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6 Places to Go for the Best Mexican Food in Calgary

Wondering where you can get amazing Mexican fare here in our city? You’re on the right page if you want answers to that! 

We recently scoured the city’s Mexican restaurants to compile a list of the very best ones. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering guacamole, get ready to discover your new favorite spot for south-of-the-border cuisine!

How We Chose the Best Mexican Restaurants in Calgary

Here are the criteria we used to evaluate the entries:

Menu – The best Mexican restaurant must have a variety of options on the menu. A good Mexican restaurant should offer a wide range of dishes, from classic favorites like tacos and enchiladas to lesser-known regional specialties.
Authenticity – The best Mexican restaurant should use authentic ingredients and recipes. The restaurant should prioritize using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to ensure the dishes taste authentic.
Atmosphere – The best Mexican restaurant must have a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. A good Mexican restaurant should have a lively and colorful atmosphere that reflects the culture and cuisine of Mexico.
Value for money – The best Mexican restaurant should offer value for money. While quality ingredients and authentic preparation may make prices higher, they should still offer value for the money spent, with generous portions and reasonable prices.

1. Mucho Burrito

Mucho Burrito
Authentic cuisine: Yes
Fresh ingredients: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Flavors: Fresh and flavorful 
Take-out: Yes
Delivery service: Yes
Payment options: Cash and credit cards
Ambiance: Lively and colorful
Menu4/5
Authenticity5/5
Atmosphere5/5
Value for money4/5

From the moment we stepped into Mucho Burrito, we knew we were in for a treat. 

The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere complete with festive decorations and lively music set the perfect backdrop for our meal. But it was the food that truly stole the show.

We opted to build our burritos and bowls and were impressed by the extensive selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients available. From perfectly cooked rice and beans to tender meats and zesty salsas, we had a blast creating our personalized pieces.

Of course, we couldn’t resist trying some of the other Mexican staples as well. The tacos and quesadillas were equally delicious, with each bite bursting with authentic flavors and textures – we could hardly believe how much we enjoyed every single bite!

Aside from the food, we were also impressed by the attentive customer service we received. The staff was friendly, accommodating, and always ready to help us with any questions or requests we had.

And here’s the best part: there are various Mucho Burrito restaurants in Calgary, so you can surely indulge in their delicious food anytime you want. Citywide delivery is also available – simply visit their official website to place your order.

All in all, we had an incredible dining experience at Mucho Burrito and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to wrap their taste buds in a deliciously satisfying burrito. Plus, the place has a fun and lively atmosphere, which screams true Mexican culture.

Pros

  • Specializes in signature burrito bowls
  • Build your own burrito option
  • Delivers city-wide
  • Available for pick-up
  • Attentive customer service
  • Has various locations in Calgary
  • Lively ambiance

Cons

  • A few delays in delivery

2. The Moose And Poncho

The Moose And Poncho
Authentic cuisine: Yes
Fresh ingredients: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Flavors: Bold and complex flavors, with spicy options
Take-out: Yes
Delivery service: No
Payment options: Cash
Ambiance: Located in small food court
Menu4/5
Authenticity5/5
Atmosphere3/5
Value for money5/5

If you’re in the mood for a little fiesta in your mouth, then you have to swing by The Moose and Poncho. Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, this humble joint is an easy spot to access when you’re craving some delicious Mexican eats.

They’ve got it all – tacos, tacos, and more tacos – you name it! Whether you’re a fan of traditional carnitas, spicy barbacoa, or veggie-friendly options such as mushroom or potato tacos, they seem to have almost every type of taco under the sun. 

Heck, they’ll even let you customize your own tacos, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content. And let’s not forget about the generous portions – we’re talking massive platters of fried quesadillas and churros that are sure to satisfy even the biggest of appetites. 

We ordered a few different items to share among our team, and we were pleasantly surprised by how much food we received. 

