined with parchment paper. The open concept kitchen allows diners to peep onto the grill while a DIY salsa and hot sauce bar features freshly made sauces to spice up your tacos.
Añejo Restaurant stands out as a vibrant destination for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine paired with an exceptional tequila experience. Want to experience more culinary delights in Toronto? One last spot that’s less of a restaurant but absolutely worth mentioning is ChocoSol. For something less seafood-forward, their Papa Asada is a crowd favourite — a baked potato filled with mashed potatoes and steak, topped with sour cream, house salsa, and melted asadero cheese.