El Taco De Oro image

El Taco De Oro

Bar Meal takeaway Mexican restaurant Cocktail bar Taco restaurant Burrito restaurant

One of the Top rated Taco restaurants in (Old) Ottawa


Address

303 St. Patrick St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5K4, Canada

Contact

+1 613-241-4444

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (489 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 4:30 to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tacos (24) Mexican (16) delicious (15) great (14) amazing (12) good (11) service (10) chicken (9) recommend (9) taco (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mr T. 2 years ago on Google
    Super friendly service. The guac is fresh and the spice they use in it makes it very unique compared to other places. Tacos are amazing and the tostadas are my favourite. Waitress saw that I loved hot sauces and brought out a special mango salsa for me. This place has very good salsas! The Hibiscus lager is also very unique and should not be ignored! Pairs well with the spicy fruity salsas! This place is a must try!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 dean l. 2 years ago on Google
    These are the best tacos in the city! The value is amazing. Generous portions of authentic, marinated, slow cooked meat. Ordered 3, and went back for 4 more they are THAT good! They are a family owned and operated business in the heart of down town Ottawa. Do yourself a favor and get down there!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Priscilla H. 2 years ago on Google
    This restaurant is amazing, it is so welcoming and the food is delicious. Picture: the drink of the day! Strawberry mojito
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Imad A. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best Mexican restaurants in the area !! The owners are amazing and friendly people !! Started off with chips and salsa, and guacamole Dip ( Little spicy , but delicious ) then we got the mouth watering shrimp tacos as well as the Tacos Dorados ( HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) and finished off with an order of Tinga chicken Tostadas with some rice and beans on the side !! This place is a must try , support local and family owned and family-run business !!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shaddy S. 10 months ago on Google
    Very gluten and dairy free friendly Server was knowledgeable and kind + service was quick. The amount of food for the price is surprising! I wouldn’t recommend the beef taco, but definitely get the pastor and guacamole. Went back a second time & tried the chicken taco + a Marg. Definitely would get both again! The server was as awesome as always and the service for food was very quick.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James M. 9 months ago on Google
    We went because of the high Google Maps score, but feel it is definitely overrated. The steak tacos were way too chewy, but tasted good. Also it would be nice if you could mix a 3 taco order to include fish, as opposed to all or nothing. The server certainly appeared like they wanted to be elsewhere, but was efficient. Apparently the backyard patio is a secret. There are no signs whatsoever and you have to go through an adjacent lane to get to it. It was a beautiful day and it would have been nice to eat there, but we only learned of it after we had finished.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maria 1 year ago on Google
    Had a really great time here as the food was delicious and the interior was well decorated. We ordered nachos, chicken tacos, and fish tacos. If I could, I’d have ordered more but this was very filling for 2 people. The nacho tortilla chips had a good flavour to them and so did the cheese (mentioning this because a lot of times I find the nachos to be pretty bland and under seasoned). The chicken tacos were delicious and juicy. The fish tacos were great too!! They’re open on Tuesdays now and have a special: build your own taco for $3.50 so definitely go with friends, or by yourself and enjoy some very affordable and delicious food! The service was really friendly and fun as well. Food was ready in a good amount of time, no long wait. Definitely recommend if you’re trying to find a new Mexican restaurant or just want to try mexican food for the first time! Added on my list of places to revisit, so pay them a visit :) Update: Went back again and had the beef tacos and Chimichangas. Both were delicious!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 B M. 1 year ago on Google
    I wish I had more stars to give . This place serves heavenly food. For someone who is new to Mexican food they are going to fall in love . The aromas that surround you when the food servers walks by with the food is amazing! This is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have encountered to date. A little restaurant but a great atmosphere and amazing food. The meals are nice portions and very reasonably priced. Try everything on their menu.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darryl C. 1 year ago on Google
    Dianne and I were staying at the Holiday Inn and wanted a close by Restaurant so we checked google maps. What a treat! We were fortunate enough to have a great waitress to take care of us then had the young chap behind the bar finish us up. Great conversations with both of them who turn out to be brother and sister with mom and dad cooking. They have everything going for them with great food and service. We wish them the very best and success.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jess H. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a great spot!! The patio was a dream- so cute under the lights. The food was amazing- such good portions, fantastic flavours and the cheese 😍 so so so good. Lots of vegetarian options and they're delicious! The service was so good and sweet, we loved it. On our walk home we were already talking about when to go next. Highly recommend and maybe see ya there 🙌
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Makenna F. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa. I’ve been multiple times and am always very satisfied. The Mexican fries are a standout. Definitely get cheese on your tacos cause it comes melted. The staff have always been very friendly! 10/10
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deepak M. 7 months ago on Google
    Tried the place based on the reviews, and I was not disappointed at all. The place has amazing vibe and you feel like you're in Latin country. Our waitress was amazing. She explained the menu briefly and also helped us in choosing the dishes. The tacos and the sandwich were so fresh and the guacamole tasted amazing.The food was really delicious. This place is a must try if you're looking for Mexican food in downtown Ottawa. They have amazing alcohol bar as well which pairs well with their food. The street parking is available nearby.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul M. 9 months ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious tacos!! Lots of meat in each taco and so much juicy flavor. My favorites were the tinga chicken and the barbacoa beef. We also had an order of Mexican fries, no meat, which were crispy and great! Service was quick and attentive! We will go back for more!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samuel S. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing and very delicious tacos and enchiladas. Their chips and guac are a must order. Chips were amazing and the guac was so refreshing. One of the best guacs I've had at a Mexican restaurant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Varun C. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely spot that serves authentic Tex Mex. Their burrito is huge and will really fill you up. The wedges on the side were a welcome addition and I enjoyed how crispy they were. The ambience was nice and the staff was friendly. Highly recommend this spot for people looking for Tex Mex spots downtown.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah W. 1 year ago on Google
    The best place I've ever gone to in my life. The food is out of this world. The staff are wonderfully beautiful and so thoughtful. The drinks are BOMB 😍It's become my regular place for food, banter(fun) and making friends 💛
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Super cool little place. Shrimp tacos were fantastic. Beer menu is small but really well selected. Staff really nice, chill people. Cozy back patio. Would (will) come back here for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 edy a. 3 years ago on Google
    Best ever tequila and taco loves the ace and the decorations and the stuff
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place! The food and service is amazing. My favorite is the beef tacos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Saraï B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great customer service. the patio has shadow and a deck, current music, authentic Mexican food, great portions as well. although the patio is in the back and the furniture is made of wood so there alot of bugs, bees and wasp were attracted to fruit drinks so watch out for that.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Danny 2 years ago on Google
    Tried the chicken tacos. The tacos looked pretty plain with not many ingredients on them but they were surprisingly delicious. The chicken wasn't dry, yet the tacos weren't soggy. I will give their other items a try too. Definitely recommend this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a hidden gem!!! The best Mexican food in the market.

