Brian JonesMexico’s cuisine is as vibrant as their culture, and is loved by many all over the world. If you’re one of those who can’t get enough of it, you’re in luck, as today we’re here to bring you the top Mexican eateries that the city has to offer.
Whether you’re craving a tortilla or simply want your fill of crunchy tacos, these places offer a great culinary experience. Our handpicked selection of the best Mexican restaurants in Edmonton is based on their customer reviews, menu offerings and affordability.
Before we dive into our list, we’ll talk about how much it costs to eat out at a Mexican restaurant first.
How much do Mexican restaurants cost in Edmonton?
When dining out at a Mexican restaurant you can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per person. This is usually the cost of a single main and a beverage, and may also include an appetizer.
To compare the prices of all Mexican food would result in a rather lengthy list. To keep it simple, we’ve rounded up the costs of common dishes from the restaurants on our list so you can easily compare pricing.
| Rostizado | Taco | $18.00 |
| El Burrito | $18.00 | |
| Tres Carnales Taqueria | Taco | $15.00 |
| Torta | $17.62 | |
| Quesadilla | $15.95 | |
| Three Amigos | Taco | $20.00 |
| Torta | $20.00 | |
| El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar | Al Pastor | $14.00 |
| Tempura Fish | $14.00 | |
| Huma Mexican Comfort | Tacos Full Order | $18.75 |
| Tacos Half order | $9.50 | |
| Burrito | $17.00 | |
| Al Pastor Tacos | $13.99 | |
| Fish (Pescado/cod) | $13.99 | |
| Mexico Lindo Tacos & Grill | Tacos Al Pastor | $15.99 |
| Tortas | $16.50 |
The Best Mexican Restaurants in Edmonton
Now that you know what to expect in terms of cost, we can take a look at our picks for the top Mexican restaurants in Edmonton.
1. Rostizado by Tres Carnales
| MENU | Apps, Tacos, Handhelds, Platters, Throwbacks, Vegetables, Add-Ons, Desserts, Drinks, Happy Hour |
| WEBSITE | https://www.rostizado.com/ |
| ADDRESS | #102, 10359 104 St. NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 761-0911 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm |
Located in the historic century-old Mercer building, Rostizado is a modern Mexican restaurant that’s an offshoot from the original and popular Tres Carnales. It’s best known for serving sumptuous roasts and has amassed for itself a loyal following since opening in 2014.
Offering “nuevo Latino” cuisine that draws inspiration from all the different regions in Mexico, guests will find a laid-back atmosphere in the 2,900 square foot restaurant. There are four sections to this casual restaurant, making it ideal for a date night, private events, or a casual night out with friends.
Rostizado means “roasted”, so it’s no surprise that it’s the dominant cooking method used in most of their dishes. This restaurant takes its locally sourced ingredients and brings to life Mexican rotisserie cuisine in the form of slow-cooked hearty meals.
Rostizado doesn’t have a freezer, by the way. This is intended to boast that their produce is fresh and their protein arrives straight from the farm to the table.
Their wide-open space boasts an open kitchen and rotisserie too. This pays homage to the menu’s roots of Mexican street food.
Whether it’s your first time here or not, try Rostizado’s Rotisserie Chicken Platters, which are tried and true favorites of Edmontonians. The protein is sourced from Four Whistle Farm, then is brined for a whole day before it’s dry-rubbed and spit-roasted.
Their platters are famous here and are served with a choice of fries or rice. You can likewise choose between three sizes – a ¼, ½, or Full Platter.
Rostizado’s signature platter is the Platter of 2 that combines their roasted chicken and slow-roasted pork in one heaping mound. It’s perfect to pair with their signature Paloma cocktail, which is a mixture of grapefruit and tequila.
Once you’re finished heartily chowing down your mains, Rostizado’s cinnamon and sugar-coated churros are well worth trying. They’re served with dulce de leche and a pasilla chile chocolate sauce, with five pieces to an order.
