Best Mexican Food in Ottawa

Ottawa's Mexican food scene covers everything from award-winning street tacos to upscale contemporary dining. Whether you want a quick taco platter for under $15, Halal-certified Mexican, or creative preparations with tequila cocktails, these 9 spots deliver authentic Mexican flavour across the city.

1. El Camino — The Contemporary Mexican

El Camino on Elgin Street is Ottawa's go-to for upscale Mexican dining. The contemporary approach blends traditional Mexican flavours with creative execution — think crispy fish tacos, ox tongue, and cochinita roasted pig head alongside a raw bar and extensive tequila selection.

The crispy fish tacos are the most-ordered item for good reason — light, properly seasoned, and consistently excellent. For adventurous eaters, the rotating specials push beyond typical taco territory. The tequila and mezcal program is serious, with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through flights.

What to order: Crispy Fish Tacos, Ox Tongue Taco, Raw Bar selections, Tequila flights.

Good to know: Dinner only — opens at 5:30 PM. Reservations recommended for groups of 8+. Also has a ByWard Market location on Clarence Street.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (Elgin Street)

2. Sí Señor — The Award Winner

Sí Señor Mexican Street Food won "Canada's Best Tacos" from the Jarritos Cross Canada Taco Tour, and the signature QuesaBirrias prove why. Slow-cooked beef in house birria sauce, drizzled with rich consommé — this dish alone has built a loyal following across the city.

Owner Hugo Crespo imports recipes directly from Mexico City, and the authenticity shows in every bite. The menu covers tacos, burritos, tortas, and quesadillas, all prepared with traditional street food techniques. Generous portions and reasonable prices stay true to street food values.

What to order: QuesaBirrias, Street Tacos, Burritos, Tortas.

Good to know: Walk-in only. Two locations — Rideau Street and Preston Street. Also runs La Troca food truck on Scott Street.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (Rideau Street)

3. Ahora Mexican Cuisine — The Budget Pick

Ahora Mexican Cuisine has been a ByWard Market fixture since 2004. The draw is simple: generous portions, budget-friendly prices, and a famous free salsa bar with multiple house-made salsas. Taco platters around $13.50 make it one of the best value Mexican meals in the city.

Twenty-plus years of consistent quality speaks for itself. The salsa bar lets you customize heat levels and flavours, adding an interactive element that keeps regulars coming back. Open seven days a week from 11:30 AM — reliable and accessible.

What to order: Taco Platters, Burritos, Quesadillas, and load up at the Salsa Bar.

Good to know: Walk-in. Open daily 11:30 AM–10 PM. Best budget Mexican in the Market area.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (ByWard Market)

4. Banditos — The Patio Spot

Banditos on Bank Street brings Southern California taco vibes to the Glebe. Everything is made from scratch — tortillas, salsas, the works. The spacious dog-friendly patio is one of the best outdoor dining spots in the neighbourhood, making it a summer essential.

Beyond the patio, Banditos runs solid daily specials: Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 4–6 PM and Taco Tuesday deals from 6 PM. Weekend brunch starts at 10 AM with a separate menu that's worth the trip.

What to order: Street Chicken Tacos, Fish Tacos, Cauliflower Tacos, Churros, Margaritas.

Good to know: No reservations — arrive early for patio seats in summer. Dog-friendly patio. Weekend brunch from 10 AM.

Neighbourhood: The Glebe (Bank Street)

5. Taqueria La Bonita — The Authentic Jalisco

Taqueria La Bonita on Wellington West brings authentic Jalisco-style Mexican cooking to Ottawa. The owner hails from Jalisco, Mexico, and the recipes reflect that regional tradition — rich moles, handmade tortillas, and flavours rooted in family cooking.

The Wellington Street location has a warm, romantic atmosphere with Latin music setting the mood. A second location on Cadboro Road in the East End offers a more family-oriented vibe. The traditional mole is a standout — complex, layered, and made the way it's made in Jalisco.

What to order: Mole dishes, Tacos, Enchiladas, Taco Tuesday specials.

Good to know: Reservations accepted. Two locations — Wellington West and Cadboro Road. Closed Mondays.

Neighbourhood: Hintonburg (Wellington West)

6. Casa Mexico — The Halal Option

Casa Mexico is Ottawa's only 100% Halal-certified Mexican restaurant. With three locations — Merivale, Preston Street, and Kanata — it makes authentic Mexican food accessible across the city, including for those with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free options are also available.

The menu spans over 15 traditional dishes, 10 varieties of tacos, and 10 platter options. Friday evenings at the Merivale location feature live Mariachi music from 6:30–8:30 PM, adding festive atmosphere to the meal.

What to order: Tacos (10 varieties), Platters, Taco Tuesday ($6 each, dine-in).

Good to know: 100% Halal certified. Gluten-free options. Three locations. Friday Mariachi at Merivale.

Neighbourhood: Nepean (Merivale Road)

7. Corazon de Maiz — The Market Quick Bite

Corazon de Maiz sits in the heart of ByWard Market Square, offering authentic Mexican food at prices that won't break the bank. The counter-service format makes it ideal for a quick lunch — order, grab a seat, and enjoy fresh Mexican food made with traditional recipes.

