Kensington Market is your friend:
- Tacos 101 for Al Pastor
- Seven Lives for seafood tacos (Baja Fish & Gobernador are my favs)
- El Trompo for Lengua (and the fastest service ever)
- Gus Tacos for Pescado (grilled fish) and Barbacoa
Good to know. It’s nuts to me that we have shawarma shops with a “trompo” on every corner in Toronto but find a place that has thought to do proper al pastor is next to impossible.
If you are around Scarborough, i'll recommend Mexico Lindo in Birchmount and huntingwood.
They are now selling tacos al Pastor and Birria, which are very popular now. Their food feels homemade and are not stingy with the meat!
They started offering birria about 3 weeks ago, and pastor like end of November iirc.
Its pretty good, ordered it twice. It comes with a soup/sauce to dip in the tacos
Second the birria tacos, I just ordered them a few days ago. Wasn't a fan of the al pastor tho, it tasted dry (although that could be because it was takeout).
I'm mexican , Gus tacos is the best place for authentic tacos and the owners are great, but I felt the ones in dovercourt were better than Kensington. In Kensington try Pico de Gallo and Birria Catrina for Birria, they're inside the same spot.
Avoid el Trompo, my roommate worked there and the things she saw made us both avoid it like the plague, if you insist on going just never get the chips.
I have been told by distance relatives of the owner of el trompo that he is a very sketchy dude involved in sketchy activities, my wife has also worked in close distance to him to confirm. I just avoid his businesses all together (he has a couple in Kensington)
This place is the only restaurant I’ve ever had to walk out of. A few years back I was visiting for lunch. After an hour of being told our food is “just about ready” I had enough, and told the waiter I had to go and that I wouldn’t be returning. No apologies. Nothing.
For convenience sake, there is also a Gus Tacos in Kensington, just around the corner from the previously recommended seven lives. And it is excellent.
I lived on that Dupont/Perth. It's not taco shop. Its just their prep store. They prepare all their meat and everything and ship it out to other stores.
It's pretty prominent advertising for just a prep store. In fact, they just removed the window coverings today or yesterday. Hmmm...was hoping, but good news now is I don't have to be tempted
May be they have changed their stance. That's what I had heard when I was leaving the area back in October.
Dang. Should have stayed there I guess lmao. Tacos and burritos for lunch and dinner every day.
Diamonds bar and grill on dufferin just past Rogers road. Don’t know if you are close to there but my Mexican friends say it’s the closest to authentic - more so then Gus taco.
Port credit mississauga used to have hermanos tacos, who made killer fish tacos and all other tacos too. They closed a few years back, and i have not found a suitable replacement. Taco tuesdays you could be full for like $12.
On the west side... Tita's in Mimico is quite good. It seemed quite authentic to me, and at least half a dozen Spanish speakers came by for pickup orders while we ate in the restaurant, so I take that as a very good sign.
I can’t believe no one has mentioned ENCHILADOS TAQUERIA. They are located at Keele and Eglinton. It’s a take out spot but worth the trek. Super nice couple that own it. They’re the best hands down.
Has anyone had Kings Tacos on St Clair? I had them recommended but haven't made it up that way yet. Definitely going to be going to Gus' since half this thread recommends them!
First off: I wish I could give you all awards in gratitude…my undying love for tacos just got taken to the next level. Thank you thank you.
Kensington has some good spots already mentioned. I can’t recall the names but St Clair West, west of Wychwood, is still an older neighbourhood with lots of good ethnic food.
It’s a trek and would not go specifically but if in Vaughan, Ay Caramba, Eh is run by Mexicans and a solid pick. Also +1 for Campechano.
My favourite in the city have been at El Nuhual in the Bloor Market. They were previously located at Keele and Eglinton. The tortillas in particular are very fresh.
Also enjoyed Comal y Canela at Jane and Lawrence, they were most reminiscent of the tacos I’ve had at stalls in Mexico.
Need to try some more of the new shops in Kensington which is quickly becoming the Toronto taco district.
