Taco Tuesday has become a national hashtag and we finally got our taco emoji – we think it’s safe to say that tacos are a thing. A big, beautiful, delicious thing. And it’s clear to us that Montreal has taken note, because tacos are hitting our foodie city by storm.
La Capital Tacos
When you think China Town, you don’t automatically think of tacos. But what if we told you that some of the best tacos can be found sandwiched between Chinese restaurants? La Capital Tacos has authentic Mexican flair with dirty good tacos you’ll keep going back for. Try their Tacos Pastor with grilled marinated pork, onions, coriander, and pineapple for that touch of sweetness. For a delicious vegetarian option, the Hongos Quesadillas are filled with guajillo pepper and garlic mushrooms, cheese, coriander, and pico de gallo.
1096 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2Z 1J5
(514) 873-5255
Escondite
The awesome décor at Escondite is enough to get you to want to visit (but the food is fab too). Nacho Libre, Dios de la Muerte, and every South American theme you can think of adorn the walls. Try their Pollos Hermanos tacos with fried chicken, chipotle crema, cornbread croutons, and iceberg lettuce for a Southern crunch. The Baja crispy cod taco with avocado crema and cabbage slaw is another winner. And don’t forget to try one of their delicious cocktails!
1206 Avenue Union, Montréal, QC H3B 3A7
(514) 419-9755
Emiliano’s
Emiliano’s offers upscale authentic Mexican fare with a few twists to keep things interesting. We’ll never forget their quesadilla lasagna *drools*. We love their Carnitas Tacos with confit pulled pork, onions, radish, and cilantro. And winner winner chicken dinner their Tinga Tacos with pulled chicken breast, chipotle, onion, and cilantro are another hit.
260 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T3
(514) 316-8017
Mercado
Mercado is a Mexican restaurant that caters to the true Mexican lovers out there, those that know that Mexican food goes beyond tacos. They have Mexican classics that are authentic and different from what you’ve ever tasted. But they still do serve tacos, and they’re delicious! Their Taco de Bacalao has Mexican beer battered deep fried cod on a homemade beet tortilla with remoulade.
6961 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2S 3E1
(514) 903-6924
Icehouse
You may have to wait in line to get into Icehouse and taste their delicious eats, but we promise you it will be worth it. This Southern restaurant is seriously packing the flavour; we’re drooling just thinking about it. Their deep fried chicken taco with cheese, coriander, radishes, and sour cream sauce will wow you. Their fried shrimp taco is another winner with pineapple chutney and sour cream. They have a chalkboard menu so it often changes but we guarantee that the delicious flavours are consistent.
51 Rue Roy E, Montréal, QC H2W 2S3
(514) 439-6691
Grumman 78
Grumman 78 started as a food truck and then blossomed into the wondrous restaurant we know today. Their menu changes frequently and they spoil us with delicious specials, so expect something new every time you visit! Grumman 78 takes the traditional taco and flips it on its head, like with their Banh Mi Tacos with pulled pork, Hoisin, pickled daikon, and carrot. Not your traditional Mexican tacos! But don’t worry, they also go the traditional route and do a bang up job of it!
630 Rue de Courcelle, Montréal, QC H4C 3C5
(514) 290-5125
El Gordo
This Sud-Ouest spot is pizzeria Geppetto’s sister restaurant so you know the food is going to be excellent. El Gordo is small so get there early before it fills up! Definitely try the Brisket Taco with spicy braised beef brisket, creamy apple and cabbage slaw, and pico de gallo for a hint of spice (and everything nice). Hint: go on Sundays when they have a margarita special for 5$ from 3pm until 9pm. You’re welcome.
2518 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 2H4
(438) 387-6969
Tacos Frida
Tacos Frida is a small taqueria with prepared Mexican foods that you can take to go. You can also hang around and enjoy Mama Aurora Morales Perez’s tacos. All their tacos are served with pico de gallo. You can try chicken, beef, carnitas, chorizo, chochinita, and mushroom. They also make homemade horchata (a milky drink made with almonds, tiger nuts, or rice) that is not to be missed.
4412 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H4C 1S1
(514) 316-3255
Tacos Victor
Two steps away from Tacos Frida is Tacos Victor, another winner in our books. We mean, they put fries in their tacos! Who can beat that? They have funky tacos for the brave, like tongue tacos (do you dare?) that will tantalize your tastebuds. They also have the classics like chorizo, shrimp, and other delicious options. Their hot sauces are tangy and give a nice kick, so make sure to drizzle that all over.
4376 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H4C 1R8
(438) 937-9936
Maïs
With an open kitchen, Maïs is dinner and a show for the lucky patrons who nab a seat in the small restaurant. Try their fried cheese taco with cherry tomato salsa and jalapeño, or their fish taco with avocado, fermented cabbage, and chili. And if you can’t decide what to eat, get the taco platter so you can try more tacos from the menu.
5439 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1S5
(514) 507-7740
Taco Bar
Taco Bar provides Monkland Village with all its taco needs, and there are many, many taco needs to be had. Try tacos that are a walk away from the norm, like the Tacos de Jamaica, with hibiscus flowers sautéed with onions, carrots, garlic, and corn. Ever had a flower in a taco? Now’s the time to try! Vegetarians can enjoy their Tacos de Setas with sautéed mushrooms in soy oil, carrots, garlic, onions, peppers, and chilies guajillo. Eat up!
5674 Av de Monkland, Montréal, QC H4A 1E4
(514) 669-9393
