El Hijo de Tizoc is a vibrant Mexican restaurant from the minds behind the now shuttered Frisaca.

Located on Gerrard Street on the fringes of East Chinatown, Tizoc opened a few weeks ago, roughly six months after its predecessor closed.

The small space has a cluttered but comfortable vibe, with masks and posters lining the walls and fairy lights dangling overhead.

Arrows and archery are a recurring motif. Even the restaurant's logo features an arrow, clutched in a man's raised fist.

These are a subtle reference to the restaurant's namesake, a 1957 film about a Mexican trapper. After losing the woman he loves, the trapper pierces his own heart with an arrow, choosing to die rather than live without her.

The film's tragic hero can be seen throughout the dining room.

Co-owners Augusto and Salvador tell us that the character and the actor who played him are both famous figures in the history of Mexican cinema.

El Hijo de Tizoc serves a wide variety of flavourful dishes, from Mexican breakfasts to burritos as big as your head. They also offer a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

Nachos ($18.99) are the perfect way to start off a meal, especially if you're sharing it with a large group.

This platter is piled high with deep-fried tortilla chips, topped with pico de gallo, mozzarella cheese, salsa, and refried beans.

Not only is this appetizer absolutely massive, it can also be customized to suit your tastes.

A dollop of guacamole can be added for $3.50, and for $4, you can sprinkle in some of your favourite meats. We opted for chorizo, but grilled chicken and pulled pork are also available.

If you're looking for something a little lighter, try a plate of Guacamole and Tortilla Chips ($12.99).

This dish offers the same satisfying crunch as the Nachos, but comes in a much more manageable size.Chorizo Tacos ($8.99) are stuffed with spicy pork sausage, cilantro and chopped onions and served with a side of chipotle mayo salsa.Baja Fish Tacos ($8.99) combine crispy breaded fish with toppings such as pico de gallo, coleslaw, guacamole and queso.Enchiladas ($19.99) are served as part of Tizoc's all-day breakfast menu.

Four flour tortillas are stuffed with onions, cilantro and shredded chicken, then drizzled with your choice of salsa verde or salsa roja. Refried beans and Mexican style rice are served on the side.Big Mexican Burritos ($14.99) live up to their name in every possible way. Not only are they larger than any of the other entrees, they're also overflowing with traditional Mexican ingredients.

Beans, rice, salsa, tomatoes and peppers are just some of the tasty fillings found inside this fluffy flour tortilla.

You can also add a number of different meats, all seasoned with Mexican spices. We chose the carne asada, which contrasted nicely with the juicy veggies.

The Pastel de Tres Leches ($11.99) is a soft vanilla sponge cake, soaked in a mixture of condensed milk and evaporated milk and garnished with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

With its light, sweet flavour, this dessert serves as a refreshing counterpoint to many of the spicy dishes on offer.

Mojitos ($16.90) are just as sweet, thanks to a potent blend of white rum, sugar, muddled mint leaves and lime juice.Margaritas ($16.90) pack a bit of a punch. In addition to the usual mix of tequila, triple sec and lime juice, this drink makes use of spicy pepper seasoning, so that every sip feels like an exciting day at the beach.

Since moving to the east side, Salvador and Augusto have gone to great lengths to recapture the magic of their original restaurant.

Considering the amount of visitors Tizoc has gotten in its short tenure, it's safe to say that they're succeeding.

The owners have expressed an interest in one day reviving Frisaca's famous karaoke nights, but for now, they're content to soak in the relaxing vibes.El Hijo de Tizoc is located at 797 Gerrard Street East.