Last Updated: January 10, 2026
Ottawa’s Mexican food scene has evolved far beyond basic Tex-Mex chains into a vibrant landscape of authentic taquerias, award-winning street food spots, and upscale contemporary kitchens. From birria tacos dripping with consommé to handmade tortillas pressed to order, the capital city now offers Mexican cuisine that rivals major food destinations across North America.
Whether you’re craving $4 street tacos from a seasonal food truck, seeking the perfect margarita on a summer patio, or planning an upscale date night with contemporary Mexican cuisine, this guide covers every corner of Ottawa’s Mexican dining scene with verified addresses, current prices, and authentic local recommendations.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Sí Señor won “Canada’s Best Tacos” and has two locations. Aztec Tacos (Vanier) is the local favourite for authentic soups. For upscale dining, try El Camino on Elgin or La Bonita in Wellington West. Budget picks: Yakko Takko ($4 tacos, seasonal) and Casa Mexico’s Taco Tuesday ($6 each).
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Authentic | Sí Señor, Aztec Tacos, Torta Boyz |
| Best Upscale | El Camino, La Bonita |
| Best Budget | Yakko Takko ($4), Corazon de Maiz ($10.50/3 tacos) |
| Taco Tuesday | Casa Mexico ($6 each, all day) |
| Average Taco Price | $4–$11.75 |
Top Authentic Mexican Restaurants
Ottawa’s authentic Mexican restaurants serve traditional recipes brought directly from Mexico City and Jalisco.
Sí Señor Mexican Street Food
Named “Canada’s Best Tacos” by the Jarritos Cross Canada Taco Tour and voted “Best in the City – Mexican” by Restaurant Guru, Sí Señor has earned its reputation through consistent quality and authentic preparation. Owner Hugo Crespo brings recipes directly from Mexico City, with the quesabirrias—slow-cooked beef in house birria sauce, drizzled with rich consommé—standing as the signature dish.
Rideau Location: 506 Rideau St | Preston Location: 354a Preston St Phone: 613-421-7490 Hours: Wed–Sat 12–9pm, Sun 11am–4pm Price: $$ | Rating: 4.2–4.6 (1,500+ reviews)
The menu extends beyond birria to include chilaquiles, huaraches, and tortas, each prepared with the same attention to authenticity that earned the national recognition. Weekend happy hours feature gorditas at $7 and pozole at $15.
Aztec Tacos
Locals with Mexican heritage consistently rank Aztec Tacos among the most authentic options in the city, particularly for traditional soups that “rival restaurants in Mexico itself.” The weekend specials featuring pozole, menudo, and carne en su jugo draw crowds who appreciate the depth of flavour that comes from following generations-old recipes.
Address: 77 Montreal Rd, Vanier Phone: 613-741-9998 Price: $$ | Best For: Authentic soups, weekend visits
Beyond the celebrated soups, the quesabirrias and brisket tacos (suadero) showcase the same commitment to quality. The atmosphere prioritizes food over décor—expect simple surroundings and exceptional plates.
Torta Boyz
Torta Boyz has become famous for their monthly birria nights that sell out within hours of announcement.
This LeBreton gem has cultivated a following for authentic tortas and what many consider the city’s best birria experience. The proprietor studied Mexican cuisine in Mexico City, and that training shows in dishes like the birria tacos (3 tacos with consommé for $21) and fresh horchata that locals describe as “among the best in the city.”
Address: 60A Lebreton St N Phone: 613-565-3663 Hours: Tues–Thurs 5–10pm, Fri 12–2:30pm & 5–11pm, Sat 5–11pm, Sun 12–5pm Price: $$ | Best For: Birria, date night, special occasions
The monthly birria night takeovers have become legendary—follow @tortaboyz.ot on Instagram for announcements, as these events sell out quickly. Reservations are highly recommended even for regular visits.
Hugo Taco
For late-night authentic cravings, Hugo Taco on Bank Street delivers street-style tacos with house-made salsas that multiple locals confirm as among the most authentic in the city. Opening at 4pm daily and running late, it’s become the go-to spot for affordable, quality tacos after other restaurants close.
Address: Bank St & Waverley St (beside Social Thai) Hours: Opens 4pm daily, open late Price: $ (Tacos $6–8, tall cans $8) Best For: Budget-friendly, late-night, authentic salsas
Best Mexican by Neighbourhood
ByWard Market
The ByWard Market area offers several Mexican options within walking distance of Ottawa’s main tourist district.
Ahora Mexican Cuisine has anchored the ByWard Market Mexican scene since 2004, building a loyal following through generous portions and their famous free salsa bar. Located at 307 Dalhousie St, the restaurant maintains a 4.7 rating with over 1,000 Uber Eats reviews and 4.1 on TripAdvisor (504 reviews).
