Montreal may be far from the sun-soaked streets of Mexico, but it's packed with tacos worth their weight in guacamole. Whether you like them spicy, loaded with cilantro, or dripping with lime-infused crema, there's a stuffed corn tortilla out there calling your name.
If you're looking for the best tacos Montreal serves up, these spots are all rated over four stars on Google with over 500 reviews each. From no-frills street food stands to top-tier taquerias, here are Montreal restaurants where you can make every day feel like Taco Tuesday.
So, grab a napkin — or maybe a stack — and get messy with Montreal's finest:
Taco Trunp
Where: 388, rue Saint-Zotique Est
Reason to go: This unassuming restaurant near Little Italy is celebrated for its low-priced tacos and popular homemade hibiscus drink. The restaurant is pretty clear about not serving Tex-Mex or "pseudo-Mexican" cuisine and customers say they're tacos are the real deal. Plus, the decor is humourous and includes politically-themed satire.
Café Cantina
Where: 1880, rue Centre
Reason to go: This Mexican restaurant in Pointe-Saint-Charles is known for its generous portions and casual atmosphere. The spot is welcoming, and both the food and service receive high marks from patrons. They offer a happy hour special where margaritas are just $6 from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu also includes many vegetarian options.
Tacos Victor
Where: 4280, rue Notre Dame Ouest (Saint Henri) | 2145, rue Crescent (downtown)
Reason to go: This restaurant has two locations in town, featuring a solid tequila selection and well-liked margaritas and micheladas. It offers an interesting twist on traditional tacos by adding fries on top. The ceviche also comes highly recommended for its quality.
More at tacosvictormtl.com
Ta Chido
Where: 5611, ave. du Parc
Reason to go: This taco joint in Mile-End serves handmade tortillas and a range of tacos. Appetizers like guacamole and cactus salad are popular choices. The owner, also a baker, prepares all breads and desserts, with a specialty being the cinnamon-spiced Mexican coffee.
More at tachidomontreal.com
Arriba Burrito
Where: 322, ave. du Mont-Royal Est (Plateau) | 1593, rue Saint Denis (Latin Quarter)
Reason to go: This restaurant has two locations near downtown, both colourful and well-decorated. You can expect big portions with creative presentation, with three tacos costing under $20. Just be prepared for a wait if you don't have a reservation because it's a popular destination, especially on Friday night.
La Matraca
Where: 4607, rue Saint-Denis
Reason to go: This restaurant is known for tacos that customers say are as close as you can get to authentic Mexican street food. They serve warm, tasty tortillas with well-cooked, juicy meat. You also get three types of salsa with varying spice levels to add different flavors to your tacos. Just remember, they only accept cash.
Tacos Frida
Where: 4350, rue Notre Dame Ouest
Reason to go: This restaurant offers a variety of creatively presented tacos at reasonable prices. Choices include "Tinga" tacos with shredded chicken in a tomato-chipotle sauce ($10.50), Chorizo con Papa combining spiced pork with potatoes ($10.50), and Champignon Style Pastor featuring marinated mushrooms with pineapple ($10.50). Each table features two types of hot sauces, allowing you to adjust the heat to your liking. The guacamole is acclaimed as some of the best in the city, and the restaurant is known for its vegan and vegetarian options.
Caifan Tacos Bar
Where: 67, rue Beaubien Est
Reason to go: Located near Little Italy, this restaurant specializes in Mexican tapas that are ideal for sharing, with about three to four dishes recommended per person. It can get lively on the weekends with a DJ-curated soundrack and the decor is bright and street art-inspired. You can get three tacos for $18. It also offers a range of vegetarian options and uses a separate fryer to accommodate dietary needs.
La Catrina
Where: 117, rue de la Commune O.
Reason to go: This upscale restaurant in the Old Port serves guacamole made fresh at your table, along with a six-taco tasting platter ($30). The menu features al pastor tacos ($15) with marinated pork and pineapple, and rajas tacos ($14) with poblano peppers and mushrooms. Reservations are recommended to ensure a spot in this cozy space.
