Maybe you wouldn’t expect to find authentic Mexican tacos in Vancouver, but thankfully you’d be wrong. There are hidden (or not so hidden) gems all around the city, just waiting for you to discover them and enjoy their amazing tacos.
We’ve yet to come across a serious foodie who doesn’t like Mexican food, so here are nine of the best taco places in Vancouver.
1. La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
La Taqueria has mastered the art of meat tacos – try the Asada, Pastor, or Mole, and they also make an amazing guacamole. The already mouth-watering flavours can be enhanced by the variety of self-serve salsas. Opt for the habanero for a good kick.
Pro tip: Don’t be put off by the waiting line at peak times, it moves quite fast and is a testament to the amazing food quality. You’ll get your tacos in no time.
What to order: Asada, Pastor, Mole
Locations:
-322 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
-586 Hornby St, Vancouver BC
-2521 Main St. Vancouver BC
-2450 Yukon St, Vancouver BC
-1305 Welch St, North Vancouver BC
-766 Fort St, Victoria BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
2. Maizal RMF
When they say RMF (Real Mexican Flavours), Maizal mean it. While the restaurant offers a more simple and casual setting, our stop at Maizal in Mount Pleasant on our food series discovered the effort they go to bring that authentic experience to their customers.
Their fresh, made from scratch corn tortillas are the perfect texture for any tacos on the menu, and you should definitely complement your meal with some legit horchata and nachos. The bowl is huge and very tasty.
Also, if you’re looking for the best fish tacos in Vancouver, the Pescado at Maizal has to be at the top of the list.
What to order: tacos, horchata, nachos, Pescado
Location: 2815 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G1
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
Website | Instagram | Facebook
MOUNT PLEASANT
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3. Tacofino
Tacofino started as a Mexican food truck in Tofino by a family of surfers and ocean lovers, offering people a tasty bite between surfs. Their brand is inspired by bold flavours and back alley BBQs – shows their fun laid back West Coast style.
Nowadays, they have 3 food trucks and several brick and mortar spots, most of which in Vancouver. Each location has a specific theme, vibe and unique menu, so make sure to check all of them out!
The menu also varies among the different spots, so what stays consistent? The answer is Tacofino’s quality meat and seafood, which is sourced in accordance with Ocean Wise and The David Suzuki Foundation recommendations. You can rest assured that your delicious fish taco or meat tacos won’t have a negative impact on the ocean and support local farmers.
Not only are their tacos to die for, Tacofino makes some bomb burritos and nachos that are favourites amongst Vancouverites. There’s a good reason why Tacofino is the king and go-to spot for Mexican food in Vancouver.
What to order: tacos, burritos, nachos
Locations:
-Hastings Sunrise 2327 E Hastings St, Vancouver BC
-Yaletown Burrito Bar 1025 Mainland St, Vancouver BC
-Gastown Burrito Bar 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver BC
-Gastown Taco Bar 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver BC
-Downtown Pink Truck – Howe & Robson, Vancouver, BC
-Tacofino Oasis – 122-1050 W Pender, Vancouver, BC
-Mount Pleasant Ocho – 8 E 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
-Victoria Taco Bar – 787 Fort St, Victoria, BC
-Tofino Original Truck – 1184 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC
Order Online: DoorDash
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Sal y Limon
The passion and nostalgia of four friends for real authentic Mexican food is what Sal y Limon was born from.
Back in the day, it used to be a tiny place with a few tables, but it has since bloomed and grown into a cool big space with beautiful artwork on the walls, and a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
This is one of the rare places where every taco is their specialty. Their goal is to bring the flavours of real Mexican street food to the Vancouver and Surrey neighbourhoods.
Sal y Limon have a big variety of delicious self-serve sauces, but be warned, they are hot! Put out the fire by sipping some authentic horchata. Or, if you’re not a fan of spicy foods, go for the avocado sauce.
Pro tip: if you’re extra hungry, the burritos and tortas are also amazing here, and will satisfy the stomach.
What to order: tacos, burritos, tortas
Locations:
-Unit #10, 2428 160th, Surrey, BC
-Unit #5, 701 Kingsway Street Vancouver, BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
5. Chancho Tortilleria
Chancho Tortilleria is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants serving tacos that are second to none in Vancouver. With a casual, friendly atmosphere and food that is awesome enough to keep you revisiting, whenever you think of tacos, think Chancho!
If you haven’t tried their Maciza, Papas, or Panza Taco, you haven’t been to Chancho. Trust us, your palate will thank you for having these! While the Maciza is meaty and flavorful, which is then perfectly balanced by a touch of sour and herbal-ish taste, Panza Taco has a richer taste with a complex combination of herbs.
Or you can try Torta Ahogagda which is no less delicious. Plus, their salsas are so perfect that they can constantly light up your meal!
