Among Kensington Market's abundance of must-have eats are the Baja-style tacos at this lively spot. Signature fish tacos are golden and hulking, livened by the crunch of cabbage and the tang of Baja sauce, while fiery shrimp meet a blanket of cheese and crema in a taco that brings out the beast mode in most.

St. Clair West's answer to Mexican cravings doles out superlative versions of the classics, from al pastor to beef tongue. Built on supple corn tortillas that resist collapsing under the weight of their toppings, each one is deftly seasoned and a bargain way to sate hunger pangs.

The team at this family-run Keelsedale takeout spot specializes in tender tacos al vapor, filled with all manner of savoury, spicy, slow-cooked morsels. From green salsa pork to chicharron and barbacoa, each is a tasty amalgam everyone — even abuelita — would rave about.

Taco newbs will want to focus their studies on the tacos being served up at this tiny Kensington Market restaurant. Whether your area of interest is birria, tacos al pastor, those heaped with fish, marinated chicken or nopales, each taco here is sure to encourage further exploration.

This local mini-chain (with locations in Parkdale, Kensington Market, and more) has made saucy, bold tacos gloriously easy to source. Go meaty, with birria, carnitas or barbacoa, or embrace the joys of plant-based eating with the team's revelatory grilled mushroom tacos.

Toppings — from beans and cheese to carnitas — are heaped onto warm, house-made tortillas at this casual Annex restaurant. Pop by on Wednesdays, when you can order any five tacos for a mere $20.

Birria, natch, is the specialty at this spot with three locations — in Kensington Market, Roncesvalles Village and Yonge & Dundas. The drippiest, messiest taco out there, each involves crisped tortillas, tender beef stew and a side of showy, rich consommé. Will you splatter your shirt, pants, the table, your neighbour with each bite? Yes, and you'd willingly do it again.

Family recipes morph into can't-miss dishes at this colourful Weston-Mount Dennis restaurant. Show allegiance to one taco, or go for a mix-and-match plate for a sampling of carnitas, chicken al pastor and more. With sautéed shrimp and cheese-crusted tortillas, the Gobernador Tacos are a pro way to crush hunger.

Surrender to the hum of Spanish chit chat, the lively soundtrack and the generous tacos at this Mexican restaurant in Bloordale Village. Though there are plenty of traditional taco types to choose from, the restaurant's namesake — succulent, spit-grilled pork — is the heart of the kitchen.