Where to Celebrate Latin American Heritage Month in Vancouver

Are you looking for a place to eat? Are you looking for latin food specifically? From Colombia’s dance-all-night energy to the rich flavours of Mexico, Vancouver’s Latin spots deliver the flavours, stories, and community that make any meal feel special.

Union Latino Foods - Downtown

If you want dinner with a side of dancing, check out Union. Union Latino Foods is a Colombian restaurant and community hub where the playlist is as central as the plate, and where celebrations span the full spectrum of Latin American cultures. Think salsa one night, bachata the next, and karaoke that always gets the whole room singing along even when the last empanadas are gone. One of our favorites at Union is the bandeja paisa which will take you right back to Medellín, with grilled beef, chorizo, fried egg, beans, sweet plantain, rice, avocado, and a little arepa. On the side you could order a couple of golden, crisp empanadas, because how could anyone go without? Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, right on Granville street, Union is just a few minutes from the sky train station and near tons of hotels.

Mangos Kitchen Bar - Downtown

For a similar upbeat, dancy energy, make sure to also check out Mangos, a night at Mangos is never just about food. This lively Latin club and restaurant by Granville Street is famous for its high-energy atmosphere and steady calendar of dance nights, DJ sets, and live music. Salsa, reggaeton, merengue, you name it, and you’ll probably hear it spilling out onto the street on any given weekend- the way any true Latin party should. If you’re looking for a fun night, and a serious variety of latin food - think yuca, chicharrón, Mangos should be a go-to.

Ophelia Cocina Mexicana - Olympic Village

Ophelia is Chef Francisco Higareda’s love letter to Mexico, where he tells his story through moles and regional specialties, with nods to BC like dishes built around Cache Creek beef. It’s elegant without feeling pretentious, perfect for a date night out, a celebratory dinner, or even Margarita Mondays with a group of friends- I mean, double shot margs for only $10? Say less.

Located in Olympic Village,you can stroll along the walkway to see stunning views of downtown before hopping on an Aquabus to cross the water and reach nearby hotels like the JW Marriott Parq in minutes.

Zapoteca - Kitsilano

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Oaxaca takes the spotlight at Zapoteca, a stylish cantina on West 4th in the laid-back beachy neighbourhood of Kitsilano, where family recipes and regional sauces lead the way. They lean into Oaxacan signatures like mole, molcajetes, and ceviches, often highlighting the ingredients that give those sauces depth. Keep an eye on their socials for evenings with live bands so that you can really crank up the latin energy.

And if you happen to be a brunch fan the way we are, you'll want to try out their chilaquiles- are they basically breakfast nachos? Maybe, but they are so deliciously worth it.

La Mezcaleria - Commercial Drive / East Van

Enter, La Mezcaleria. This beloved East-Van hot spot pairs sincere, authentic regional Mexican cooking with some serious cocktails and spirits. The signature drink list includes the Horchata Colada (yep, it's exactly what it sounds like) alongside a long list of agave mezcals and tequilas.

Food-wise, think shareable plates and tacos with coastal touches. The energy buzzes from lunch into the late evening, with visitors joining locals for happy hour ritually. And a little bonus for culinary nerds; they stand by local, organic, free-range ingredients.

Cardero Cafe - West End

Coffee first, then tamales. For a more relaxed and casual outing, Cardero Cafe is a cozy Latin cafe tucked into the West End, pouring all the espresso standards, plus a fan-favourite horchata latte. To pair with your drinks, they stock Latin pantry treats and serve hot items like empanadas and tamales, with vegan options available. It’s easygoing, beach-adjacent, and perfect for a low-key afternoon downtown.

Order a Mexican hot chocolate, add a jalapeño tamal, and park yourself on the patio - or maybe take a ten minute stroll and visit the Inukshuk at English Bay. Simple, satisfying, and heart warming.

Machete Ancestral Mexican Food - False Creek

We can’t talk about Vancouver’s Mexican food scene without Machete. This homey spot near Main and National is all about home made blue-corn tortillas pressed to order, and dishes you rarely see elsewhere in the city. Named after Machetes, a long machete shaped quesadilla,- Machete offers Machetes! And they are foot stompingly, mouth wateringly good.

Plus portions are generous, and if you’re gluten free, you won’t have trouble finding something delicious.

All around, you can celebrate Latin American Heritage Month in Vancouver the right way, your way. Whether it’s dancing the night away, digging into authentic plates, or sipping a refreshing horchata, a good time is guaranteed.