Mr. Azteca
Where: 7349, rue Saint-Hubert
Reason to go: This taqueria near Jean Talon metro specialises in Mexican street food. The decor combines exposed brick with warm wooden accents, and seating extends to a welcoming patio. Their specialty tacos come wrapped in flour tortillas, each at $7.50, including the Taco Azteca (steak, onions, cactus, mozzarella), the Choriqueso (Mexican sausage, mozzarella), the Campechano (steak, chorizo, mozzarella), the Gringa (pastor pork, mozzarella, pineapple), and the Pirata (steak, mozzarella). The bar service is select, complementing the straightforward, quality-focused menu.
Tacos Tin Tan
Where: 3828, rue Saint-Denis
Reason to go: This Plateau tacqueria serves up classic flavours with generous portions. The birria tacos are hailed as some of the best in town, or you can sink your teeth into their crispy fish taco for a satisfying crunch. The music and decor will transport you straight to Mexico. Just remember to book ahead for dinner, as this place gets busy. They also have a noon special ($13) for a quick lunch fix, which is available Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
La Capital Tacos
Where: 1096, boul. Saint-Laurent
Reason to go: People might look at you funny when you say some of Montreal's best tacos are in Chinatown, but this place is a must-try. The menu features favourites like the Al Pastor, Carnitas, and Choripapas tacos, all priced at $15. The Taco Hongos al Ajillo offer a juicy vegetarian option ($15). And you can finish your meal with desserts like Choco Flan ($5), Fried Banana ($6), or a Tres Leche Cake ($8). They don't take reservations, so getting there earlier is recommended.
Super Taco
Where: 500A, rue Belanger Est
Reason to go: This spot offers a steal for taco lovers — four tacos for as little as $8, making it a top pick for quality on a budget. Choices range from the classic Taco de Pastor, featuring marinated pork with chili sauce, spices, and pineapple, to the Taco Vegetariano with beans, mushrooms, and cheese. Other options include the spicy Taco au Chorizo, and the Taco de Carnitas, all served with lime, cilantro, onion, and a side of spicy sauce. For a slight premium, you can opt for beef-based tacos like Taco au Bistek, Taco de Cecina with dried beef marinated in salt and lime, or the unique Taco de Cabeza, all priced at $10 for a set of four. Each choice promises a hearty meal complemented by traditional garnishes.
El Rey del Taco
Where: 232, rue Jean-Talon Est
Reason to go: Located in a tortilla factory near Marché Jean-Talon, this taqueria offers a unique setting for enjoying Mexican street food, with the bonus of a patio. You can get three Al Pastor tacos for ($18), where the pork is marinated with achiote sauce, guajillo chili, and pineapple, or three Carnitas Estilo Michoacán ($18), featuring slowly cooked pork with chives. For vegetarians, the Taco Vegetariano ($18.50) comes loaded with grilled vegetables, guacamole, rice, black beans, and lettuce, and there's a Vegan Taco option ($16.50) as well.
EsconditeÂ
Where: Eight locations across Montreal and Laval
Reason to go: Escondite offers an upscale casual vibe, with decor that catches the eye. Their tapas-style tasting menu is designed for leisurely sharing, ideal for groups or couples. While the prices reflect the upscale setting, the payoff comes with the artful presentation of the dishes. You can enjoy two tacos for $12, including the New El Paso with a mix of cheeses and cajun spices and the Coliflor with cauliflower and black bean purée. For something a bit different, there's the E’ Steak Koreano & Nopal (14.95), a fusion of Korean and Mexican flavours with cactus.
La Toxica
Where: 7221, rue Saint-Hubert (Villeray) | 1059, boul. Saint-Laurent (Chinatown)
Reason to go: This restaurant offers generous portions and a cheerful atmosphere. Tacos like al pastor (marinated pork with pineapple) are $9.50 for two or $17 for four, and birria (beef or chicken with cheese) are $12 for two or $20 for four. Vegetarian tacos are $8.25 for two or $16.25 for four. The interior is bright and colourful with friendly service.
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Nachos topped with salsa, olives, banana peppers and sour cream on the Super Aqua Club beach.
A wooden tacqueria with bright blue walls and green leaves now overlooks the beach with a seating area.
Visitors bathe in the Super Aqua Club wave pool facing multi-coloured painted beach huts.
A lifeguard stands at the base of three water slides.