Where to find the best tacos in Montreal

This restaurant’s location near the Milton-Parc area on Roy and Sainte-Dominique Streets makes it a popular student destination, as do its relatively affordable prices and wide range of flavourful Tex-Mex meals. While they serve a range of dishes that includes burritos and nachos, they offer a wide selection of tacos, crowd favourites which include shrimp, chicken, and pulled pork which can be topped off with a side of their famous fried chicken. The restaurant is also home to a cozy terrasse, making it the perfect romantic restaurant for a date on a summer evening.

This gem on a busy stretch of Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Chinatown is easy to miss upon first pass, but is so worth a visit. La Capital makes eating tacos fun: Order any number of plates of three tacos, from grilled beef and marinated pork to tofu or pepper and onion. The restaurant’s notably friendly staff and upbeat music give this spot a vibrant atmosphere. No joke, a Mexican restaurant of all things is one of the best in Chinatown.

A local chain with locations Downtown, in Old Montreal and in Laval, Escondite is known for its innovative spins on classic Mexican dishes. Its taco list is small but mighty, and includes chicken mole, sirloin steak, and deep fried chicken variants. They also serve a number of dishes to share which vary by day, so be sure to ask your waiter about these when you stop by next. If you’re having a hard time picking, get the sharing platter and leave fully satiated.

Chef Eduardo Acosta Blanco has worked in kitchens since he was a kid. That lead to a massively stacked CV of experience, culminating in the creation of this Littly Italy taqueria that combines different regional inspirations from across Mexico. Classic tacos from cochinita and al pastor to fish and flank steak are all delicious here, but we tend to visit for the ‘tacotes’, larger tacos that come luxuriantly topped with options like pork belly and a fried egg. Pair that with the chorizo-stuffed, beer-battered jalapeno appetizer and you’ve got a winning meal.

When it comes to tacos, the 3 for $12 deal feels pretty standard in this city, but this restaurant makes it feel like a steal. Albeit not for vegetarians, the flour or corn tortillas here come loaded up with sausage, steak, chorizo and mozzarella. Even if you side those up with some stuffed taquitos and a torta sandwich, you’ll likely be loosening your belt to make room for any of their daily specials. Bonus points go to the bar’s ability to make some stellar margaritas, piña coladas and a boozy mix made with Jarrito soda.

The thing about hunting for new food in Downtown Montreal is that you need insider tips to know where to look. Unlike the gems tucked away in the corners of the underground in discreet food courts, El Habanero’s hiding in plain sight at the food court under the Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal. They’ve also got a spot in Plateau, but the convenience of this location is key: What better way to follow up shopping in the best malls in Montreal than hitting up this build-your-own taco spot? The recipes here are especially on point.

As the name would suggest, T&T does both tacos and tortas (Mexican sandwiches made with a crunchy bread roll) incredibly well. This bustling Rachel Street spot serves colourful ingredients atop homemade corn tortillas, and unlike most restaurant, which serve three tacos per dish, T&T gives customers four. Choose between steak, fish, marinated pork, and eggplant/zucchini-based vegetarian tacos, followed by a churro or two.

This hole in the wall on St-Denis Street is a Plateau favourite. Tacos Tin Tan serves a long list of traditional Mexican tacos, including spiced pineapple pork and grilled cactus variations. They also serve quite a few delicious appetizers, like esquites (corn topped with mouthwatering mayo, chili and lime), cheese and guac quesadillas, and tortilla soup. If you’re ever feeling like indulging in a bite without leaving your house, they deliver too—so long as you don’t live too far away.

This no-frills taco counter near Concordia University should be your go-to a quick pit stop for refreshing Mexican fare. Don Taco’s tacos are on the simpler side, back-to-basics tacos with ingredients like chicken, beef, and fish that are priced between two and three dollars apiece. This is your best option if you ever find yourself in Downtown Montreal with little time to spare, offering takeaway if you’re really on-the-go.

Located on De La Commune Street in the Old Port, La Catrina serves authentic Mexican tacos in a notably pleasant environment. While this is one of the pricier options on this list, they serve innovative tacos you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, like filet mignon and roasted poblano pepper recipes. During the summertime, sit on their patio; it’s a great place to enjoy all the good vibes the old part of the city has to offer.

Located on the perimeter of the buzzing Jean-Talon Market, El Rey de Taco is a local favourite. They serve fully loaded tacos at an affordable price ($9 gets you 4) alongside an array of Mexican goods to take away. The staff are known for their kind, genuine demeanor, and their location means you can stop in before heading off to the market to do your grocery shopping. Crowd favourites here include the Al Pastor (marinated pork topped with chilli and pineapple) and the veal tongue with avocado leaves.

A colourful joint on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Plateau, Taqueria Mexicaine serves a wide range of authentic Mexican dishes, from quesadillas and burritos to piña coladas—a drink that’s hard to find done well in this city. Their tacos are served alongside hearty quesadillas, making for an incredibly filling meal. After receiving your plate, be sure to take yourself over to their salsa bar to stock up on a number of spicy toppings.

Ta Chido is a Mile End favourite located on Park Avenue, with one of the largest taco menus in town. Choose from any one of 15 taco variations, including three vegetarian options: Mole with cactus, sautéed potato, and refried black beans. Come on Friday nights (or “Tacorama Night,” as they call it) after 6pm and pick any three tacos for $11.

Located in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, La Taqueria is a casual spot with some of the most affordable tacos in town ($1.75 a piece). Order from a range of meaty tacos in store or for delivery from the comforts of your couch. Options like steak bacon, pulled pork, and pulled beef—or from the vegetarian section of their menu, which includes potato or green pepper/onions/mushroom-based offerings—are all worth a taste.

A Saint-Henri classic and a Gay Village favourite ever since it opened its satellite location there, Tacos Frida is known for its authentic Mexican eats and friendly service. Their taco selection includes classic meat varietie, like pulled pork and baja-style fried tilapia, while vegetarian options like sautéed mushroom and grilled cactus with pico de gallo are equally delicious. On colder days, grab an order of tortilla soup on the side; it’s a crowd-pleaser at just $4 a bowl.

With its late night hours, mezcal selection and cheap prices, it’s no wonder folks like to drop into this restaurant grab a bite alongside a smoky cocktail. The selection of tacos here is strong with both vegetarian and meaty options like fried potatoes or Jack Daniels-marinated beef. One bite of a pulled pork taco’s bound to get you hooked, but if you really love their spice mixes, try the Porctine for the best of both Quebecois and Mexican worlds.