Mr. Victor Lopez and his wife Elena Garcia welcomes you at El Meson! This authentic Mexican restaurant located just across the Lachine Canal, in an old brick house in Old Lachine welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It is already several years that this Mexican gem serves its secret family recipes. They started timidly years ago in Dorval for those who remember, and it is through satisfied customers that this Mexican restaurant has made a name for itself and today El Meson ranks among the best Latin restaurants in Montreal.
Don't be fooled! You are here to enjoy and savor the fine foods from Mexico. So forget about other so called Mexican restaurants that offer the same Americanized dishes over and over again. Here you'll taste real delicious Mexican specialties such as Carne Asada, the Nopalitos con carne (Cactus with beef), and many more... Indulge yourself, it is not every day you can travel to Mexico for so little. Everything is a matter of imagination, let yourself be surprised, there are so many flavors to discover...
To enjoy the sunny weather, El Meson offers two pretty terraces (front and back) where you can relax with the magnificent view of the beautiful Lachine Canal, an experience that your eyes will never forget. During the winter, once you step inside El Meson, you will never want to leave.
Our Specialties
Nopalitos con carne (Cactus with beef), Pescados Yucatan, Carne Asada, Pechuga con mole, Cazuela Mexicana (Seafood platter)
Reviews highlight El Meson as a cozy, family-run spot offering authentic Mexican cuisine with bold flavors, where items like mole, ceviche, perfectly seasoned seafood, and hearty fajitas are praised for depth and balance, and portions are described as generous with fair prices. Diners often mention friendly, attentive service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with a charming terrace by the water adding to the experience. The menu's variety receives frequent kudos, from ceviche and tacos to fish dishes and carnitas, along with well-paired drinks such as margaritas and sangria, and the presentation and freshness of dishes are repeatedly noted. The setting, including the canal view and colorful decor, contributes to a memorable visit, and many reviewers say they plan to return, sometimes after traveling a distance. Overall, the combination of flavorful food, comfortable vibe, and good value makes El Meson a destination that tends to satisfy a broad range of tastes and occasions.
In my opinion, El Meson is the best Mexican restaurant in Canada,full stop. It's the kind of place that deserves recognition in the Michelin Guide. Despite being a small, family-run restaurant, the level of quality, care, & authenticity in the food is exceptional.
I regularly travel from Toronto & make it a point to stop here every single time, whether for lunch or dinner. I was first introduced to El Meson by a friend whose mother lives nearby, & since then, it has become a must-visit.
What truly sets this place apart are the sauces they are absolutely outstanding. Each one is layered, rich, & clearly made with deep knowledge of traditional Mexican flavors. You can taste the craftsmanship in every bite.
I would 100% recommend everything on the menu, but my personal favourite has to be the enchiladas with the house mole sauce absolutely incredible.
The service is equally memorable. There is a lady server who is always there unfortunately, I never caught her name but she consistently elevates the entire experience. She is warm, attentive, & genuinely kind, & she has a way of making everyone feel welcome & taken care of.
El Meson is more than just a restaurant it's an experience. If you're serious about authentic Mexican cuisine, this place is not optional.
Absolutely superb authentic Mexican cuisine prepared with ❤?
Muchas gracias to our phenomenal server Alexandra & to the wonderful team at this amaaaaaazing authentic Mexican restaurant. It's been a personal favorite of mine for years. Located on St. Joseph in the heart of the beautiful Lachine Canal, everything here is so delicious & so beautifully presented. The ambiance is classic Mexican ❤?, providing such warmth & comfort. If you haven't been here before, you don't know what you've been missing! 🇲🇽
El Meson is one of those super cozy family owned restaurants you must visit. This little place is worth the drive from far away. The staff are really interested in making you enjoy your meal with amazing hospitality & quality food dishes that will satisfy those looking for very good Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is exceptionally cozy & you might find yourself not in a rush to leave👍👍👍👍👍
This is a great mexican gem in front of lachine canal! It is small, cozy & it offers delicious mexican dishes! Service is excellent! Gracias amigos! ✨?🌷😎
This has always been one of my favorite restaurants as it is small, cozy & intimate along with an outdoor terasse. The owner offers authentic Mexican food & it is way better than those mexican americanized competitors. Great lime marguaritas & fajitas.
One time stop & that's it ... I usually tend to do a satisfactory review to my Mexican fellows , but not this time ... I even had to return a Michelada that tasted very watery , the waiter took it back & they didn't intend to improve it, it was just removed from the bill. Food was ok , but not what I was expecting from reading others reviews & a bit expensive.
Aug 4, 2025
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One of my favorite Mexican family runned place.
Excellent margaritas. Cheap if u get the 1/2 or cheaper for the full pitcher. Most expensive dish is seafood plate. Excellent. Best ceviche ever (Red snapper). Average guacamole. 3 liete cake is awesome. The even make some extra dishes that are not on the menu (chicken casadilla, great.) Cosy terrace. You will be satisfied.
Best to reserve.
We were a group of 10 people & we had some vegans with us. Going to a Mexican restaurant would make sense to be able to find at least few vegan options besides guacamole...
Puede decir que de los mejores restaurantes mexicanos en Montreal. La combinación de sabor y la atmósfera definitivamente te hacen sentir en Mexico.
La decoración es tan linda, mucho detalles que de seguro te traerán memorias!.