Where is the best Mexican in Toronto?
Craving a decent burrito and some guacamole...
Jacco
Mar 26, 2006 08:39PM
Craving a decent burrito and some guacamole...
Jacco
Mar 26, 2006 08:39PM
That would have to be the halibut burrito at Burrito Boyz, on Peter, south of Richmond.
However, I don't think anybody here, including the Burrito Boyz themselves will declare they are the best mexican food restaurant or even a mexican restaurant period.
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agreed! burritos are probably the smallest subset of mexican food possible...
now let's talk cactus with shrimp or some mole and you've got me drooling for mexican. ooo... that's a good question, who serves the best mole in toronto?
Link: http://tongueandcheek.ca
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The best mole I've had here was at El Jacalito (aside from the one I made myself, of course!).
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Where is El Jacalito?
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1500 Royal York Road - 416-244-4447
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El Jacalito is no more. The same people have opened up another restaurant on the north side of Bloor, between Dufferin and Dovercourt, called El Jacal. The food is just as good.
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Totally agree!
The best burrito is, without question, the halibut burrito at Burrito Boyz.
The best Mexican restaurant around is El Jacalito, and they serve a passable mole.
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which mexican restaurants deliver? and what are their specialities?
i'm absolutely curious now to test out the options side by side and determine the best mexican in toronto, even if it's not the best in the world.
Link: http://tongueandcheek.ca
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Saw a Jalapeno II sign over a store front on St Clair W. east of Dufferin yesterday. I expect that it's associated with the one on King W.
Link: http://www.jalapeno.ca
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I'm not sure about he St. Clair one, but the location on King W. has my vote. It's cozy. They often have live music. And the food is very, very tasty at reasonable prices. I was taken there for my birthday last year, and had mole chicken and cactus/beef tacos. All were very YUM!
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If you're willing to drive a bit, Jalapeno Loco is quite good. It's in Grand Island, NY which is halfway between Niagara Falls and Buffalo on I-190.
The original location is in San Diego, CA and they've since expanded to northern Ohio and now western New York.
Click the link below to see the menu -- if you see what you were hoping for, come on over!
Link: http://www.jalapenoloco.biz
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El Palenque on St. Clair West used to be quite charming (Bathurst-ish). I think there are now a few Mexican/Latin American restaurants in the 'hood.
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I enjoyed Milagro a lot too despite the iffy service.
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mariachi's on yonge street or hernando's on front st
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Forget it. There are no decent burritos in Toronto. I was out in the middle of Arizona a few weeks ago and stopped at some little Mexican place for a burrito. It sadly reminded me of what a real burrito tastes like. Nothing in Toronto even approaches being a real Mexicam burrito.
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It seems that El Jacalito has moved...can anyone confirm?
http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2006...
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Here's a link with the new address, etc. went a few weeks back and enjoyed what I had
http://www.torontohispano.com/profile...
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I'm a huge fan of Rebozos Mexican Foods at Rogers west of Dufferin. They make the best tacos in the city-- their cochinita pibil will knock your socks off. Tasty food, unpretentious atmosphere and the most beautifully charming couple run the place. Worth the trip for sure.
http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2007/...
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Not Toronto but Mississauga - but in my opinion "El Sombrero" on Brunel (Hurontario/Britannia just south of the 401) is the best Mexican. Fresh California/Mexican is probably the best description - everything is terrific -burritos/guacamole/quesadillas etc. Worth the 30 minute drive from the downtown core.
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Is this the place in the same plaza as Nirvana?
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Yup. El Sombrero is OK but not worth a bomb run from downtown.They serve pedestrian "haute Taco Bell" grub that's just not that remarkable--sorry butcher.
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Probably not worth a trip from the core, but if anybody's in Mississauga then Cantina Mexicana in Streetsville is well above the average Mexican I've encountered in the GTA.
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Sorry Kagemusha - you must have visited El Sombrero on an off day. I used to work nearby to ES and have recently changed jobs and will miss my weekly El Sombrero fix!
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Terminal 3, Pearson International Airport. Anywhere but Toronto!
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Not to be antagonistic but I keep seeing these "xxx in Toronto is garbage. Go to the southern most tip of New Zealand, there's a stand at the edge off of the cliff that is delicious..." It's of no value to the discussion at hand and just makes us all sift through another message when going through the thread.
Personally I've thought the best burritos are of course from Burrito Boyz. People have been attracted to this new stand called "Chimichangas" on Yonge just a smidge north of Dundas but by far Burrito Boyz is better (although less convenient for me).
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Verrrrry exciting. Chimichangas would be right in my neighbourhood. By 'stand' do you mean it's take-out only?
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Elrincon Mexicana on st.clair and christie. I went there and I ordered Morelianas, a deep fried falt tortilla with layer of beans, and your choice of chicken,beef,chorizo. The tortilla was excellent. I had the custard flan and the dessert tasted so good I wanted to order more. The people that own it is from mexico so that is a big plus.
