Yikes, terrible experience at Amaranto. The service was pretty much non-existent. The food was the real joke. Meats were overcooked and had a foul smell. I highly recommend avoiding this place. read more

We were expecting more of the true Mexican flavors but the food was bland, no taste to it, and not to par to our expectations. The guacamole had no cilantro, no lime. Felt just lime a smashed avocado put in a plate. We went to Amaranto begore it moved on St-Laurent and I don't remember being this bland. Gotta give them that the food was fresh and service was ok. Location is great. Will stop a try their drinks when they get their liquor license. read more

The food was sooo good. . We had fish and cactus tacos with salsa and gauch and chips . The service fast and friendly . The restaurant was fully painted with Mexican symbols and themes. We really enjoyed our dinner read more

Warmer weather makes us crave tacos and margaritas, and we found incredible versions of both at @amaranto_mtl. We loved the elaborate yet understated décor that truly gives the atmosphere an extra touch of authenticity. We started with an exquisitely spicy and balanced, refreshing jalapeño margarita, followed by many dishes we couldn't get enough of. At the top of our list were the fish tacos. We love fish tacos, and these were no exception. Huge and fried to perfection, topped with the freshest ingredients, we could have stopped there and been more than happy, but of course, we didn't. The tacos de suadero, with their juicy and lightly charred beef, a classic, were delicious. So, so good.  Likewise, everything else we ordered was delicious, and there is no question why they've been operating since 2007. read more

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My favorite Mexican restaurant in Montreal! Everything was perfect. Try the cactus quesadilla Pastor tacos were amazing. Enchiladas are the specialty, really good with the beans. Their drinks are also amazing. Try it! read more

Restaurant Amaranto - a tortilla on a plate with a knife and fork - Mexican Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

I had been dying to try this little spot on Monkland since I had read so many great reviews and heard very good things. I finally got to try it not long ago but we couldn't go on so we ordered out. We ordered a few of their tacos (al pastor, beef). The tacos were pretty small for the price but they were tasty. Although I have to say I wasn't blown away as I had expected to be based on the reviews I'd seen. They weren't very generous with the amount of filling and the tortillas on some of them broke apart. I'd love to be able to go back sometime soon and try this place in person because I feel like the tacos likely just didn't travel well for delivery. What I will say is the tacos were tasty and filling tasted authentic and I would be willing to try this place again in person but not delivery. Also I felt that the food was overpriced considering the portion size was quite small. read more

Great little gem ! Walking in the floor plan is completely open you can see into the kitchen that the decor makes you feel like your walking into someone's house. The food is amazing and tastes authentic. Great spot for a date and the menu has a variety for everyone. Watch out for the house made salsas the Spicy salsa is no joke ! I suggest the flautas or al pastor tacos they are some of my favourites Try it out I'm sure you'll love it ! read more

Restaurant Amaranto - Mexican Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

A colourful, bright little cave of a restaurant hidden at basement-level on Monkland. I've gone with grandparents and babies and everyone loved it -- having a toy corner and high chairs available for the little ones makes a huge difference. The owner came around and was very sweet with the kiddo at our table, as were all the other servers any time I've gone here. The fish tacos and bean dishes are excellent and the tortillas taste fresh. Another highlight of this place is the drinks menu -- delicious horchata and chia fresca, which I don't see offered around much. Great date place, too. read more

You would think a city like Montreal would have a nice choice of Mexican restaurants but it really doesnt; This, so far for me, is as good as it gets. The food's really good and they don't stray too far from the real ingredients. The sell and use real Mexican cheese. The place is cute, but hard to spot from the outside because it's in the basement. You kinda gotta know where you're going. The kitchen is wide open and you can see them cooking, it's nice. read more

Restaurant Amaranto - Avocado soup! Veryyyy good. - Mexican Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Came here for my birthday and i couldn't have left happier. Loved the family vibe and open kitchen concept so you could see and hear them making the food right in front of you. One of the best authentic Mexican food places I ever been to in Montreal. read more

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I'm not as big a fan of this place as other people seem to be but it's ok. What people call "authentic Mexican food" seems a little strange to me. Order a cactus salad in Mexico and you won't get canned cactus like you do here. The cans of it are for sale right next to your table so that takes a little class away from the experience. Portions are quite small for the price. The ceviche was very good, though. I'd have it again. read more

I was hesitant to go here because I'm not a real fan of REAL Mexican food and stick with Americanized places like 3 Amigos. I'M SO GLAD I CAME HERE!!! WOW!!!! Restaurant Amaranto was able to make me love cilantro!!! Their avocado soup was amazing! and their fish tacos... the best I've ever eaten!! This place is a little hidden and in the basement of the building but it's amazing and worth the trip!!! Check it out, you won't be disappointed! I promise! The waitress' who served us were kind, funny, warm, friendly and fast!!! The whole place is warm and inviting. I'll be back again soon for some more yummy fish tacos!!! read more

