Noah CôtéTaco ‘bout a flavour fiesta at the best Mexican restaurants in Montreal
Ever had a taco so good it made you reconsider your life choices? Because same.
Montreal might be thousands of kilometres from Mexico, but its best Mexican restaurants bring the heat, the flavour, and the kind of authenticity that makes you want to dance in your seat.
Whether it’s a perfectly charred street taco or a margarita that makes you forget the weather outside, this city knows how to do Mexican food right.
We’ve eaten our way through spicy salsas and crispy tostadas, all to bring you the best spots in town. So if you’re craving something bold and ridiculously good, you’re in the right place.
El Rey del Taco
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Location: 232 Rue Jean-Talon E
Contact: +1 514-274-3336
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $
If you want Mexican food, then head straight for El Rey del Taco. Seriously, this place is legit. They serve up all the goods—tacos, burritos, and nachos.
People lose it over the ‘Burrito del Rey’ and the ‘Birria (Estilo Zapopan)’, probably because they taste like they came straight from abuela’s kitchen.
The place also has a great vibe, and the staff is on point. Honestly, it’s an all-around solid dining experience.
Plus, they have this awesome little store inside where you can buy and stock up on Mexican products. It’s a one-stop shop for all things delicious.
| Pro tip: Want to avoid the crowd? Skip the weekend rush and go on a weekday. You’ll have a chill time enjoying those authentic flavours. |
La Capital Tacos
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Location: 1096 St Laurent Blvd
Contact: +1 514-873-5255
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $
This place has been serving up authentic goodness since it opened its doors in March 2015. They’re serious about their tacos, and it shows.
We’re talking carnitas with confit pork and all the fixings, pastor that’s loaded with pineapple, and even a rib-eye option with that grilled AAA beef.
Not feeling meat? They’ve got you covered with vegetarian options like hongos al ajillo (garlicky, cheesy mushrooms) and a tinga vegan featuring tofu and a delicious cashew cream.
Their furniture was salvaged from the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. That, combined with the owners’ travel souvenirs from Mexico, creates a cool atmosphere.
| Pro tip: La Capital Tacos is walk-in only. If you’re planning on going, especially on a weekend, get there early to snag a table. |
Tacos Frida
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Location: 4350 Notre-Dame St W
Contact: +1 514-935-9696
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Opened in 2015, this family-run spot is led by a family from Oaxaca. That means you’re getting seriously authentic Southern Mexican flavours.
Their menu is packed with traditional dishes, and people go crazy for the fish tacos and the cochinita pibil.
You can tell they’re all about authenticity because they use homemade ingredients and traditional recipes. It’s like taking a little trip to Mexico without leaving Montreal.
| Pro tip: Tuesdays at Tacos Frida are all about good vibes. They’ve got margarita specials, and the atmosphere is just right—lively but not overcrowded. |
La Tamalera Haute Cuisine de Rue Mexicaine
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Location: 226 Av. Fairmount O
Contact: +1 438-381-5034
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: $
Since 2013, La Tamalera Haute Cuisine de Rue Mexicaine has been serving authentic Mexican street food.
This woman-led spot is all about bold flavours and tradition. Their menu features a delicious mix of tamales, tacos, tortas, and other Mexican classics.
Their tamales are a must-try. They come in flavours like chicken with green sauce, pork with adobo sauce, and even a cheese-with-jalapeño option.
When it comes to tacos, you’ve got your classics like al pastor, carnitas, and cochinita. They also throw in some curveballs like Baja fish tacos.
And if you’re a brunch person, La Tamalera has you covered with dishes like huevos rancheros and huevos a la Mexicana.
| Pro tip: They offer delivery through Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash. Plus, you can always pick up your order directly from the restaurant. |
Mr Azteca
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Location: 7349A Rue St-Hubert
Contact: +1 438-387-3876
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday – 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: $
The late Mois Reyes and his wife, Rosina Martinez, opened this place in 2012 to bring a true taste of their home to Montreal.
You’ll find all the classics on the menu—tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas. But word on the street is that their birria quesadillas are the real stars of the show.
And the atmosphere? Colourful and filled with treasures brought back from Mexico, making you feel like you’ve stepped right into a little piece of Mexico itself.
| Pro tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Mr. Azteca are all-you-can-eat taco buffet days. It’s the perfect way to sample a variety of flavours, so plan your visit accordingly. |
Tacos Tin Tan
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Location: 3828 Saint-Denis St, Montreal,
Contact: +1 514-903-9478
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $
Tacos Tin Tan is known for its authentic Mexican street food, and the birria tacos are legendary. Seriously, people rave about them.