Unfortunately, you can expect some waiting time when visiting this place since it’s so popular, especially on weekends. If you want to make sure you get a seat, though, you can always book ahead via OpenTable.
They have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options too, by the way. Given all of that and their reputation for good food and services among customers, it’s no doubt they have a place in this list of the best Mexican restaurants in Edmonton.
Pros
- Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Large open space and kitchen
Cons
- Dinner service only
- Reservations via OpenTable only
Customer Reviews
Rostizado is a preferred date night place by many Edmontonians, and Selina Aguilar is one of those customers, as she writes:
“This place is awesome! Great food, good atmosphere, amazing service. A little on the pricey side, but definitely worth it. My wife and I had a wonderful date night here. It’s worth mentioning that this is not traditional home style Mexican food, but worth trying with an open mind!”
Nathan Goertz, another customer, is a big fan of the cocktails and the vibe of Rostizado:
“One of my favorite restaurants in Edmonton. Same owners as Tres Carnales, this is a more rustic, hearty, stay a bit longer type Mexican restaurant. Every time I’ve been here has been fantastic. The platters of freshly roasted meat with potatoes that have been sizzling in the rotisserie drippings are delicious and filling. Excellent tequila cocktails. The service has always been excellent, and this restaurant is located in a really cool building on the buzzing 104 street collection of cool businesse”
2. Tres Carnales Taqueria
| MENU | Tacos, Quesadillas, Tortas, Burritos, Sides, Beers, Aguas Frescas |
| WEBSITE | https://trescarnales.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 10119 100a St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0R5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 429-0911 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm Sunday: Closed |
Tres Carnales has created a great reputation for itself as a hip and modern taqueria located in the heart of downtown. Since it opened in 2011, it’s been wildly popular and is now notorious for its long lines of people waiting to order.
Named after its group of three owners, their goal was simple – to bring authentic Mexican street food to the city of Edmonton. With a fast-food style order-at-the-counter approach to dining, there are limited seats to dine in, so many people opt for take-out instead.
Since it’s a rather tight space, you may feel a little pressured to leave right after you finish your meal. This is a shame because the place is vibrant, filled with cool decor, and brightly painted with a graffiti mural that simply begs you to stay and hang out.
Anyway, sustainable sources are at the heart of Tres Carnales, and all their proteins (except for their fish) are sourced from suppliers only an hour from Edmonton. Moreover, all marinades, tortillas, and bread are made from scratch in-house (and taste amazing!).
Authentic tacos, quesadillas, and tortas are the “bread and butter” of this Mexican eatery. Many agree they get those and other staples right: Maclean’s magazine called them one of The 50 Best Restaurants in Canada only a year after they opened, and VUE Weekly named it #1 Best Tacos of 2018.
Tres Carnales has a short menu, which complements the size of the place and works in their favor. With fewer choices, customers can order quickly, and the kitchen can just as quickly get your food to your table.
At this restaurant, you essentially choose your protein and then simply select if you want it as a taco, quesadilla, or torta.
If it’s your first time, you’ll need to try the Al Pastor (slow cooked marinated pork) and the Pescado (battered Pacific red snapper). The latter is only available as a taco though but is served in three moderate-sized portions.
You should get used to seeing the modest servings because Tres Carnales doesn’t really give you heaping piles of food in your order. It keeps things affordable, though, so you can round-robin the entire delectable menu.
Pros
- Easy ordering process
- Fast service
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Rotating selections of aguas frescas
Cons
- Limited seating capacity
- Doesn’t accept reservations
Customer Reviews
For restaurants, consistency is the key to maintain a regular following, and Tres Carnales always seems to deliver. Dylan Smith, a repeat customer, shares his thoughts:
“The food is consistently on point every time I’ve ever been here. The pork tacos are particularly good if you like a bit of spice with your meal. The soups are also great. The seating inside is pretty limited so if you come on peak times be prepared to wait in a long line up and potentially not get a seat…The atmosphere is trendy and cool. I would definitely recommend this place.”
