This post is a first installment in a new series I am embarking on called ‘Local Business Spotlight’ where I will highlight a local small business in my city that I believe is worthy of a mention. Small businesses are the core of many local communities and it’s very important to show them support in this changing economy. Let’s face it; big box restaurants will never be healthier and fresh tasting as your local family owned restaurant. I want to do my small part in highlighting these wonderful local gems and bringing them the much needed attention.
If you would like your business to be considered for an upcoming blog post don’t hesitate to get in touch by filling out the Contact Form.
Local Business Spotlight – Mi Taco Taqueria
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo I would like to put a spotlight on a great local small business in Toronto’s Queen Street West neighborhood called Mi Taco Taqueria (Mi Taco). This family owned restaurant is mainly run by a mother-daughter team who work alongside other staff in the restaurant on a daily basis making and serving authentic tacos. I had an opportunity to meet with each of them and chat about their business.
Mi Taco Story
Mi Taco co-owners Lidia and her daughter Vanessa are born and raised in Toronto. When Lidia met her husband Greg who is from Dallas the whole family moved to Texas. Over the years both mother and daughter immersed themselves in Mexican culture and fallen in love with Mexican cuisine. This is where the idea of opening a Mexican restaurant took shape. After moving back to Toronto some years later, the family decided to open an authentic tacos restaurant. In order to satisfy Toronto’s diverse culture they decided to add burritos and burrito bowls to the menu, which proved to be a good move in the long run. In October 2015 Mi Taco opened its doors and has been going strong ever since.
Mi Taco Authentic Tacos
There are six types of tacos at Mi Taco:
- ‘carne asada’ (beef)
- ‘tinga de pollo’ (chicken)
- ‘shredded brisket’ (beef or veal)
- ‘picadillo’ (beef)
- ‘vegetable seasonal’
- ‘grilled pescado (fish) or shrimp’
You can also order Mexican burritos with house made flour tortillas and burrito bowls.
I can tell you right now that no matter what flavor you order, the tacos are scrumptious and there are many toppings you can choose to top off your tacos such as:
- smashed beans
- Mexican rice
- grilled onions
- shredded lettuce
- shredded cabbage
- pico de gallo
- cilantro
- queso fresco
The tacos reflect authentic Mexican flavors with an option to add a special flavored sauce or ‘crema’ to your order. There’s accompanying side dishes that you can add to your order such as:
- chips and guacamole
- chips and salsa
- elote (Mexican street corn)
- Mexican rice
- smashed beans
Our Mi Taco Experience
Ivisited Mi Taco Taqueria with my boyfriend on three occasions and we had a great experience each time. The tacos I had the pleasure of tasting were the ‘carne asada’, ‘tinga de pollo’ ‘brisket’ and ‘grilled pescado ‘. They all had wonderful and unique flavors. My favorite taco was the ‘tinga de pollo’ (chicken) and the ‘grilled pescado’ (grilled cod). We also ordered a side of tasty guacamole with chips; Mexican street toasted corn, which was really delicious as well as rice and beans that accompanied the food nicely.
Why We Like Mi Taco?
What I like about Mi Taco is the fact that you can customize your order with any toppings and sauces to your liking. You can opt for complete authentic tacos flavors or you can spice things up by adding a flavorful ‘crema’. Another important fact is that Mi Taco makes all of their food from scratch in a small kitchen on the premises. Their dishes are made fresh daily and they even make their own flour tortillas. It is apparent to me that the owners and the staff take pride in the food they make.
What Makes Mi Taco Different?
It’s hard to find a decent restaurant in Toronto that makes, bakes and serves real authentic and fresh cuisine. Lidia developed all the recipes herself with an emphasis on authentic Mexican flavors. You can usually find her or Vanessa working alongside their team at the restaurant, a rare treat these days. Did I mention they make a great margarita and serve beer as well? Oh yes they do. This is a great little local joint to grab a bite, sit down with friends or even go for a quick fun date with your loved one. Sticking to the idea of having a simple menu with fresh and exciting ingredients has proven to be the success of Mi Taco while other places have long gone from the Queen Street West strip.
Mi Taco Dining Options
Another bonus of Mi Taco is that the dine-in experience is unassuming, unpretentious and very welcoming. The dining room is small but unless you come during the busy lunch hours you can usually find a spot to sit comfortably. If you’re not in the neighborhood you can still try Mi Taco’s food because they have partnered with food delivery services such as Foodora and Uber Eats so you can get your food delivered. I also found out from Lidia that they do offer catering for a variety of events and their catering business is growing every day. So consider using Mi Taco for your next family or office function.
