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The Best Burritos in Toronto
- Posted by Tim
- Filed in Best of Toronto
- March 17, 2008
Burritos in Toronto have come a long way. In fact, it was only as recently as 2004 when burritos began to emerge on the city's culinary radar. The occasion was the launch of a little hole in the wall called Burrito Boyz across the street from the former System Soundbar on Peter Street. Soon, copycats were popping up throughout the downtown core, each emulating Burrito's Boyz patented toasted shell. This approach, now the de facto Toronto cooking method, sees a rolled burrito grilled at the end; making the flour tortilla hot and crisp.
It didn't have to be this way. In San Francisco, taqueiras in the Mission district have long been winning over locals and fans from around the world by creating what's know as the Mission Style burrito - a big fat burrito that's filled with beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, cheese, meat or veggies. In their version, the tortilla is steamed, not grilled, a style that's now commonly found in cities such as New York and Vancouver.
But back in Toronto our burrito purveyors have carved out their own niche. For Mission style traditionalists it just doesn't cut it; but based on the long lunchtime queues at many of these joints most Torontonians aren't complaining. On the menu are the usual beef, pork, chicken and veggie options; but look hard enough and you'll eventually spot varieties like yam, fish or tofu.
Lost in the shuffle are many of the older Mexican and Tex-mex restaurants that once were the sole proprietors of burritos in this city. Among these are would-be contenders like La Hacienda, Jalapeno, Margarita's, La Cabana and Dos Amigos, but when the guacamole settled the ones that made our list were generally the restaurants that dedicate themselves to the art of the Toronto burrito, and the burrito alone. The top ten:
Burrito Boyz
The current king of the Toronto burrito scene. Burrito Boyz serves up halibut, shrimp, soya, bean, steak and shrimp burritos. A second location sits at Adelaide and Simcoe. More...
Big Fat Burrito
Kensington Market's beloved burrito shack. Some claim they copied Burrito Boyz' formula but improved it. Try the excellent yam burrito. More...
Burro Burrito
Home of the best fish burrito in the city. Steak, chicken and soya burritos also make an appearance at this Little Italy joint. More...
Quesada Mexican Grill
Now with three downtown locations, Quesada's short menu features streak, chicken, pork and veggie burritos as well as Jarritos, a Mexican soft drink. More...
Freshwest Grill
Located in the bustling TD Centre Food Hall, Freshwest Grill feeds the Bay Street crowd chicken, streak, shrimp, soy and veggie burritos. Top them off with one of three home-made salsas. More...
Mexitaco
Mexitaco's burritos may be smaller (and pricier) than the competition, but it's tough to beat the authenticity. Excellent refried beans. More...
Johny Banana
Johny Banana's list of burritos includes chicken with mole, chorizo with potato, veggie, steak and chicken varieties. A big step up from their former offerings. More...
Burrito House
The Danforth's Burrito House serves up standard but tasty beef, chicken and veggie burritos. Where's the calamari? More...
Utopia Cafe
Offering more of a sit down dining experience compared with others on this list, Utopia scores points with the most innovative menu of the bunch with offerings like grilled tuna and chicken goat cheese. More...
New York Subway
Don't be fooled by the name, New York Subway has been grilling so-called gourmet burritos longer than anyone. Just don't expect a smile with your order. More...
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New York Subway has been a burrito staple in this city far before Burrito Boyz ever opened their doors. In NYS has been grilling their burritos as the end for just as long as they've been slinging meat filled tortilla rolls.