Each year, we ask our readers to weigh in on the best restaurants in Calgary with an online voting ballot. Here are the winners and runners-up for Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurants in Calgary.
Winner
Native Tongues Taqueria
This Mexican restaurant has two Calgary locations and remains a go-to for tacos. There are both grilled and braised meat tacos on the menu, as well as vegetable options, served up with a variety of fresh salsas and traditional Mexican sides. You can also choose from the dizzying array 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
Añejo Restaurant
This Mission restaurant is a popular destination for Mexican fare, inspired by the 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. Añejo also has one of the biggest tequila lists anywhere in Calgary with more than 200 options. The restaurant even partnered with Patrón to create its own premium tequila.
2116 4 St. S.W., 587-353-2656, anejo.ca, @anejorestaurant
Tacos Mexico Memorial
This Forest Lawn restaurant is known for its namesake dish — Mexican street-style tacos that come in 19 varieties here. Guests can also enjoy 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
Fonda Fora
Located in the Westley Hotel, Fonda Fora is a bright, beautiful restaurant designed by Frank Architecture. Offering a contemporary 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
Moose and Poncho
Moose and Poncho has been among the top Mexican restaurants in the city since it opened in 2019. Now located in First Street Market, Moose and Poncho serves traditional Mexican dishes, with a large focus on tacos. The restaurant also offers DIY taco kits, which you can take home for your next taco night.
First Street Market, 1327 1 St. S.W., fsmyyc.com, @mooseandponcho