1. TRES CARNALES
Tres Carnales isn’t an homage to the Mexico of old; when you enter the restaurant, the Mexican hip-hop is at a high volume and the colours on the walls are vivid. From luchadors to Day of the Dead imagery to Mexican pop culture, the restaurant exudes a streetwise vibe.
When the food is brought to the table, you’re taken by the sheer inventiveness of it all. The signature fish tacos are the must-have; they are crispy, but light – paired with salsa aguacatillo, diced cabbage slaw and salsa Mexicana, it’s hard to imagine a better taco anywhere in the city. But the house-made soups, sandwiches and the rest of the taco menu will have you wondering just how many ways you can enjoy pork, chicken or beef.
Mexican food has never been as popular as it is today, and Tres Carnales shows off both a reverence for the country’s traditional flavours and a tongue-in-cheek approach to the diningexperience. –Steven Sandor
10119 100A St., 780-429-0911, trescarnales.com
2. ROSTIZADO
There’s no shame in second place, and that’s particularly true when both of your restaurants are battling for the top spot. Rostizado by Tres Carnales fires its way into the best Latin category this year with a bullet, and with good reason. The establishment’s roasted family-style Mexican dinners are a welcome departure from the taco-stand delights of its elder sibling – if only by virtue of the fact that it has opened Edmonton’s eyes to the idea that not all Mexican grub is served taco style.
Where Tres Carnales is a fun feeding frenzy, Rostizado is the refined, laid-back brother, wise beyond its years. And the proof is in the food. With each bite of the impeccably roasted meats, you’ll be equally impressed with the salsa verde, the churros or the tequila-themed cocktails – just some of the many small but significant details that make Rostizado a powerhouse of Latin flavour. –Cory Haller
102, 10359 104 St., 780-761-0911, rostizado.com