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:30am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–10pm Price: $$ (3-taco platters $13.50) Pro Tip: Make multiple trips to the salsa bar—they offer several varieties worth sampling.
Corazon de Maiz at 55 Byward Market Square offers a quick, casual alternative with 3-taco platters at just $10.50. The lunch counter format means fast service despite regular lineups, though some recent reviews note quality can vary depending on the day.
El Taco De Oro at 303 St. Patrick St provides a neighbourhood feel with honest, good-quality Mexican cuisine and warm service at budget-friendly prices (appetizers $5–$12).
Centretown & Downtown
La Fiesta Latina at 565 Somerset St W (613-712-1717) has become the destination for vegetarian and vegan Mexican options. Open 10am–8pm daily, the diverse menu caters to plant-based diners without sacrificing authentic flavours.
The Glebe & West End
Banditos at 683 Bank St in The Glebe offers California-inspired Mexican with creative options including cauliflower tacos for vegetarians. The large patio makes it a summer destination, with happy hour running Mon–Fri 4–6pm and Taco Tuesday deals from 6pm to close.
Mi Amor Tacos operates a family-run food truck at 9 Bullman St (Parkdale & Holland area) from 11:30am–7pm. With a 4.8 rating, locals praise both the authentic quality and the owners as “the nicest people you’ll meet.” Crispy chicken tacos, suadero (beef brisket), and carnitas burritos showcase traditional preparation at reasonable prices ($7.80–$8.45 per taco).
Yakko Takko at 25 Hamilton Ave N offers the city’s best budget tacos at just $4 each—but there’s a catch: it’s seasonal (spring through November only) and cash only. Open Tues–Sat 11:30am–9pm during operating season.
Upscale Mexican Dining
For special occasions, Ottawa offers several elevated Mexican dining experiences.
El Camino
This Golden Triangle restaurant at 380 Elgin St has elevated Mexican cuisine in Ottawa since opening, offering creative preparations that go beyond traditional recipes. The crispy fish tacos consistently rank as the most-ordered item, while adventurous diners appreciate options like ox tongue taco and cochinita roasted pig head.
Hours: Tue–Sat 4pm–12am (closed Monday) Price: $$ (Tacos $11–15) Rating: 4.6 (40 ratings), 4.2 (432 TripAdvisor reviews) Best For: Date night, upscale dining, creative preparations
The modern atmosphere, sophisticated cocktail program, and fresh house salsas and guacamole make this the natural choice for those seeking Mexican cuisine in a fine dining context.
La Bonita Restaurant
Founded by a chef from Jalisco, Mexico, La Bonita operates two locations with distinctly different atmospheres. The Wellington West location (1079 Wellington St W, 613-798-9292) offers a romantic setting ideal for date night, while the Cadboro location (1128 Cadboro Rd, 613-695-7373) provides a warmer family atmosphere.
Hours: Tues–Sun 4–9pm Price: $$$ Best For: Upscale authentic, romantic dinner, family celebrations
Both locations feature authentic Jalisco-style dishes, traditional moles, and an extensive Mexican beer selection. The restaurants are designed to feel like stepping onto Mexican soil, with Latin music and black-and-white Mexican films projected on the walls.
Best for Burritos & Bowls
Ottawa’s burrito scene ranges from fast-casual chains to family-owned establishments with halal options.
Casa Mexico
This family-owned mini-chain operates three locations offering 100% halal and gluten-free options—a rarity in the Mexican restaurant category. The quesabirrias receive particular praise, as do the margaritas and fresh pico de gallo.
Locations:
- Merivale: 1491 Merivale Rd (613-695-7899)
- Preston: 226 Preston St (613-695-7811)
- Kanata: 7-13 Kakulu Rd (613-271-1841)
Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm Price: $$ Special: Taco Tuesday—$6 each, all day (dine-in only)
The Merivale location features live Mariachi music every Friday from 6:30–8:30pm, adding entertainment value to an already solid dining experience.
Chain Options
Mucho Burrito (including the 2210 Bank St location) offers made-to-order burritos with fire-roasted cooking techniques and fresh salsa at budget-friendly chain pricing. Open generally 10:30am–10pm.
Quesada Burritos & Tacos provides the most budget-friendly customizable option with dynamic bowls and competitive pricing across multiple Ottawa locations.
Best for Specific Cravings
Best Birria Tacos
- Sí Señor – Award-winning, daily availability
- La Bonita – Upscale presentation
- Aztec Tacos – Excellent quesabirrias
- Torta Boyz – Monthly specialty nights (book ahead)
- Casa Mexico – Reliable option with halal certification
Best Margaritas & Tequila
- Casa Mexico – Renowned margaritas
- La Bonita – Extensive Mexican beer selection
- El Camino – Upscale cocktail program
- Banditos – Custom cocktail program emphasizing tequila
- Pancho Villa (Elgin St) – Dos Equis on tap, great cocktails
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Options
Several Ottawa Mexican restaurants now offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus.