The only downside? The Moose and Poncho is located in a food court, which can be a bit of a bummer if you’re looking for a cozy sit-down spot. 

But don’t let that deter you just yet. This isn’t your average food court (at least in terms of style and arrangement), and the delicious food more than makes up for it in a way.

Overall, we’d highly recommend The Moose and Poncho to anyone looking for some delicious Mexican food in the heart of Calgary. Sure, the place is small, but you can enjoy some seriously delicious Mexican cuisine that’s worth every bite.

Pros

  • Serve almost all kinds of authentic tacos
  • Has vegan options
  • Customers can customize their own tacos
  • Big portions
  • Alcohol drinks available
  • Easy to access

Cons

  • Poor Mexican ambiance
  • Small place

3. Sabores Cedarbrae

Sabores Cedarbrae
Authentic cuisine: Yes
Fresh ingredients: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Flavors: Bold and complex flavors
Take-out: Yes
Delivery service: Yes
Ambiance: Welcoming and colorful
Menu5/5
Authenticity4/5
Atmosphere4/5
Value for money3/5

Our team recently had the pleasure of dining at Sabores, and we were thoroughly impressed. The restaurant truly lives up to its name, as the flavors and spices of traditional Mexican cuisine were present in every dish we tried.

What stood out to us was how Sabores managed to bring traditional Mexican cooking methods to Calgary with such finesse. The dishes were prepared with great attention to detail, with each bite bursting with flavor and authenticity.

Their salsa and guacamole were exceptional – the salsa was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice and acidity, while the guacamole was creamy and rich. It was a personal favorite of ours and couldn’t resist asking for the recipe.

We also appreciated their straightforward menu, which allowed us to focus on the flavors of each dish without the distraction of an overwhelming selection. The menu was well-organized and easy to navigate, making it simple to choose dishes that perfectly suited our tastes.

The only drawback was that Sabores opened a little late for us, which was annoying but perfectly timed for lunch. This worked perfectly to whet our appetites, and by the time we sat down to eat, we were ready for a hearty meal.

Finally, we can’t forget to mention the standout dessert at Sabores –  the Tres Leches cake. It was the ideal way to cap off an already fantastic meal, and it exemplified the restaurant’s dedication to serving authentic and outstanding Mexican cuisine.

Pros

  • Flavorful Mexican cuisine
  • Specializes in salsa and guacamole dishes
  • Straightforward menu
  • Great spot for lunch and dinner
  • Online ordering available

Cons

  • Opens a bit late

4. Mestizo

Mestizo
Authentic cuisine: Yes
Fresh ingredients: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Flavors: Bold and complex flavors
Take-out: Yes
Delivery service: Yes
Payment options: Cash and card
Deals and specials: Monthly food specials
Ambiance: Intimate yet cozy
Menu4/5
Authenticity5/5
Atmosphere4/5
Value for money3/5

As people who have dined at Mestizo, we have to say that it’s one of the best Mexican restaurants we’ve had so far. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with traditional Mexican decorations and colors that transport you to Mexico itself.

Now let’s talk about their food – the soft corn tacos are to die for! They’re handmade with the freshest ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors. 

The meat is juicy, and the toppings are bursting with flavor. We particularly loved the pork tacos, which were cooked to perfection.

Their menu is full of traditional Mexican dishes like quesadillas, enchiladas, and burritos, each with its unique twist (you’ll surely have a lot of options to choose from). The queso fundido, we must say, was another standout dish with its gooey, melted cheese and chorizo bits.

The staff at Mestizo was attentive and welcoming, making our dining experience all the more enjoyable. However, we did have to wait a bit longer than we would have liked for our food to arrive, but once it did, we forgot all about the wait.

It’s worth noting, however, that the restaurant offers delivery if you prefer to eat your Mexican food at home. It’s just that they have a separate menu for this service, which limits their ability to deliver.

Overall, Mestizo is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican food in Calgary. The food is top-notch, and the ambiance is warm and inviting. 