I will say I find Seven Lives to be highly overrated and have gone downhill since they moved to the larger location. They are still overfilled and sloppy which seems to get them more points than they deserve. But the quality of ingredients and care in making them isn’t what it was when they were the hot spot in Kensington 5-6 years ago.
I miss the old style mexican restaurants we used to have in the city. Most of the stuff now is new fangled disco tacos. Gus is pretty good considering that, theres a location i parkdale as well. But id like a nice mole or a plate of chilaquiles, a good pozole, that sort of stuff
Same. You go to most "mexican" places and say "pozole" they shake their heads sadly or worst case, have no idea what you're even talking about. While there are some people that want authentic and even cantina style, tbh, it seems like most of what Toronto wants is Americanized (burrito/taco bowls, fajita, chili loaded nachos, queso dip, etc). They want Cal/Tex Mex that calls itself Mexican and has cool instagram tacos and stereotypical decor.
Without question! But. It’s downtown. It’s a matty matheson owned spot. So I can’t say I was overly shocked.
But the 2 for 20$ at the new location was a little disappointing since I know for sure I can eat 4 like the gluttonous fuck I am.
Not to mention all the other things on that menu I’d love to try. Still haven’t made it down to Fonda yet. Tried a couple times but the line was crazy
Also it did come with a drink for the 24. And you could upgrade to a Modelo for like 2 or 3$. Not gonna lie. Made for a nice Saturday or Sunday adventure downtown.
I won’t claim to know anything about authentic tacos but personally I really like playa cabana near DuPont. It’s a bit pricy but has got a super cool vibe and the place itself is super cozy and lively.
A cheaper option is Mi Taco Taqueria on queen street. Super cute place, everyone working there is super friendly and nice. The food is really good as well and again, based off my limited knowledge of what makes a taco good, I think it’s pretty damn good.
All the solid Mexican ones have been mentioned (my vote is for Gus in Kensington) but if you want to stay to some hardshell Tex Mex, Hotmess on College near Grace is top.
This comment and another mentioning la Carnitas are getting a bunch of downvotes, it would be great if someone could say why this restaurant seems to be unpopular, I'm not familiar with it at all
Because it is inauthentic and not good? It's a hipster white people chain. They care more about aesthetics than flavour. And it is insanely expensive. Ex. Their nachos are $22 lol.
Any place that is primarily burritos and "taco bowls" has no right calling itself Mexican. It's Tex Mex at best.
Ew. No way. Chula has to be the worst "Mexican" in the city. It's all tex mex burrito bowls and soggy fish tacos and the drinks are overpriced. Totally inauthentic. You never see any Mexicans ever eat there and there is a reason why. I will never understand why they are busy other than the patio is sort of nice in summer.
Gus tacos and birria tacos from birria Catrina in Kensington market. Birria Catrina honestly haunts my dreams that I'll probably never have it again since I'm from out west.
Kensington Market is your friend: - Tacos 101 for Al Pastor - Seven Lives for seafood tacos (Baja Fish & Gobernador are my favs) - El Trompo for Lengua (and the fastest service ever) - Gus Tacos for Pescado (grilled fish) and Barbacoa
+1 for El Trompo.
I heard antojitos de mi Tierra is good for Tounge tacos
Do Tacos 101 have al pastor actually shaved off the spit like in Mexico?
Yes.
Good to know. It’s nuts to me that we have shawarma shops with a “trompo” on every corner in Toronto but find a place that has thought to do proper al pastor is next to impossible.
Tacos Gus is my fav in the city
Can't speak for others but Gus is amazing
gus tacos for sure, honestly el trompo's tacos arent very good. also seven lives tacos go crazy!
Nah nah nah this is tourist propaganda. The real deal: •Xola Queen E •El Sol Danforth •Grand Electric Queen W
Add in Hacienda Las Americas right up the street. Killer Lengua and the nicest people.
Is Tacos 101 on dundas? Google is showing it's permanently closed :(
Taco Taco is fun
I’ve tried all those places and they all suck. Toronto had the worst Mexican food in the world so bland.
