The Best Burritos in Toronto
Burritos in Toronto have come a long way. In fact, it was only as recently as 2004 when burritos began to emerge on the city's culinary radar. The occasion was the launch of a little hole in the wall called Burrito Boyz across the street from the former System Soundbar on Peter Street. Soon, copycats were popping up throughout the downtown core, each emulating Burrito's Boyz patented toasted shell. This approach, now the de facto Toronto cooking method, sees a rolled burrito grilled at the end; making the flour tortilla hot and crisp.
It didn't have to be this way. In San Francisco, taqueiras in the Mission district have long been winning over locals and fans from around the world by creating what's know as the Mission Style burrito - a big fat burrito that's filled with beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, cheese, meat or veggies. In their version, the tortilla is steamed, not grilled, a style that's now commonly found in cities such as New York and Vancouver.
But back in Toronto our burrito purveyors have carved out their own niche. For Mission style traditionalists it just doesn't cut it; but based on the long lunchtime queues at many of these joints most Torontonians aren't complaining. On the menu are the usual beef, pork, chicken and veggie options; but look hard enough and you'll eventually spot varieties like yam, fish or tofu.
Lost in the shuffle are many of the older Mexican and Tex-mex restaurants that once were the sole proprietors of burritos in this city. Among these are would-be contenders like La Hacienda, Jalapeno, Margarita's, La Cabana and Dos Amigos, but when the guacamole settled the ones that made our list were generally the restaurants that dedicate themselves to the art of the Toronto burrito, and the burrito alone. The top ten:
Burrito Boyz
The current king of the Toronto burrito scene. Burrito Boyz serves up halibut, shrimp, soya, bean, steak and shrimp burritos. A second location sits at Adelaide and Simcoe. More...
Big Fat Burrito
Kensington Market's beloved burrito shack. Some claim they copied Burrito Boyz' formula but improved it. Try the excellent yam burrito. More...
Burro Burrito
Home of the best fish burrito in the city. Steak, chicken and soya burritos also make an appearance at this Little Italy joint. More...
Quesada Mexican Grill
Now with three downtown locations, Quesada's short menu features streak, chicken, pork and veggie burritos as well as Jarritos, a Mexican soft drink. More...
Freshwest Grill
Located in the bustling TD Centre Food Hall, Freshwest Grill feeds the Bay Street crowd chicken, streak, shrimp, soy and veggie burritos. Top them off with one of three home-made salsas. More...
Mexitaco
Mexitaco's burritos may be smaller (and pricier) than the competition, but it's tough to beat the authenticity. Excellent refried beans. More...
Johny Banana
Johny Banana's list of burritos includes chicken with mole, chorizo with potato, veggie, steak and chicken varieties. A big step up from their former offerings. More...
Burrito House
The Danforth's Burrito House serves up standard but tasty beef, chicken and veggie burritos. Where's the calamari? More...
Utopia Cafe
Offering more of a sit down dining experience compared with others on this list, Utopia scores points with the most innovative menu of the bunch with offerings like grilled tuna and chicken goat cheese. More...
New York Subway
Don't be fooled by the name, New York Subway has been grilling so-called gourmet burritos longer than anyone. Just don't expect a smile with your order. More...
Comments (45)
New York Subway has been a burrito staple in this city far before Burrito Boyz ever opened their doors. In NYS has been grilling their burritos as the end for just as long as they've been slinging meat filled tortilla rolls.
I'm gonna have to say I'm a fan of New York Subway. The beautiful Tibetan woman who owns the place makes me smile every time I am in there....though i must admit to not being at every one of the joints listed above!
Yes! i agree too!
New York Subs is number one!!!
Sometimes i eat them even if i'm not hungry just because i'm passing by :P
Which one of these is closest to something like Chipotles in the US though? I've been to a lot of these places but have yet to find a burrito that I enjoy quite as much.
Ugh, i always find Burrito House really disappointing. Which is a shame because it's 3 minutes from my house. Why can't Burrito Boyz open a location on the Danforth? They'd clean up.
the burritos in le gourmand, in the foodcourt underneath the HBC on Yonge and Bloor, are fantastic. shame they're only on the menu every other week...
I'm surprised Sneaky Dee's wasn't even mentioned. Utopias burritos, while amazing, are way more like wraps than anything as well.
I don't think there's anything quite like Chipotles but I'd say Quesada is probably the closest.
Le Gourmand is the devil. They've had continious problems about firing people unjustly and paying wages.
I love Burrito Boyz! But thanks for giving me some new places to try.
I have to disagree with New York Subway making the list ... they suck and are very blah.
I'm going to have to agree with Locri and Tim. None of these places can hold a torch to Chipotle's. That place was great. I wish they would open a shop up here.
FYI: For those of you who love Chipotle's Burrito: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipotle_Mexican_Grill
Just got back from eating at Johnny Bananas. Their cactus burrito is outstanding and by far the best burrito i've ever had in this city.
I have always been a huge fan of Margarita's up on Carelton, and then Quesada's and Burrito Boys are good too... but I finally paid a visit (always take-out) from my neighbourhood Coyote Willie's at Queen and Broadview. Their Web site is straight out of 1996 but their vegetarian burritos are my favourite, hands down.
Chipotle is opening a store in Toronto. At Yonge Dundas square next to the future shop. Should be open in the next couple of months.
burrito boyz probably made this list cause of its location near the clubs.
quesada is #1 in my books...and closest toronto gets to burrito, freshness is key
Johny Banana has the best burritos in town. I've tried almost every burrito place in Toronto and this is the only one where they really taste like the ones you get in California.