3. Three Amigos
| MENU | Entradas, Platos Fuertes, Platos Grandes, Ensaladas, Tacos, Tortas, Lados, Salsas To-Go, Vegan Menu |
| WEBSITE | https://the3amigos.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 4035 106 St, Edmonton, AB T6J 2S3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 490-6394 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 11:00am – 10:00pm Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday: Closed |
Established in 2005, Three Amigos is a family-run business that brings authentic Oaxaca-style cuisine to the residents of Edmonton. It’s a mixture of flavors and recipes the three brothers grew up with and still enjoy in their homes up until today.
Three Amigos may seem unassuming from the outside, but once you step through its doors, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant atmosphere filled with Mexican music. Brightly painted walls and cool authentic decor make it feel like you’re in a different country!
This is a cozy, fun place that’s great for lunch with family or friends — it also has one of the largest selections of tacos in the city. They have fresh made-to-order salsas and handmade tortillas daily.
The Tamales are a favorite here and offer a selection of moist spiced chicken or tender pork that is stuffed and steamed inside of a corn husk. Gluten-free options are available for this as well.
What’s more, Three Amigos has traditional tacos with a good-sized selection of different proteins to choose from. They have the signature Al Pastor (spit-roasted pork and spiced pineapple) and trademark Pescado (beer-battered red snapper), which are great to start with.
They have plenty of big-sized platter options for sharing as well since Mexican food is often best with a shared dining experience. If you’re undecided on what to order and want to taste a little bit of everything, you can choose either the Fiesta de Tacos or Malcejete Flameado.
It surprised us a bit that they even have a dedicated Vegan menu, which is a nice touch. They use Impossible’s plant-based faux meats and Praire-Melt vegan cheeses to provide gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Essentially, what you’ll find at Three Amigos is a lot of traditional Mexican table fare, which doesn’t really make it the “coolest” or “hippest” joint around. However, if you want authenticity, you can’t get any closer to the real thing than this restaurant.
While their food presentation is colorful, don’t expect fine art to be dropped onto your table. And despite their authenticity, we think that they pulled back a little on the bold seasoning so non-ethnic residents can understand their cuisine better.
Some may take issue with that but we didn’t, as everything was still delicious. With a selection of hearty food, great customer services, and the occasional live mariachi music, they’re still one of our picks for the best Mexican restaurants in Edmonton.
Pros
- Cozy family-friendly ambiance
- Diverse selection of tacos to choose from
- Has dedicated vegan and gluten-free menu
- Can purchase salsa to-go
Cons
- Plating of food could be improved
- Not a place to “hang out” in
Customer Reviews
Three Amigos serves authentic cuisine that introduces Edmontonians to the owner’s cultural roots. Tanis Lowry, had a great first impression with this restaurant and shares her experience:
“First time at this restaurant, we didn’t know what to expect & we loved it! Food is fantastic! Service is great! Decor is warm & inviting. I asked our server to surprise me with a dessert & she did just that! The plantain dessert was absolutely amazing! DEFINITELY going back for more!”
4. Huma Mexican Comfort
| MENU | Cozy Soups, Snack at Home, Home-Made Meals, Tacos, Special Tacos, Sides & Extras, Desserts, Drinks, Special Orders, |
| WEBSITE | http://humamexicanrestaurant.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 9880 63 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 0G6, |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 433-9229 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm Monday: Closed |
Huma Mexican Comfort first opened in 2015, and is a family-run restaurant situated on a quiet corner. It was founded by Mariel Montero Sena and Humberto Hernandez Cordova.
Mariel runs the kitchen while Humbero runs the floor… and together they bring their unique take on Mexican cuisine to Edmonton. They seem to have succeeded, as they were named one of the best new restaurants by Avenue Magazine in 2016.