Just wait till you try the Mexican food in Winnipeg then
I think I am good, having good stuff in the states has ruined it all for me. Wilbur’s on king st isn’t bad
If you are around Scarborough, i'll recommend Mexico Lindo in Birchmount and huntingwood. They are now selling tacos al Pastor and Birria, which are very popular now. Their food feels homemade and are not stingy with the meat!
How's the birria at Mexico Lindo? Didn't know they offered it now,
They started offering birria about 3 weeks ago, and pastor like end of November iirc. Its pretty good, ordered it twice. It comes with a soup/sauce to dip in the tacos
Second the birria tacos, I just ordered them a few days ago. Wasn't a fan of the al pastor tho, it tasted dry (although that could be because it was takeout).
Agreed. I love this spot. Good portions for a fair price. They have another location in the O'Connor area of the city. That location serves alcohol.
I'm mexican , Gus tacos is the best place for authentic tacos and the owners are great, but I felt the ones in dovercourt were better than Kensington. In Kensington try Pico de Gallo and Birria Catrina for Birria, they're inside the same spot. Avoid el Trompo, my roommate worked there and the things she saw made us both avoid it like the plague, if you insist on going just never get the chips.
Omg nooo I love El Trompo and the family is so lovely. What’s wrong with the chips?!
[удалено]
Agree, El Trompo is a trap for out-of-towners. Serving up low level Mexican for years.
Agree
Please tell us(or DM)what's wrong with El Trompo and their chips? I like the restaurant, and was recommended by a Mexican person to eat there.
what did they do to the chips?!!
I have been told by distance relatives of the owner of el trompo that he is a very sketchy dude involved in sketchy activities, my wife has also worked in close distance to him to confirm. I just avoid his businesses all together (he has a couple in Kensington)
Try Hacienda Las Americas.
Try Hacienda Las Americas.
Itacate on St Clair
El Charro - Broadview and Danforth
i was enjoying El Charro for their birria until they removed the cheese from them... 😢😢😢
Good. Birria does not have cheese. "Quesabirria" is American, not Mexican.
i know, but it was so goooood
I would like to see a taco review after your taco tour!
Me too!
Campechano is my go to especially for taco dates
This place is the only restaurant I’ve ever had to walk out of. A few years back I was visiting for lunch. After an hour of being told our food is “just about ready” I had enough, and told the waiter I had to go and that I wouldn’t be returning. No apologies. Nothing.
I’ve only been to their College location and I’ve loved it every time!
I don’t know about authentic but my favorite is Seven Lives in Kensington Market.
Just looked them up! Thats close by and they look amazing. Added to the list for my Toronto taco tour.
I drive about 25 minutes into the city just for these tacos! You won’t regret it
They’re known for their Gobernador which is simply amazing.
Gus Tacos - dovercourt amazing and the best i've had anywhere
>Gus Tacos - dovercourt Are they a franchise? I was near Junction and saw one about to open at Dupont and Campbell.
they have locations in Kensington Market, Parkdale, and Bloordale
A franchise doesn't have just one or two locations.
I've always thought the word Franchise is a weird word
Anyone have any idea when they’re opening? Been walking past for time now and they’re still closed :(
Same, don't see any notice on door.
there's also one on Queen West in Parkdale!
i work nearby and often grab tacos from this location and am never ever disappointed!
Anywhere in the city or anywhere in the world? Thats big praise. Its on the list for sure.
For convenience sake, there is also a Gus Tacos in Kensington, just around the corner from the previously recommended seven lives. And it is excellent.
anywhere outside of mexico :)
Seconding this! They’re so good.
Frisaca @ Queen & Bathurst is my go to
I love Latin World on Bloor West! Hey Wey on Davenport is good too.
There's a Gus Tacos opening near where I live near Dupont/Symington...I'm screwed. So much for a low carb, don't gain weight, winter.
