The Best Mexican Restaurants in Toronto
The best Mexican restaurants in Toronto aren't anything to get too excited about. There's no denying this city's reputation for lacking good mole, tamales, Pacifico beer and cheap tacos. And while the recent openings of critically acclaimed spots like Frida and the burgeoning Milagro empire give Toronto's Mexican credentials promise; the overwhelming options available to us skew more closely to the Tex-Mex side of things.
It's safe to say that both Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican food can be delicious. Both are present on this list, and both seem to be melding together in Toronto restaurants in increasingly cozy harmony. I say let's simply enjoy the finer points of both, and remember that without Tex-Mex we wouldn't have such glorious creations as the burrito, fajita or chimichanga. And that, my friends, would be a crying shame.
Worth noting is that missing from this list are a number of restaurants that many think are Mexican but are in fact El Salvadorean or from other parts of Central or South America. So for favorite spots like Tacos El Asador, Julie's Cuban, Jumbo Empanadas and more please refer to our list of the Best Latin American Restaurants in Toronto.
El Trompo
This bustling patio in Kensington is the perfect setting to enjoy some of the best tacos in the city. Small (but filling!) and simple dishes hit the spot with striking precision, like their house specialty Tacos al Pastor. Pork and pineapple (and heaps of fresh cilantro) are carefully laid atop some of the most warm, plush tortillas I’ve ever had. The harmonious blend of salty and sweet was separately referred to as “a very popular flavor in Mexico”, by their staff and “my favourite combination ever” by my friend. I like it too. More...
Milagro
With two locations and new one opening in the old Coca space, Milagro is clearly doing something right with friendly service, laid-back surroundings and top-notch food at a great value. These guys take the all-mighty burrito to new heights with a tangy sauce, extra-sharp cheese and a garnish of spicy beans, smooth as (chunky) butter. They also make amazing Agua Frescas (try the cucumber lemonade) which just might be the most refreshing treat on Earth. “(Milagro) That means miracle,” my Hispanic roommate tells me. Indeed, it does. More...
Dos Amigos
So much bigger and tastier than its humble storefront on Bathurst leads diners to believe, Dos Amigos' garden patio with twinkling lights is a lovely reward from the urban landscape at Bathurst and Dupont. The warm and fresh-tasting nachos are some of the best I’ve had in Toronto, while the enchiladas are rich, saucy, and full of shredded beef, just as I love them to be. An impressive drink list, with more margaritas than you can shake a shaker at are an absolute necessity in this beautiful, romantic setting. More...
Jalapeno
King West’s Jalepeno's do-it-yourself Al Pastor is hugely satisfying with raw pineapple, onions and cilantro. Their Mole Poblano is “the most intense I’ve ever had it,” according to my well-versed foodie friend. Hefty portions of rice, fried beans and guacamole come as sides and allow for all the dipping options anyone could want to complement the free, warm nachos served up front. More...
Margarita's
Such a cute corner on Baldwin, this is. Though the ground beef enchilada leaves something to be desired here, the chicken version is a choice I'm happy to be forced into. Gooey cheese effortlessly blends with a meat so juicy that they seem to form another substance altogether. Wrapped in tender corn tortillas, every few bites the flavour bursts so perfectly that it can be downright overwhelming. More...
Johny Banana
More of a take-out joint, Johny Banana wins points with its vibrant and fun decor which always charms me enough to stay awhile (as does the music mix). Service with a big smile, and offers to try imported cactus (tastes kind of like peppers), or mole on nachos (a bit thin), goes above and beyond. The meat in the steak burrito could be more deeply seasoned (though my sister disagrees), and I could do without the extra .55 for more than a wee stripe of sour cream, which is used a little like burrito glue. More...
Frida
Uptown and upscale, Frida takes some fascinating liberties with the traditional. Gourmet ingredients add a depth of flavour to the most simple of dishes. Duck “Carnitas” tacos have an irresistibly delicate texture, and a creaminess accented by the guacamole garnish. The "fresco" cheese mixed with shredded flank steak on tostadas (Tostadas de Sapicon Yucateco “Dzik”) tastes exactly that (fresh), with a tangy and cool finish, intensified by its chilled temperature. And that bowl of melted cheese (with some peppers, herbs and tortillas for dipping) - it’s called Queso Fundido con Rajas, and it’s the best idea ever. More...
Mexitaco
Mexitaco’s menu is full and vibrant, and thus, consequently usually leads diners into a similar state. The simplicity of Mexican cuisine is carried off here to great effect. In the bistec tacos, finely shredded beef is perfectly complemented by similarly-textured onions and cilantro. Atop fluffy tortillas, they taste light as air (in a good way). Crispy flautas (with lightly-seasoned, shredded chicken) are great with sour cream and feta cheese, but even better to help get rid of those beans and guacamole that come on the side of the plate. A cry of, “wow, this is freaking hot,” is usally immediately followed by “wow, this is freaking delicious”, by my spice-weary sister. More...
