The Best Mexican Restaurants in Edmonton 

Tres Carnales Rostizado opened in 2014 and became one of those places that offer authentic Mexican food served in an urban, stylish, yet welcoming atmosphere. The owners call it “where mid-century modern meets Mexico in Canada.”  And just like that, combination of modern décor with traditional Latin American dishes became a favourite dinner for many Edmontonians.   

In fact, Rostizado translates as “roasted” and describes a philosophy of the Tres Canales’ menu. Each dish is made of locally sourced ingredients prepared in traditional-Mexican order. Meats are slow-cooked and flavourful. Meat platters are something that most customers recommend. “The meats are always cooked to perfection and have a smokey BBQ taste,” said one of them. Speaking of the menu, it draws its inspiration from the culinary riches of 32 states of Mexico.   

Located in downtown Edmonton, Tres Carnales attracts not only by its convenient location and fashionable interior, but also a unique interpretation of familiar dishes. Order Rosti Salad, Seafood Molcajete or Chicken Tacos and get ready to be satisfied with every single item. Add to it classic margaritas that are favorite among many customers.   

Average prices: 

Tacos: $22 

Handhelds: $20 

Cocktails: $9  

Operating hours: 

Sunday: CLOSED
Monday – Thursday: 4 p.m.—9 p.m. 

Friday – Saturday: 4 p.m.—10 p.m. 

Contact: (780) – 761 – 0911 

Address: 10359 104 St NW #102, Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9  

The Three Amigos is another long-established Mexican restaurant, and this one started in 2005. Just like its name, the restaurant is a family-run business owned by three brothers. The idea began when they wanted to introduce authentic Oaxaca cuisine to Edmonton. While it is a more casual space, rather than unique and trendy (compared to Tres Carnales), it is a welcoming place with delicious homemade food. Even minor items such as tortillas are made in-house.   

As some customers noted, Three Amigos is a little place with “an unassuming exterior, but is pure gold on the inside.” You can expect to be welcomed by a warm atmosphere and friendly and accommodating staff. As someone else noted, “It’s a nice authentic Mexican restaurant, and also the ambience is very much fun, the vibe is awesome and it’s mostly full especially on weekends so booking is recommended. There’s also entertainment, and you’ll surely enjoy singers singing great Mexican songs! You can also join in with friends and dance.”  

What I especially love about this place is lots of vegan and gluten free options that taste and look far from boring. Another favourites of many customers are tacos (make sure to check special deals) and chips and salsa. They taste simple, yet flavourful and satisfying.   

As for drinks, virgin lime margarita, if you are avoiding alcohol, and fruity sangria sound especially tempting.   

Also, compared to the previously mentioned restaurant, The Three Amigos is located in Duggan strip mall, offering plenty of free parking.   

Average prices: 

Quesadilla: $23 

Empanadas: $19 

Tacos: $20 

Cocktails: $12 

Operating hours:  

Sunday – Monday: CLOSED  

Tuesday – Thursday: 11 a.m.—9 p.m. 

Friday: 11 a.m.—10 p.m. 

Saturday: 12 p.m.—10 p.m. 

Contact: (780) – 490 – 6394 

Address: 4035 106 St, Edmonton, AB T6J 2S3  

Have you ever noticed that often the best food is served in somewhat hidden places? Those tiny restaurants with no particular sophistication of exterior and interior are often packed with customers because of authentic, appetizing food. Calle Mexico is one of those restaurants.   

Calle Mexico (Mexico Street) started in Leduc Alberta in 2015 as a food truck. They had two goals in mind: to bring a true taste of Mexican street food to the local community and offer Mexicans meals that they were missing.   

After clientele expanded, and genuine interest in Mexican food grew, a small food truck turned into a small restaurant on 107th Ave in Edmonton. As the owners say, “We assure you that your visit to “Calle Mexico” will transport you to a real Mexican atmosphere, and will make you doubt if you are in Canada or Mexico.”   

Returning back to the notice I’ve made about small, modestly decorated restaurants, worth visiting, many customers agree. A satisfied customer noted that “somehow the plastic plates and cheap decor just makes the experience feel even more authentic.” The food was amazing, he added. Meanwhile, many others rate this as a hidden gem of Edmonton.  

