Taco Time!

It’s safe to say that Toronto loves tacos, and Mexican restaurants are popping up all over the place (we’re not complaining). If you’re looking for foodie plans this Cinco de Mayo and beyond, it’s time to start crossing these taquerias off your restaurant checklist.

From truly authentic experiences to amazing patio parties and classic Mexican fare, these top 10 spots are a must try, right now.

Enjoy!

Grand Electric
1330 Queen St. W, Parkdale, Toronto
Photo: @pavithrasj

Grand Electric is our Parkdale watering hole. If we ever find ourselves in the west-end, this little taco nook is a must-visit. While the lines can feel lengthy at times, we can promise that these tacos are worth the wait. We recommend an order of Crispy Cauliflower Tacos, Mission Wings and Jesus Juice. You’ll thank us later.

Playa Cabana Hacienda:
14 Dupont St, Toronto
Photo: @playacabanahacienda

This family of restaurants is expanding all over Toronto, and chef/owner Dave Sidhu understands the Toronto taco palette. If you find yourself uptown, make reservations in this old Victorian house that now dishes out some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever devoured. We recommend an order of the very fresh and delicious guacamole, along with a few Soya Chorizo Tacos.

Tacos El Asador:
689 Bloor St W, Toronto
Photo: @danieljanetos

For a truly authentic taqueria experience, look no further. This Latin American eatery might not have a large social presence or glamorous storefront, but we can promise that it will be love at first bite. The style of restaurant is over the counter, the decor is nondescript, but this is how tacos were meant to be enjoyed, with good company and wholesome ingredients.

La Carnita:
780 Queen St E, Toronto
Photo: @la_carnita

With several locations popping up all over Toronto, La Carnita is a slam dunk when it comes to Tacos. We recommend ordering the Mexican Street Corn with a Carne Asada Taco and a Churro for a treat. Between the edgy atmosphere and the seriously on-point offerings, this will be one Cinco de Mayo experience you’ll want to share with your entire social following.

Seven Lives:
69 Kensington Ave
Photo: @sevenlivesto

This tiny Kensington Market restaurant is serving up some of the best Baja-style tacos in the city. This now bonafide brick and mortar restaurant was once a pop-up spot, but Torontonians wanted more, and Seven Lives answered the call. We recommend a cold Mexican soda, along with an order of a Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos, enjoy!

Wilbur Mexicana:
552 King Street West
Photo: @sashaexeter

This King West hot spot is turning out some seriously epic options for carnivores and herbivores alike. With a salsa bar complete with a variety of hot sauces and garnishes, your already delicious tacos get an upgrade. We definitely recommend their Mexican Street Corn, along with a cold Corona and a Baja fish taco to boot.

El Caballito Tequila y Tacos:
145 Pearl St, Toronto
Photo: @elcaballito.ca

If you find yourself in the entertainment district this weekend, make sure to pop into El Caballito! This also happens to be Toronto’s only tequila bar and was recently featured on The Real Housewives of Toronto. We recommend a fresh order of Ceviche along with a triple order of the Beef Brisket Adobo and a Churro Ice Cream Sandwich to finish.

El Catrin:
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto
Photo: @wayshegos

This Distillery District restaurant arguably boasts one of the best patios in the city. This truly authentic experience prides itself on modern fare, and your taste buds will certainly agree. We recommend an order of the guacamole, as they mash it table-side (seriously). We’re also huge fans of the Gringa Tacos which are served as three pieces. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, just in case you opt for the tasting menu instead.

Tacos 101:
101 Dundas St E, Toronto
Photo: @ktfoodie

This east-end eatery is serving up some not-so-basic tacos. While the food might not be piled high with random ingredients, every bite just gets better. If you’re looking to get a taste of Mexico without booking a plane ticket, this should be your next destination. Be sure to quench your thirst with a homemade Horchata, along with an order of beans and chips and their Nopal Taco.

El Trompo:
277 Augusta Ave, Toronto
Photo: @tofoodies
This bright and snug spot is serving up some of the best tacos in the greater Toronto area. If you find yourself strolling through Kensington Market on a Saturday morning, sit yourself down on this patio and enjoy. We recommend an order of their Mexico City style signature Al Pastor Tacos that are brimming with good bites.