Although quietly unassuming from the outside, the inside is bursting with color, loud decor, and a multitude of art all over the dining area. Their menu design is equally vibrant with fun colors and fonts that make you want to order everything they have.
The first thing you’ll notice in the food selection is that they have an entire menu page dedicated solely to tacos! You can freely choose your desired protein such as the classic Al Pastor (chili-marinated pork) or the healthier but equally flavorful Fish Tacos (breaded white fish).
Tacos are available in different sizes as well, which in our opinion, is an absolute winner. There are days when you just can’t get down too much and others when you feel as though you can eat a horse – this way, you get exactly what you need.
You can choose from a Full Order ($18.75) or a Half-Order ($9.50). You can even add extra sides of rice & beans or queso fundido for an additional fee.
Aside from their classic tacos, they have another page just for their specialty tacos as well.
Their mouthwatering offerings include the popular Tacos de Camarones Chicharron (pork rind) and Breaded Shrimp. These are served on two flour tortillas with housemade chipotle mayo, fried beans, spicy pickled onion salad, and fresh avocado.
If you’re watching your weight or keeping tabs on your health, you’ll want to come to Huma Mexican Comfort on Wednesday. This is when they serve their special Keto Tacos, which you’ll want to check out.
Although they don’t have a dedicated vegan menu, Huma Mexican Comfort has vegetarian and gluten-free options. However, you can always opt out of the dairy products if you want to make an item vegan since they do have plant-based fillings such as the Chorigarbanzo.
If you’re not vegan, you’ll be pleased to know that Huma Mexican Comfort makes their cheese and salsa completely in-house. What’s more, you can even purchase these items to-go and enjoy them in the comfort of your home.
Although Huma is a bit hard to find, you’ll remember them after you dine here. Its family-friendly, cozy, comfy, and homey atmosphere is a great place to dine with your family or casually with friends.
Pros
- Voted one of the Best Restaurants in Edmonton (2016)
- Features home-cooked hearty flavors
- Offers Keto taco options
- Makes cheese and salsa in-house
Cons
- Can be difficult to find
- Expect to wait during peak hours
Customer Reviews
Huma Mexican Comfort is one of those restaurants whose name perfectly matches its food. Their home-cooked comfort meals keep guests like Alana Campbell coming back for more, as she shares:
“Great looking and tasting cocktails and dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. It seems like everything is made from scratch and someone has put a lot of love into the recipes. Been here a few times and haven’t been disappointed once. They’re also really good at accommodating difficult allergies in large groups (we had 3 ppl with serious allergies to onion/garlic, dairy, egg, and wheat so that’s no small task). I’m not usually a fan of fish but their fish tacos were A++. I also like that you can choose between street food style dishes and also more traditionally styled dishes. A bit pricey but good food always is and you definitely won’t leave hungry as portion sizes are very healthy ? looking forward to getting my hands on another passion fruit margarita soon!”
5. Calle Mexico
| MENU | Tacos, Tortas, Appetizers & Sides, Mexican Plates, Drinks, |
| WEBSITE | http://callemexico.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | Downtown Edmonton 11127 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 0X9 West Edmonton Mall 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2 South Edmonton 7704 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4C5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 705-0901 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 12:00pm – 8:00pm |
Calle Mexico is one of those remarkable restaurants built from the ground up. It was first started by chefs Juan Talango and Angelica Del Carmen, who are husband and wife.
They first began in 2015 as a small food truck in Leduc, setting up in a small parking lot in the Chamber of Commerce. Fast forward a few years later, and they now have three locations around Edmonton today.
Their name is fitting since Calle means “street”, and their offerings are traditional Mexican street food showcasing flavors from regions all over the country. Their success as a food truck is what eventually led them to set up their brick-and-mortar restaurant, which remains family-run and operated to this day.
With its fast-food and casual dining atmosphere, you just might encounter one of the super-friendly owners when you order at the counter. In fact, they might even personally take down your order!
