Considering we live in Calgary and my wife is from Mexico City, we know a thing or two when it comes to finding the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary.
From street tacos and tortas to ceviche and tostadas, people are always asking us where to find the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary and so we wanted to create a guide to finally answer that question.
So without further ado, these are the 10 best Mexican restaurants in Calgary.
Fonda Fora
Fonda Fora in Calgary is rapidly gaining acclaim as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city and after enjoying dinner here, we can totally see why. Located inside the Westley Hotel in Downtown Calgary, Fonda Fora offers a contemporary and upscale approach to traditional Mexican dishes using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to recreate authentic Mexican flavours with a modern twist. Their menu is a testament to this approach, offering everything from meticulously prepared ceviches to complex moles that captivate the palate.
With beautiful modern and minimalist decor, this is the fanciest Mexican restaurant in Calgary and a great place to bring a date, family, or host a business meeting. The dishes contain authentic ingredients and flavours but are recreated in an upscale way, taking Mexican cuisine to a new level. Some of the dishes we tried include the Tiradito de Salmon (a salmon sashimi dish with emulsified aguachile amarillo, fresh cucumber, peanuts, burnt chili oil, and pickled serrano), the Betabel con Mole Verde (sautéed golden beets, brown butter honey glaze, mole verde, shaved almonds, whipped queso, and mint), the Panza de Cerdo en Miltomate (confit pork belly with miltomate salsa, charred pineapple and chayote squash slaw, crispy onions, and heirloom corn tortillas), and their Falda de Res con Mole Poblano (braised beef brisket with mole poblano, turnip, creamy rice, and whey dressing). Everything was delicious.
In addition to the delicious food, however, they also have one of the best drink menus in the city, so if you’re looking for a unique margarita or another fancy cocktail, you’ll be happy here.
Moose and Poncho
Moose and Poncho is a hidden gem that brings a delightful punch of authentic Mexican flavour to the heart of Alberta. This quaint Mexican restaurant can be found in the First Street Market in downtown Calgary and is beloved for its tantalizing array of tacos—each packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients and rich, traditional spices that dance on the palate. With the chef and owner coming from Mexico City, this place is arguably home to the best tacos in the city, backed up by many 5-star reviews, awards, and a visit from food superstar Guy Fieri. Everything is made in-house and all the protein is sourced directly from Alberta. In addition, they make fresh churros and the best flan we’ve ever tried. Highly recommended!
Native Tongues Taqueria
Highly praised for its authentic Mexican cuisine, including a wide variety of delicious tacos, quesadillas, and traditional dishes, Native Tongues has become one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Calgary. With two locations, including one in Victoria Park, this restaurant is easily accessible by both locals and tourists. We’ve been here a couple of times and have tried a variety of dishes, including the Super Torta (a Mexican-style sandwich with gouda cheese, refried beans, guacamole, cilantro, onions, salsa taqueria and a choice of protein), the Ceviche De Aguachile (prawns, green or dark salsa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, cilantro, and avocado salsa), Birria tacos (braised beef, adobo, red onion, and cilantro), and Barbacoa de Cordero (slow roasted lamb neck, salsa roja, coal roasted onions, avocado, Chile, chickpeas, white onion, and cilantro). Everything is quite good and pretty authentic. It’s a relatively small place with the ambience of a bar, making it a great place to visit with friends.
Chilitos Taberna
Chilitos Taberna is renowned as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary thanks to its lively, authentic atmosphere that immediately transports diners to the heart of Mexico. Although they have two locations, we visited the original location on vibrant 17th Avenue SW, one of the most popular areas in the city.
At Chilitos, the focus is squarely on traditional Mexican fare, served in a casual and inviting setting. The menu boasts a rich assortment of dishes, ranging from street food favourites like tacos and quesadillas to more substantial offerings such as enchiladas and fajitas. The owner is from Mexico City, so you know that he knows what he’s doing. Each dish is crafted using traditional recipes and cooking methods, ensuring every bite carries the depth and richness typical of Mexican cuisine.
We tried a variety of dishes while we were here and especially loved the Tuna Ceviche Tostadas, the Pescado Seafood Tacos, and the Shrimp Cocktail, which had a delicious spiciness to it. They also make some excellent cocktails with two of our favourites being the Smoky Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita and the Raspberry Mojito.
Another benefit of Chilitos is that they have a big awesome patio, so if you’re looking for an outdoor seat during the warmer months, this is a great option. Plus, they host regular events and special evenings that celebrate Mexican culture, such as Dia de los Muertos festivities and Cinco de Mayo, enhancing its appeal as a cultural hub.
If you’re looking for a lively setting to enjoy delicious food, this is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary.
Tres Marias Mexican Food Market
When a Mexican restaurant is located within a Mexican food market, you know it’s going to be good!