Naco Gallery
A hidden gem of a place on Dundas West, the idea of a simple cafe and gallery with such a unique choice of snacks feels like an idea long overdue. The tostada, created with warm memories of the owner’s native Oaxaca, comes with chicken atop. Drenched in a thick and smooth mole imported from the town, and available in jars for $9.50. The dish is meticulously prepared on the spot, and beautifully garnished with select veggies- like a spear of avocado. Pockets of lime juice sneak up on you when you least expect it, repeatedly making an unbeatable case for its use everywhere. It could be the reason I was helpless against the powers of a tart by this same name (lime). More...
Mariachi’s
Though the house specialty is their fajitas, the Mole de Pollo on Mariachi’s menu boasts 40+ ingredients which simply cannot be passed up. Their version is discernibly rich and quite smoky. Paired with chicken breast, whole black beans and a dressed-down (in a good way) rice, the dish fills, satiates, and then some. More...
La Tortilleria
Now with two locations including the original on a quiet corner in Kensington Market, La Tortilleria is best known for providing a very neighbourly service - producing batches of fresh and delicious tortillas everyday at $3 a kilo. What a lovely replacement ( or supplement) for my daily bread run. They also sell their own tortilla chips at $2.39 a bag, and tacos at $2.50 each (3 for $6.49). The taco offerings are saucy and simple, and a great, filling option for a quick lunch, should you be lucky enough to wander by, or rush in and out with great purpose, as I often see so many do. More...
El Rincon Mexicano
Their vibrantly colourful backyard patio feels miles away from Toronto. A lovely place to enjoy a wealth of imported beer and some guacamole (in a stone bowl!), on a lazy, summer, weekday afternoon. Their chimichangas are good and hefty- though I am not partial to their use of steak over shredded beef and it would be better with some rice and/or beans on the side. More...
Comments (43)
What about Rebozos? blogTO gave them a glowing review in February of 2007:
If I'm not mistaken I believe Rebozos is now closed. El Sol is brutal and I wouldn't recommend to anyone. Their glory days are over:
No Rebozos? It's number 7 in Best Latin Amererican Restaurants and should be near the top here. No El Jacal? Worth noting they are Mexican.
To quote Dick Tuck, "The people have spoken, the bastards"
Tim, Rebozos is most definitely not closed. I was there on Saturday night. It was my first time, but it's definitely one of the city's best Mexican restaurants. If only I lived closer, I'd be a frequent take-out customer too.
Ok. Good to know. We certainly haven't reported it as closed on this site but it was a rumour I heard recently. Guess my source wasn't accurate.
Mark, thanks for clearing that up. I do fairly close and it is one of our regular takeouts. I agree that it's definitely worthwhile especially for those who live nearby. It's certainly much better than La Tortilleria on St Clair.
seriously, the list is incomplete without El Sol. Best food, hands down. I don't even care that it's slow
Seriously where is El Sol on this list? You have to get out of the west end and venture out a little.
I agree, El Sol deserves to be on this list. Even if the service is slow (BTW the service is good, just slow). Further evidence htat BlogTO beleives that there is nothing East of Yonge St.
I read the first line and stopped.
How do you start a review or a best of list with the line,
"The best Mexican restaurants in Toronto aren't anything to get too excited about."
Not very intriguing. OK I won't get excited about this, why bother?
Margarita's may not be the most authentic, but it's cheap, palatable and filling. Also, the Carleton/Parliament location has a huge shaded patio (you have to walk through the kitchen!).
I like to think El Sol is "slow" because they're making all the stuff from scratch. That's the romantic viewpoint I have (not sure if it's true but, whatever). I just have a delicious Marguerita while I wait.
El Sol is the BEST
I don't eat at Mexican restaurants often, but I really liked the chimmichangas at La Mexicana. The chicken was cooked perfectly.
El Trompo number one? yeah right...its dirty as hell in there and its only so-so good. Johnny Banana? They have the blandest everything...this is the WORST list...
What about Cali Cafe in Etobicoke. The chef is from mexico, studied mexican cuisine in mexico city and churns our home mode everything that is far superior to any crap Johnny Banana poduces..
Why do these lists substitute good places that are in the burbs for shitty places downtown?
Haha, ohhhh... i just get a weird feeling in my tummy every time i hear burritos and chimichangas being at the top of Mexican food chain. Haha, in the 20 years i lived in Mexico i never saw or heard anyone order a chimichanga and if i wanted a burrito i had to go to a 7-Eleven and microwave one
Just out of curiosity i wikied chimichanga, haha please read the origins of it, it's hilarious!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimichanga
Calli Cafe actually *was* on the list, but upon searching for it, we discovered that it is no longer in business.
