The Best Fish Tacos in Toronto

The best fish tacos in Toronto prove that there is no such thing as a single recipe to success. And that is to be taken literally, of course. The collective list of the most revered fish tacos has tilapia, catfish, pickerel, cod, or other types of whitefish serving as the main ingredient, topped with anything and everything from avocado crema and cabbage to mango and sour cream. And then there's the tortilla (must be corn) and the option of complementary add-ons to go alongside. Though the formula at these spots might vary from one place to the next, they all have garnered the reputation of doing justice to a favourite dish.

Here is the list of the best fish tacos in Toronto.

See also:

The best tacos in Toronto
The best burritos in Toronto
The best Mexican restaurants in Toronto

Grand Electric

A cool vibe, craft beer, and stellar Baja tacos have earned Grand Electric the top spot on this list. They’re small, yes, (what did you expect for $3 and change apiece?) but the battered tender tilapia pieces and fresh toppings together pack some serious, satisfying taco goodness. Now you just have to mind the wait to get in (early Sunday evening is a great time to pop by for some tacos). More »

La Carnita

The love affair Toronto has with La Carnita’s fish tacos may be fleeting, but the collective desire, still, never seems to run dry. La Carnita pops up sporadically in the downtown area (and the Toronto Underground Market), garnering lines for its limited edition art, or, most likely for its “Voltron” fish tacos. Battered cod, crema, cabbage, apple, cilantro, and Volton sauce. Until next time, Carnita. More »

Playa Cabana

Playa Cabana’s “Catch of the Day” tacos can come battered or grilled, whatever your taste buds (or diet, more likely) dictates. The Dupont Street Mexican restaurant may switch up the type of whitefish it uses for its tacos, but always offers it in its homemade corn tortillas. Topped with all the fixings, alongside rice and beans. $12. More »

Milagro

Milagro’s fish tacos are available in abundance compared to some of the others on this list, offered at any of its three Toronto locations. Its battered snapper tacos are paired with baja slaw and chile crema, priced at $10.50. Only enhanced by the addition of a mango colada. More »

The Drake Cafe

While it may lack that authentic Mexican vibe that is often a boon to the taco-eating experience, The Drake Cafe can still hold its own when it comes to delicious fish tacos. You may find that the actual fish changes from one trip to the next, but the adornment (salsa, cabbage, sour cream, and lime) generally stays the same. Served on soft corn tortillas. $13. More »

The One that Got Away

A terrible name for a dating site but ideal for a fish joint, The One That Got Away was inevitably going to be a source for great fish tacos in Toronto. Available only after 2pm (and all day weekends), an order gets you three soft shell corn tortillas wrapped around deep fried basa, topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cilantro. $12. More »

The Gabardine

The Gabardine runs its fish tacos as a special, usually available every other week (so fans take note). Pickerel is the fish of choice here, lightly battered and fried and topped with red cabbage slaw and avocado crema. Two soft corn tortilla tacos and a side of potato salad rings in at a somewhat steep $18, but you can rationalize the guilt away by considering it a “special” treat. More »

SPiN Toronto

Who’d have thought ping pong and fish tacos would go together so well? Clearly, SPiN Toronto has tapped into our collective subliminal desires. The ping pong club makes its fish tacos with fresh tilapia, cucumber, and pico de gallo, to be devoured ideally at one of its picnic tables while overlooking a heated competition. That, friends, is pleasure. $12. More »