What to order: Maciza Taco, Panza Taco, Papas Taco, Torta Ahogada.
Address: 560 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2G4
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. La Mezcaleria
Great for brunch, lunch or dinner, La Mezcaleria is a hip place, with a great vibe, especially if you go on select nights, with live music.
When you visit La Mezcaleriea, you simply have to order the famous Queso Fundido (melted cheese fondue served in a volcanic stone bowl), which will blow your mind. Try the chorizo or the mushrooms as toppings.
They also offer a variety of other Mexican foods, among which, good veggie options such as the Hongos con Kale tacos (a combination of mushrooms, kale, melted cheese and salsa verde).
Enjoy your food together with some of their unique cocktails like Pacho, Coquito, or Ancho Old Fashioned.
What to order: Queso Fundido, Hongos con Kale tacos, Pacho, Coquito, Ancho Old Fashioned
Locations:
-Gastown – 68 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC
-Commercial Drive – 1622 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC
Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. The Burrow
The Burrow grew from the passion of two friends into an amazing vegetarian Mexican restaurant in East Van Commercial Drive area.
The Burrow get extra points for being so creative with the food, offering so many types of fillings for their tacos and burritos. While all food is vegetarian, it can also be easily veganized or made gluten-free.
The food is guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest Vancouverite, especially if you order burritos. Try the Stella, as the butternut squash is lush (#rhymemaster). The nachos are also huge as well as delicious.
The best thing about The Burrow (except for the food, of course)? It’s not only a food place, but a platform to support causes, by regularly fundraising and donating to various organizations!
What to order: Stella, nachos
Location: 2781 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Hear about Chef Kane’s culinary journey, the challenges and the rewards of the job, and her true feelings towards the Vancouver food scene.
Chef & Co-owner Aiyana Kane
Bandidas Tacqueria
8. Gringo
Purposefully inauthentic, as shown even by the name (Latin American term for white foreigners), Gringo was opened more for creating a specific vibe. It’s a small, quirky restaurant, perfect for a fun evening with friends.
To enjoy this place, you have to know what it stands for. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, this is not the place for you. It doesn’t claim to be.
If you’re looking for cheap food and drinks, in a fun, unpretentious place in Gastown, you’re going to love Gringo (if you find it in the first place, it’s hidden in an alley).
Not to worry though, the food is delicious, especially the Street Dog, their signature dish. Their drinks are just as unfussy as everything else there. They serve a few simple, but nice cocktails presented with creative names such as ‘Wasted White Girl’, or the ‘Crap’ or ‘OK tequila.
What to order: Street Dog, ‘Wasted White Girl’, ‘Crap’, ‘OK tequila
Location: 27 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC
9. El Camino’s
Located in the heart of Main Street, El Camino’s is a lively, upbeat-ambiance bar and restaurant that delivers casual fare inspired from across Latin America. This place has become a beloved neighborhood favorite for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty, flavorful dishes. No reason to miss this place!
The menu is extensive with all sorts of arepas, tacos, sanguches, empanadas, craft beers, and cocktails. Don’t know where to start? Wait no more to grab their classic Carnitas Taco, juicy shredded pork wrapped in a warm tortilla blanket, topped with diced onion, cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Just a bite and you are addicted to it!
Or you can try Pollo Taco, which is stuffed with marinated grilled chicken thigh and finished with creamy avocados!
What to order: Carnitas Taco, Pollo Taco, Pescado Taco, El Camino Royale, Chicharrones
Address: 3250 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M6
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Mi Casa Mexicana
At Mi Casa Mexicana, we have to admit that this place’s ambiance and food are going to make you feel like eating at your grandma’s house back in Mexico! If a home-style and delicious Mexican meal is all you need, Mi Casa Mexicana is on the list!
It would be a big loss if you don’t have their Salsa Train, in which you can taste every fresh salsa they make in-house along with homemade corn chips. Hop on this Salsa Train for a mix of flavors and spice levels. Next, tacos! Suadero Taco is a perfect choice to go with tender braised beef, topped with guacamole, which is hearty and flavorful all the way long.
You can also hit the Pambazo, a Mexican-style bun with chorizo and potatoes, then drenched in a guajillo sauce, finally served with lettuce, cheese, and cream. A popular dish with an outstanding taste profile!
What to order: Salsa Train, Tacos Suadero, Pambazo, Panuchitos, Flan Napolitana, Arroz con Leche
Address: 2015 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H4
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Choosing just 10 taco places in Vancouver was no easy feat, because let’s be real: does a bad taco even exist? With so many options available for Vancouverites, it would be a shame NOT to try all the great spots, with their unique signature dishes and specific vibes. There’s a perfect option for everyone.
And if you’re looking to continue your food adventure, check out these 10 fried chicken spots that will take you to comfort food heaven.
Noms Magazine