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El Trompo on Augusta, close to College. Great tacos, home-made margaritas, and no hint of attitude. Everything made on site, and still priced at street-food scale.
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For awesome authentic tacos, tostadas, and the like, try:
Rebozos (126 Rogers, at Boon, 416-658-5001) Open Tuesday to Thursday 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday noon to 7 pm. Closed Monday, holidays. Unlicensed. Access: five steps at door. Rating: NNNN
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I second (or third) Rebozos. As a former Californian, I used to miss the taco trucks that you'd find here and there with awesome tacos. I had the craving today and went. Awesome! 2.50 for each taco (choices include chorizo, pork, tongue...). I tried the chorizo and was happy. I also had the pozole soup (chicken with chickpeas and you put lettuce and lime on the soup and eat the chicken with crunchy taco shells). I washed it all down with a refreshing horchata. I left completely happy and for a second there I thought I was back in LA.
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is the chorizo very greasy or oily? i had a bad experience once (not at rebozos, obviously) eating a chorizo taco and it was dripping with so much oil from the sausage it turned me off of eating them for quite a while :(
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Tried Johnny Banana's at the corner of Queen/Bathurst (north east side) upon a recommendation from a Mexican pal - and thoroughly enjoyed it. He said it was authentic Mexcian with great Margaritas - and he was right on. Modern room with great service too.
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Authentic Mexican? maybe. terrible food? yes.
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What was, in your opinion so terrible about Johny Banana. I really liked it. I'm originally from Mexico and the only three palces that are close in flavour and service to what we have in Mexico are Milagros, Johny Banana and Jalapeno's.
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If it's burritos you crave then you're not looking for the best Mexican place but the best burrito place, and that will be Quesada (they have several locations). Way better than Burrito Boys (and less grease).
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I like Hernando's Hideaway on Yonge Street south of Wellesley. They serve burritos, tacos, spanish style rice and all the fixings.
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Quesada is NASTY~! How can u compare to Burrito Boys~!
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I agree, Quesada is terrible. Flavourless.
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Seems like this thread has revived. About a year ago when it first appeared I read all the glowing reports of the Burrito Boyz 'halibut burrito' and made a special trip downtown just to try them. I grew up with traditional 'fish 'n chips', starting as a kid in London, England and as a teenager in Toronto I'd have the double halibut and chips take out meal at least once a week. And a later in life developed a deep love of burritos. So put them both together, along with the reviews, and I was ready to travel. Guess what? I hated it! Couldn't finish it and dumped in the garbage. Bland and oily, and a burrito only in the sense that it came wrapped in dough. Nasty thing and put me off trying the Boyz again.
Being up in North York there're not many Mexican style restaurants once you eliminate Taco Bell. Although the food quality varies I often end up at the Mexicana at 3337 Bathurst (a little south of the 401). I usually get the Combo Platter which is a chicken enchilada, beef burrito and quesadilla topped off with sour cream and guacamole, served with salad and refried beans. When they get it right, I leave incredibly satisfied and happy, and when they don't it's still ok, just not memoriable. Small cosy room, with a patio in the summer, with a nice 'family style' atmosphere. They even have non-alcoholic beer on the menu, which I think is a great option even if I don't always choose it.
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Ok, first off, here here to those screaming that 1) authentic mexican and good burrito is an oxymoron and 2) that there are no spots in toronto that even come close to the real deal.
Twice a year i travel to Southern California, Tijuana and Las Vegas and i guarantee you, nothing in toronto remotely messures up to real mexican food. We simply don't have a large enough mexican contingent to set the bar high enough.
That being said, Burrito Boyz is an average burrito. it fills you up, its somewhat tasty, but it by no means is a great burrito. I would have to say that MexiTaco makes a pretty good burrito, and Quessada is a good compromise for the suit and tie crowd who have a measely 30 min for lunch. Best mexican in the city though still has to be El Sol on the Danforth although i will admit, they are slipping.
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thank you torontovore for posting your negative experience with the halibut burrito at BB. i also think it is disgusting, and have stated so before on this BB, only to be torn a new one by everyone and their uncle who seems to think it is the best thing going. obviously prefrozen halibut, which i was repeatedly bashed for saying because, according to the bashers, they don't use frozen fish... {wake up people, halibut is NOT available fresh year round}. it tasted like it had been cooked in dirty oil, and was just plain gross. there you have it people, i'm not the only one who thinks so.
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chefworm, I can;t believe your saying that! the halibut burrito is SOOO good!
but seriously, everyone is entitled to their opinion.....
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Just found this a couple months ago. Really really really good. Fiesta Azteca - 1618 Bayview Avenue. Charming service.
