Food & Drink
Best Mexican Food in Kelowna
Kelowna Team
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Summary
Where to find the best Mexican food and tacos in Kelowna, with price levels, what to order, and what to skip.
In this article:
The best Mexican food in Kelowna is at El Taquero for Mexico City-style street tacos, YLW Tacos for hand-pressed tortillas, and Latin Fiesta in Rutland for cheap pupusas. This guide covers Mexican and Latin spots across downtown, the Mission, Rutland, and the Landmark District, with price levels, what to order, and the catch at each. Quality varies widely, and the cheapest, most authentic options are mostly outside downtown.
| Restaurant | Area | Price | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Taquero | Downtown | $$ | Al pastor, cauliflower taco |
| Hector's Casa | The Mission | $$ | Enchiladas, margarita jug |
| Latin Fiesta | Rutland | $ | Pupusas, Tacos Dorados |
| YLW Tacos | Hwy 97 truck, The District on Bernard | $ | Pork belly taco |
| Cantina Del Centro | Downtown | $$$ | Coconut habanero margarita |
| Fiesta Del Sol | Landmark District | $ | Enchilada platter, tamales |
| Casa de Frida | Downtown | $$ | Beef Birria torta |
| Hugo's Mexican Kitchen | Lower Mission | $$ | Plant-based dishes |
| Salsa & Sabor | Rutland | $$ | Colombian cheese steaks |
El Taquero
El Taquero is a downtown taco spot known for Mexico City-style street tacos on small gluten-free corn tortillas.
El Taquero | 1443 Ellis St, Downtown | $$
El Taquero is the closest thing in town to Mexico City street tacos, and you can mix and match fillings. The al pastor is well seasoned, but the cauliflower taco is the best thing on the menu. The margarita is solid and not overly sweet.
The catch: the street patio is very small, and in summer downtown tables are hard to get. Order takeout and eat by the lake instead.
Hector's Casa
Hector's Casa is a long-running Mexican restaurant in the Mission known for big enchiladas and a shaded back patio.
Hector's Casa | 2911 Pandosy St, the Mission | $$
Hector's is a long-standing Kelowna staple, best for its back patio, which is fully shaded by trees. The enchiladas are large and generously sauced. Order a jug of margaritas for the table.
The catch: in the summer rush the kitchen slows down, and Friday night service can be very slow. Don't go if you're short on time.
Latin Fiesta
Latin Fiesta is a cheap Mexican and El Salvadorian restaurant in Rutland known for pupusas and Tacos Dorados.
Latin Fiesta | 400B Hwy 33 W, Rutland | $
Latin Fiesta is one of the best cheap eats in the city, with large portions for the price. Order the pupusas and the Tacos Dorados, which are deep-fried and topped with feta and sour cream.
The catch: the parking lot exits onto Highway 33, which is difficult when rush hour traffic backs up into Rutland. Park on a side street and walk over.
YLW Tacos
YLW Tacos is a taco food truck on Highway 97 with a permanent spot in The District on Bernard, known for corn tortillas hand-pressed every morning.
YLW Tacos | 2330 Hwy 97 (Food truck) & The District on Bernard | $
YLW Tacos started as a food truck on Highway 97 and later opened a permanent spot inside the downtown mall. The corn tortillas are hand-pressed every morning, and the difference from store-bought is noticeable. The pork belly taco is the best taco in Kelowna.
The catch: the highway truck may close for winter, so check before you go. In winter, plan on the indoor Bernard location and downtown parking.
Cantina Del Centro
Cantina Del Centro is a downtown Mexican restaurant and bar with the biggest tequila and mezcal list in the city.
Cantina Del Centro | 271 Bernard Ave, Downtown | $$$
Cantina is best for drinks and a lively night out. The coconut habanero margarita is spicy and smoky, and the avocado frito tacos are a good order.
The catch: the food is fairly Americanized and priced for its main-street location. For cheaper, more authentic food, go to Rutland. For a loud Friday night with strong drinks, go here.