Me Taco Special Events
In a couple of weeks and for the remainder of the summer Mi Taco will be switching to using organic blue corn chips to serve alongside its signature guacamole and salsa to celebrate the upcoming Blue Jay’s baseball season. I don’t know about you but that sounds yummy and a great way to show your home team spirit. Go Jays Go!!!
So I hope you check out Mi Taco Taqueria next time you’re in Toronto and craving authentic tacos. And if you’re in town right now why not visit them on Cinco de Mayo? They will be giving out Mexican candy and you can get your face painted so you can enjoy all the Cinco de Mayo festivities around town.
Have you visited Mi Taco yet? What was your favorite dish? Do you prefer to visit small family owned restaurants or are you a fan of big franchises? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter!
I love Tacos! If I am ever in Toronto I will make sure to check this place out.
Awesome Rachel. I’m sure you’ll love it!
I have a family that loves tacos but they love them all the way they personally prefer.
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That’s great. Tacos are so delicious! Thanks for checking out the article 🙂
It’s morning in India, & I’m really hungry now..
Ha ha ha. Hope you get to eat something delicious soon!
OMG I’m soooooooo hungry now; I love the story behind Mi Taco; goal getter mother and daughter….powerful pair. I’d surely visit here when next I come to Canada; that looks sooooo rich, tasty and healthy, I shouldn’t miss out on this ;). Thanks for sharing xx
And by the way, I love your blog 🙂
Thank you Victoria. Yes, this is a great place. Please visit when you’re in Toronto!
I sure will 😉 :*
I love taco and the one in the photos looks so delicious that I could eat not one but three of them in a row. This was a very detailed and helpful review of this local and first time in Toronto I’ll be looking for Mi Taco.
Thank you for your kind words Perla. Yes for sure check it out when you decide to visit Toronto. It will be worth it.
I’ve never been a fan of tacos but these look delicious! My granddaughter enjoys them, sharing this with her.
Thank you very much Martha. Have a great day!
I’ve never eat taco in my life. But now after seeing this I definitely try this once. Its look delicious here. Thanks for sharing this!
Oh wow Abhishek. I love tacos!!! You should definitely try one soon 🙂
I am about to hit the shores of Toronto and this is now on my list. No wonder why so many people get hungry looking at something so tempting
Ha ha ha Abhinav. That’s great. I hope you have a blast in Toronto.
This is perfect for Cinco de mayo! If I am ever back in Toronto (I’ve been once) I’ll have to give one of these a shot
Yes. I hope you do come back to Toronto!!!
We have a trip planned for Toronto this summer and will definitely save this post. We love tacos!
That’s awesome Bethany. There’s so many fun things to do here. I hope you have a great time.
I used to live a couple of hours from Toronto, and would go a few times a year- it’s such a great city, with great food! Haven’t been in a long time, but I will keep these in mind if I get back!
Thanks Katie. I hope you come back to Toronto soon 🙂
Tacos are my favorite, and these look amazing!
Oh I love tacos too. Thanks for checking out the article!
I love tacos and the pictures look great with their Tacos, look very appetizing!
Thank Evelyn. Glad you enjoyed the article!
I love Tacos. Just got to visit Toronto now 😀
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Oh great. I hope you had a blast in Toronto.
These tacos look yummy, and I love that you can customize them. Hope to visit Canada next sometime in 2018. Bookmarking this. 🙂
Thank you so much Alicia. That’s great you’re planning a trip to Canada. I hope you have a great time.
I wish I could have joined you yesterday! Mi Taco sounds like a fabulous place to get some authentic grub!
Yes, I wish you could’ve joined me too. No worries, next time ?
I love tacos and if I’m ever in Toronto I’ll have to remember this place!
Yay absolutely, thanks Krista!
Oh my, we love places like this! We just had tacos for cinco de mayo too and often fix Tuesday tacos at home! I love how thorough this review is!
Mae | http://www.thegospelofbeauty.org
Thank you so much for all your kind words Mae. We love making tacos at home too!
I am an avid lover of street tacos and would like to think of myself as a taco connoisseur. My taco favorites include, fajita beef, cilantro and corn tacos. Gosh reading this just made me hungry!
Wow, that’s awesome J. ShanTrice. You should get some tacos now 🙂
Big taco fan here, this sounds right up my alley!
Awesome! I love tacos as well as you can see he he he!
This place looks a sheer delight. When I’m in Toronto… next year God willing, I’m dropping by 🙂
Yes do check it out if you do make it to Toronto.
Did someone say tacos in Toronto?!
Ha ha ha yes, me!!!
I really enjoy Mexican food. Tacos, guacamole and chips…sounds like a great place:)
Oh I love Mexican food too. I’m craving tacos already. And I eat guac at least once a month ?
That place is obviously a must try.
It is indeed. So good.