The best Mexican restaurants Canada

Grand finalist in enRoute's Best New Restaurants 2022, Fonda Balam is the brainchild of chefs Kate Chomyshyn, Julio Guajardo and Matty Matheson. The trio offers authentic Mexican cuisine, inspired by their roots and/or travels in that country, where the great classics rub shoulders with street food. Tacos are very popular here, as well as the birria, a typical stew from the state of Jalisco prepared here with beef. A small list of interesting cocktails and a few craft beers (some from Mexico) complete the menu.

If you want to satisfy a Mexican craving, this is definitely the place to come! Established in the Leslieville neighborhood since 2016, this cute and highly colorful eatery serves the whole gamut of Mexican food: shrimp ceviche, black bean soup, street tacos, cheese empanadas, pollo relleno (stuffed chicken), chicken with mole poblano sauce, etc. The weekend brunch is in the same vein. But its greatest asset is its terrace lounge with couches, fireplace, bar and an entire wall covered with street art. However, the music is a bit intense...

This is the place to go to enjoy the most delicious and generous tacos. The menu also includes other small selections at low prices such as the guacamole and chips or the green salad with papaya. The place is often crowded, and the atmosphere is friendly, though quite noisy on weekends, even more so when the bars close and the place fills up with festive souls. Try one of the many tequilas offered on the slate. Another branch in the Byward Market area (Clarence Street, open from noon, 3pm on Mondays).

A beautiful caliente atmosphere in this cerveceria de barrio (neighbourhood brasserie) decorated with a huge fresco, winks to Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, skulls in the style of Cinco de Mayo... The house specialties are tapas and tacos of all kinds, but also some raw and grilled pork chops, and desserts such as hot churros with Nutella. All this is accompanied by an excellent house cocktail, a Mexican beer, or a small glass of mezcal or tequila. Salud!