6 Must-Try Mexican Food Spots in Chinatown Toronto

Discovering authentic and delicious Mexican food in Chinatown Toronto is a true culinary adventure. While Chinatown is renowned for its East Asian cuisine, its vibrant surroundings, particularly Kensington Market, are home to an array of incredible Mexican eateries that offer everything from sizzling al pastor tacos to gourmet tasting menus. Get ready to explore a world of rich flavors, warm hospitality, and unforgettable dining experiences right on the doorstep of Toronto's bustling Chinatown.

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1. Quetzal

Where elevated Mexican flavors meet a Michelin-starred dining experience.

Step into Quetzal and be greeted by an incredible aroma of wood and smoke, setting the stage for an extraordinary culinary journey. Patrons consistently rave about the unique dining experience, with many highlighting the tasting menu as a standout, offering a fantastic variety of dishes, including perfectly balanced seafood and meat options. This Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant is praised for its exceptional service, making every visit feel truly special and taken care of, whether celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a high-end Mexican feast. The food, particularly dishes like the Tlayuda, Duck Breast, and Al Pastor, often leaves a lasting impression.

  • Rating: 4.7 (1318 google maps)
  • Address: 419 College St, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 647-347-3663
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Expect a curated tasting menu with highlights like the smoky Al Pastor, flavorful Tlayuda, and perfectly cooked Duck Breast, often prepared over natural fire. Guests also recommend trying their "Mexican Pharmacy" cocktail.

Image Quetzal Mexican food in Chinatown Toronto

2. Placos Tacos Mexican Food & Bar

Authentic Mexican tacos and vibrant margaritas in the heart of Kensington Market.

Placos Tacos is a true gem for Mexican food lovers, consistently earning high praise for its delicious and authentic tacos. Visitors are captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the incredibly friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome. Favorites include the carnitas, pastor, and chicken tinga tacos, with many calling them some of the best tacos in Toronto. The tamarind mezcal margaritas are also a huge hit, described as "yummy" and a "great value." This charming spot offers a warm, inviting vibe, perfect for a casual meal or a fun night out, often featuring live music on weekends.

  • Rating: 4.9 (345 google maps)
  • Address: 21 Kensington Ave, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-595-5773
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Must-try authentic tacos like Carnitas, Pastor, Chicken Tinga, and Shrimp. Don't miss their highly recommended guacamole and chips, and pair your meal with a refreshing tamarind mezcal margarita.

Image Placos Tacos Mexican Food & Bar Mexican food in Chinatown Toronto

3. Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos

Toronto’s legendary spot for fresh, flavorful Baja-style fish tacos.

Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Mexican street food, especially their renowned Baja fish tacos. Customers rave about the generous, perfectly battered, and crispy fish, served on soft corn tortillas with a delicious coleslaw and mayo sauce. Beyond the famous fish, the shrimp and octopus tacos are highly recommended for their vibrant flavors. This spot offers a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for a quick, casual bite in Kensington Market. Despite sometimes being busy with standing room only, the consistently high quality and bold, fresh ingredients make every visit worthwhile.

  • Rating: 4.6 (3654 google maps)
  • Address: 72 Kensington Ave, Toronto
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Famous for their Baja Fish Tacos, but also try the flavour-packed Shrimp Tacos, Octopus, and Tuna Crumble. Be mindful that they typically only accept cash or debit.

Image Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos Mexican food in Chinatown Toronto

4. El Trompo

A cozy Kensington Market spot serving up authentic Mexican comfort food and delightful hospitality.

El Trompo offers a truly authentic Mexican dining experience with a warm, homey feel. Many visitors praise the hospitable and attentive staff, with some feeling as though they're dining with family. The Al Pastor tacos, especially with the handmade tortillas, are consistently highlighted as a must-try for their rich flavor. Beyond tacos, the nachos, fajitas, and birria soup also receive high marks for their deliciousness and generous portions. While the tacos might be on the smaller side, the overall quality and the inviting ambiance make El Trompo a beloved spot for genuine Mexican food near Chinatown Toronto.

  • Rating: 4.3 (1901 google maps)
  • Address: 277 Augusta Ave, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-260-0097
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Their Al Pastor tacos with handmade tortillas are a crowd favorite. Also, explore their extensive menu for delicious nachos, sizzling fajitas, and comforting birria soup. Finish your meal with a homemade flan.

Image El Trompo Mexican food in Chinatown Toronto

5. La Chilaca Taqueria

A hidden gem in Kensington Market delivering authentic, flavorful, and generously portioned tacos.

Tucked away in Kensington Market, La Chilaca Taqueria is celebrated for its truly authentic Mexican tacos that are both delicious and offer great value. Patrons appreciate the fresh ingredients and the generous portions of protein, with highlights including the shrimp, fish, and cochinita pibil tacos. The unique addition of grilled/roasted peppers elevates the flavor, creating a memorable experience. While it's more of a "dine and dash" spot with limited seating, the friendly staff, quick service, and the sheer quality of the tacos make it a highly recommended destination for Mexican food enthusiasts in the area.

  • Rating: 4.5 (281 google maps)
  • Address: 214 Augusta Ave, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-598-4603
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Popular choices include Cochinita Pibil, Shrimp, Fish, and Cactus tacos. Their Al Pastor and Chilaca (with chicken) also come highly recommended, especially with their selection of salsas.

Image La Chilaca Taqueria Mexican food in Chinatown Toronto

6. Gus Tacos

Delicious, traditional Mexican tacos packed with flavor and value.

Gus Tacos is a highly popular spot in Kensington Market, renowned for its incredible value and consistently excellent quality Mexican food. Customers frequently praise the birria and pastor tacos, noting how generously packed they are with flavorful meat. The birria quesadilla and asada tortas also receive high recommendations. Many consider Gus Tacos to offer some of the best tacos in Toronto, especially given their affordable price point. The vibrant, hole-in-the-wall vibe and friendly staff contribute to a fantastic dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious and satisfying Mexican cuisine.

  • Rating: 4.5 (1601 google maps)
  • Address: 225 Augusta Ave, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-977-8226
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Highly recommended are their Birria, Pastor, Asada (grilled steak), Barbacoa (braised lamb), and Battered Fish tacos. Don't forget to try their guacamole and chips, and if you're a fan of birria, their birria torta is also a standout.

Image Gus Tacos Mexican food in Chinatown Toronto

Whether you are looking for a gourmet Mexican dining experience, quick and authentic street tacos, or a vibrant spot for delicious burritos and margaritas, these 6 Mexican food spots in Chinatown Toronto (and its immediate Kensington Market vicinity) offer a diverse range of options to satisfy your cravings. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!