Tacos Fuego is bringing a taste of Tijuana to Toronto's Oakwood Village.

Think fresh tortillas, flame-grilled proteins, fiery salsas, tequila-forward cocktails, and even a tres leches soft serve.

Translating to 'Fire Taco,' partners Evan and Dave continued circling back to the flavours of the open flame that define Mexican street food. 

"Evan and I would travel back and forth to Mexico, and everything we ate was just coming off the fire," shares Chef Dave on the inspiration for the taqueria. 

With the grill as their north star, the menu came together quickly, built around simple, no-fuss plates that let fresh ingredients and bold flavours do all the talking.

While there are several tacos to choose from, including classics like Carne Asada and Pollo Asado, each one starts and ends the same, with a handmade corn tortilla and toppings, con todo style, meaning chopped onions, cilantro, and house salsa and guac on everything. 

The Adobada ($4.95) is a sweet and savoury combo that features grilled pineapple and crispy, tender pork. The pork gets its signature hue from a red marinade of adobo, aromatics, vinegar, and chiles. 

The Camaron Frito ($4.95) is proof that fried doesn't have to mean heavy. Despite its crunchy coating, this golden jumbo-sized shrimp stays incredibly light. The taco is topped with chopped cabbage and is best enjoyed with a squeeze of lime.

Beyond tacos, the duo is serving up quesadillas, burritos, and their hybrid creation — the quesataco. For anyone torn between the open-faced appeal of a taco and the cheesy comfort of a quesadilla, this one gives you the best of both.

Tender grilled steak meets gooey melted queso in the Carne Asada Quesataco ($7.95). Packed with flavour, the steak is seasoned with a blend of spices, including Mexican oregano, cumin seeds, cloves, allspice, and fresh garlic. 

Delicious as is, it also doubles as the perfect vehicle for Tacos Fuego's lineup of salsas. Ranging from mild to muy caliente, options include orange habanero, chipotle,  jalapeno, and arbol chile.

To cool down between bites, there's Agua Fresca ($4.95), or for something stronger, house-made Margarita Classica and Paloma ($14.95). Brewed, batched, and branded in-house, each drink is served cold over ice.

The Pollo Asado Burrito ($14.95) is a heartier offering, packed with refried pinto beans, seasoned rice, avocado, pickled jalapeno, cilantro, onion, and of course, grilled chicken. Wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, it's exactly what you want when you're showing up extra hungry. 

Ideal for sharing are the Papas Suprema ($9.95). These fun-loaded fries feature plenty of pickled jalapenos, cotija cheese, and a sweet, smoky sauce made from dried jalapenos and honey. 

For dessert, there's fresh-to-order Churros ($8.95) and a decadent Tres Leches Soft Serve ($8.95) served with cinnamon, caramel, and white chocolate. 

True to the vibrancy of a traditional taqueria, the space comes to life with Latin music, colourful Mexican-style tiles, and fuego red fold-out chairs.

A welcome addition to the neighbourhood, it's quickly becoming a not-so-secret gem that deserves a spot on your must-try list.

Tacos Fuego is located at 571 Vaughan Rd.