Do all the commentors work for El Sol?
I just looked at their menu online, the prices are insane for Mexican food
A pretty sad list:( Yet, accurately represents the lack of quality Mexican restaurants in this city. For those trumping El Sol as the great contender, I disagree. I have been there twice, and have always left slightly disappointed. Found the food to be bland and over-priced.
Note to all restaurateurs: If you can create a great Mexican restaurant that does not only serve Burritos, you might make a buck or two:)
Hey I`m mexican, EL TROMPO is the best!!! the very first time we came to Toronto we ate there and that was the first time I had agua de jamaica and taquitos that were exactly like I remembered them in Mexico
somebody said its dirty...
Mmmm... not dirty, I would say its strange, and a little bit messy in the good way, that`s what makes me feel like at home, haha *_*
ah and I`ve tried a bunch of the restaurants in this list, and seriously, if you want a real mexican experience, go to El trompo, my husband takes me there every time I get a little bit nostalgic
There's a fairly new Mexican place called "El Rey" just west of Dufferin and Bloor, where Pam's Roti used to be. I've only had one thing there, and I can't remember what it was called, but it was good.
El Sol has to be without a doubt, the worst in town. It's the place you take people to if you want to ensure they never eat a Mexican dish again. Awful service, grease laden food and wildly overpriced.
El Tropo, Dos Amigos and, although it's not truly Mexican, Tacos El Asador will do quite nicely.
La Mexicana is fabulous-the Yonge and Bloor location is just the best spot. The staff are all friendly, albeit a little slow in service. The food rocks and the menu accommodates all food preferences. My mother swears by their margaritas as being the best she's ever had and the family that runs this place does everything they can to make sure the customer is thrilled with their dinner!
Margarita's at #5?? They shouldn't even be on this list! I'm pretty sure their "salsa" is Ragu with maybe a little bit of chopped up onion in it (if you're lucky). And while I haven't had the chicken enchilada there, everything else I've tried has been amazingly disappointing. I have to question this entire list.
Particularly given the absence of Rancho Relaxo.
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I don't think this is a ranked list, is it? Because there's nothing about #1 that indicates it is better than #12. Perhaps remove the numbers to avoid confusion? Also, on some of these lists there isn't even a review of the place, let alone reasoning for its inclusion on the list...hmm.
Agree about El Sol service; food was OK but too pricey ($12 for veg enchiladas??) for me to consider returning.
Skip Mariachi's! Food is definitely not satisfying. The only good thing I had was the guacamole!!? Who can't make a decent guac?
I think they forgot Mexico Lindo - great place up on Bayview (south of Eglinton). Excellent choice is the "Cancun" - one seafood enchilada and one seafood burito. Oh, and don't forget the Dos Eckes!
El sol is owned by people thatis not mexican (so expect curry)the best is the Jacal and chilango tacos,of course rebozos
I am from Mexico and I will tell you that your exclusion of Rebozos is nothing less than travesty. ¡Viva México, cabrones!
MEXICO LINDO!!!!!
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. GET OUT THERE AND TRY IT ASAP!
Friendly, family service, excellent food and reasonable prices. On Bayview south of Eglinton.
http://www.restaurantpalace.com/review/mexico-lindo-in-toronto-63611/
So far for me, the closest and best mexican is from Mexitaco on Bloor.
Dos Amigos has great atmosphere, and Mariachis is a waste of time.
Frida looks great, but im too poor for that, and Jalapenos has closed down on King.
Check my taco blog covering Toronto's best taco joints:
I go to Mexico City every year, so I have at least a little familiarity with the real thing. I went to El Sol once, due to its glowing reputation, and I thought it was the worst Mexican food I've ever had anywhere. Peaches from a can comes to mind immediately. That's one thing about food in Mexico, it's fresh as can be and highly individualistic. Maybe I caught El Sol on a bad day, maybe I picked the wrong item, but I've never been back.
I like the pozole at Mariachi's personally. But you really need to go to Mexico to try the different colours of pozole.
Grasshoppers. Worms. Eye tacos. Roll that serrano to really increase the heat before biting into it! We definitely do not get the full range of Mexican food up here. Corn fungus. Mosquito eggs. No cow brain, which tastes like fish. No brainstem soup either. No aguamiel. No pulque, flavoured or otherwise. It's even hard to get cafe de olla here. Mexicans are purists; they don't like to make things unless they can get it right.
Mezcal ice cream. Corn on the cob ice cream. Jicama on a stick, dipped in chamoy. Who would think of eating a mango without putting chili on it first? Coconut apple. Different varieties of cactus pear, all of them ripe. The Mexican flag might be the only national flag in the world with food on it, two kinds in fact, nopales and tunas.
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