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 »

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 »

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 »