Located in trendy Marda Loop, Tres Marias Mexican Food Market offers a delightful culinary experience for those seeking authentic Mexican flavours. As mentioned, this unique venue combines a traditional Mexican market with a casual dining space, making it a go-to spot for Mexican groceries and dining.
The restaurant is a relatively new addition to the market but has earned rave reviews since its opening. One of the key attractions of Tres Marias is its genuine approach to Mexican cuisine. The market section is stocked with a wide range of imported Mexican ingredients and products, which are used in the preparation of the meals served in the restaurant. Although the menu isn’t big, they offer a variety of burritos, tacos, tostadas, and tortilla soup as well as hot breakfast. If you’re looking for food to bring home and reheat at a convenient time, they also offer tamales, tlayuda, burritos, empanadas, tortas, and pozole.
This combination of authentic food, cultural immersion, and personal touch makes Tres Marias Mexican Food Market one of the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary.
Spicy Amigos
Located on 4th Avenue in downtown Calgary, Spicy Amigos brings the zest and zing of Mexico to the not-so-bustling streets of downtown Calgary, making it a favourite among locals for a lively and authentic dining experience. This quaint eatery charms its guests with a cozy, informal ambiance perfect for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners. At Spicy Amigos, the dishes are crafted with genuine passion and a flair for bold flavours, featuring an array of street-style tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and sizzling fajitas that ignite the palate. We tried a variety of dishes during our visit and their Sopes are still on our minds. We’ve noticed that Sopes (thick corn tortillas topped with refried beans, lettuce, cheese, crema, any choice of meat, and salsa) are not on many Mexican menus in the city so it was refreshing to not only find one of our favourite Mexican dishes but one that’s on par with what you find in Mexico City.
As a plus, the restaurant is within walking distance from beautiful Prince’s Island Park and Peace Bridge, providing the perfect place to walk off a heavy meal.
Añejo Restaurant
Located in the trendy Mission neighbourhood within a beautiful multi-level sky-lit room, Añejo Restaurant is a vibrant culinary destination that delights diners with its unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.
Añejo stands out with its charmingly rustic décor and an inviting, energetic atmosphere that echoes the lively spirit of Mexico. The restaurant boasts an impressive selection of over 200 tequilas and mezcals (the largest selection of Tequilas in Western Canada), expertly paired with dishes that fuse local ingredients with authentic Mexican flavours. Much of the inspiration here comes from the province of Jalisco, including their tasty ceviche, handcrafted margaritas, Para le Mesa Guacamole, and Molcajete Bowls, both of which are prepared in traditional lava-rock mortar.
If you’re after tequila, visit during happy hour from 3 to 5 pm when it’s half price!
La Casa Latina
La Casa Latina is a hotspot for those craving an authentic Mexican dining experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant features vibrant, folkloric décor and a menu full of rich flavours, featuring everything from tender carne asada to spicy enchiladas and melt-in-your-mouth churros, all made with traditional techniques and ingredients sourced directly from Mexico.
The staff at La Casa Latina are known for their hospitality and deep knowledge of Mexican cuisine, offering personalized recommendations and stories behind the dishes that enhance the dining experience. Their homemade salsas and handcrafted margaritas are local favourites, adding zest and authenticity to one of the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary.
Golden Cactus Mexican Grill
This restaurant is located a little further out than the others on this list but with a location on International Avenue and a quadrant of the city that is made up largely of immigrants, you know it’s going to be good.
Known for its vibrant and festive atmosphere, Golden Cactus Mexican Grill has some of the highest reviews when it comes to Mexican restaurants in Calgary, thanks largely to their delicious food, including sizzling fajitas and hearty burritos to exquisite mole dishes and fresh ceviche, each prepared with authentic ingredients and bold flavours. We’ve heard great things about their Golden Burrito, Camarones a la Momia, Green Enchiladas Verdes, and the Molcajetes, which are served in hot stone.
Tacos Mexico Memorial
If you’re looking for Mexican street-style tacos, Tacos Mexico Memorial is the place to be!
Located conveniently on Memorial Drive in Calgary’s Northeast area, they offer a vibrant and authentic dining experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico City. This restaurant prides itself on its dedication to traditional flavours, serving up a variety of tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, tostadas, chicken flautas, and so much more. Their famously generous portions and the secret recipes of their salsas, which range from delightfully tangy to fiery hot, have garnered a loyal following. For those in search of genuine Mexican tastes and a festive, welcoming environment, Tacos Mexico Memorial is easily one of the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary.
Looking for more?
From Tacos Al Pastor to crunch tostadas and mouth-watering mole, you’re belly is going to be very happy you read our guide to the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary.
However, now you need more things to do! For more ideas on what to do in Calgary, check out our guides below:
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