Finally, speaking of food, there is nothing better than authentic tacos. Although Calle Mexico has other options to offer, I would keep coming back for classic tacos. And, analyzing reviews, even those who frequently visit Cancun found taste similar to tacos cooked in Mexico.   

Average prices: 

Tacos: $18 

Tortas: $15 

Cocktails: $9  

Operating hours: 

Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m.—9 p.m. 

Friday: 12 p.m.—9 p.m. 

Saturday: 11 a.m.—9 p.m. 

Sunday: 12 p.m.—8 p.m. 

Contact: (780) – 705 – 0901 

Address: 11127 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 0X9 

7704 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4C5  

Frida Kahlo was a great artist. Thus, it is no wonder she inspires not only contemporary creatives but also restaurant owners. Frida Antojitos Mexicanos opened in 2017 as a stall at the Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market, then later expanded into a restaurant. The place is run by a team of experts in Mexican cuisine, and the food industry overall. Frida Antojitos Mexicanos offers healthy dining options, a chic environment inspired by authentic cuisine, and friendly service.   

If you are a fan of Frida’s art, you will appreciate the attention to detail in the interior. It is coy, yet vibrant. And as a satisfied customer noted, “Everywhere you turn is picture worthy”.   

Other customers, one after another, repeat that the place is lively, the food is on point, the menu is uncomplicated, and the team members are amazing.   

If you decide to check out Frida Antojitos I suggest fajitas tacos, salsa with chips and margarita. The taste of each dish is fresh, authentic and utterly satisfying. Speaking of food, the restaurant offers taco Tuesday where their special is five tacos for $20. Such portions with house-made tortilla and locally sourced ingredients are both filling and healthy.   

Average prices: 

Tacos: $20 

Chips: $14 

Quesadillas: $19 

Cocktails: $12 

Operating hours: 

Monday: 12 p.m.—7 p.m. 

Tuesday/Friday/Saturday: 12 p.m.—10 p.m. 

Wednesday/Thursday: 12 p.m.—9 p.m. 

Sunday: 1 p.m.—7 p.m. 

Contact: (780) – 244 – 4863 

Address: 12411 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton, AB T5N 3N3 

Bandito Taco Kitchen has everything that Mexican street food can offer. As they say, “our birria tacos are bold, classic and crafted with care by our cooks using locally-sourced ingredients”.   

The menu is not as vast as a full-scale restaurant would offer, however, a rotating menu of tacos, queso birria and consommé are mouthwatering and filling. And besides high-quality food, it is the service everyone praises. “They were very kind and approachable people,” said a satisfied customer. Someone else noted that he hasn’t had food truck tacos since San Diego and it brought back great memories. He loved there was soup to dip the tacos in and the tacos held together nicely. They were full of flavour and meat.  

To add more about food, check out Bandito Taco at least once a month. They include monthly features on their menu, where you can try new flavours and combinations. 

Average prices: 

Tacos: $4.50 per taco  

Operating hours:  

Sunday/Monday/Wednesday: CLOSED 

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday: 11:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. 

Address: 8717 53 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5E9 

What often makes a restaurant special is a chef who stands behind every recipe. La Patrona’s chef Carlos is proof of it. He grew up in Mexico City and eventually brought the influence of its diverse food culture to Canada. Besides, he is one of those chefs who was trained at La Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute and later worked at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the US (before moving to Canada).  

Although in Edmonton he began with a food truck (Casa12Doce), it became so popular among locals that later he decided to open a restaurant. The place, to be honest, is constantly busy, and for a fair reason. Carlos is a famous chef in the city and the food that he makes attracts people from all over the area. As a customer noted, “So very close to authentic Mexican Cuisine. La Patrona is one of the closest, to authentic in both style and food flavour restaurants we’ve tried in a very long time.”  

A satisfied customer said that her first visit did not disappoint: the food was delicious and flavourful. It’s a little loud inside as it seems things echo a lot, but it adds to the atmosphere. I would recommend possibly making a reservation as it is quite busy. The staff were super friendly, helpful and attentive, she added.  

Other reviewers, from newcomers to regulars, suggest on reservation: the place is rather small. However, the quality of food, especially shrimp tacos, tortas, and craft cocktails (for example, Jamaican coconut margarita) are worth the wait.    

