Find tasty tacos at these Toronto taquerias
There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to Toronto’s collective love affair with tacos. Whether you’re looking for dirt-cheap classics, authentic Latin recipes or bold new fusion flavours, there are plenty of amply stuffed tortillas to be found north of the border. Visit these taquerias to sample some of the city’s best Mexican street food.
Grand Electric
1330 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4Taco lovers from across the city work up an appetite while waiting in line (sometimes over two hours) to snag a table at this hip Parkdale bar. Thankfully, the eclectic fare and boozy bourbon-based cocktails are totally worth the hype. The chalkboard menu lists perennial faves — pork belly, Baja fish, spicy chicken, beef cheek — and daily specials. And with tacos priced at just $3.60 per serving, you’ll wanna try ’em all. Visit for lunch during the week to avoid the crowds.
Seven Lives
69 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K2This seafood-focused spot earned a cult following thanks to pop-up stints at the Toronto Underground Market. The crowds were more than happy to migrate when owner and chef Sean Riehl opened his bricks-and-mortar spot in Kensington Market in 2013, where he specializes in SoCal and Baja-style tacos made with locally sourced ingredients and toppings. The fan favourite is the Gobernador made with shrimp, smoked marlin, peppers, onions, crema and cheddar cheese. Dress your own with house-made hot sauces.
La Libre
14 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V3Toronto restaurateur David Sidhu started a foodie revolution when he opened his first Mexican joint in spring 2011. Years later, the wildly successful Playa Cabana chain has expanded across the city — but there’s something special about this original Annex location. Housed in a converted house on a residential stretch of Dupont, the neighbourhood tacqueria boasts an eclectic menu of fresh tacos made with sustainable ingredients like free-range chicken, AAA Ontario beef and house made chorizo.
La Carnita
501 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A5This College Street hotspot draws nightly crowds thanks to its notorious tacos, cool street art and rowdy party atmosphere. Nosh on the namesake carnita taco served with confit pork, jalapeño sauce, mago salsa and queso añejo. Don’t forget to save room for a side of Mexican street corn, which comes charred on the cob and slathered in crema, queso anejo, arbol and spicy ancho chili powder.
Barrio Coreano
642 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K9East meets west at this fusion spot nestled in the heart of Koreatown. Part of the Playa Cabana chain, this experimental eatery serves up traditional Mexican fare with a distinctly Asian twist. Tacos are infused with Korean ingredients such as sesame, kimchi and wasabi to create bold new flavours. Try the bulgogi-style barbecue beef tacos and admire the colourful neon surroundings.
El Caballito
220 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1K4Every night is Cinco de Mayo at this lively King Street tequila bar where the tortillas are made in house from scratch. With nine unique varieties on the taco menu there’s plenty to choose from; the pork al pastor is a classic recipe served with pineapple and salsa verde, and vegetarians will enjoy the meatless mushroom al ajillo slathered in spicy arbol chili and ajillo sauce. Late-night diners enjoy a free taco at midnight every night of the week. On Tuesdays all tacos are just $3.50 and are served with a side of live music.
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4Traditional Mexican recipes are reimagined with a contemporary twist at this Distillery District taqueria. With eight taco varieties on the tapas-style menu, this restaurant is best visited with a group (or a very big appetite). Fillings range from braised beef, pork, lamb and chicken to sautéed shrimp and lobster and a veg-friendly offering made with citrus-braised heart of palm. Fun fact: it took three Mexican artists almost 100 days to paint the restaurant’s riotously colourful wall murals.
Como En Casa
565 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z2Looking to satisfy your hunger along the Yonge Street strip? You’ll feel right at home at this casual Mexican kitchen offering homemade fare on the cheap. Opt for the taco meal deal for just $6.99, which includes your choice of two tacos (stuffed with beef, chicken, pork or a vegetarian option) served with a side of rice, beans and salsa, and a beverage.
Fonda Lola
942 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G8Grab a spot on the hidden back patio and enjoy an intimate fiesta at this Queen West cantina. The menu focuses on traditional Aztec recipes and offers two taco specials that change nightly. For something a little out of the ordinary, try the hand-held Caesar salad, which sees Boston bib lettuce mimic a taco shell as it’s folded around candied jalapeno bacon and topped with fresh shaved parmesan. Rustic touches like hanging lanterns and blue-and-white china plates imported from Mexico create a funky Latin vibe.
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