Narcos Tacos is a halal Mexican restaurant with a colourful, street-style aesthetic. It's in a clean and bright space that was once occupied by a Jamaican restaurant near Warden and Lawrence in Scarborough.

Pendant lights hang above square tables, metal stools and cushy red booths. Graffiti style art decorates the walls, as well as neon signs featuring fun slogans.

The vibe is casual and reminded me of a secret clubhouse; the kind that you might build with your friends on the playground. Appropriately enough, the restaurant was built by a team of close friends.

Ali Barakat came up with the idea for Narcos while working at a shawarma shop with his friends, Seif Omar and Umran Hanifi.

The trio loved eating Mexican food together, but had a hard time finding restaurants that could accommodate their dietary restrictions.

Realizing that halal Mexican food was a largely untapped market, they decided to pool their resources and go into business together.

Tacos, burritos and quesadillas make up the majority of the restaurant's offerings. Aside from the tortillas, which come from a local supplier, all of their ingredients are prepared in-house.

Birria tacos ($15.99) are Narcos' signature dish. This meal comes with a bowl of spicy stew and three tacos, each stuffed with pulled beef, melted cheese, onions and cilantro.

For the full birria experience, I recommend dipping your taco in the stew. The warm broth and tender meat work in harmony, while the crunchy taco shell offers an excellent texture contrast.

Pescado tacos ($12.99) are fish tacos with a twist: in addition to the flaky fish filets, the tortillas are filled with red cabbage, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and Narcos' special sauce.

Salsa verde and lime wedges are served on the side, in case you want to give your meal an extra kick.

Pollo quesadillas ($14.99) are bursting with chicken, cheese, onions and green peppers.

The combo comes with sides of sour cream and Narcos' sauce, but I ate mine as is: the stringy cheese carries this savoury snack.The carne asada burrito bowl ($14.99) is one of the biggest items on the menu, not to mention one of my personal favourites.

This huge bowl is big enough to feed a whole group (or one very hungry diner). A bed of rice rests at the bottom, with corn, cilantro, pico de gallo, lettuce and steak layered on top.

If meat dishes aren't your style, try the fries supreme ($8.99): these thick cut fries are loaded with cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and all the sour cream you could ask for.Elotes ($6.99) are corn cobs topped with cilantro lime crema, cotija cheese and chili powder.

Though this dish can get a little messy, fear not: a handy wooden stick will help you eat it without getting your hands dirty.Churros (3 for $5.99) are long, crispy and coated in cinnamon sugar. For a dollar extra, you can add your choice of chocolate, strawberry or dulce de leche dip to the already delicious dessert.

Narcos Tacos is located at 2072 Lawrence Avenue East.