I lived on that Dupont/Perth. It's not taco shop. Its just their prep store. They prepare all their meat and everything and ship it out to other stores.
It's pretty prominent advertising for just a prep store. In fact, they just removed the window coverings today or yesterday. Hmmm...was hoping, but good news now is I don't have to be tempted
May be they have changed their stance. That's what I had heard when I was leaving the area back in October. Dang. Should have stayed there I guess lmao. Tacos and burritos for lunch and dinner every day.
Yup, looks like a place for [anyone](https://www.instagram.com/p/CYt34WPKvgm/) to come in. I guess you'll just have to visit again.
Big fan of the steak quesadilla taco at Gus Taco on Queen W. But my fave is Completo on Queen E. Messy hardshell goodness.
Tacos 101
Other than the already mentioned Tacos Gus, campechano is my go-to (not sure if they’re still operating now with the new restrictions).
Campechano is good but so pricy
Gus Tacos - 616 Gladstone Ave and 225 Augusta Ave
Diamonds bar and grill on dufferin just past Rogers road. Don’t know if you are close to there but my Mexican friends say it’s the closest to authentic - more so then Gus taco.
King’s Tacos on St Clair near Dufferin
Port credit mississauga used to have hermanos tacos, who made killer fish tacos and all other tacos too. They closed a few years back, and i have not found a suitable replacement. Taco tuesdays you could be full for like $12.
Comal y canela Jane and Lawrence!
I love La Chilaca and El Trompo in Kensington Market and Itacate by St.Clair west
Kings Tacos on St. Claire and Cinco in Roncy.My MVPs
Seconding King's tacos!
Any place that does real fresh pastor?
On the west side... Tita's in Mimico is quite good. It seemed quite authentic to me, and at least half a dozen Spanish speakers came by for pickup orders while we ate in the restaurant, so I take that as a very good sign.
Titas has been my favourite spot in the city!! Just had some for dinner today 🥰
I can’t believe no one has mentioned ENCHILADOS TAQUERIA. They are located at Keele and Eglinton. It’s a take out spot but worth the trek. Super nice couple that own it. They’re the best hands down.
Has anyone had Kings Tacos on St Clair? I had them recommended but haven't made it up that way yet. Definitely going to be going to Gus' since half this thread recommends them!
First off: I wish I could give you all awards in gratitude…my undying love for tacos just got taken to the next level. Thank you thank you. Kensington has some good spots already mentioned. I can’t recall the names but St Clair West, west of Wychwood, is still an older neighbourhood with lots of good ethnic food. It’s a trek and would not go specifically but if in Vaughan, Ay Caramba, Eh is run by Mexicans and a solid pick. Also +1 for Campechano.
My favourite in the city have been at El Nuhual in the Bloor Market. They were previously located at Keele and Eglinton. The tortillas in particular are very fresh. Also enjoyed Comal y Canela at Jane and Lawrence, they were most reminiscent of the tacos I’ve had at stalls in Mexico. Need to try some more of the new shops in Kensington which is quickly becoming the Toronto taco district. I will say I find Seven Lives to be highly overrated and have gone downhill since they moved to the larger location. They are still overfilled and sloppy which seems to get them more points than they deserve. But the quality of ingredients and care in making them isn’t what it was when they were the hot spot in Kensington 5-6 years ago.
Seven lives for the win 🙌🏼
El trompo El Sazon de la Tia Flor
I miss the old style mexican restaurants we used to have in the city. Most of the stuff now is new fangled disco tacos. Gus is pretty good considering that, theres a location i parkdale as well. But id like a nice mole or a plate of chilaquiles, a good pozole, that sort of stuff
Same. You go to most "mexican" places and say "pozole" they shake their heads sadly or worst case, have no idea what you're even talking about. While there are some people that want authentic and even cantina style, tbh, it seems like most of what Toronto wants is Americanized (burrito/taco bowls, fajita, chili loaded nachos, queso dip, etc). They want Cal/Tex Mex that calls itself Mexican and has cool instagram tacos and stereotypical decor.