Just be prepared to wait a bit longer for your food, but it’s worth the wait.

Pros

  • Authentic Mexican cuisine
  • Ready meals available for delivery
  • Has monthly food specials
  • Warming and cozy ambiance
  • Attentive and welcoming staff
  • Vegan options available
  • Available for catering

Cons

  • Only ‘Ready Meals’ are available for delivery
  • Can be slow in serving orders

5. Tacos Mexico Memorial

Tacos Mexico Memorial
Authentic cuisine: Yes
Fresh ingredients: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Flavors: Savory and spicy
Take-out: Yes
Delivery service: Yes
Payment options: Cash and credit cards
Ambiance: Vibrant and colorful
Menu3/5
Authenticity4/5
Atmosphere5/5
Value for money4/5

Tacos Mexico Memorial in Calgary is truly a gem for those who crave authentic Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a true reflection of the colorful and vibrant Mexican culture, which is evident from the moment we stepped in. 

The decor is vibrant and the food is flavorful, taking us on a journey through the streets of Mexico. On top of that, the lively ambiance also left us in awe and heightened our overall dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the Mexico street-style taco. 

From the first bite, we knew we were in for a treat. The taco was a perfect balance of textures and flavors – with the tender meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy salsa – all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

But the thing we truly appreciate is their variety of Mexican dishes beyond just tacos. From mouth-watering enchiladas and savory soups to crispy nachos and indulgent poutine, the menu features an array of expertly crafted dishes. 

However, one minor issue we faced was finding a table as Tacos Mexico Memorial doesn’t do reservations. It was quite busy when we visited, but we couldn’t let that dampen our spirits.

Instead, we took advantage of the bustling atmosphere, which, to our surprise, added to the overall Mexican street experience. Plus, the redeemable factor was that the staff was friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home.

Pros

  • Vibrant and lively atmosphere
  • Specializes in street-style tacos
  • Balanced texture and flavor
  • Sells a variety of Mexican dishes
  • Friendly and accommodating staff
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Often cramped
  • Doesn’t take reservations

6. barBURRITO

barBURRITO
Authentic cuisine: Yes
Fresh ingredients: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Gluten-friendly: Yes
Flavors: Spicy and flavorful 
Take-out: Yes
Delivery service: Yes
Payment options: Cash and credit cards
Deals and special: $4.99 burritos every National Burrito Day
Menu3/5
Authenticity4/5
Atmosphere3/5
Value for money4/5

For this review, we recently checked out barBurrito, and let us tell you –  it was quite the experience! This Mexican restaurant specializes in all things burritos and bowls, and they stood out from the crowd.

What we loved about barBurrito was the wide range of options they had for burritos. They really do have something for everyone, whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for something a bit more modern. 

And the flavors? Let’s just say our taste buds were in heaven.

But what impressed us was their vegan options for all of their cuisine. As people who are health conscious, we’re always on the lookout for restaurants that cater to these needs, and barBurrito didn’t disappoint. 

Of course, special mention goes to their vegan and gluten-friendly burritos which were just as delicious as their meat-filled counterparts. Plus, we appreciated that they had so many options to choose from.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that their portions are on the smaller side, so if you have a big appetite, you might want to go in for seconds. Although our team personally liked being able to try a variety of dishes without feeling too full.

As for the ambiance, it definitely had a bit of an off-beat vibe, but we thought it added to the overall charm of the place. 

All in all, we highly recommend checking out barBurrito. Their combination of traditional cuisine with modern trends really sets them apart from other Mexican restaurants in town.

Pros

  • Combines traditional cuisine with modern trends
  • Offers a wide range of options for burritos
  • Has vegan and gluten-friendly burritos
  • Gift cards available
  • Can do catering
  • Has various locations in the city

Cons

  • Complaints about small portions
  • A bit of an off-beat vibe
  • Limited menu

FAQs About Mexican Restaurants in Calgary