We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what we do and in no way costs you a thing.
If you’re looking for the best tacos in Vancouver, you’re in luck. This city is home to a variety of taco spots that offer some of the most delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine around. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional meat tacos or creative vegetarian options, Vancouver has something for everyone.
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop is a must-visit spot for taco lovers. This restaurant has mastered the art of meat tacos, with options like Asada, Pastor, and Mole. The already mouth-watering flavors can be enhanced by the variety of self-serve salsas. Opt for the habanero for a good kick.
Another great option is La Mezcaleria, which offers delicious authentic tacos from its location in Vancouver. This spot’s tacos pair perfectly with their handcrafted cocktails and an order of queso fundido. Address: 1622 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
Historical Context of Tacos in Vancouver
Tacos have been a part of Vancouver’s food scene for decades. The city’s first taco joint, Taco Loco, opened its doors in 1972, and since then, Vancouver has seen a steady rise in the number of Mexican restaurants and food trucks that serve tacos.
In the early days, tacos were not as popular as they are now. The Mexican population in Vancouver was small, and most Vancouverites were not familiar with Mexican cuisine. However, as Vancouver became more multicultural, and people became more adventurous with their food choices, tacos slowly gained popularity.
The rise of food trucks in Vancouver also played a significant role in the popularity of tacos. Food trucks have become a staple of Vancouver’s food scene, and many of them serve delicious, authentic tacos. The convenience and affordability of food trucks have made them a popular choice for people looking for a quick and tasty meal.
Over the years, Vancouver’s taco scene has evolved. While traditional meat tacos like carne asada and al pastor are still popular, many Vancouver restaurants and food trucks have started to experiment with fusion tacos. These tacos combine Mexican flavors with other cuisines, such as Korean, Japanese, and Indian.
Today, Vancouver has a thriving taco scene, with many excellent restaurants and food trucks serving up some of the best tacos in the country. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional meat tacos or something more adventurous, you’re sure to find a taco that will satisfy your cravings.
Top Rated Taco Spots in Vancouver
If you’re looking for the best tacos in Vancouver, you’re in luck. The city is home to a variety of top-rated taco spots that offer everything from traditional Mexican flavors to innovative fusion creations. Here are some of the best taco spots in Vancouver that you should definitely check out.
Tacofino
Location: 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8, Canada
Tacofino is a popular taco spot that has been serving up delicious tacos in Vancouver for years. Their menu features a variety of unique and flavorful tacos, including their famous fish taco. The fish taco comes with crispy lingcod, cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, and salsa fresca, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. Tacofino also offers vegetarian and vegan options, such as their crispy cauliflower taco or their spicy vegan chorizo taco.
La Taqueria
Location: 2450 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0A4, Canada
La Taqueria is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for authentic Mexican tacos in Vancouver. Their menu features a variety of classic taco options, including al pastor, carnitas, and barbacoa. They also offer unique creations, such as their crispy chicken taco or their mushroom and huitlacoche taco. All of their tacos are served on handmade tortillas and come with a variety of fresh toppings, such as cilantro, onions, and lime.
Sal y Limón
Location: Various
Sal y Limón is another popular taco spot in Vancouver that is known for their flavorful and innovative creations. Their menu features a variety of tacos, including their famous al pastor taco, which is made with marinated pork and pineapple. They also offer unique creations, such as their beef tongue taco or their crispy pork belly taco. All of their tacos come with fresh toppings, such as cilantro, onions, and lime.
Taco Luis
Location: 5300 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 2X9, Canada
Taco Luis is a hidden gem in Vancouver that is known for their delicious and affordable tacos. Their menu features a variety of classic taco options, such as al pastor, carne asada, and chorizo. They also offer unique creations, such as their spicy shrimp taco or their vegetarian potato taco. All of their tacos are served on handmade tortillas and come with fresh toppings, such as cilantro, onions, and lime.
The Burrow – formerly Bandidas Taqueria
Location: 2781 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
The Burrow is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly taco spot in Vancouver that offers a variety of flavorful and creative taco options. Their menu features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, such as their crispy tofu taco or their vegan chorizo taco. They also offer classic taco options, such as al pastor and carne asada, with a vegetarian twist. All of their tacos come with fresh toppings, such as cilantro, onions, and lime.
Overall, Vancouver has no shortage of amazing taco spots to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Mexican flavors or innovative fusion creations, there’s a taco spot in Vancouver that will satisfy your cravings.
