I am sure you know what a taco is, right? It is a Mexican food that consists of a corn or sometimes a wheat tortilla, filled with juicy and fresh ingredients. I just love to have them anytime and it makes for an absolutely delicious meal! The great thing about tacos is that there is usually a variety of fillings that you can choose from, such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and cheese.
Not only this, but the different kinds of toppings also make the tacos more delicious. You can enjoy toppings such as salsa, grilled pineapple, diced onion, chopped cilantro, grilled avocado, cabbage, and so on. To get the most out of the experience, you can pair it with various dips and pickled onions.
If you are also a taco lover and are in Toronto, I must tell you the best spots to have them. So, check my top recommendations to enjoy the best tacos there.
1. PICO DE GALLO
Pico De Gallo is a Mexican restaurant in Toronto that serves authentic Mexican food, including tacos.
Here, you can enjoy various types of tacos, such as the grilled shrimp taco, which is my favourite. Other tacos options include the great Baja-style tacos, some carnitas tacos (pork carnitas), chorizo tacos, carne asada tacos, pastor tacos, beef brisket, and a fish taco with hot sauces.
Address – 214 Augusta Ave
2. Tacos El Asador
At Tacos El Asador, you will find vegetarian and vegan options along with the usual meat ones. I also like the decor of this place is nice, with bright yellow walls and a nice patio.
I’ll tell you some amazing dishes you can choose from their menu. Try their crispy tacos, beef tacos, tostadas, burritos, al pastor tacos, pulled pork tacos, fried fish, spicy chicken, and chicken tostada,
Address – 690 Bloor St W
3. Seven Lives Tacos Y Mariscos
Seven Lives is a Kensington market taqueria where you will find Baja-style tacos and a delicious variety of seafood.
If you like grilled shrimp or grilled chicken tacos, visit there. I can tell you some other options to try there. You can also ask for Pollo Asado tacos, pulled pork tacos, which are tender and soft, and beef belly tacos. The Baja fish taco is quite famous there which is a must with some hot sauces, chips, and pickled onions.
Address – 69 Kensington Ave
4. Playa Cabana Cantina
Playa Cabana Cantina is a popular Mexican restaurant, and I love its funky and rustic vibes. The dishes served here contain fresh, tasty ingredients, and there is a great variety of tequila.
Some amazing tacos you must try here are fish tacos, crispy squid tacos, octopus tacos and carne asada tacos. Their chicken burritos and beef short ribs are also worth trying. They also have some amazing dessert and drink options.
Address – 2883 Dundas St W
The Canada Hustle team talked to Liz Hutz, the Owner of Liz Buys Houses, about factors that set apart Toronto’s taco scene from other cities. Here is what she said:
“Toronto’s taco scene reflects the city’s multiculturalism. As a melting pot of cultures, Toronto’s taco offerings aren’t limited to traditional Mexican varieties but also encompass fusion styles inspired by other cuisines present in the city.
This blending of culinary traditions creates a unique tapestry of flavors and ingredients, reflecting the diverse communities that call Toronto home.
The taco scene in Toronto showcases the authenticity and creativity of different ethnic communities. From traditional taquerias serving authentic Mexican street tacos to innovative eateries offering fusion creations, the city’s taco spots celebrate the richness of global food culture.
Each taco joint brings its interpretation of flavors and techniques, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Toronto’s culinary landscape.
Toronto’s taco scene is dynamic and constantly evolving, with new taco spots popping up regularly. This proliferation of options creates a competitive environment where taco joints strive to distinguish themselves through quality, innovation, and authenticity.
Food bloggers and critics play a crucial role in highlighting standout taco spots, fostering a culture of exploration and discovery among Toronto’s food enthusiasts.
The history of Toronto’s taco scene is intertwined with the city’s immigration patterns and evolving food trends.
While tacos have long been a staple of Mexican cuisine, their popularity in Toronto has surged in recent years, mirroring the growing appreciation for global flavors and street food culture.
Understanding the historical context of tacos in Toronto sheds light on the broader narrative of culinary diversity and cultural exchange in the city.
The proliferation of taco spots across Toronto contributes to the city’s culinary diversity and urban vibrancy. By offering a wide range of affordable, accessible dining options, taco joints play a role in shaping the social fabric of neighborhoods and fostering community engagement.
Additionally, the presence of diverse taco offerings enhances Toronto’s reputation as a gastronomic destination, attracting both locals and tourists eager to explore its culinary treasures.”
5. Chula Taberna Mexicana
Chula Taberna Mexicana is a restaurant offering a great variety of Mexican food, Margaritas, and beers. The decor of this place is excellent; it is a vibrant cantina that has a very spacious and beautiful patio, which includes outdoor covered patio seating options on the upper and lower deck patios.
