It's taco time! Toronto is brimming with Mexican restaurants and if you're craving a taco, it can be hard to know which spots to go to.
In a recent Instagram Q&A, we asked locals to share their favourite spots to get a taco in Toronto. Based on their suggestions, we created a list of the top 9 recommended venues to visit.
From cozy hidden gems to places with colourful patios, these restaurants will have you feeling like you've taken a trip to Mexico.
Here are the 9 best taco spots to visit in Toronto next time you're craving a meal out.
Gus Tacos
Price: 💸—💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: Gus Tacos received the most votes for the best tacos in Toronto. The venue has multiple locations across the city and is "Toronto's Most Beloved Taqueria Chain," according to the website.
The simple menu consists of items like tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
The tacos are served in a corn tortilla with your choice of protein and topped with onions and cilantro. You can choose from flavours like grilled steak, braised lamb, chicken, battered fish and fresh cheese with avocado.
You don't want to miss out on the guacamole and chips appetizer.
Itacate
Price: 💸—💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 998 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This cozy restaurant is the place to go if you're looking for Toronto's best tacos, according to locals.
The venue serves up authentic fare as well as Mexican breakfast.
You'll find dishes like tacos, chilaquiles, quesadillas and more on the menu. Flavours include steak and cheese, pork and pineapple, breaded chicken breast, chorizo and potatoes, shrimp, a vegan option and more.
You can even get Tacos Dorados — deep fried tacos stuffed with chicken, lettuce and cheese.
Must try items at this restaurant are Chicharron Rojo, Chorizo Con Bistec and Tinga de Pollo.
Itacate menu
Tres Compadres
Price: 💸—💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 398 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bring your appetite to this spot! Tres Compadres serves up an array of colourful, drool-worthy tacos that are loved by locals.
You can dig into all your favourite Mexican dishes, from burritos to sandwiches and nachos. You can also find Mexican beverages like fruit punch at this spot.
The taco options include braised short ribs and brisket, pulled chicken, steak, sautéed vegetables and more.
Molkagtez Mexican Cuisine
Price: 💸💸—💸💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 1263 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This taco joint has authentic Mexican fare "served on sizzling hot traditional volcanic rock molcajetes," according to OpenTable.
The menu is full of drool-worthy dishes, including nachos, soup, antojitos, ceviche, tostada, fajitas and more.
The tacos come in a range of flavours such as pork, beef steak, shrimp, Mexican sausage, cactus and mushroom and hibiscus.
You can enjoy your meal on the "Tulum Heated Jungle Patio," which will have you forgetting that you're in Toronto.
On Mondays, you can enjoy $10 margaritas, as well as $5 tacos and tequila shots on Tuesdays.
Casa Mezcal
Price: 💸💸—💸💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: Another taco spot loved by locals in Casa Mezcal. The venue is home to a rooftop patio and it's "the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the warm summer weather in a laid-back atmosphere," according to the website.
You can enjoy your meal while gazing over the city.
The menu features a range of dishes such as guacamole, calamari, enchiladas, seafood and even Mexican sushi.
There are several types of tacos to choose from including shredded chicken, mushroom, pulled beef, shrimp and fish.
The restaurant also serves brunch and boozy drinks. If you have a sweet tooth, you don't want to miss out on the churritos or "famous" choco-flan.
Fonda Lola
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 942 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This venue serves up modern Mexican fare and it's worth a trip, according to locals. The restaurant aims "to share Mexican flavours using locally source ingredients to create healthy and tasty Mexican dishes."
The menu features a range of main dishes, as well as boozy drinks and desserts.
You can order things like guacamole, ceviches, nachos, Caesar salad and quesadillas. The tacos are served in groups of three and come in flavours such as corn-battered basa, shredded chicken breast, shrimp, cauliflower and more.
There are all sorts of margaritas to sip, including a hibiscus margarita and spicy margarita.
For dessert, you can dig into things like churros, lava cake and ice cream.
On Tuesdays, the venue offers a discount on tacos so you can save some cash on your meal.
Ghost Taco
Price: 💸–💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: This "un-authentic" Mexican venue is located outside of the city, but locals say it's worth a road trip.
The venue boasts "tacos like you've never tasted before" in a variety of street-food flavours such as braised beef, crispy fried chicken, brussel sprouts, slow roasted pork and fried tofu.
You can also order taco bowls, which come in flavours like adobo chicken and birria beef, and sides such as chill fries and Spanish-style life.
Don't forget to grab some churros for dessert.
El Catrin
Price: 💸💸—💸💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Distillery District restaurant has major Mexican vibes and delicious food. It boasts the "best authentic traditional and modern Mexican cuisine in Toronto" as well as "the largest tequila and mezcal collection in the country," according to the website.
You'll find stunning decor as well as a gorgeous heated patio where you can enjoy your meal.
You can order dishes like quesadillas, guacamole and boozy drinks. The tacos are available in flavours like fish, braised beef, mushroom and grilled pork.
For dessert, you can dig into churros and tres leches cake.
Campechano
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: This taco joint has "hidden gem, cozy hole in the wall vibes" and is a drool-worthy spot to grab a meal. The venue has locations on Adelaide Street as well as College Street.
The simple menu offers tacos such as beer-battered red haddock, braised beef, marinated chicken and pig confit. The tacos come in single servings so you can order a variety of flavours.
There's also guacamole and ceviche to enjoy as an appetizer, as well as tres leches for dessert.
Tacos.
Courtesy of El Mariachi Tacos & Churros