The new crop of Mexican restaurants in Toronto all have different takes on the cuisine. Some go modern, some go authentic, but all of them serve Mexican with the definitive quality of being fun to eat.

Here are my picks for the top new Mexican restaurants in Toronto.

El Rey

Ceviche stars on the menu of upscale Mexican dishes on the menu here along with stunner cocktails like the Mexploitation. Grant van Gameren and team have done it again with this new Kensington Market hotspot.

Cafeteria

You can still get the tacos Playa Cabana is known for at this offshoot of theirs in Brockon Village, but there's also vibrant ceviche, steak, and other enticing Mexican entrees. Go here for coffee during the daytime and tequila at night.

Torteria San Cosme

On a stroll through Kensington Market this colourful corner restaurant has been practically impossible to miss. They put out Mexican sandwiches using special bread baked at Blackbird across the street along with agua frescas that are as bright as the decor.

El Pocho

At this Annex restaurant, you can order a margarita or a tequila and Squirt, and grab some chicken or steak tacos or munch on an order of fries topped with a fried egg. Even better - everything is gluten-free.

Al Pastor

This casual Mexican joint in the Junction serves tasty tacos and filling burritos in a casual setting. Perfect for a super-fast lunch in an area where there's stiff competition for that, free lime water and hot sauce everywhere are major plusses.