Emma WhiteReady to embark on yet another mouthwatering culinary adventure? We’re glad it brought you here to us – the source of all things great in Ottawa.
And today, it’s all about the flavor-packed tacos that graced our city with its delightful, culinary perfection, as if specifically crafted for indulgence.
Here’s our promise: these delicious flavors will have you screaming ‘¡Viva los tacos!’ with every single bite!
1. El Camino
Website: https://eatelcamino.com
Address: 380 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-422-2800
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 5:30 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5:30 PM to 12 AM
El Camino is a trendy locale, offering Mexican dishes with a modern spin. They have a modest-sized selection of tacos, ALL of which are worth at least a few bites.
The most popular one, which also happens to be our favorite, is the ox tongue taco. The meat is delightfully tender with a melts-in-your-mouth texture.
It’s a perfect choice for those with adventurous taste buds, willing to try something a little bit different from the norm.
Otherwise, you can always order a beef taco and pork belly taco for something more traditional. After all, you can’t go wrong with the classics!
Aside from their tasty taco plates, they also have a raw bar where patrons can indulge in some fresh oysters.
2. Casa Mexico
Website: https://casa-mexico.ca
Address: 1491 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2E 5P3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-7899
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 1 Pm to 7 PM
Casa Mexico is a lively eatery with a colorful interior akin to a vibrant fiesta.
It just so happens that their dishes are also worth celebrating. The taco options are phenomenal, offering a world of flavors that are a must-try.
The birria is a crowd favorite, known for its rich and savory flavors that leave patrons craving more with every spoonful.
Carnitas is another interesting option, featuring shredded pork with orange zest, cilantro, and onion. Its complex flavors might not appeal to every taste bud, but it might just surprise you with how much you love it!
It’s a popular choice among locals craving good Mexican dishes, so you’re in for a treat that has earned its stamp of approval from many local foodies!
3. Burrito Gringo
Website: https://burritogringo.ca
Address: 566 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 3K2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-564-9696
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 11 PM
Burrito Gringo offers mouthwatering Mexican plates with a focus on the classics including burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and such.
Patrons can choose from an assortment of proteins to add to their hearty meals like grilled chicken, pulled pork, grilled tofu, etc, making each order similar to choosing your own adventure.
They’re known among their regulars for the generous portions, ensuring that you’ll leave the establishment feeling satisfied.
By the way, they also sell homemade cookies, which are surprisingly often left untried by customers. That said, we recommend you try these fresh, tasty treats that are made with quality ingredients.
4. El Taco De Oro
Website: https://www.instagram.com/eltacodeoroottawa/
Address: 303 St. Patrick St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-4444
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday and Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Located in the hip Lower Town, El Taco De Oro is a beloved neighborhood gem known for its authentic Mexican meals and striking interior. This bustling foodie spot has a knack for delivering mouthwatering tacos, keeping patrons coming back for more.
You can choose among their modest taco offerings including carne asada tacos, tacos de camaron, or pescado tacos all of which are crowd favorites.
While they don’t have a wide array of taco flavors to choose from, they manage to keep it fresh and exciting, thanks to the impeccable execution.
They’re also quite popular for their margaritas, which is best enjoyed from their charming patio that exudes a laid-back atmosphere as if you’re on vacation.
5. Ahora Mexican Restaurant
Website: https://www.ahora.ca
Address: 307 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-562-2081
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Ahora Mexican Restaurant is a lively hotspot with a colorful interior, transporting patrons to the dynamic streets of Mexico.
Located in the equally bustling ByWard Market, it beckons locals and tourists alike craving a good and authentic Mexican dish.
Patrons can choose from four of their taco flavors including chicken, steak, shrimp, or vegetarian. What particularly stood out for us was the shrimp tacos that also feature cheese, pepper, onion, and avocado, creating a delightful layer of flavors.
6. Torta Boyz
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ProoTpj9RANkBuAc8
Address: 60A Lebreton St N, Ottawa, ON K1R 7H4, Canada
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Venture deeper into the local food scene in Ottawa by straying away from restaurants and trying out food trucks instead. And for tasty street tacos, there’s no better spot than the Torta Boyz located in the cultural melting pot of Chinatown.
If you want something with a little spicy kick, we highly recommend getting the barbacoa taco – a delightful concoction that features tender, slow-cooked meat drizzled with hot salsa.
One of their most recent additions is the quesabirria tacos that come with rich consomme for dipping. To add to one’s indulgence, it also comes with a surprising feature – ramen.
Yes, you read that right! This unexpected twist combines traditional Mexican flavors with the heartiness of ramen, creating an impeccable fusion of culinary worlds.
While they’re open until 11 PM, we suggest dropping by as early as you can since they tend to close early once the stocks run out.
7. Si Señor Mexican Food
Website: https://www.sisenor.ca
Address: 506 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Z7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-7490
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Si Señor Mexican Food is another tasty option for those looking for delicious, quality tacos in Ottawa. It’s a popular spot known for its affordable yet delicious meals, including today’s spotlight – the tacos, of course.
These flavorful Mexican bites come in different flavors with the signature tacos being our favorite. You can choose from a wide array of fillings including asada (grilled steak), shrimp, carnitas (roasted pork), and so on.
It’s a nod to the classic Mexican street-style flavor, making it a delightful treat for anyone looking for an authentic taste.
8. La Fiesta Latina
Website: https://www.tortillas.ca
Address: 565 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-712-1717
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
La Fiesta Latina distinguishes itself from other taco options in the city by providing flavors for anyone to enjoy through meat, vegetarian, and vegan offerings.
The pork carnitas tacos truly shine, making it an unbeatable option for meat lovers for its rich and robust taste.
On the other hand, the tofu adobo offers a flavorful alternative for vegetarians and vegans, showcasing the same full-bodied taste, thanks to its adobo seasoning.
Patrons can also choose from the assortment of sides they have available including fries, plantain, guacamole, soup, and salad.
9. Corazon De Maiz
Website: https://www.sisenor.ca
Address: 55 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-244-1661
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Corazon De Maiz is a laidback eatery, offering affordable Mexican plates in the dynamic ByWard Market.
Nestled in delicious corn tacos, their soft tacos boast punchy flavors that will awaken your taste buds with each bite. Orders come with beans, pico de gallo, and your choice of meat or veggie mix, ensuring a customizable dining experience for every palate.
If you can, it’s best to go dine outside during rush hour times to be able to snag a seat in their modest location.
