Restaurants
MEXICAN RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO
14 Baldwin St., Baldwin Village (near Princess Margaret Hospital) Besides being the very famous drink, margarita is Spanish for daisy. At first, the menu made me skeptic with things like "burritos" and "chimichangas", but the true Mexican fare they have is pretty authentic. Great guacamole.
233 Queen Street South, Streetsville (Mississauga) A welcome Mexican addition to Mississauga. "Mariachi" refers to the traditional musician of Mexico, dressed in the charro costume. It is one of the unofficial symbols of Mexico. Besides the regular taco fare, El Mariachi also has tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and quesadillas. They also have more desserts than churros (which are very good). They also have agua de horchata (rice water). Definitely try the al pastor tacos.
101 Dundas St East A small but really authentic Mexican taquería, including all the Mexican swearing. Amazing al pastor and carnitas tacos, and one of the very few places that offers nopal (cactus) tacos. Photo credit: Yelp.
181 Baldwin (Kensington) A place for tortas (Mexican-style sandwiches). Really authentic place, including the décor. They have flavors you won't find anywhere else, and they also have antojitos (tapas). My favorite torta is Al Pastor, although they have it occasionally.
405 Jane St. (at Annette). Not only is their food truly authentic, but even their décor reminds me of Mexico, down to the enameled pewter china. Great tacos and tortas. The Mad Mexican brand started selling salsas, dips, corn chips and guacamoles in St. Lawerence Market. You can still buy these at the restaurant.
1216 St. Clair Avenue W. (St. Clair & Dufferin) This is a taco place par excellence. Their menu has several pages of tacos, including traditional ones (al pastor, carnitas, alambre) and their own creations (still within the range of traditional, like Zarape) Picture from urbanspoon.com
942 Queen Street West (west of Shaw) Fonda Lola is cosy and has a small menu, but most of the dishes are outstanding. You can even order everything on the menu on one sitting! (You probably won't finish it.) Two outstanding items where the calamari in spicy sauce and chilaquiles.
220 King St West, Upper Level (at Simcoe) Upscale Mexican food. Their lunch cemitas and tortas are outstanding. Dinner pulpo was also incredible.
220 King St West, Lower Level (at Simcoe) Upscale taco and tequila bar. They even have their own tequila expert in house. Their tacos are really good.
4 Locations 111 Dupont St. (at Davenport Rd.) 2883 Dundas St. W. (at Keele St.) 14 Dupont St. (at Avenue Rd.) 642 Bloor St. W. (West of Bathurst) One of the 3 contestants on the program "Taco Wars" in Toronto. Rather than being traditionally authentic, Playa Cabana takes traditional dishes and ingredients and creates something new. My favorite taco was the pastor, straddling somewhere between traditional and fusion (served with pineapple salsa).
Here is a list of authentic Mexican food restaurants.
These are restaurants that I have confirmed are authentic -- no Tex-Mex or Cal-Mex here! Every restaurant has a dish that makes me go to that specific place, and they all have their unique style and flavors.
Clicking on a picture will show you a short blurb I wrote for the restaurant, which includes the area of the city for the restaurant, and showcase at least one dish of the particular restaurant.
There are new Mexican restaurants opening up every year. Check also the Restaurants To Be Evaluated page. I have not eaten in these, so I cannot vouch for the food or authenticity, but they are restaurants that have my eye (and my palate).
All pictures are taken from the restaurant's website, if available, or from Yelp.ca. Restaurants appear in no particular order.