Take Your Palate for a Mexican Getaway in Vancouver

Vancouver’s dining scene continues to grow in variety and depth, and among the many standout restaurants in Vancouver, Mexican cuisine holds a vibrant and evolving place. From casual tacos to inventive regional dishes, these restaurants showcase bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and creative takes that go well beyond the expected.

Are you looking for casual Mexican eats in Vancouver?

If you’re looking for a delicious bite at a no-fuss establishment where the tequila flows, consider one of these options. Each is just 15 minutes by taxi from downtown Vancouver:

For those seeking more standout flavour, we have three recommendations for restaurants that are actively reimagining what Mexican food can be in Vancouver.

Taco Loco

Just two blocks away from Kitsilano Beach is a Mexican-Latin-inspired restaurant serving tacos, burritos, and more. Taco Loco brings the energy and the flavour to the table in a bright and casual atmosphere perfect for gathering. With DJs spinning on select nights and doors open until midnight daily, it’s the go-to spot for delicious eats and lively entertainment.

Before diving into the entrees, order some starters for the table. The Tijuana Caesar Salad features charred romaine hearts, crunchy croutons, and a zesty caper dressing. We also love the Queso Fundido, a big pot of melty cheese, crispy chickpeas, and tasty tortilla chips for dipping.

A visit to Taco Loco isn’t complete without trying their signature tacos. While there’s something for everyone, the smoked beef brisket barbacoa is a standout. Tender, smoky beef layered with pickled red onions and queso fresco offers the perfect balance in every bite. Vegetarians won’t feel left out either. The charred avocado and black bean tacos, topped with fried onions, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro, are every bit as flavourful.

For dessert, their housemade churros are perfect for sharing. They're warm and fresh, served with blueberry compote and hazelnut chocolate sauce for dipping. Add a scoop of ice cream to take things up a notch.

Las Margaritas Restaurante

For generous plates of flavourful Northern Mexican fare, make your way to Las Margaritas in the heart of Kitsilano. A neighbourhood staple since 1994, this lively cantina is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, legendary margaritas, and the most extensive tequila collection in British Columbia. Pair their famous chips and salsa with good company, and you’ll understand why locals can’t stop coming back for more.

When it comes to starters, more is always better. But sometimes your stomach just can’t keep up. That’s where the Fiesta Sampling Platter comes in. Perfect for sharing, this platter is loaded with favourites like guacamole, jalapeño poppers, chicken wings, and mini churros. With plenty of dipping sauces and enough to go around, it’s the best way to warm up for the main event.

Our recommendation from the Especiales De La Casa, or House Specials, is the Burrito Divorciado. A large flour tortilla is packed with tender pork carnitas, refried beans, Mexican rice, and guacamole. It’s served “wet”, smothered in half in ranchero sauce and half in chile verde.

The Entradas menu features familiar favourites like hard and soft tacos, Baja fish tacos, and enchiladas with whatever fillings you fancy. But the standout is their giant bowl of steaming hot Birria. This traditional Mexican beef stew is made fresh in-house and packs layers of flavour. Beef is marinated in adobo peppers, dried chiles, garlic, herbs, and spices, and served alongside warm corn tortillas and all the fixings.

Save room for dessert because Las Margaritas makes an excellent flan. Smooth, creamy custard topped with gooey caramel makes for a simple yet unforgettable ending to any meal.

Zapoteca

Located on Kitsilano’s lively 4th Avenue, Zapoteca brings the traditional flavours of Oaxacan cuisine straight to the table. The kitchen blends traditional Southern Mexican cooking styles with modern creativity, offering a dining experience that’s equal parts authentic and unexpected. Pair your meal with a drink from their inventive cocktail program and you’ll find yourself transported to Oaxaca, just 15 minutes by taxi from downtown Vancouver.

Come hungry and bring your friends and family, because you’ll want to have room for many shared plates. The “Bienvenidos” starters menu features numerous standouts, including the chicharrones de calamar. Lime-marinated squid steaks are deep-fried in a rosemary corn batter, finished off with guajillo flakes and a jalapeno-garlic and pineapple-mayo dressing. It’s calamari elevated to a whole new level, with tanginess and smoke in every bite.

The “Traditionals” menu features classic Southern Mexican comfort dishes, including enchiladas served with verde, roja, or mole sauce, as well as unique offerings like the cochinita pibil. This slow-braised pork shoulder with orange juice and axiote is served in a stone mortar with banana leaves, pickled onions, habanero salsa, pineapple, and fresh tortillas.

Suppose you’re there on date night, head straight to the Molcajetes section of the menu. The Carmela is pure indulgence, with sirloin beef, grilled chicken, chorizo, cheese, and toppings galore, all served up in a sizzling stone mortar. It’s built for sharing, and you can even add jumbo tiger prawns to the mix for an extra dose of decadence.

Zapoteca is so well-known for its mole sauces that they’ve even incorporated them into dessert. The choco-mole cake is rich and flavourful, and is topped with a chocolate mole ganache. It’s the perfect homage to their traditional roots and creative flair.

Whether you’re craving a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine or an unforgettable night out on the town, there are options all across the city for Latin American flavour and fun. Take your taste buds for a ride and add these establishments to your itinerary on your next visit to Vancouver.