- La Fiesta Latina (Somerset St) – Dedicated plant-based options
- Ahora Mexican Cuisine – Will modify dishes vegan upon request
- Burrito Gringo – Grilled tofu protein, customizable burritos
- Banditos – Creative cauliflower tacos
Practical Information
Average Prices (2026)
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Individual Tacos | $4–$11.75 |
| 3-Taco Platters | $10.50–$13.50 |
| Burritos | $14–$18 |
| Guacamole | $14–$20 |
| Nachos | $12–$15 |
| Quesadillas | $15–$20 |
Deals & Happy Hours
| Restaurant | Deal |
|---|---|
| Casa Mexico | Taco Tuesday: $6 each, all day (dine-in) |
| Sí Señor | Weekend happy hour: Gorditas $7, Pozole $15 |
| Banditos | Mon–Fri 4–6pm happy hour; Taco Tuesday 6pm–close |
| Lone Star | Daily 8pm–close: $3 off margaritas, ½ price nachos |
Delivery & Takeout
Most restaurants are available on Uber Eats, Skip The Dishes, and DoorDash. Note that Yakko Takko is cash-only and doesn’t offer delivery.
For catering, Casa Mexico and Burrito Gringo both offer services for groups of 10–200+ guests, including taco bars and burrito kits.
Transit & Parking
- ByWard Market locations: Excellent OC Transpo access, limited street parking
- Downtown/Elgin: O-Train Confederation Line nearby, paid parking
- Suburban locations (Casa Mexico Merivale/Kanata): Ample free parking
Local Recommendations
What Ottawa residents say about Mexican dining:
“Aztec Tacos has legit authentic food that tastes like Mexico.”
“Sí Señor won Canada’s Best Tacos for a reason—the quesabirrias are incredible.”
“Mi Amor Tacos is family-run and the nicest people you’ll meet. Food is authentic and affordable.”
“Torta Boyz birria nights sell out for a reason. Follow their Instagram and book immediately when they announce.”
Hidden Gems
- Tortilla Maker (2003 St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans) – Hand-pressed tortillas made fresh
- Gorditas La Mexican – Traditional gorditas, weekend hours only (Fri–Sun)
- Mi Amor Tacos – Food truck with family-run authenticity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which restaurant has the best tacos in Ottawa?
Sí Señor officially won “Canada’s Best Tacos” from the Jarritos Cross Canada Taco Tour. However, locals also highly recommend Aztec Tacos for authenticity and Hugo Taco for late-night options.
Q: Where can I find authentic birria tacos?
Sí Señor, La Bonita, Aztec Tacos, and Torta Boyz all serve excellent birria. Torta Boyz’s monthly birria nights are legendary but require booking in advance.
Q: What’s the best budget Mexican food in Ottawa?
Yakko Takko offers $4 tacos (seasonal, cash only). Casa Mexico’s Taco Tuesday ($6 each) and Corazon de Maiz ($10.50 for 3 tacos) are also excellent value options.
Q: Are there halal Mexican restaurants in Ottawa?
Casa Mexico (all three locations) offers 100% halal options with gluten-free choices as well.
Q: Which restaurant is best for a date night?
El Camino offers upscale contemporary Mexican on Elgin St. La Bonita’s Wellington location provides romantic ambiance with authentic Jalisco cuisine.
Q: Do any Mexican restaurants have good patios?
Banditos in The Glebe has a large patio. Casa Mexico’s Preston location offers outdoor seating in the warmer months. Several ByWard Market options also have seasonal patios.
Q: Where can I find vegetarian Mexican food?
La Fiesta Latina on Somerset St specializes in vegetarian/vegan options. Ahora will modify dishes upon request, and Banditos offers creative cauliflower tacos.
Q: What’s the standard tipping at Mexican restaurants?
Standard 15–20% for dine-in service, 10–15% for takeout (optional but appreciated).
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s Mexican food scene has matured into a diverse landscape offering everything from $4 street tacos to upscale contemporary dining. Whether you’re seeking the award-winning birria at Sí Señor, the authentic weekend soups at Aztec Tacos, the creative preparations at El Camino, or budget-friendly options at Yakko Takko, the capital city delivers Mexican cuisine that satisfies every craving and budget.
For the most authentic experience, locals recommend visiting Aztec Tacos on a Saturday for traditional soups, booking a Torta Boyz birria night in advance, or hitting Hugo Taco late at night when the house salsas shine. And don’t overlook the family-run gems like Mi Amor Tacos—sometimes the best Mexican food comes from the smallest operations.
Sources: Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Uber Eats, r/ottawa community, Restaurant Guru, individual restaurant websites