Average prices: 

Tacos: $18 

Tortas: $20 

Cocktails: $12 

Operating hours:  

Monday: CLOSED 

Tuesday – Thursday/Sunday: 11 a.m.—9 p.m. 

Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m.—10 p.m. 

Contact: (780) – 570 – 1200 

Address: 2 Athabascan Ave #8, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4E3 

This Latin-inspired cuisine offers both, Mexican and Colombian dishes with smoked BBQ flavours. Quite a combination! Smokin’ Barrels Cocina Latina is especially famous for its tacos and soups.  

My personal favourite from the menu is Tacos Don Birria and Pozole soup. Every simple bite reveals the freshness of ingredients, attention to the recipe and desire to feature the authenticity of true Mexican food. (I’d also say, order some guacamole on a side to go with tacos.)  

A satisfied customer noted that he finds these types of establishments a lot better than the overly hyped places, and I agree. The owners and cooks who work in the kitchen of Smokin’ Barrels Cocina Latina definitely know what they are doing. Another customer proves the point. He noted that his wife lived in Mexico for a year, and said the food tasted authentic. 

Average prices: 

Burritos: $15 

Tacos: $18 

Soups: $14 

Operating hours: 

Monday: CLOSED 

Tuesday – Friday: 11 a.m.—8 p.m. 

Saturday – Sunday: 3 p.m.—9 p.m. 

Contact: (587) – 817 – 0339 

Address: 13119 156 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1V2  

Julio’s Barrio is located on a bustling 82nd Ave and has been there for the last twenty-nine years. The restaurant is always busy and one of those reasons is the vast food and drink menu. Including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options, classic Mexican dishes and a selection of tequila, margaritas and Bulldog cocktail.   

Regular customers call it “a little taste of Mexico in Edmonton”. If you are craving the sound of the street, along with good food, and a few drinks in the company of friends, order tacos with margaritas or bulldogs. Every meal is filling and satisfying to both tongue and stomach. (Personally, I choose chicken and feta enchilada, the flauta or chicken tacos.)  

Other highlights on the menu are chimichanga, enchilada and burrito. Portions are always free and quite large. Compared to some other Mexican restaurants where three tacos can be barely filling, it is an advantage.   

A satisfied customer noted that Julio’s Barrio is one of the nicest Mexican restaurants in Edmonton, hands down. But, he added, be ready to wait for a little as the place is almost always pretty crowded, hence the service gets affected.   

Average prices: 

Quesadillas: $22 

Nachos: $15-23 

Tacos: $18  

Operating hours: 

Monday – Thursday: 12 p.m.—10 p.m. 

Friday: 12 p.m.—12 a.m. 

Saturday: 11:30 a.m.—12 a.m. 

Sunday: 11:30 a.m.—10 p.m. 

Contact: (780) – 431 – 0774 

Address: 10450 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2A2 

This list started with fashionable, urban, and famous local restaurant, and is going to end with one. El Beso is located downtown, and despite limited seating is a popular diner. El Beso translates as ‘the kiss’. That is how the restaurant’s owners explain the name: “Rooted in the Mexican tradition of drinking tequila and fine mezcals a besitos – sipped in ‘little kisses’, that way you can distinguish the unique flavours and fully experience the complexity of the drink.” Served with Mexican food it is a classic combination. At El Beso you can experience authentic cuisine without boarding a plane to Mexico.    

Some of my favourites are Ancho Suadero tacos on house-made tortillas, fajita skillets and chips with guacamole.   

Some other satisfied customers suggested visiting El Beso during happy hour from 4-6 which makes it a great place to go for an affordable dinner. He had a classic margarita and tacos which were very good. The service was fantastic and the aesthetic was great. It is located close to Roger’s place and is a good spot to go before/after a concert or hockey game, he added.  

Many others applaud the quaint location with an intimate layout. Another satisfied reviewer pointed out how their server was super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.  

Average prices: 

Tacos: $18 

Chips: $14 

Cocktails: $16 

Operating hours: 

Monday: CLOSED 

Tuesday/Wednesday/Sunday: 4 p.m.—11 p.m. 

Thursday: 4 p.m.—12 a.m. 

Friday – Saturday: 4 p.m.—1 a.m. 

Contact: (780) – 244 – 7799 

Address: 10432 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 1Z3