Authentic, fresh, and consistently delicious. The menu is on the sparse side, but the dishes offered hit the mark. The salsa verde is PERFECT: tangy and tasty with just the right hit of fresh cilantro. You'll enjoy scooping it up with their homemade tortilla chips. The beef tacos are generously filled; make sure to top them with fresh onion and cilantro. If you can, try sharing a bunch of dishes; you can't go wrong. As for the ambiance: on the plus side, it feels like you're sitting in someone's kitchen. The cooks are right there, prepping, frying, pouring. On the minus side, it feels like you're sitting in someone's kitchen. It's not the most comfortable dining experience and there's something about the layout that just doesn't sit well with me. BUT I'm enchanted by the flavours and will keep on coming back again and again. read more

I've eaten here often with our family, we like it a lot for authentic Mexican. What they do, they do well. The guacamole, enchilada verde, beef and chicken tacos, and mole are all dishes I have sampled frequently. The hibiscus drink they serve is also great, as are the Mexican sodas. Another poster has mentioned it as pricey but they must have been a special event or something because we find the prices reasonable. Portions are not overly huge (this not American style tex mex) but more in the vein of enough. I have never left hungry. I will say that because they are mostly just two who work there doing the serving and cooking the service can be a little slow. And it seems as if it is either empty or packed, and there are not that many tables, so it can be hard to get a place sometimes. Also, we go often with our kids, and the staff are always happy to accommodate by leaving out onions, etc. Every dish is made to order (hence the slowness) which allows them to do this easily. Very friendly. Go! Enjoy! read more

So much for me thinking that Montreal doesn't have good authentic Mexican restaurants. If you don't know this place exists you could easily pass right in front of it and miss it, and it would definitively be your loss. Really good clean dining room, friendly service and amazing food. My first time there was with a friend of mine that had never tried a real taco, not the texmex kind you find at other "Mexican" restaurants in town. So of course we ordered a couple of taco plates, one pork and the other cactus. But before we got those, we ordered an entree of guacamole with hand-made tortillas. The guacamole was so creamy, so rich and complex, it might just be the best I've ever tasted. As with the entree, the tacos didn't disappoint. This place is surely going to become one of my regular spots. read more

Restaurant Amaranto - Amazing guacamole! - Mexican Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Very impressed by the variety of dishes offered. I suggest having a hibiscus iced tea, with the fried tortilla shrimp quesadilla, or avocado soup ( this was the first time I've ever had avocado soup!) and my favourite main is the potato tacos. It tastes like breakfast hash browns in a corn tortilla - fried then topped with sour cream and lettuce. My favorite spot in town! read more

I didn't know this place existed, but as my son said "totally awesome"! The decor is simple but authentic. Plenty of room, spacious and large tables. Even the plates look and feel authentic. The food is delicious. Portions are very fair, and prices are reasonable. Menu has enough options, but it's not overloaded either. This is definitely authentic, not gimmicky chain style mexican food. I will be back, and based on my sons comments, we will be here often. read more

This restaurant feels like you are stepping into someone's kitchen. It's very cozy! The food is really flavourful and authentic. The people working there are friendly and welcoming. If you're looking for genuine Mexican food in the NDG area, visit Amaranto. I'll be back for sure! read more

First time customer. Only non-apetizer choices are tacos or enchiladas. I ordered chorizo tacos. The portions were children sized. The 3 tacos were minuscule. They do give chips on the house with 2 dip sauces, so that's a plus. And service is good. Overall, disappointing. read more

Very good food with reasonable prices. The verde chicken enchilada was very tasty and recommend the fried plantains for dessert. We will certainly visit again! read more

Restaurant Amaranto - Avocado soup and guacamole. - Mexican Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Had the mushroom quesadilla, guacamole, beef and chorizo tacos. Amazing! All fresh ingredients, the homemade chips were incredible the guac was incredibly flavourful and the tacos savoury as can be. their homemade salsa was great addition to an already great meal. To add, the service was excellent. No rush, polite and even gave us extra chips no cost when we took the leftovers home. Would recommend it anyone looking for a very good meal at an incredibly reasonable price. read more

Very cozy & comfortable atmosphere. Don't let the outside fool you, once you're inside the place is clean & very spacious. Very friendly service & good homemade style food. Wish we had space left in our stomach for dessert. :) Highly recommended to try all the different choices. Would definitely go back for more! read more

This restaurant is amazing! The food is fantastic and the service is superb. So happy to have found such a cute local Mexican restaurant with authentic cuisine. read more

This is one of the best mexican restaurants in the city! Not fancy - but amazing amazing amazing. Don't miss the guac!