We should be proud and support all Canadian burrito shops like: Quesada, Burrito Boyz, Johny Banana, Big Fat Burrito, New York Subway! This people brought us the best of Mexican food before all this huge American chains. Chipotle is owned by McDonald's how fair is that!
Chipotle is not owned by McDonalds. They used to part own it some time ago, but not any more. Quesada has lost the plot recently. I agree after Chipotle, Jonny Banana is the best in Toronto.
There is a new Burrito Joint in town on McCaul street called "MISSION BURRITO", cant wait till they open :P
I agree that Chipotle is the best.. and there's a new CHIPOTLE opening up on Yonge and Dundas on Aug. 15. I even heard that on the 14th of Aug they're giving away FREE burritos and drinks to all that come in. Count me in!!
I'm looking forward to trying a burrito from Mission Burrito, opening up at Village on the Grange later this week. They are going to have lots of selections and get their inspiration from San Francisco's Mission District.
Mission Burrito is opening up soon, within the month. They're located right across from OCAD (Dundas/McCaul) They'll be the only ones in Toronto to steam their burritos with a fancy steam machine imported from San Fran. Steaming is the traditional way in Mexico. This whole thing about grilling burritos, just a bandwagon thing everyone's trying to board. #1 is about to happen, Mission Burrito. Fresh organic and local ingredients only.
To start with, I'm a Mexican living in Canada and a truck driver with U.S. runs and burritos is my middle name. Everywhere I go, I try all the burritos I can (that's why I'm 300lbs!). Anyways, you guys are trying to see who's burrito is better and all the places mentioned add rice in the burritos. Anywhere in Mexico, there isn't any rice in a burrito. The cheese and other ingredients are too Americanized. You guys have a good Taco Bell burrito. If you want to try a good burrito in the G.T.A, try Mucho Burrito Barbacoa.
When I moved to Toronto I was told the best places to get a burrito was either Burrito Boyz or Big Fat Burrito. I have to admit they were okay but I still missed the burritos I got from my favorite Mexican shack back in California. But recently I have found my burrito Toronto fix, and by complete accident. Mission Burritos in the Grange food court has hands down the best burrito in town. Everything is freshly made and the burrito is steamed to perfection! Delicioso!
What happened to z-teca? It's the best place to eat anywhere in my neighbourhood (Mutual/Gerrard), not to mention a damn good burrito. I've had the burrito boyz burrito, and once was enough... how long should it take to make a burrito (and a mediocre one at best)?.
My vote goe's to Moe's Southwest Grill. They have locations in Burlington, Mississauga and now Yonge/Eg. http://moes.com/
How about " MUCHO BURITO " ...i have tried it a few times and have always came out full and happy...it's Freash, Clean, and great customer service....ALSO ..it's a CANADIAN company...even better for me, i hate passing my money to us company...
anyone tried them yet? they have a bunch...Miss. Woodbridge..milton...barrie..
By the way....i ate Buro Burrito yesterday...THE WORST food i have ever ate...most smelly and crapy store ...will never go back...( Yonge & Sheppard )
I agree with Joseph. Z-teca is superb. Prefer Gerrard location. easily as good as Boyz or Big Fat Burrito.
Chipotle is so much better. Humanely raised meats, organic content in the beans, REAL guacamole and everything is cooked and prepared right in front of your eyes. I love the transparency!
I was scared to death at Burrito Boyz in Port Credit watching a kid use the same tongs to cook chicken, steak and fish. Pay first then make your food - hold on to the number while some finger licking snot nosed kid rolls and toasts your burrito.
Z Teca is a rebrand of Qdoba. A US chain owned by Wendy's. Has a similar look and menu to Chipotle - imitation is the highest form of flattery, I suppose. Shame the food doesn't match up.
I love local and shop, buy, support, encourage local whenever possible but when it comes to food I look for sustainable, humanely raised and organic food. REAL food! It may cost more but it's worth it.
burritolover, you couldn't be more wrong--Wendy's OWNED Baja Fresh but then sold it. Qdoba is a rebrand of a different chain, called z-teca that no longer exists, and is owned by Carls Jr. The original z-teca sprung up in the Denver area around the same time as Chipotle, then changed its name. So perhaps Chipotle was imitating them? The Toronto version of z-teca is locally owned and has 3 locations.
Mucho Burrito is a cheap knock off of Chipotle, only crappier. They're owned by Extreme Pita, and it shows. Their meats come in pre-cooked (Schneider makes their steak, which tastes like nitrates). Avoid.
how does bar burrito not make this list?
best burritos in town followed by el asador on bloor, then NYS. Burrito boyz is played out...i hate that hole, I always feel nautious after. who made this list...its all twisted.
I must say.. it's difficult to find a decent burrito in this city.
Burrito Boyz, who I've only been to twice (once last week) is horrible. It may be the most tasteless, ill produced, burrito I've had outside of a 7-11. At least Chipotle is a decent, if albeit sterile burrito place.
I can't believe people line up for twenty minutes to half an hour, for what they serve at Burrito Boyz. Service doesn't seem too pleasant either. :/
I ate at Mucho today in the BCE building and it was killer. they were cooking the chicken and steak fresh right in front of me. I ordered their MUCHO burrito which was the size of 2 burritos at the b-boyz and I did not have to take a shower or a sh%$ right after (sorry flash backs from my last vist to the b-boyz)so it is much better in my books. i asked the owner and he said they have 4 more coming downtown in First Canadian Place, Bay-Adelaide Center, Queen W and King W so the good news is soon I can get my burrito fix at other locations after work. Hey and if they are Canadian then it is a bonus. we can tell Obama to "Buy Canadian"
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