Z-Teca
199 Bay Street (Commerce Court) 
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Phone: 416.862.9200
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Z-Teca just opened and already it has the look and attitude of a burgeoning burrito chain. It probably doesn't help (or hurt, depending on your preference) that their first location is in the Commerce Court food court, better known as fast food central with company like Harvey's, MMMuffins and Edo Japan. And, they already have a second location slated to open near King and Spadina where signs hype the burrito's size and quality as being for the two-fisted gourmet.
A pre-emptive strike at Chipotle? A warning across the bow of Burrito Boyz? The intrigue was killing me (not really) so I finally made my way into the depths of Bay Street's convoluted PATH to find out whether Z-Teca brings it or blows it.
First impressions are good. I'm liking the plywood and sheet metal motif and the font of the gourmet burrito sign actually has me convinced they just might be. The menu, though, is a mixed bag. It could definitely benefit from some less carnivorous options. There's no fish burrito, no tofu, no soy cheese, no pinto beans and a knife full of guacamole costs an extra buck.
But on the plus side everything is easily laid out and simple to follow (see menu below) with intriguing options like beef barbacoa and a black bean and corn quesadilla.
Since many burrito joints don't offer the option, I elect for a shrimp burrito. With guacamole and tax it comes to $8.76. I suppose in an era of rising oil, wheat and corn prices, not to mention a devastating wipe-out of California avocado plantations, I should be thankful a burrito is still less than $10.
The burrito is served lightly grilled, wrapped in foil, but a little on the small size compared to what I was expecting. And the taste? Much to my stomach's hopes, it's one of the better burritos I've had in the city lately.
All the ingredients are working in perfect harmony - the white rice, three kinds of salsa, the black beans, the freshly-grilled shrimp (I counted about a half dozen of them) and decent guacamole.
It might just be a burrito chain I'll grow to love.
Comments (26)
There's also an outlet at Church and Gerrard. I ate there last Friday, and I think it might have been their opening day. I'm not a burrito expert, but it was tasty.
Has the location at Church and Gerrard opened?
The signs have been in the windows of the building with the copy shop for at least 6 months, maybe even since september! I can't believe it actually exists!
ah, but Chipotle is opening just around the corner from Ryerson. I guess my class schedule will determine where I eat. The burrito I had at Chipotle in Brooklyn, NY was pretty good.
I've had burritos a few times at Z-Teca a few times. I thought it was so-so, not great.
Burrito Boyz is still my fav!
I had high expectations because the place looks so nice...
BUT I really have to say I was disappointed with the burrito. Very little flavour...
I also tried the quesadilla but was even more disappointed by that: small, dry, little flavour (and expensive!).
As much as I *want* to like this place... burrito boyz and big fat burrito are definitely way better!
A vegetarian burrito? What a terrible suggestion. I understand vegetarians need their fix, but they shouldn't call it a burrito if it isn't carniforous. Make a seperate menu and call it a wrap...Mexicans are gasping everywhere.
"10pts for misspelling HASS on the menu!"
It actually can be spelled either way Hass or Haas. Your pick.
"There's no fish burrito, no tofu, no soy cheese, no pinto beans and a knife full of guacamole costs an extra buck."
Saying a burrito place doesn't have fish, tofu or soy cheese is like saying a bicycle shop doesn't offer caviar, wedding dresses, or roofing tiles.
There's a Moe's at Yonge and Eglinton. I ate at this chain down in Florida a few times. The burritos are big, and pretty tasty. But, for some reason, the Yonge and Eg version doesn't have the same taste. It could just be that the US smells different and that affects the taste, or that the ingredients used up here are just tasteless (I could see the cilantro, but it had no taste). I was so excited for Chipotle, but I'm guessing the border guards may also confiscate that amazing taste as well... drats.
I agree with @Anon, and I'm non-dairy and mostly vegetarian.
@c.n. I happen to be Mexican and I am not gasping at a vegetarian burrito. A lot of Mexicans don't have enough money to afford any meat anyways, so they end up being vegetarian. The soy cheese and tofu request, though, it preposterous. No, really.