One person even said, and I quote, ‘The birria tacos made me ascend into an entirely different plane of existence.’ Now, that’s honestly high praise!
The whole place is decked out in bright, colourful Mexican art. This creates a festive vibe that adds to the experience.
| Pro tip: While the birria tacos might steal the show, don’t sleep on the mushroom taco—some say it’s the best they’ve ever had. |
Escondite
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Location: Various locations in Montreal (Vieux Port, Drummond and more)
Contact: [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Opened in 2015, Escondite is another big name in the Montreal Mexican food scene. They’re known for putting their creative spin on authentic Mexican dishes.
The menu’s got a little bit of everything—tacos, ceviches, grilled meats—you name it. People especially love the fried chicken, crispy cod, and beef tongue tacos.
And to wash it all down? They’ve got a variety of house-made tequila cocktails.
The decor is wild—in a good way! Think colourful murals and an eclectic mix of furniture situation that somehow just works.
They also have several locations across Montreal. These include Union, Drummond, Verdun, and West Island. Each one has its little twist on the Escondite style.
| Pro tip: Looking for something different? Check out Escondite’s brunch, available exclusively at their Verdun and West Island locations. These brunch options feature special dishes you won’t find on the regular menu. |
El Sabor de México
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Location: 5013 Wellington St, Verdun
Contact: +1 514-362-8888
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday – 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Pricing: $$
El Sabor de México is all about traditional Mexican dishes. Their menu features fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos, all made with that authentic Mexican flair.
But there’s more to the experience than just great food. This family-friendly spot is perfect for groups. If you’re on the go, they offer takeout and catering, so you can bring those bold Mexican flavours to your next gathering.
When the weather’s nice, they also have a cosy little terrace that seats about 10 people.
| Pro tip: Arrive early or call ahead if you want to snag a spot on their outdoor terrace, as space is limited. |
La Cantina
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Location: 2022 Stanley St
Contact: +1 514-357-2173
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
La Cantina serves up a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, but they’re especially known for their tacos.
Each one is crafted to balance flavour and spice perfectly, delivering an intense taste. You’ll also find tostadas and quesadillas, all made with fresh ingredients.
They offer some cool extras, too. There’s a private room that fits up to 50 people—perfect for weddings, office parties, or birthdays.
Need catering? They’ve got you covered for up to 100 people. And if you’re staying in, they offer delivery through Uber Eats.
| Pro tip: For a delicious and affordable lunch, visit La Cantina on a weekday between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to grab their $24.50 lunch special. |
El Meson
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Location: 1678 Bd Saint-Joseph
Contact: +1 514-634-0442
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Victor Lopez and his wife, Elena Garcia, opened this spot in a historic brick building right by the Lachine Canal—a location that creates a warm, cosy atmosphere.
El Meson specialises in traditional Mexican dishes made from secret family recipes. Some of their standout dishes include nopalitos con carne (cactus with beef) and pescados Yucatan.
They also offer catering, making them a great choice for your next event. It’s a family-friendly place that can accommodate groups of up to 50 people.
Best of all, when the weather’s nice, you can dine on one of their two terraces—a small 15-seat terrace out front or a spacious 100-seat terrace in the back, both overlooking the canal.
| Pro tip: Be sure to try one of El Meson’s homemade margaritas—made with fresh lime juice and quality tequila. They’re the perfect complement to your meal. |
Calaveras
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Location: 2040 Rue Beaubien E
Contact: +1 514-634-0442
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Calaveras has been serving up Mexican goodness since 2018. Owners Laila and Elemy have poured their hearts into creating a space bursting with Mexican culture.
The decor is a vibrant mix of handmade drawings, colourful ornaments, and traditional motifs that make the place pop.
Calaveras’ menu draws inspiration from Mexico’s Pacific Coast, reflecting Elemy’s roots in Manzanillo. You have to try their killer queso fundido with shrimp, fantastic tacos, and the signature ‘Calavera’ dish—a $15 feast perfect for sharing.
And to top it off, they host live music every Friday and Saturday. It’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Mexico.
| Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the aguas frescas. Made from fresh fruits or flowers, these traditional Mexican drinks are the perfect way to complete your meal. |
