Despite a notable Latin American population, Montreal’s largely Chilean and Peruvian community hasn’t produced many top-notch Mexican spots. In fact, many of the best-known spots are crass Tex-Mex joints that are heavy on the gringo and light on the mole. Luckily, the past couple of years have seen more and more autentico restaurants open up around town. A few of our favourites.
Le Coin Mexique
A modest, cozy spot far east on Jean-Talon with killer enchiladas: the mole (spicy chocolate) sauce on these babies is killer. The marinated pork tacos will make you swoon. 2489 Jean-Talon St. E., (514) 374-7448.
Mex-I
A simple and authentic tacqueria on the St-Laurent strip. Don’t miss the flauta de pollos, lightly-fried chicken tacos. 3820 St-Laurent Blvd., (514) 845-4498.
La Hacienda
Authentic, but at a price; meals at this Outremont eatery veer towards the $20 – $30 range – which is a heck of a lot of pesos – but the food is fresh and delicious, so it’s hard to complain. 1148 Van Horne Avenue, (514) 270-3043.
Casa de Matéo
Both an inn and a restaurant, this cozy Old Montréal spot features highlights like guacamole made at your tableside and caliente corn tamales. 438 St-François-Xavier St., (514) 286-9588.
Los Clasicos
The new kid on the block, this recently opened, family-run restaurant features Oaxacan specialties, including a heartwarming sopa azteca, tortilla soup. 4561 St-Laurent Blvd., (514) 286-6999.
