419 College St., Toronto, Canada

$$$$ ・ Mexican

MICHELIN Guide's Point Of View

One Star: High quality cooking

This stylish, boisterous hotspot offers up no shortage of personality. Almost everything on this distinctive menu passes through a battery of roaring wood-burning grills and hearths along the kitchen's 26-foot length, lending a primal smokiness that pervades the food and room alike. At the end of the line is a single cook at an earthenware comal, busily preparing tortillas from heirloom corn that is nixtmalized and ground in-house. Further masa-based items like a sturdy a memela filled with melty quesillo, smoky preserved shiitakes and crunchy chicharron show off the kitchen’s creativity. Grilled meats, like a meltingly tender secreto "al pastor" with charred pineapple, are a particular highlight. Those hard-pressed to make decisions can opt for a tasting menu that pulls highlights from the various options on offer. In tandem, the bar provides a wealth of imaginative (and cleverly named) agave-based cocktails that further add to the excitement.

Facilities & Services

• Air conditioning
• Counter dining

Reservation number

tel:+1 647-347-3663

Website

https://www.quetzaltoronto.com/

Opening hours