Best Vegetarian Tacos in Vancouver
If you’re a vegetarian and looking for a delicious taco in Vancouver, you’re in luck. Vancouver has a lot of options to choose from. Here are three great options for vegetarian tacos in Vancouver.
Meet in Gastown
Location: inner Courtyard, 12 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4K7, Canada
Meet in Gastown is a vegan restaurant that serves some of the best vegetarian tacos in Vancouver. They have two options for vegetarian tacos: the “Cauliflower Taco” and the “Chick’n Taco.” The Cauliflower Taco is made with crispy cauliflower, pickled red onions, avocado crema, and cilantro. The Chick’n Taco is made with crispy chick’n, pickled red onions, avocado crema, and cilantro. Both tacos are served on a soft corn tortilla.
The Burrow – formerly Bandidas Taqueria
Location: 2781 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
The Burrow is a vegetarian taco shop in the heart of East Vancouver. They offer Mexican-inspired and handmade food. The restaurant has seven kinds of vegetarian tacos, which include delicious fillings like butternut squash, chipotle tofu, roasted yams, and spicy Mexican corn. Their tacos can also be made vegan and gluten-free upon request.
Chau Veggie Express
Location: 1689 Johnston Street. City: Vancouver
Chau Veggie Express is a vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese restaurant that offers a delicious vegetarian taco option. Their “Veggie Taco” is made with lemongrass tofu, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, and vegan mayo. The taco is served on a soft corn tortilla.
All three of these restaurants offer delicious vegetarian taco options. Whether you’re in the mood for cauliflower, tofu, or butternut squash, you’re sure to find a taco that satisfies your cravings.
Best Seafood Tacos in Vancouver
If you’re a fan of seafood and tacos, Vancouver is the perfect city for you. With a wide variety of seafood taco options available, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings. In this section, we’ll highlight the three best places to get seafood tacos in Vancouver: Go Fish Ocean Emporium, Tacofino, and The Fish Counter.
Go Fish Ocean Emporium
Located on the waterfront in the False Creek area, Go Fish Ocean Emporium is a must-visit spot for seafood lovers. Their fish tacos are made with fresh, sustainable seafood, and they offer a variety of options including salmon, halibut, and cod. The tacos are served on soft corn tortillas and topped with a delicious slaw and homemade tartar sauce. You can also choose to add avocado or bacon to your tacos for an extra burst of flavor.
Tacofino
Location: 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8, Canada
Tacofino is a popular food truck turned restaurant that has gained a reputation for serving some of the best tacos in Vancouver. Their seafood tacos are no exception. The crispy fish taco is a fan favorite, made with battered lingcod, cabbage, chipotle mayo, and salsa fresca. They also offer a tuna taco made with seared albacore tuna, wasabi mayo, and pickled radish. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their octopus taco, made with grilled octopus, chorizo, and avocado.
The Fish Counter
Location: 3825 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P1, Canada
The Fish Counter is a sustainable seafood market and restaurant that offers a variety of seafood dishes, including their famous fish tacos. Their tacos are made with crispy battered lingcod, house-made slaw, and chipotle mayo, all served on a soft flour tortilla. They also offer a grilled fish taco made with fresh halibut and topped with a tangy mango salsa. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try their salmon taco made with grilled salmon, avocado, and a refreshing cucumber salsa.
In conclusion, these three spots are the best places to get seafood tacos in Vancouver. Whether you’re in the mood for crispy battered fish or fresh grilled seafood, these restaurants have got you covered.
Best Late-Night Taco Spots in Vancouver
If you’re looking for a late-night bite of some of the best tacos Vancouver has to offer, you’re in luck. There are several great spots to satisfy your cravings, no matter what time it is. Here are some of the top picks for late-night taco spots in Vancouver.
The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina
Location: 1049 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L4, Canada
The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina is a great spot for late-night tacos. This cozy, casual restaurant is open until 2 am on weekends and offers a great selection of tacos, including classics like carne asada and al pastor, as well as more unique options like crispy fish and vegetarian options. The tacos are served on soft, warm tortillas and are topped with fresh ingredients like cilantro, onion, and lime.
La Mezcaleria
Location: 1622 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y4, Canada
La Mezcaleria is another great spot for late-night tacos in Vancouver. This trendy restaurant is open until midnight on weekdays and 1 am on weekends and offers a great selection of tacos, including traditional options like carnitas and barbacoa, as well as more unique options like octopus and beef tongue. The tacos are served on fresh, homemade tortillas and are topped with flavorful salsas and sauces.