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I agree with you. I should say that when Burrito Boyz started, their burritos were very good, huge and decently priced. Good deal for the price. I guess that's what made them famous but now they are terrible!! Quality of ingredients is awful and the service there sucks. I heard that they changed their produce supplier to make a bigger mark although they were already doing pretty good and they went for a second quality supplier that offers bad quality vegetables for half the price. I noticed that with the meat more than the vegetables. At first their quality and flavour was so good and now it's like only after having several tequila shots at the nightclub and when you get really hungry late at night when in the area you can swallow their stuff. I'd say Quesada is the best option for quality, Mexican flavour and price. They even have green salsa and salsa borracha which are really authentic Mexican ingredients. Johny Banana is another option (spicy as hell, and a chorizo burrito which is very interesting) although it's more pricey (full service restaurant) but way better quality.
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Well burritos are not really the best example of authentic Mexican food. Burritos are not the national Mexican dish as many believe. They are probably the most representative dish of Tex-Mex food along with nachos and fajitas. I'm originally from Mexico and you wouldn't find those dishes at a Mexican restaurant. But if you are wondering where is the best Mexican in Toronto I can recommend 3 places:
- Johny Banana at Queen & Bathurst
- Milagro on Mercer St.
- Jalapeno on King.
Although if you are craving a burrito, I'd recommend Johny Banana and Quesada on Wellington. Both places serve huge burritos and they keep them pretty Mexican and with good quality ingredients contrary to Burrito Boyz' Tex-Mex flavour and not so good quality and service. Johny Banana's burritos are pricey though cause it's not a fast food place as Quesada where burritos are big as well but cheaper.
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Milagro may be authentic, but it is expensive and the service I experienced there was terrible. We were there last Saturday for nearly 2 hours prior to a show (a table of 6 of us). They ignored us for the most part, then when the food finally did arrive, they messed 4 out of 6 orders. We were offered complimentary desserts, which seemed reasonable, only to have them bring 4 desserts which 6 of us were expected to split. Had they not brought anything, we would have been less insulted! Upon departing, the manager asked us what our experience had been like and we told him exactly. He responded by apologizing, asking us to come back and give them another chance, then handed us his business card! I can only comment on my dish, a vegetarian place, which allthough tasty, plate was more the size of an appetizer at a cost of I think $19! Our friends who work in New York and dine out often said even they haven't paid as much to eat out in New York as they did at Milagro. Never again!
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I don't know if this has been mentioned on this thread of not, but has anyone gone to Margaritas on Baldwin?? If not-DON'T!
Horrible service, dispicable 'mexican' food..nice patio though, perfect summer evening if you're not eating or drinking. Wasn't impressed with Jonny Bananas either, although I thought they tried really hard to make it enjoyable.
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Dos Amigos on Bathurst north of Dupont is pretty good.
Milagro on John Street (Entertainment District) is also pretty good.
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Did I miss-read or something?! What about Taco's El Assador on Bloor at Clinton, authentic cantina (really a snack or take out place) or just a few blocks west Mexi Taco (sit-down or take out), best mole chimi's I've tried, plus a handful of dishes I haven't heard of but sound great....don't miss out on these 2 joints!...Loco Mariachi on Yonge was good when I went a few years ago...a place in Kensington, nearby on the other side of the street from Torito, was good, great guac although I thought was rather overpriced...
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I am sure, Recyclor, you didn't miss anything, but before someone else points it out Tacos El Asador is not Mexican but (I think) El Salvadoran. In any event, this topic (best Mexican in TO) is one that is bandied about every few weeks or so on this board and the general consenus is that it all sucks. I happen to disagree but I'm not going to get into it again. Too much blood has been spilt already ;)
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..thanks for the update, and correction!...now I know, I'm new here...
later!
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for authentic would have to agree with El Trompo in Kensington the tacos and fried cheese tower are killer ... there was a place in the Annex that used to be excellent on Bathurst by Davenport is it still there ???
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I am a BIG fan of Dos Amigos on Bathurst, north of Dupont.
www.dos-amigos.ca
They have a great patio in the summer - and delicious margaritas! I usually get 3 chicken tacos w/ guacomole and it comes to under $10. The chicken mole and enchiladas are also fantastic. Make sure you order the churros for dessert...they come out HOT & FRESH with chocolate. Amazing texture.
My other suggestion is La Cantina Mexicana, which I think was featured as the caterer on an episode of 'I Do, Let's Eat!'. It was not bad, but a bit more pricey given its location near Yonge & Bloor.
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I went to Dos Amigo's yesterday and it was quite good. I liked the atmosphere and the enchilada's I ordered were very tasty. My wife ordered the burrito and really enjoyed it. Although the restaurant is a bit small and narrow...it's a nice intimate, cosy place to go with a small group or as a couple. I really recommend it.
N.
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TACO BELL!
lol just kidding!
Chain restaurants - I like Mexicali Rosa's (Hernando's Hideaway is part of this although I havent been to that one specifically yet)
For unique mom&pop place, Mexitaco (Bloor & Shaw) - previously mentioned in this thread
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Mexicali Rosas is the worst food I've eaten. Ever. Period. Bar none. Of all time.
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Novo, which location?
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Just saw this Q since the thread was revived.
I am speaking of the Mexicali Rosas in Meadowvale/Mississauga, as that's the only one I've ever eaten at. I can't even put into words how horrible it was.
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