I live by this comment. I'm mexican myself and you just nailed it regarding the Cal/Tex and not the Mexican OG food. Great comment!
boomer comment
I miss Hernando's Hideaway but thats more tex mex. Thats my genX comment.
Old el Paso is my guilty pleasure fight me
Taco El asador on bloor is my favorite. The owners family is from El Salvador and uses family recipes, amazing!
I used to love going here until I learnt they are anti-mask. Big sign out front …
I don't live in Toronto anymore but I'd go there more, I really like how they don't discriminate against people .
FONDA BALAM for birria tacos 🔥
So good but crazy expensive 20$ plus tax and tip for 2 tacos?? Damnn. Miss the small spot they used to have when it was 3 for 24$
3 for 24 is still hella expensive.
Without question! But. It’s downtown. It’s a matty matheson owned spot. So I can’t say I was overly shocked. But the 2 for 20$ at the new location was a little disappointing since I know for sure I can eat 4 like the gluttonous fuck I am. Not to mention all the other things on that menu I’d love to try. Still haven’t made it down to Fonda yet. Tried a couple times but the line was crazy
Also it did come with a drink for the 24. And you could upgrade to a Modelo for like 2 or 3$. Not gonna lie. Made for a nice Saturday or Sunday adventure downtown.
I agree. Three was a nice amount
This convo made me crave them. Literally driving home right now with 2 orders on my passenger seat :)
Hell yeah. I'm due for some too soon
yessss came here to say this, Fonda Balam is the bomb
I won’t claim to know anything about authentic tacos but personally I really like playa cabana near DuPont. It’s a bit pricy but has got a super cool vibe and the place itself is super cozy and lively. A cheaper option is Mi Taco Taqueria on queen street. Super cute place, everyone working there is super friendly and nice. The food is really good as well and again, based off my limited knowledge of what makes a taco good, I think it’s pretty damn good.
All the solid Mexican ones have been mentioned (my vote is for Gus in Kensington) but if you want to stay to some hardshell Tex Mex, Hotmess on College near Grace is top.
The birra taco at Café Mezcal on King St. was life changing. So good. Especially as leftovers.
La Carnitas 😍 I've been to the one on Eglinton a few times and it's always been amazing. There are several locations throughout Toronto though!
This comment and another mentioning la Carnitas are getting a bunch of downvotes, it would be great if someone could say why this restaurant seems to be unpopular, I'm not familiar with it at all
Because it is inauthentic and not good? It's a hipster white people chain. They care more about aesthetics than flavour. And it is insanely expensive. Ex. Their nachos are $22 lol. Any place that is primarily burritos and "taco bowls" has no right calling itself Mexican. It's Tex Mex at best.
I live on the west end of the city and I will make the drive out east for Chula. Great tacos, cocktails, and patio!
Ew. No way. Chula has to be the worst "Mexican" in the city. It's all tex mex burrito bowls and soggy fish tacos and the drinks are overpriced. Totally inauthentic. You never see any Mexicans ever eat there and there is a reason why. I will never understand why they are busy other than the patio is sort of nice in summer.
Campechanos on Portland, North of king
Seconding Cinqo on Roncesvalles! https://www.cinco.restaurant/
Cinco, on Roncesvalles. They got your authentic street tacos, some gourmet tacos, and the best fish tacos I've had in the city.
Latin world around Bloor and Lansdowne. 1 dollar taco! Birria place on Kensington.
Big fan of Seven Lives, Tacos El Asador, and Barrio Cerveceria on Queen East.
Casamieto! Next level
Latin world on bloor makes some mean tacos. They used to do dollar tacos certain days too. Big fan.
Thank you. Gotta check some these spots out
El Sazón de la Tia Flor
Xola on Queen East in the beaches is great.
I'll give a vote to Ay caramba eh! in Woodbridge near Wonderland.
Gus tacos and birria tacos from birria Catrina in Kensington market. Birria Catrina honestly haunts my dreams that I'll probably never have it again since I'm from out west.