Burnaby and New Westminster are lucky to be blessed with some of the best Mexican restaurants in the Lower Mainland. So next time you’re craving tacos, queso, empanadas, or chile relleno, look no further than this list to help you find the perfect place for dinner!

La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop

This well-loved Vancouver taco shop has finally opened its new location at Brentwood, and it is well worth the hype! La Taqueria serves up some of the best Mexican street food in Metro Vancouver, alongside innovative cocktails, brunch classics, and more. At Brentwood, they’ve also added several fusion items to the menu—make sure to try the birramen

Address: #1210-4580 Brentwood Blvd., Burnaby

Taqueria Playa Tropical

If you know, you know. And if you don’t, trust us on this one. Taqueria Playa Tropical has been offering authentic Mexican cuisine for the last 10 years, and the buzzing atmosphere tells you how much New Westies love it. The tacos? Obviously amazing. The quesadillas? Incredible. Don’t sleep on the tortas, because they’re amazing too. And don’t forget about the huge list of margaritas! You know what, just order one of everything and thank us later.

Address: 334 6th St., New Westminster

Don Oso’s

Don Oso’s has nine different kinds of tacos for you to try—like the Carnitas tacos with shredded pork, barbacoa tacos with slow-cooked beef, or even the chorizo sin chorizo tacos with plant-based chorizo for all you vegetarians out there. If you don’t feel like tacos (though we don’t know how you could ever not feel like tacos), they have plenty of other Mexican dishes like tortas, tostadas, and empanadas. Be sure to visit on a Tuesday when you can get either their pollo or carnitas tacos for $3 each!

Address: 4421 Hastings St., Burnaby

El Santo

This elegant eatery “marrie[s] modern West Coast ingredients with traditional, though lesser-known, Mexican favourites,” and it is well worth a visit! The queso fundido is rich, comforting, and oh-so-cheesy, while the risotto de vieiras with scallops and chili adobo is just as delicious as it sounds. Mezcal margaritas are $12 on happy hour —what more could you want for a night out?

Address: 680 Columbia St., New Westminster

Olivo Cafe and Eatery

A fairly new addition to Burnaby’s food scene, this restaurant serves up classic tacos along with an amazing breakfast menu. From chilaquiles (homemade cheese and tomatoes salsa, homemade tortillas chips, sour cream, feta cheese, two sunny-side up eggs, served with a side of beans and rice) to the carnitas eggs benedict (house special pork carnitas and poached eggs on English muffins, topped with Hollandaise sauce with a side of hash brown and mixed greens), there are so many different options to choose from!

Address: #17-3871 N Fraser Way, Burnaby

Ole Ole Mexican Deli

If, like us, you find no greater joy in the world than a big plate of al pastor tacos, Ole Ole Mexican Deli is the place for you! It’s been serving traditional Mexican dishes in New West since 1998 with delicious offerings like enchilada suizes, chimichanga, and chile relleno. For dessert, try the fried bananas

Address: #831-12th St., New Westminster

El Comal

El Comal is actually a deli and grocery store, but it’s a bit of a hidden gem for hungry Burnaby foodies because it does have a kitchen that operates weekdays from 11am-6pm. Stop by for a classic selection of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas with delectable sides of rice and beans! Or, if you’re getting a hankering to cook for yourself, there’s fresh Mexican groceries, house-made tortillas and salsas, and much more!

Address: 7650 Winston St., Burnaby

Bonus: Border Burrito

OK, Border Burrito is not actually in Burnaby. But as it’s just on the other side of Boundary Road in Vancouver AND it’s got some truly stunning dishes on offer, we might just claim it as our own. It’s got lots of vegetarian options too—and make sure you order a side of the spicy green salsa!

Address: 4453 Boundary Rd., Vancouver