You're Not A True Torontonian Unless You've Tried 7 Out Of These 11 Mexican Restaurants
Taco 'bout a fiesta in your mouth! 🌮.
A person eating a taco. Right: A person holding two tacos.
Mexican food in Toronto is always great because it's fast, delicious and typically cheap. Lucky for you, there are so many Mexican restaurants in the city that you need to try because they're each so different.
Some of the best Mexican restaurants in Toronto are hidden gems in Kensington Market, while others are popular spots on King Street West. But regardless, there's a lot to explore.
If you want to consider yourself a "true Torontonian," in our books, you need to have been to most of these Toronto restaurants.
Here are 11 Mexican Toronto restaurants you need to try at least once. If you've been to seven, then call yourself a local in our books.
Wilbur Mexicana
Address: 552 King St W, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Wilbur Mexicana is one of the most popular restaurants in the Entertainment District. No matter the time or day, this Mexican spot is always busy and for good reason.
This Mexican spot is a quick grab-and-go restaurant that makes sizzling fajitas, burritos and tacos.
Their dishes are so aromatic you can smell the spices from the street.
If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for?
Gus Tacos
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: Gus Tacos is a highly recommended taco spot for cheap eats and delicious meals. Even Janet Zuccarini, the CEO and owner of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, recommended it as one of her favourite spots.
"Everybody loves a good taco, and my favourite right now has to be Gus Tacos. They use really fresh ingredients and produce, and the barbacoa is melt-in-your-mouth. They have several locations throughout the city too, awesome to see a local business growing," Zuccarini shared with Narcity.
You can get $5 tacos, $7 quesadillas and $12 burritos, it sounds like a big win!
Gus Tacos Menu
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
Address: 72 Kensington Ave, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: The shrimp tacos at Seven Lives are seriously life-changing. Okay, not actually, but the tastes and textures might blow you away.
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos is tucked away in Kensington Market, and even though it might seem like a hidden gem, it is actually loved by many Torontonians.
So, if you want to be a true local, you must try their tacos.
Playa Cabana
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: Playa Cabana is a popular Mexican restaurant in Toronto. Its menu is filled with fresh ingredients and delicious bites.
They have daily ceviches, many different tacos, tostadas, and many other options that you would happily indulge in.
Playa Cabana Website
La Carnita
Address: Various locations.
Why You Need To Go: This Toronto restaurant is a must-try and should be on everyone's bucket list. It has a groovy interior, perfectly sized tacos, and delicious margaritas.
Their "In Cod We Trust" taco is one for the books. Also, if you love seafood, make sure to try La Carnita's "Eight Spice Tiger Shrimp."
El Catrin Destileria
Address: 18 Tank House Lane, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: El Catrin Destileria is tucked away in Toronto's beautiful and aesthetic Distillery District.
Walking into the restaurant, you are transported to a whole other place, with its extravagant decor and Spanish vibes.
El Catrin Destileria offers the usual tacos on its menu, but there is a lot more to try and explore, like antojito and esquites.
Campechano
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: Campechano is a trendy Toronto girlie Mexican restaurant because the vibes are immaculate and the food is delicious.
There are multiple locations in Toronto, each with its unique decor but with the same foods.
Campechano should be on your must-try list, so make sure to grab your besties when you go.
El Rey Mezcal Bar
Address: 2a Kensington Ave, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: This is a cute date night spot in Toronto because it's tucked away in Kensington Market, the vibes are romantic and the drinks menu is loaded.
Other than the food, the Mexican restaurant is famous for its mezcal offerings and thirst-quenching cocktails.
Añejo Restaurant
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: Añejo has one of the best happy hour menus because who doesn't love $6 cocktails and $3 tacos? No one.
Añejo has a few locations in Toronto, but the one on King Street West is definitely bumping and busy with locals every day of the week.
Papi Chulo's
Address: 121 Ossington Ave, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Located on Ossington Avenue, there is always a party happening at Papi Chulo. Whether the music makes you dance in your seat or the delicious Mexican food, this Toronto restaurant is always a good vibe.
During the summer, their outdoor patio is so fun because you'll be able to people watch and Ossington is a great place to be for that.
Milagro Cantina
Address: 5 Mercer St, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: This Toronto restaurant serves traditional Mexican food and has been around since 2006.
They offer much more than tacos and quesadillas. Instead, expect to indulge in ceviches, enchiladas, soups, and more.
The restaurant is hidden in the Entertainment District and it's the perfect place to enjoy a meal before you head over to the Ed Mirvish or TIFF lightbox because it's so close.
Even though this list only includes 11 Mexican restaurants in Toronto, there is a lot more to explore in the city, which has impressive dishes and unique experiences.
This list includes ones you might want to visit to experience some of the city's more popular and mainstream spots that still have delicious food while having a vibe you want to capture.
Enjoy eating, Torontonians, and let us know if there's a Mexican restaurant in the city we should check out.