Winner
Native Tongues Taqueria
This Mexican restaurant has two Calgary locations and remains a go-to spot for tacos. But that’s not all you can get here — dishes like the salsa tasting, chilaquiles, ceviche de aguachile and the hamburguesa al carbon are all equally satisfying. Save room for one of the restaurant’s popular glazed doughnuts for dessert. You can also choose from the wide selection of tequilas and mezcals, either in a classic margarita or in one of the crafted cocktails.
235 12 Ave. S.W., 403-263-9444; and 829 49 Ave. S.W., 403-454-8976; nativetongues.ca, @nativetonguesyyc
Runners-up
Tacos Mexico Memorial
This Forest Lawn restaurant is known for its namesake dish — Mexican street-style tacos that come in 19 varieties. Guests can also enjoy more traditional Mexican dishes like sopa de tortilla, enchiladas verdes and more in the restaurant’s relaxed, low-key setting.
3725 Memorial Dr. S.E., 403-457-6117, tacosmexicoyyc.com, @tacosmexicomemorial
Añejo Restaurant
This Mission restaurant is a popular destination for Mexican fare, inspired by cuisine from the western Mexican state of Jalisco and Central Mexico. Start with the house salsa tasting for the table before moving on to dishes like the mezcal adobo mussels or some beef barbacoa tacos. As one might expect given the restaurant’s name, Añejo also has one of the biggest tequila lists anywhere in Calgary with more than 200 options.
2116 4 St. S.W., 587-353-2656, anejo.ca, @anejorestaurant
Fortuna’s Row
At this East Village restaurant, contemporary Latin American dining is the name of the game. Chef Mikko Tamarra’s menu highlights Central and South American cuisine from Peru to Mexico through shareable plates of empanadas, charcoal grilled sirloin, fried octopus, grilled chicken al pastor and more. Can’t decide what to eat? Try the “let us feed you” option to let the kitchen decide. The boundary-pushing menu of cocktails also incorporates Latin ingredients, creating an all-encompassing culinary journey.
421 Riverfront Ave. S.E., 403-243-0069, fortunasrow.com, @fortunas.row
Fonda Fora
Located in the Westley Hotel, Fonda Fora is a bright, beautiful restaurant designed by Frank Architecture. Offering a modern take on Mexican cuisine, the menu focuses more on vegetables and seafood than meat, and includes a number of dishes made with house-made masa dough. Fonda Fora also serves breakfast dishes with a Latin American flair, which is great news for anyone staying in the hotel.
630 4 Ave. S.W. (Westley Hotel), 403-764-6260, fondafora.com, @fondafora