I disagree. Restaurants in general should be more sensitive to these days to people with food allergies. If not just to be more open-minded, but to increase sales to the 10% of us that are looking for these kind of options.
OMG I'm vegan so I shouldn't get a burrito because Mexicans would be soooo mad, right?
Burrito Boys soya ground round burrito is to die for, and unless another chain offers something with so much substance for vegans, I have no reason to go.
I'm allergic as well. My consumption does not change because of that. I ask for it with no cheese. Soy cheese has casein anyway, so it still has the animal ingredient/allergen.
You can buy two kinds of cheese without Casein at Loblaws, and at least one at Dominion. Not that this has anything to do with Burritos, I just thought I'd point out all ALL soy cheese does not contain animal ingredients/allergens. Sadies at Adelaide and Portland has a burrito with vegan cheese, but it is definitely not a candidate for best in the city.
Thanks, I'll look them up (I did buy a soy cheese without casein at Whole Foods as well, but it tasted so crappy, I preferred to do without).
I think asking for soy cheese AND tofu is a little much. I think that it is a bit of an unwarrented complaint. These don't seem to be very traditional burrito fillings and I wouldn't want people who are unfamiliar with an ingredient handling it.
And I don't think it is "closed-minded" to not cater to people who specific food allergies. The extra time and effort for most restaurants simply isn't worth it. It's tough to be a restaurant. I'm lactose-intolerant, I don't go to an ice cream store expecting lactose-free ice cream. You just deal with it....make your own lactose-free ice cream or find the one special store that does have it. C'est la vie.
Tried this place out for the first time today... disappointing! Got a veg burrito, which was very bland. I realized about 1/3 of the way through that they didn't include any guac (supposed to be part of a veg burrito) and must've used mild salsa despite my request for hot. If I ever go back, I'll be watching them like a hawk to make sure they don't cut corners again. Or, I'll just stick to Johny Banana!
Tried this place today. They have a new location at Gerrard and Church, near Ryerson. It was awesome!!! They grilled the steak right in front of me. Everything was really fresh. Staff were friendly. Came to about $11 for a steak burrito with guacamole and a drink. Cost much less than Chipotle last week. Burrito wasn't as big, but was tastier, in my opinion.
Tried ZTeca and the beef burrito is is just okay. Lacking any real flavor or "wow" factor. I used to like Burrito Boys until I observed how nasty the place really is. Not to mention the guy serving me came from outside, put on his plastic gloves without washing his hands, made my burrito, took my cash, and then went to turn the burrito over on the stove top with his BARE HANDS, like eewww, wash your freaking hands. After much objection to his unsanitary behavior he rinsed just water over his MRSA, and staph infected fingers. I'll just stick to the burrito outfit in Kensington Market (Big Fat Burrito)- delicious.
Looks like Taco Villa with a new coat of paint. It's even in the same spot is it not? Ah burritos, too bad you can't get a decent one in this town.
Man this place stinks....I had the barbaco burrito on sunday night It kept me up all night couldnt sleep....plus the beans come out of a can, couldnt believe they displayed the cans of beans on a shelf, to bad could have been better.
there is also a location at King St. and Peter St. ....These are thre best burritos i have ever had..so delicious and they only use the freshest ingredients and meat grilled right in front of you. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who like quick and delicious food.
I work at Z-Teca and to put anyone's wondering mind to rest the cleanliness factor is a ten out of ten. I've been a part of making almost every dish there or at least observed it. After 3 months I have not seen anything that would make me hesitate before tearing into my meal. They supply there staff with a free lunch or dinner depending on your shift and despite taking them up on this offer daily I still look forward to my next burrito :)
I'm a vegan and a burrito lover, for me the best options are Burrito Boyz and Johny Banana both places give you lots of flavour without the meat and the dairy!
Z-teca was o.k. not really coming back...
A burrito place that hopes to compete in Toronto yet offers nothing vegetarian except corn? Someone get them a calendar, it's almost 2010.
A Toronto-based business that bases the spelling of its name around the American pronunciation of the letter Z? Someone get them a map, or a dictionary, or a Molson commercial.
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