Soft-shell or hard-shell, with cilantro or without— whichever way you prefer them, tacos are the handheld favourite that’s always worth the mess. These are our picks for some of the best tacos in Toronto.
Tres Compadres
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Located inside the Folly Brewpub on College St., Tres Compadres is new on the Toronto taco scene, having just opened in 2020. Tres Compadres, which translates to “three friends,” pays homage to the three friends and chef who started the restaurant. Tres Compadres prides itself on using fresh ingredients and many of the tacos are marinated in tequila and beer, making the restaurant’s location inside the brewpub the perfect spot. Tacos can be ordered with a crispy hard shell or a soft shell, and feature a variety of slow-cooked meats, fish or vegetarian filling options.
Collective Arts Brewing
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Looking for the perfect spot to grab a taco and a cold one? Known for their craft beers sold in bottles featuring local artwork, Collective Arts’ new Trinity Bellwoods brewpub and kitchen is now also offering tacos. Jonathan Poon, the chef behind Superpoint and Favorites, has created an approachable menu that offers a variety of light bites, including empanadas and taco kits. There are three taco kits (all $24) that come complete with salsas and tortillas. Opt for the campechano kit featuring smoked brisket and pork belly, or the veggie-friendly mushroom kit with smoked Hen of the Woods and King Oyster mushrooms.Â
Seven Lives
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Located in the eclectic Kensington Market neighbourhood, Seven Lives specializes in Baja-style tacos. There are 10 tasty options on the menu, including six seafood-based tacos, three meat-based tacos and one vegetarian option. All of the tacos are made in-house and feature colourful, fresh ingredients and toppings, including homemade pineapple habanero salsa and creamy guacamole. Prices range from $7 to $8 and sides, like chips and salsa and lime-marinated ceviche, are also available.
El Nahual TacosÂ
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Inside the Annex Food Hall, where a variety of pop-up eateries promote their delicacies, you’ll find El Nahual Tacos. Owner Luis Hernandez uses fresh produce sourced from Kensington Market to craft each taco by hand. There are six delicious tacos to choose from, including the black tiger shrimp taco and the gluten-free fried fish taco. All of the tacos are $4.95 and come served on gluten-free corn tortillas, which are handmade, hand-rolled and hand-pressed from scratch using maseca corn flour.
Fonda Lola
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Formerly a pop-up spot to grab a quick bite, Fonda Lola found a permanent home on Queen St. West in 2013 and has been serving up dazzling tacos and cocktail creations ever since. With a cozy back patio decorated with salvaged furniture and plants, this cute spot offers a choice of five different gourmet tacos. The vegetarian taco features pickled nopal cactus, while others, like the chicken tinga and the cochinita pork, touch on simple Mexican classics.Â