The tacos offered here are cheap and tasty, and you must try their fish tacos, which are also absolutely delicious, with perfectly seasoned kale salad, some chipotle and grilled chicken tacos, pork tacos, and beer-battered haddock.
Address – 1058 Gerrard St E
6. Barrio Cervecería
Barrio Cerveceria is a casual spot for some yummy, authentic Mexican food which you can enjoy with customized drinks and great music in the background that will make your day super fun. The nachos and tortilla chips served here are great and come in plentiful portions and the fish tacos are fresh and crispy.
You can also order some other great tacos, such as tinga tacos, shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, al pastor tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Even their Barrio bowl is awesome, which you can enjoy with some amazing cocktails and house beer. Try the churros for dessert; you will love them!
Address – 884 Queen Street
7. Clandestina Mexican Grill & Bar
At Clandestine Mexican Grill, you can enjoy your tacos and drinks while listening to great live music in the background. They have a vast menu offering you all the options, such as fish, beef, pork, and mushrooms, which you can have either as a taco, burrito, or even a quesadilla. You must try their birria and portobello tacos, and their guacamole, which is simply outstanding! Additionally, they also have a lot of vegetarian options available.
Address – 2901 Dundas Street West
8. Itacate
This place is a small family-run taqueria that features an open kitchen so you can watch your food being prepared. It is particularly great for a pleasant family outing.
You can try a variety of tacos here, such as al pastor tacos, suadero tacos and chorizo tacos. Why not top them off with pickled jalapenos, spicy salsa, cilantro, onions, and whatever else you like?
Address – 998 St Clair Ave W
9. Tres Compadres
Tres Compadres offers a great variety of tacos to choose from. However, my pick would be their birria tacos which taste like heaven! Their nachos and chicken tacos are also noteworthy and you can’t miss them. Some other dishes I would recommend here are salsa and chips, chicken tinga tacos, nachos, short ribs, quesadilla, guacamole, tres compadres crispy tacos, and a steak Pepito sandwich.
Address – 212 King St W
Hannah Jones, a Realtor at NewBuildHomes, talked to the Canada Hustle team about the unique aspects of Toronto’s taco scene. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
“Toronto is a multicultural place – over here you’ll find people belonging to different walks of life, different ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures. The food is bound to be influenced in a place where a mixture of different cultures coexist.
This is why Toronto’s tacos are a class apart – you can get Indian, Caribbean, Mexican, and American tacos all in one place! The blend of flavors is the reason why Tacos are a special food in Toronto.
Many taco places in Toronto boast of using locally sourced ingredients that are organic, natural, high quality, and a boost to local businesses.
Playa Cabana, Tacos 101, Grand Electric, and many more use local ingredients that are of the highest quality, which is why their end product is worth savoring!”
10. El Rey Mezcal Bar
I also like the El Rey Mezcal Bar. It is a small bar with great wood decor that serves a variety of tacos and has a very welcoming vibe. Plus, you will be offered some great refreshing cocktails here to enjoy with the snacks and their patio especially adds to this experience.
You should certainly try their tasty and flavoured tacos. Pair these tacos with cold Modelo beers or a Lost and Found Cocktail. For dessert, go for the Tres Leches cake with strawberries and mezcal cocktails. Also, don’t forget to try their signature drink, Open Windows; It is amazing!
Address – 2A Kensington Ave
11. Wilbur Mexicana
The most interesting place on this list is here! At Wilbur Mexicana, you can try a great variety of tacos with three distinct varieties of tortillas, such as crispy corn, flour, or corn. You can also select your favourite sauces, as they have a huge variety, ranging from mild to hot. Moreover, the place is quite affordable and they offer some amazing beers as well.
Address – 552 King St W
12. The Haam (Sushi and Taco)
The Haam presents you with Asian and Mexican fusion cuisine in a great and stylish space. Here, you can eat wonderful tacos, nice sushi rolls and spicy salmon rolls. What a great combination of dishes, isn’t it? Moreover, the bulgogi tacos and fish tacos at this place are also excellent, and you should certainly give them a try.
Address – 342 Adelaide St W
13. La Rev
If you want to enjoy homestyle cooking Mexican food with some great cocktails and nice music, then this is the perfect place for you! The food tastes great, and the best part is that it is also budget-friendly. You can enjoy a variety of dishes such as shrimp tacos and pulled pork lamb. The sauces are wonderful, too, and the tacos come with great fillings. Moreover, the atmosphere is pleasant and cool, and you will surely love this place!
Address – 2848 Dundas Street West
So, the next time you are craving some tacos, check out these amazing spots in the city! Pair your delicious tacos with some great cocktails or beer, and you will undoubtedly love the experience!
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by Saket
