Find the best Mexican restaurants in Toronto's east end
Toronto’s east end is just as at home with the burritos we know and love as it is with fusion Mexican cuisine with gourmet touches. Take-out, eat in or delivery – if you crave this warming, tasty and spicy food, you’re covered.
Chino Locos
368 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G9The two school friends who opened this, their second Chino Locos store, admit to being a bit crazy when it comes to their fusion recipes, and they’re proud of it. They’re so proud of their Asian take on traditional Mexican burritos that they chose for their business the Spanish nickname they’re called in Mexico – Chino Locos or Crazy Chinese! Their tasty burritos contain a blend of typical ingredients with Korean and Chinese twists. It’s been a huge hit – chow mein burrito anyone?
El Sol Mexican Art Cafe
1448 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1N4Mexican cuisine is one of the most diverse and delicious types in the world. Run by a brother and sister team who focus on food from the north of the country, El Sol reminds you of how many interesting Mexican recipes there are. They offer a tasty choice of soups which are pre-Spanish for an interesting twist and vegetarians can choose from a range of dedicated dishes. Décor is vibrant with Mexican folk art decorating the walls.
The Burrito House
818 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L6Featuring cozy eat-in and take-out Mexican favourites like burritos, tacos and quesadillas, Burrito House also has special combo menus that change regularly. If you like your Mexican food to taste like the real thing and not a local take on it, you might very well find yourself a regular visitor here. Sauces have that authentic tang which can make or break a burrito. Refreshing Mexican soft drinks are also available.
Lady Marmalade Restaurant
265 Broadview Ave, Main, Toronto, ON M4M 2G8Snagging a table at this sunny breakfast joint in Leslieville requires a bit of patience – but the early-morning lineups are definitely worth the wait. The daytime menu features wholesome and inventive breakfast fare, including a number of Mexican-inspired dishes. Traditional Huevos Rancheritos sees a wheat tortilla topped with scrambled eggs, cheese, chilies, salsa, guacamole and smashed beans while the Huevos Migas adds sausage, pico de gallo, sour cream and brown rice to the mix. For a Latin lunch, try the hearty Mexican meatball stew or the Cochinita Pibil baguette loaded with slow-roasted Yucatecan pulled pork and cilantro crema.
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4It’s hard to believe this lively Mexican cantina is located along the cobblestone streets of Toronto’s historic Distillery District. Executive Chef Olivier Le Calvez, who originally hails from Mexico City, developed the ambitious menu, which features authentic Latin small bites, tacos, burritos and citrus marinated ceviches. Not to be outdone by the cuisine, the interior décor is a riotous feast for the senses thanks to the colourful murals, patterned tile floors and soaring cathedral ceilings. Come the summer months, the 5,000-square-foot patio is an ideal spot for people watching and margarita sipping.
Grillies Inc
2632 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1L7The flavour of the sauces on Mexican food and the freshness of the toppings can make a taco and burrito disappointing or divine. You’ll find that Grillies is in the divine category. Toppings are plentiful and include not only standard lettuce and tomatoes, but grilled veggies, rice and potatoes, plus zesty sauces. If you can’t eat a topping for diet reasons, they’ll hear you. You can also pick up non-Mexican food like burgers and fries to complement the spicy fare.
Z Techa Gourmet Burrito
2014 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1J3This growing 100 per cent Canadian chain was created by a couple friends who wanted to offer healthy fast food. They chose Mexican because it was their passion and they wanted other lovers of this food to enjoy the best ingredients possible while on the go. Whether you choose a fish taco, beef burrito, fajita vegetables or a cup of tortilla soup, you can be sure there’s nothing fake in it and nothing has been nuked.
Tilde
699 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L2If your Mexican thing is tacos, you’ll love Tilde. It’s open for lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends when it serves what it describes as ‘contemporary tacos’. The chef is inspired by Mexican fare with international influences, creating a unique fusion taste. Just about everything except the flour is made from scratch! Local craft beers plus signature cocktails complement the spicy flavours nicely.