Gringo
Location: 27 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C4, Canada
Gringo is a vibrant, late-night Mexican restaurant in Downtown Vancouver serving creative tacos and other Mexican eats. This place is perfect for budget-minded vibes and their cocktails are colorful and delicious. They offer a great selection of tacos, including classics like al pastor and carne asada, as well as unique options like Korean beef and vegan cauliflower. The tacos are served on homemade tortillas and are topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
No matter which of these late-night taco spots you choose, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best tacos Vancouver has to offer. So grab some friends, head out for a night on the town, and indulge in some delicious tacos.
Taco Festivals in Vancouver
If you’re a taco lover, Vancouver is the place to be. The city hosts several taco festivals throughout the year, where you can indulge in some of the best tacos in the city.
One of the most popular taco festivals in Vancouver is Tacos in the Park. This festival takes place in Esther Short Park in Vancouver and features a variety of tacos, craft beer, live music, and tequila. The festival is held over three days in June and attracts taco lovers from all over the city.
Another popular taco festival in Vancouver is the Vancouver Taco Fest. This festival is held in the summer and features a wide variety of tacos from some of the best taco spots in the city. In addition to tacos, there are also live music performances, a beer garden, and other food vendors.
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Taco and Tequila Festival. This festival takes place in the fall and features a variety of tacos and tequila cocktails. In addition to food and drinks, there are also live music performances and other entertainment.
No matter which taco festival you choose to attend, you’re sure to have a great time and indulge in some of the best tacos Vancouver has to offer. Make sure to bring your appetite and try as many different tacos as you can.
Final Thoughts on the Best Tacos in Vancouver
You’ve now been introduced to some of the best tacos in Vancouver. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Mexican tacos or fusion creations, Vancouver’s got you covered. Here are a few key takeaways from our research:
- La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop is a must-visit for their mouth-watering meat tacos and self-serve salsas.
- Chancho Tortilleria offers a tight, focused menu with consistently delicious tacos.
- Tacofino’s Baja-style fish tacos are a popular choice, and their vegetarian options are also worth trying.
- Sal y Limon has a wide variety of tacos to choose from, including unique options like lengua (beef tongue) and cabeza (beef head).
- If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Indian-inspired fusion tacos at Vij’s Railway Express.
No matter which taco spot you choose, you’re sure to find something delicious in Vancouver. So grab a friend, head out on a taco crawl, and enjoy all the flavors this city has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the most authentic tacos in Vancouver?
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican tacos, you can’t go wrong with La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop. They have several locations throughout the city and offer a variety of meat options, including Asada, Pastor, and Mole. Another great option is Sal Y Limón, which serves up delicious tacos with homemade tortillas.
What are some must-try taco spots in downtown Vancouver?
If you’re in downtown Vancouver, be sure to check out Tacofino. This family of restaurants has several locations throughout the city and offers a variety of fresh and delicious tacos. Another great option is La Catrina Tacos, which serves up authentic Mexican street food.
What makes the tacos in Vancouver different from other cities?
Vancouver’s tacos are unique in that they often incorporate local ingredients and flavors. For example, many taco spots in Vancouver use fresh seafood in their tacos, such as salmon or prawns. Additionally, Vancouver’s taco scene is heavily influenced by Asian cuisine, resulting in fusion tacos that are both delicious and innovative.
Which Vancouver neighborhood has the best selection of tacos?
While there are great taco spots all over Vancouver, Commercial Drive is known for having some of the best. This vibrant neighborhood has several authentic Mexican restaurants and taco stands, including La Mezcaleria, which serves up delicious tacos with homemade tortillas.
What are some highly recommended Mexican restaurants in Vancouver?
In addition to the taco spots mentioned above, there are several highly recommended Mexican restaurants in Vancouver. For a more upscale dining experience, check out Cacao, which serves up delicious Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Another great option is Maizal, which offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including tacos, tamales, and enchiladas.
How do Vancouver’s tacos compare to those in other parts of the world?
While Vancouver’s taco scene may not be as well-known as some other cities, the city’s tacos are definitely worth trying. Vancouver’s tacos are unique in that they often incorporate local ingredients and flavors, resulting in delicious and innovative dishes. Whether you’re a taco aficionado or just looking for a tasty meal, Vancouver’s taco scene has something for everyone.