  • 5/5 omar s. 7 months ago on Google
    Rich food, good flavor and a very clean place. I have visited various Mexican restaurants but this is the best

  • 4/5 Brandan J. 7 months ago on Google
    Nestled in the heart of the city, El Taco de Oro presents a culinary journey into Mexican cuisine. The ambiance strikes a harmonious balance between coziness and spaciousness, ensuring patrons feel welcomed yet never confined. Every detail sets the stage for a delightful experience. Diners will find a plethora of choices on the menu, each dish showcasing the depth and diversity of traditional Mexican flavors. The beef chimichangas, which I opted for during our visit, were a testament to the chef's prowess. Impeccably prepared, they were bursting with savory goodness and arrived at our table piping hot, paired perfectly with a side of tangy sour cream. However, a slight hiccup was the accompanying fries; while they boasted the right seasoning, they had cooled a tad too much by the time they were served. Staff members exuded warmth and attentiveness, ensuring our needs were met, especially commendable given the size of our dining party. In terms of value, the pricing was on the higher side, but justified given the overall quality. It's clear that El Taco de Oro prioritizes the dining experience, and while there's always room for refinement, it's undeniably a gastronomic gem in the city's culinary landscape.

  • 5/5 Billy S. 9 months ago on Google
    I came here on an extremely hot and humid day, and it was the perfect meal for a nice cool down while enjoying the open air. The enchiladas were very good with a very liberal serving of cheese. However, that was something I enjoyed. There's a great alcohol selection, but I preferred to cool down with an ice cold jarritos soda. The staff was super friendly however the QR code menus weren't the most practical for either of our phones.

  • 5/5 Axel G. 11 months ago on Google
    Tacos are probably the best in ottawa. Pork and Al Pastor are great, shrimp beef and chicken a bit lacking. Terrace is great in the summer. We had 3 tacos each and a drink each and it was around 40$ pp after tax and tip!

  • 5/5 Faiz H. 1 year ago on Google
    Byward has plenty of spots to choose when going out for dinner. This small taco spot is a perfect atmosphere for a date or dinner with friends. With a traditional interior infused with Mexican culture, you can feel the authenticity coming out of the kitchen. I recommend the steak tacos and chicken fajitas. They were tasty and filling! The hot sauce is not for amateurs, it bites. I would definitely come back with a small group for some drinks and tacos

  • 4/5 Skyler A. 2 years ago on Google
    We had the Mexican fries (a bit too salty but good toppings), the tacos (all great flavours) and the chimichangas (a bit greasy). Everything tasted great and was really filling. Friendly service!

  • 5/5 Charlene S. 10 months ago on Google
    We ordered the taco trio and it was delicious! Highly recommend the Al Pastor tacos!! Yummy yummy chefs kiss! The drinks are also very delicious and affordable! They also come in fun cups!! Only downside is the service is a bit slow… But overall recommend for TACO TUESDAY! Or any day!!

  • 4/5 Ixchel Medina H. 2 years ago on Google
    Ordered mix & match tacos (barbacoa, cochinita pibil, al pastor) and a small pitcher of horchata. Strongsuits we're definitely the cochinita pibil and horchata, but everything was delicious.

  • 5/5 Rizz M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is by FAR the best taco restaurant in the city. The food is delicious, fresh and very authentic (I am Latino!). I never write reviews but I felt I just had to. Heck, I'd even work here part time if they had openings! I definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 Tian 1 year ago on Google
    A hidden gem right outside the busier areas, the food was fantastic (we had the quesadilla) with just the right spices. The staff is friendly, and the terrace is a lot nicer than expected. Would visit every week if I lived in Ottawa!

  • 5/5 Blair W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food (especially the tortilla soup) and great prices. No complaints whatsoever We have been to a few Mexican restaurants in Ottawa and by far this one is the best.

  • 5/5 Tubtim C. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious tacos - full of flavor! Their guacomole is so creamy and full of flavor. Atmosphere is fun and cozy. I think we found our new go to place in town.


Call +1 613-241-4444 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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