The Best Latin American Restaurants in Toronto

The best Latin American restaurants in Toronto can be found in all different neighbourhoods throughout the city. Unlike other regional cuisines, Latin American favourites in Toronto aren't cloistered on Spadina or over on Dundas West. Of course, an easy explanation is that Brazilian, Cuban, Venezuelan, El Salvadoran, and other types of fare all fall under the Latin American umbrella, meaning more than a couple Toronto areas are cooking under the same demographic title.

As a result, you can find great chorizo in Kensington Market, the best of Toronto pupusas in Koreatown, and authentic ropa vieja west of Ossington. Empanadas, obviously, are everywhere.

Here is the list of the best Latin American restaurants in Toronto.

See also:

The best Mexican restaurants in Toronto
The best burritos in Toronto
The best tacos in Toronto
Where to eat arepas in Toronto

Tacos El Asador

The downside of Tacos El Asador is that it renders all future plates of pub-style nachos virtually inedible. The bonus, of course, is that its nachos (and tacos, and Salvadoran pupusas) fill you with delicious, chewy, crunchy, gooey glee. Hot salsa and fresh guacamole are aplenty, of course, even if seating isn't in the small Koreatown shop. As authentic as you're gonna get, and pretty good prices too. More »

Arepa Cafe

Arepa Cafe serves its namesake well. Its fresh, handmade arepas come stuffed with flank steak, roasted chicken, chorizo, avocados and lots of toppings, with fantastic alfajores ready for dessert. Best of all, since arepas are naturally gluten-free, Arepa Cafe is an easy sell for a crowd looking to eat (Venezuelan-style) somewhere on Queen West. More »

Julie's Cuban

Julie's Cuban, first and foremost, wins in ambiance, in my opinion. Lots of bustle and checked tablecloths simply guarantees a good time. Of course, it helps that Julie's has some great dishes on its menu, including indulgent (and a little greasy, but that's what makes them wonderful) hush puppies, traditional Ropa Vieja, Puerco Empanizado, and Enchilado de Camarones. More »

Agave and Aguacate

Chef Francisco Alejandri is the man behind the masterpieces here, which take the form of tostadas, pinto bean soup, and lime Charlotte cake. If you've got some time it's certainly worth the wait in the Kensington Market line. Or if you have even more time, Francisco posts many of his recipes on his blog for you to try at home, including his mother's own guacamole recipe. More »

Jumbo Empanadas

While jumbo may be a bit of an overstatement, the empanadas here are pretty decently sized, made with a light, fresh dough, and stuffed with fillings such as beef, chicken, cheese, olives, egg, onion, and/or raisins. Jumbo Empanadas' corn pie, though it didn't get a nod in its name, shouldn't be overlooked amid the empanada excitement. More »

Caju

Brazilian fare doesn't exactly come cheap at Caju, but the West Queen West restaurant does offer its house-specialty, the lime-infused caipirinha, to help lubricate your wallet. Mains include traditional dishes such as the Moqueca, Feijoada, and Lombo, served in a minimalist dining room swathed with Brazilian music. More »

El Fogon

El Fogon does Peruvian dining right down to the Inca Kola. There are more then a few carnivorous options here at St. Clair and Vaughan Road, including Milanesa, Tallarin Saltado, Chuleta Encebollada, while still plenty of options for vegetarians, such as Tacu Tacu and Saltado Vegetariano. Good portions and good prices. More »

Pupuseria Salvadorena

While the pupusas here require a trip to North York, their reputation nulls any qualms about gas money. The thick, stuffed tortillas are topped with a cabbage slaw and hot sauce, which is almost enough to make you forget about the bars-on-the-windows strip mall decor. Pupuseria's tamales are hits as well. More »

Segovia Meat Market

Segovia Meat Market is grocery and dining in one with a butcher area full of more than 15 types of chorizo. Now, the sight of all of that meat will surely get you in the mood for Latin American fare, so Segovia, appropriately, serves up prepared foods from a variety of different regions. Hot empanadas, chorizo stew, and feijoada are just a few of the Kensington Market shop's offerings. More »