5 Must-Try Mexican Food Spots in Downtown Ottawa

Craving authentic and delicious Mexican food in Downtown Ottawa? You're in luck! This vibrant district is home to a fantastic array of Mexican restaurants offering everything from savory tacos and burritos to rich enchiladas and flavorful margaritas. Whether you're seeking a quick street food fix or a lively sit-down dining experience, this list highlights five notable places that promise to transport your taste buds straight to Mexico.

Table of Contents

1. Pancho Villa

Where value meets authentic Mexican flavors and a welcoming patio.

Pancho Villa is celebrated by many as one of the best value Mexican restaurants in Ottawa, known for its generous portions and consistently great taste in all dishes. Diners frequently praise the fantastic Mole Enchiladas and the fresh, flavorful chicken dishes. The lively area and pleasant patio offer a comfortable dining experience, enhanced by attentive servers. Don't miss their unique fruity pineapple, strawberry, and banana drink, or the complimentary nacho chips and salsa that kick off your meal. It's a truly authentic Mexican restaurant experience right in Downtown Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.3 (937 google maps)
  • Address: 361 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M7
  • Phone: +1 613-234-8872
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Highlights include Mole Enchiladas, Chimichangas, and complimentary nachos with salsa.

Image Pancho Villa Mexican food in Downtown Ottawa

Read more:

2. Ahora Mexican Restaurant

Your downtown destination for authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and a lively salsa bar.

Ahora Mexican Restaurant stands out for its vibrant Mexican ambiance, often featuring Frida Kahlo artwork, making you feel like you've traveled to Mexico. This spot is renowned for its incredibly generous portions, with the nacho plate often surprising guests with its immense size and delicious mix of beans, guacamole, and melted cheese. Many consider it home to one of the best burritos in Ottawa, praised for its marinated, juicy flavors. The staff are consistently described as super nice and friendly, ensuring a welcoming dining experience. With a popular salsa bar offering various free sauces and plenty of vegetarian options, Ahora Mexican Restaurant is a fantastic choice for authentic and flavorful Mexican food.

  • Rating: 4.4 (2.333 google maps)
  • Address: 307 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P8
  • Phone: +1 613-562-2081
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Famous for their huge nacho plates, delicious burritos, shrimp quesadillas, and an extensive salsa bar. Offers many vegetarian-friendly options.

Image Ahora Mexican Restaurant Mexican food in Downtown Ottawa

3. El Camino (Elgin St)

A hidden gem in Ottawa renowned for its innovative and delicious tacos and cocktails.

El Camino on Elgin Street has earned a fabulous reputation for serving some of the best tacos in Ottawa. Diners rave about the unique and delicious offerings, particularly the crispy fish taco, the flavorful ox tongue, and the intriguing cauliflower taco, which has even changed perspectives on vegetarian options. Beyond the superb Mexican food, El Camino is celebrated for its gorgeously presented and killer cocktails, complementing the vibrant and intimate atmosphere. The friendly and non-pretentious staff, along with thoughtful touches like vintage hockey masks and a pinball machine, create a cool, good-vibes spot perfect for enjoying quality Mexican cuisine and drinks in Downtown Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.4 (2.258 google maps)
  • Address: 380 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9
  • Phone: +1 613-422-2800
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Crispy fish tacos, ox tongue tacos, pork belly pastor, Japanese eggplant tacos, and exceptional cocktails.

Image El Camino Mexican food in Downtown Ottawa

4. El Camino (Clarence St)

Experience diverse, high-quality tacos and exceptional service in a lively Ottawa setting.

The Clarence Street location of El Camino maintains the brand's reputation for outstanding Mexican food, particularly their diverse and delicious tacos. Patrons consistently highlight the chicken tacos as an absolute favorite, praised for being incredibly flavorful. The menu offers a great selection, allowing diners to sample multiple types, including highly recommended ox tongue, carne asada, and even unique options like pigs head tacos. Beyond the food, the service receives high marks, with staff described as fantastic, friendly, and accommodating. The restaurant's warm ambiance, cool mural, and multiple patio options (including a rooftop) make it a perfect spot to enjoy fantastic Mexican food and cocktails in Downtown Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.3 (1.647 google maps)
  • Address: 81A Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5
  • Phone: +1 613-422-5918
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Features beef, chicken, eggplant, fish, chorizo, ox tongue, and pork belly pastor tacos. Don't miss their amazing margaritas and shrimp betel leaf dish.

Image El Camino Mexican food in Downtown Ottawa

5. Sí Señor Mexican Street Food

Authentic Mexican street food where birria tacos reign supreme in Downtown Ottawa.

Sí Señor Mexican Street Food is a highly-rated destination for truly authentic Mexican cuisine in Ottawa, especially celebrated for its incredible birria tacos. Customers rave about the juicy, flavorful quesabirrias, often accompanied by a delicious consommé for dipping. Beyond birria, the pastor, lamb, and shrimp tacos are also highly recommended, with the pastor filling notably featuring fresh pineapple. Reviewers consistently commend the fresh ingredients, generous portions, and fair prices, making it a fantastic deal, especially during specials like "Taco Tuesdays" or Thursday quesabirria deals. Despite being a cozy, smaller establishment, its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to bringing authentic Mexican food to Ottawa make it a local favorite for a quick and delicious bite.

  • Rating: 4.6 (778 google maps)
  • Address: 506 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Z7
  • Phone: +1 613-608-5561
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Must-try birria tacos (beef/lamb), pastor tacos with pineapple, asada tacos, guacamole, horchata, and churros.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for an authentic taste of Mexico, generous portions, or unique taco creations, these five Mexican food spots in Downtown Ottawa offer a diverse range of options. From the value-packed Pancho Villa to the highly-rated birria tacos at Sí Señor, and the innovative offerings at both El Camino locations, there's something to satisfy every craving for delicious Mexican dishes. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!