Calle Mexico’s featured dishes are the Tacos and Tortas, and their quaint menu makes it easy for you to quickly choose your dish.
If it’s your first time, you can go for one of their classic offerings such as Al Pastor (pork) or Pescado (Fish). Each taco comes with 3pcs, but if you come in on Taco Tuesdays, you’ll get an extra taco for free!
As for their Mexican plates, you can try “The Famous Calle Mexico Tostadas”, which are crispy tortillas filled with chicken, beans, lettuce, sour cream, radish, feta cheese, and avocado. This hearty offering is their trademark and helped their food truck make a name for itself around Edmonton.
One thing we like about Calle Mexico is their sauce and garnish station – after you claim your order, you can load up on whatever sauce or garnish you want on top of your plate at no extra charge.
While there may not be any gluten-free options or vegan options here, you will find that Calle Mexico has aromatic, heartwarming comfort food that isn’t difficult to understand.
And despite their success, the owners haven’t forgotten their roots – their original food truck still roams the streets of Edmonton until today! If you want to know where they’re going to be next, follow their social media for updates.
Pros
- Fast service and simple menu
- Food truck still active and sets up around the city
- Three locations in Edmonton
- Has catering services
Cons
- No vegan or gluten-free options
- Doesn’t accept reservations in West Edmonton Mall location
Customer Reviews
Calle Mexico’s fresh made-from-scratch cuisine is affordable, consistent and serves good-sized portions. Andrew Croy, one of their customers, highly recommends them as he writes:
“Great little Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Very clean and colorful restaurant area. Staff are very friendly and accommodating. The food is excellent and tastes very authentic Mexican dishes. Reasonably priced as well for the amount of food you get as 15 bucks will leave you well fed. Make sure you try to salsa as it’s handmade everyday and tastes amazing.”
6. Mexico Lindo Tacos & Grill
| MENU | Non Alcoholic Drinks, Appetizers, Salads, Tacos, Vegetarian, Molcajetes, Main Course, Postres Desserts |
| WEBSITE | https://www.mexicolindotacos.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | #100, 2755 Broadmoor Blvd Sherwood Park, AB · T8H 2W7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 464-0528 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday: 11:00am – 9:00pm Friday and Saturday: 11:00am – 10:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm – 8:00pm |
Mexico Lindo Tacos & Grill opened in 2017 and is the brainchild of Rudy Toledo & Oscar Torres. They are best known for their molcajete, fajitas, and tacos.
While it’s a spacious venue, we think that it doesn’t have the same festive feel that most Mexican restaurants are particularly known for. It feels more like a cross between a diner and a steakhouse, and so it could certainly use more knick-knacks, decor, and color to liven it up.
Nevertheless, they have live music on Saturday nights, daily discount packages, and happy hour on weekdays between 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. After all, there’s nothing that gets people more excited than great deals.
Once you get seated here, we like that you’ll get complimentary tortilla chips with salsa and dips. This is a nice touch that is missing from a lot of restaurants today and also makes for a nice side for one of your mains.
You can start with their popular Queso Fundido, a dish that’s brimming with Oaxaca cheese and Mexican chorizo, served on a hot skillet with three flour tortillas. You can choose to either add sauteed mushrooms or Poblano Peppers too – just make sure to finish this dish before the cheese cools down though.
We like that they have a dedicated vegetarian menu, vegan options, and gluten-free options as well! One of their best sellers is the Tacos Al Pastor de Soya, which are three corn tortillas with plant-based meat, veggies, and pineapple.
What sets them apart though is their molcajetes, and as the name implies, are dishes served in a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle. These classic dishes usually consist of grilled cactus, and at Mexico Lindo, you can choose from a range of proteins such as Spicy Yucatecan Style slow-roasted pork.
