What comes to mind when you think of Vancouver? Maybe it’s the scenic mountain views or the looping bike rides around Stanley Park. Perhaps you think of rainy weather, sandy beaches, and endless access to steep nature trails. While Vancouver is known for its natural beauty and laid back west coast vibes, it’s also a great place to get some authentic Mexican cuisine. Surprised? We thought you might be. Whether you’re a diehard local or just visiting town for the night, we want to help you find the best spots for delicious Vancouver tacos. For food full of flavour and finesse, here are the top 10 places to eat tacos in Vancouver:
1. The Pawn Shop YVR
Address: 1117 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1M1
Tel: (604) 687 7474
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An East L.A. inspired taco and tequila joint located on the eclectic downtown Granville Street, this is a must-visit for taco enthusiasts. Be greeted at the door by an inviting and friendly staff as you are introduced to a cantina-inspired experience. Enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail while you admire the hand-painted graffiti walls and watch the chefs prepare your flavour-filled food in their open-concept kitchen. Choose from a varied menu packed with flavour; from the pico de gallo animal tots to the OG tacos featuring chicken, beef, fried cauliflower, pork, and more, they’ve got every Mexican staple, but with a twist. Their specialty? Taking traditional Mexican favourites and adding a unique west coast flare. At The Pawn Shop YVR, it’s not just the best tacos in Vancouver. It’s the curated, Mexican experience, the positive, good-time vibes, and their steal of a happy hour that’ll have you coming back time and again. So, don’t wait, reserve a table now.
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2. Iwana Taco
Address: The Nest, 6133 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 822-0134
Prepared fresh upon order, this authentic Mexican spot will satisfy your taco cravings. Located on the stunning campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC), take your tacos to go. Explore the charming rose garden and the tree filled walkways. Or people watch on Main Mall as students rush to and from their classes. From tacos to burritos to quesadillas and more, find meat and veggie options galore at this popular student spot.
3. Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant
Address: 2891 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5M 1Y9, Canada
Tel: (604) 216 2535
This compact storefront on the East Broadway strip-mall has all the basics you need to satiate that taco craving. With reliable hits such as quesadillas and enchiladas, their understated menu full of Latin American dishes mirrors it’s simple, no-frills ambiance. Try their queso nachos or their chicken tamales. And of course their selection of staple Vancouver tacos made with chicken, beef, or prawns.
4. Adelitas Restaurant
Address: 5178 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T8, Canada
Tel: 604-687-7474
Venture over to Victoria Drive for some traditional Mexican plates and beer. Dine in a quiet, cozy setting as you enjoy an excellent spread of choriqueso, chimichangas, Cuban sandwiches, fajitas, tacos, and more. This hole-in-the-wall atmosphere is beloved by locals, brimming with reliable recipes and understated charm.
5. Ay! Mamacita
Address: 302 Industrial Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2P3, Canada
Tel: (778) 882 7726
Get ready to run! This colourful food truck is well worth the chase as it stations at different spots throughout Vancouver. From Main Street to Olympic Village to East Van and beyond, keep an eye on their weekly schedules to see if they’ll be parking near you. A one-man show run by chef and operator Alejandro, he delights his customers with beloved family recipes – a touch that’s evident with every dish he serves. One of the most popular dishes: the Choriqueso taco made with Mexican pork chorizo sausage, fresh guacamole, salsa verde, asadero cheese, pumpkin blossoms, and more. Hot tip: make sure you ask about his selection of sauces to top his Mexican turned Vancouver tacos.
6. Antojos y Sabores
Address: 1605 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1N5, Canada
Tel: (778) 885 5125
Any vegans in the house? If you say no to animal products but don’t want to sacrifice flavour-filled, Mexican cuisine, this is the place for you. Offering traditional and vegan dishes alike, this spot is best known for their corn dough tamales, stuffed with meat, vegetables, or fruits, then wrapped, steamed, and served in a corn husk with a side of pozole soup. Located on the south side of the Granville Bridge, stop by on your way to Kitsilano to enjoy some vegan Vancouver tacos.
7. Bingo Taco
Address: 4242 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada
Tel: (604) 423 3082
Delicious tacos in Vancouver? Bingo! Enjoy high quality Mexican food in a fun, neon dotted atmosphere where you’ll be served by a friendly, passionate staff. This eclectic spot is a great place to catch some run rays while sipping a margarita by the window. Try their variety of traditional tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more on the hipster streets of Main Street, Vancouver.
8. La Loteria, Mexican Street Food
Address: 1011 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L4, Canada
Tel: (604) 558 4896
Offering unique and authentic cuisine options such as tamales, tostados, and tortas, this Granville Street gem delivers fresh foods with a great taste. Delight your tastebuds and be transported to the streets of Northern Mexico with homemade recipes filled with freshly imported ingredients. Try their tamales made with homemade corn dough, tortas filled with refried beans served in a Portuguese bun, or their deep-fried corn tostadas featuring seasoning straight from Mexico. Whatever you choose, their fast and friendly service will have your belly full and taco cravings cured.
9. Carnitas El Rolys
Address: 1605 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1N5, Canada
Tel: (778) 317 5474
Get your Michoacan style carnitas here! Using traditional recipes passed through generations, this family joint is the delicious culinary treat every Vancouverite needs to try. Are you a pork enthusiast? Don’t let another day go by without trying the “best pork dish in the world,” according to the chef. What makes it the best? Carnitas feature pork that is slowly braised until it’s soft, melty, yet perfectly crispy. Wrapped in a fresh tortilla with a squeeze of lime, you’ll melt on the spot. If you’re looking for pork tacos in Vancouver, this is a must. Located near the 18+ Fifth Avenue Cinemas, catch a full date night with tacos to start and a booze filled movie to end.
10. Ay Chihuahua Mexican Food
Address: 2767 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
Tel: (778) 291 1964
A Surrey must-see, get your Vancouver tacos a little far from home to discover the taste of quality Mexican cuisine. With the dream to serve authentic homemade recipes to a community lacking good, genuine Mexican food, this spot offers fresh, tasty gems at affordable prices. Not only do you get great presentation, but also a varied menu packed with flavour and authenticity with dairy- and gluten-free options. But above all, this is a place that deeply cares about the satisfaction of their customers.
Say YES to tacos in Vancouver! Unquestionably, you’ve got some great options for local Mexican eats. Whether it’s one of the hotspots we listed above or a hidden gem you’ve been going to for years, there’s always space for quality, Mexican tacos.