Fiesta Del Sol
Fiesta Del Sol is a cheap, cafeteria-style Mexican spot in the Landmark District known for enchilada platters and al pastor tacos.
Fiesta Del Sol | 1726 Dolphin Ave #104, Landmark District | $
Fiesta Del Sol is inside an office complex, and few people outside those buildings know it's there. The food is authentic, fast and cheap; order the enchilada platter or al pastor tacos. The pork tamales sell out, so go early.
The catch: it's small and cafeteria style, with limited seating. At noon on a Tuesday the line of office workers is long. Plan to take your food to go.
Casa de Frida
Casa de Frida is a downtown Mexican restaurant in a 120-year-old heritage house, known for its big sunny patio, birria torta, and cochinita pibil tacos.
Casa de Frida | 526 Lawrence Ave, Downtown | $$
Casa de Frida, a few blocks off the main downtown strip, is best for its large, sunny patio. Order the Beef Birria torta or the cochinita pibil tacos; both are rich and traditional. The spicy mango tequila shot is a house specialty.
The catch: hardwood floors in the old house make it loud. With a large group at the next table, conversation is difficult.
Hugo's Mexican Kitchen
Hugo's Mexican Kitchen is a Lower Mission Mexican restaurant known for huge portions and plant-based versions of almost everything on the menu.
Hugo's Mexican Kitchen | 3499 Lakeshore Rd, Lower Mission | $$
Hugo's, in The Shore building across from Gyro Beach, is the best choice for vegan or vegetarian diners. Almost everything on the menu can be made plant-based, and those versions hold up against the meat dishes. Portions are large, and the strawberry margarita with basil syrup is a good order.
The catch: parking near Lakeshore Road in July is difficult, and the small lot is usually full. Walk or cycle if you live in the Mission.
Salsa & Sabor
Salsa & Sabor is a Mexican and Colombian restaurant in Rutland known for from-scratch salsas, Colombian cheese steaks, and taco empanadas.
Salsa & Sabor | 540 Hollywood Rd S, Rutland | $$
Salsa & Sabor combines Mexican and Colombian food, and the combination works. Order the Colombian cheese steaks or the taco empanadas. The salsas are made from scratch and are hot, so taste the spicy one before using much. The owners are friendly and welcoming.
The catch: everything is made to order, so food takes a while. Order a drink and allow extra time.
A Quick Note on Eating Here
Eating out in Kelowna means planning around summer traffic and rising prices. In summer, the drive from Glenmore to the Mission can take twice as long as in November, so choose a spot near your neighbourhood. Avoid crossing the bridge to West Kelowna on Friday afternoons.
Expect to pay around $20 to $25 for a plate of tacos and a beer at most downtown spots. Rutland is cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kelowna have good authentic Mexican food?
Yes, Kelowna has good authentic Mexican food, but the best and cheapest options are outside downtown. Places in Rutland like Latin Fiesta and Salsa & Sabor serve the most authentic Mexican and Latin American food in the city.
Where is the best place for tacos in Kelowna?
YLW Tacos has the best overall tacos because they hand-press their corn tortillas daily. Their food truck is located on Highway 97, but they also have a permanent location inside The District on Bernard.
Are there any Mexican restaurants with good vegan options in Kelowna?
Hugo's Mexican Kitchen in the Lower Mission is the best spot for plant-based diets. Almost everything on their menu can be made vegan, and it actually tastes just as good as the meat versions.
Which Mexican restaurant has the best patio in Kelowna?
Hector's Casa on Pandosy Street has a secret back patio completely shaded by mature trees. It is the best place to drink a jug of margaritas during the summer.
Where can I get cheap Mexican food for lunch in Kelowna?
Fiesta Del Sol in the Landmark District is the cheapest and fastest option. It is hidden inside an office building at 1726 Dolphin Ave and serves excellent al pastor tacos and enchilada platters.