Mexico Lindo Tacos & Grill’s main goal is to bring authentic Mexican flavors and while we’re not big fans of their interior, we have to say we’re sold on their flavor. With their unique offerings and family-friendly atmosphere, they easily earn a spot on our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Edmonton.
Pros
- Serves molcajetes
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
- Regular discounts and deals
Cons
- Dull interior design
- Only one location
Customer Reviews
Mexico Lindo Tacos & Grill gets busy for a reason, and that’s because of their excellent service and food. Natasha Dandiwal, a customer, shares her thoughts:
“The guacamole and handmade chips were the best part of our meal! I had a non alcoholic pina colada which was very fresh, creamy, and delicious, the best I’ve tasted! The staff were gracious and efficient even though they were busy. They were good at wiping down tables between guests as well. Thanks for a delicious meal, a free birthday dessert, and a safe place to visit during this pandemic.”
7. El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar
| MENU | Apertivos, Dips, Tacos Clásicos, Tacos de la Casa, Quesatacos, Enchiladas, Skillets, Desserts |
| WEBSITE | http://www.elcortezcantina.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 8230 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 760-0200 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sunday to Friday: 3:00pm – 10:00pm Saturday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm |
El Cortez is Mexican Moderne, and ironically, you’ll know it the moment you walk through their century-old antique doors. Their interior space is a “sensory experience” filled with street art, decor, and neon lighting.
You won’t hear mariachi music here, but you can expect raw Latin rap that provides the perfect backdrop against graffiti-laden walls and a blue-lit tequila bar. El Cortez is one of only nine in the world certified for the import and bottling of tequila by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (The Tequila Regulatory Council).
With craft cocktails and locally sourced draughts, there’s always something to quench your thirst here at El Cortez. But they are a Mexican kitchen first, one that has recently released a new menu crafted by Chef Andrew Cerrato.
Their menu is a modern spin on Latin fusion, coupled with scaled-up street food and traditional fare. With a focus on locally sourced protein and produce, they have essentially combined street eats with casual dining.
Despite the intricate interior styling, El Cortez is surprisingly affordable, as no menu item exceeds $20. Each dish is beautifully presented, with an array of colors that vibrantly represents this restaurant’s cuisine and heritage.
They have classic tacos such as an Al Pastor, but they also serve house specials such as the Tempura Fish Tacos and Lamb Barbacoa, providing you with a good variety to choose from. When you’ve selected your food, you’ll probably want to try one of their signature cocktails to wash it all down.
If you want a private and intimate setting, at the basement of El Cortez is The Cellera. Down there, you’ll experience a more formal ambiance, with plated meals such as the lovely Pulpo a las Brasas, which is grilled octopus tentacles simmering in chorizo oil.
You can make reservations here at El Cortez if you have a group larger than 12 people. They offer customized packages to suit your needs, which makes it an ideal place to celebrate a special occasion in.
Pros
- Vibrant interior with neon-lights and modern music
- World-class tequila bar
- Speciali tailor-made packages for large reservations
- The Cellera in the basement offers plated meals
- Outside patio seating
Cons
- Not exactly family-friendly or good for kids
- Interior can be distracting for some
Customer Reviews
El Cortez Mexican Kitchens + Tequila Bar is wildly popular due to its hip and unique interior design and superb food. Del Badiuk, one of their customers, shares his thoughts:
“El Cortez is a great place to meet and eat. I love their tacos and have never been disappointed there. The bar is fantastic with friendly staff, fast service and excellent drinks. The patio out back is a hidden gem, just off Whyte, that gives privacy from foot traffic onlookers and a terrific outside dining experience.”
FAQs about Mexican Restaurants
That’s it for our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Edmonton! Whether you want tamales or a margarita, we think you’ll be making a trip to one of these establishments soon.
Are there any other great options that we missed, though? If we did, please send us a message and we’ll check it out!
Now, if you’re craving some Italian instead, then check out our list of the best Italian restaurants in Edmonton.
