Seven Lives

What is Seven Lives? Perched at 72 Kensington Avenue, Seven Lives is a scrappy, high-decibel taqueria that brought bona fide Baja-style seafood tacos to Toronto. Founded by Southern California native Sean Riehl, the shop operates out of a compact, street-art-flanked storefront where loud playlists and a blazing plancha drive the energy. Seating is near non-existent—save for a couple of narrow counter perches and window ledges—making this primarily a grab-and-go or curbside-eating fixture.

Seven Lives Menu & What to Order The undisputed headliner is the Gobernador, a hefty double-tortilla taco loaded with house-smoked fish, seared shrimp, melted cheese, and pickled onions. Fried seafood purists should immediately tack on the classic Baja Fish taco, golden haddock capped with shredded cabbage and crema, or the fiery Camarones A La Diabla. Vegetarians can opt for the Mushroom & Cactus taco topped with fried halloumi, washed down with a cold Mexican Coke or house-made horchata.

Know Before You Go Walk-ins are the only way in, and lines routinely stretch out onto Kensington Avenue during peak lunch and weekend afternoons. Plan on eating standing on the sidewalk or taking your carton over to Bellevue Square Park, and keep in mind that hours skew daytime-only before early-evening sell-outs. Street parking in Kensington Market is notoriously difficult, so take the 510 Spadina or 505 Dundas streetcar and walk over.