7 taco spots you have to try at least once in Toronto

It’s safe to say the taco is quite easily the perfect food. It’s equal parts delicious and satisfying, while hand-held and portable — seriously, what more could you want?

But above all, when your taco craving strikes, chances are you can find one practically anywhere in the city.

And while great tacos are easy to find, we wanted to share our favourite spots to grab tacos that are, well, beyond great.

In honour of National Taco Day, here are seven wicked spots to dine on tacos in Toronto.

Seven Lives

If you’ve got a soft spot for crispy fried tacos, no one does them like Seven Lives. At this Kensington Market hotspot, fish tacos are the specialty and the So-Cal style taco is no exception. Make sure to arrive with an empty stomach and expect to see a lineup of hungry diners waiting to get their hands on the Gobernador, the Seven Lives signature dish.

Address: 69 Kensington Avenue, Toronto
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 12 pm to 8 pm

Playa Cabana

Out of Toronto’s local chain of Mexican restaurants, Playa Cabana is an excellent source for regionally specific taco styles. Hungry patrons can dine on tacos bursting with flavour, like the chicken tinga, comprised of slow-braised chipotle chicken topped with crema and guac’ in a rustic outpost decked out with oversized vintage road signs and coloured bulbs and neon lettering,

Address: 111 Dupont Street, Toronto
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 11 pm

Campechano

Whether shopping on Queen Street has left you hangry or you’re in the mood for some authentic tacos before a night out on King Street, Campechano will curb your appetite and satisfy all your needs. Here you’ll find tacos and quesadillas boasting fresh, housemade tortillas and delicious cocktails served in a laid-back space with colourful murals adorning the walls. We highly recommend starting your meal with the ceviche, followed by either the tinga de pollo or the pescado topped off with a spicy margarita.

Address: 504 Adelaide Street West
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm to 10 pm; Friday, 12 pm to 2:30 pm; 5:30 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm (closed Sunday and Monday)

Good Hombres

The little brother of Campechano, Good Hombres is a dual purpose tortilleria, where patrons can not only buy fresh nixtamal tortillas and masa, they can purchase freshly prepared tacos to eat in or take out at the taqueria. At Good Hombres, diners can choose from a mouth-watering selection of tacos that are simple, delicious and cheap, selling for $3.75 a pop, meaning you won’t feel guilty about trying all the different varieties.

Address: 374 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:30 am to 9 pm

Cocina Economica

Even though Cocina Economica is hidden in one of Corktown’s quietest corners, it’s always bursting with energy and typically has a wait. Here you’ll find potent margaritas, authentic homestyle Mexican cooking, and inexpensive dishes that will bring you to your knees. In addition to slow-cooked meats, hungry patrons can dine on fully loaded steak, braised lamb shoulder, grilled cod, and roasted chicken tacos. For dessert, we highly recommend trying the alfajores, homemade corn flour cookies with dulce de leche and shaved coconut. They are so tasty you’ll want to order more to go.

Address: 141 Berkley Street, Toronto
Hours: Sunday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Monday, closed; Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 11 pm

Grand Electric

If you’re looking to get your taco fix in Toronto’s west end, this popular taqueria will be your saving grace. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and epic tacos bursting with powerful Mexican flavours. Here you’ll find all your go-to favourites like Baja fish, chorizo, carnitas, pollo asado and more.

Address: 1330 Queen Street West, Parkdale
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 12 pm to 11 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 12 am

Address: 923 Queen Street West, Trinity Bellwoods
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 10 pm

La Carnita

Over the years, La Carnita has gone from being an independent taco shop to a taqueria chain with multiple outposts throughout the city, a location in Winnipeg and even one in the US, and for good reason, diners just can’t get enough of La Carnita’s epic tacos. Here, hungry patrons can dine on authentic Mexicans street food with a playful twist, including confit pork tacos doused in jalapeño sauce, mango salsa, queso añejo with creamy guacamole, savoury churros, and authentic street corn that can be washed down with a fresh cocktail or beer.

Address: 501 College Street, Toronto
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 5 pm to 10 pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm

Address: 106 John Street, Toronto
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 11:30 am to 10 pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 am to 11 pm

Address: 780 Queen Street East, Toronto
Hours: Sunday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Monday and Tuesday, 5 pm to 10 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 5 pm to 11 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 11 pm

Address: 130 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 11 pm

See also

• Toronto's newest taqueria and tortillería spot is now open
• The Annex Food Hall is opening in Toronto this fall
• 6 types of tacos in Toronto and where to eat the best ones