Affordable taco platters make this one of the cheapest Mexican meals in Ottawa. The homemade Horchata is a must-try, and the tostadas are a house specialty. No frills, just honest food.

What to order: Taco Platters, Tostadas, Horchata.

Good to know: Counter service — no reservations needed. Cash-friendly prices. In ByWard Market Square.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (ByWard Market)

8. Aztec Tacos — The Hidden Gem

Aztec Tacos is a small, family-run spot on Montreal Road in Vanier that punches well above its weight. The recipes are passed down through generations, and the authenticity shows — Al Pastor, Barbacoa, and Birria tacos are all made the traditional way. Google rating of 4.7 speaks for itself.

Traditional soups like Pozole and Menudo round out the menu for those craving deeper Mexican comfort food. This is the kind of place locals keep to themselves.

What to order: Al Pastor Tacos, Birria Tacos, QuesaBirrias, Pozole.

Good to know: Small spot — limited seating. Mon-Sat 12–7 PM, Sun 1–6 PM. No website, follow on Instagram.

Neighbourhood: Vanier (Montreal Road)

9. Feleena's — The Glebe Classic

Feleena's is a family-owned Mexican restaurant on Bank Street that's been a Glebe neighbourhood staple. The menu covers all the Mexican comfort food classics — sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, loaded nachos, and margaritas.

Vegan options are available throughout the menu. Reservations are accepted, making it a reliable dinner choice when you want Mexican food without the wait.

What to order: Fajitas, Enchiladas, Nachos, Margaritas.

Good to know: Reservations accepted. Vegan options available. Open 7 days a week.

Neighbourhood: The Glebe (Bank Street)

The Quick Comparison

Restaurant	Style	Best For	Price
El Camino	Contemporary Mexican	Upscale dinner, tequila	$$
Sí Señor	Street Food	Award-winning QuesaBirrias	$$
Ahora	Traditional	Budget meals, salsa bar	$
Banditos	SoCal-inspired	Patio dining, brunch	$$
Taqueria La Bonita	Jalisco-style	Traditional mole, date night	$$
Casa Mexico	Halal Mexican	Halal, gluten-free, families	$$
Corazon de Maiz	Counter Service	Cheapest tacos, quick lunch	$
Aztec Tacos	Family Recipe	Authentic birria, hidden gem	$$
Feleena's	Classic Mexican	Fajitas, reliable dinner	$$

Mexican Dishes to Know

Tacos — Corn or flour tortillas with various fillings. The foundation of Mexican street food.
QuesaBirrias — Cheese-filled tortillas with slow-cooked birria meat, served with consommé for dipping.
Burritos — Large flour tortillas wrapped around rice, beans, meat, and toppings.
Mole — Complex sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, spices, and more.
Tortas — Mexican sandwiches on telera bread with various fillings.
Pozole — Traditional hominy soup with meat and garnishes.
Churros — Fried dough sticks coated in cinnamon sugar.
Horchata — Sweet rice-based drink with cinnamon.

Tips

For a special dinner — El Camino for contemporary Mexican with cocktails.
For the best tacos — Sí Señor's QuesaBirrias are award-winning for a reason.
On a budget — Corazon de Maiz ($10.50 for 3 tacos) or Ahora (free salsa bar).
For summer patio — Banditos on Bank Street with your dog.
For Halal — Casa Mexico, Ottawa's only 100% Halal-certified Mexican.
For authentic regional — Taqueria La Bonita for Jalisco-style mole.
For a hidden gem — Aztec Tacos in Vanier, 4.7 Google rating.
For brunch — Banditos does weekend brunch from 10 AM.
For late night — El Camino stays open until midnight or later.

FAQ

What is the best Mexican restaurant in Ottawa?

El Camino on Elgin Street is Ottawa's top contemporary Mexican restaurant, known for creative tacos, a raw bar, and an extensive tequila selection. For authentic street food, Sí Señor on Rideau Street won Canada's Best Tacos from the Jarritos Cross Canada Taco Tour.

Where can I find the best tacos in Ottawa?

Sí Señor Mexican Street Food on Rideau Street won Canada's Best Tacos. Their signature QuesaBirrias — slow-cooked beef in house birria sauce with consommé — are a must-try. Aztec Tacos in Vanier (4.7 Google rating) and Banditos in the Glebe also serve excellent tacos.

What is the cheapest Mexican restaurant in Ottawa?

Corazon de Maiz in ByWard Market and Ahora Mexican Cuisine (taco platters around $13.50 with a free salsa bar) are both excellent budget-friendly Mexican options in the ByWard Market area.

Where can I find Halal Mexican food in Ottawa?

Casa Mexico is Ottawa's only 100% Halal-certified Mexican restaurant, with three locations: Merivale Road, Preston Street, and Kanata. They also offer gluten-free options and Taco Tuesday specials ($6 per taco, dine-in).

Which Mexican restaurant in Ottawa has the best patio?

Banditos on Bank Street in the Glebe has one of the best patios for Mexican food. It's dog-friendly, spacious, and perfect for summer dining. They also offer Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 4–6 PM.

Where can I get authentic Mexican mole in Ottawa?

Taqueria La Bonita on Wellington Street West specializes in Jalisco-style Mexican cooking, including traditional mole. The owner is from Jalisco, Mexico, and the recipes reflect authentic regional preparation.