I went purely on the reviews from Yelp, and frankly, was very disappointed. My rating is really a 1.5 star. We ordered the guac and chips as a starter- this was fresh, just mashed guacamole with some coriander and very little seasoning. The "homemade" chips were very greasy. The guacamole was overpriced at $8.99 for a small cup. Our mains were the real disaster. My companion had marinated pork tacos...Oh boy, the pork was so incredibly dry like the bottom of a shoe!!! There was no juice left on that poor sucker, and since we heard the microwave go off a few times while there, we really believe that pork has been reheated and recooked to oblivion a few times. The corn taco in which the pork was put was also extremely dry and like a shoe as well. My dish, enchilada with green sauce was like baby food. Boiled bland chicken stuffing in a corn shell that was drenched in VERY sour green tomatillo sauce, and some bland melted cheese. There were three pieces and I had 1.5 of that in pure starving desparation. A tiny little cup of black beans (extremely runny and no flavor, had one spoon and that's it) and bland rice rounded out my (NOT) winner of a dish. Service was blah. The girl serving us was not very helpful and totally distracted. Because this place is in a basement, it has a very strong smell of mold. It washed over us as soon as we walked in and was strong enough that my friend wanted to leave. We went in hopes of finding this "secret" that Yelp reviewers were raving about, but alas, it's back to the drawing board. Places closer to downtown, such sa La Tamalera and Ta Chido (a place I had problems with...review to follow) are better than this!! Gotta go now and drink some fizzy water to try and wash out that sour unsettling feeling from the green sauce!! read more

This cute little place is seriously worth it! Located in the basement of the building next to a Korean food joint, this is Monkland Street's secret of Mexican food. My first time here I went with a daily special, Chicken with Mole sauce and it was so rich and tasty! My second time here I opted for enchilada verde complete with authentic Oaxacan cheese. Both times the table ordered the guacamole and quite frankly it's so delicious, and I love their homemade chips! Coming to Amaranto, I got to know and love Sidral Mundet Apple Soda, and they also have a retail store front where you can purchase a variety of different Mexican products. I have yet to try a dessert because we've been too full to have room for it, but hopefully on my net visit! read more

Wow. I came here on the off chance from the good Yelp review and had the best fish tacos I've ever had. Such a generous portion of fish in each taco with a lovely sauce and the usual trimmings of shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes and cilantro. With the addition of some lovely spicy marinated red onions. And the chips were sensational. read more

This place is as authentic as Mexican cuisine comes! I am literally sitting at the dinner table as I type! We've only just received the guacamole entree and it's so good that I had to rate this place instantly. The ambience, survey and food is top notch. I used to live in Mexico and it's the only place that has made me feel nostalgic. This place is 10/10! read more

Eaten here a few times. This is probably best authentic Mexican in the city. Great family resto with a casual vibe. Selection is always fresh and always leave satisfied. Only downside is there is no liquor license. So you get to enjoy some great homemade drinks that are fantastic. A true neighbourhood gem. read more

Both times I've had the pleasure of eating here, we have been the only guests, and it was amazing. The home made tortilla chips were decadent, and kept us occupied while they made us our food. The guacamole is some of the best I've ever had. Simply succulent. I didn't know guacamole can taste that good. Cozy family owned business, great for a casual lunch or dinner read more

Best mexican in town! Delicious food and run by a really sweet, gracious couple. You must go! They are not usually open for lunch but if you have a group and call ahead they might just open it for you! Amazing, huh? I love this place! read more

Went there with friends in the middle of the week and we thoroughly enjoyed the menu and the service. I would recommend this place to all.

A small family-style restaurant that you really want to like, but where the service can be excruciatingly slow, availability of your preferred dish is not assured and the food is just ok, nothing special. As this is our only nearby Mexican restaurant, we keep going back, hoping it has improved. But a few years of disappointments tell us that this isn't happening read more

We parked on one of the neighbouring side streets with free parking and originally had plans to eat somewhere else. But it was so cold out we didn't want to keep walking and ended up here. What a lucky accident! As other reviewers have mentioned, the menu is not very extensive. About 5 different taco entrees, 2 enchilada entrees, and a half dozen appetizers. Compared to Matraca (the only other mexican taco place we've tried in montreal) this place was much tastier, more authentic, and slightly cheaper. (Plus free homemade chips and salsa!) The main drawback compared to la Matraca is that it's not designed as a taco tapas resto -- meaning tacos are priced as entrees (3-4 per order) and not as single items for you to try a variety. But based on the authenticity and tastiness of what we ordered (pastor tacos and chicken mole), it's likely that your best bet is to just order whatever sounds yummiest to you and you can't go wrong. The grocery section is very limited -- about a dozen items for purchase (with about half of them being authentic mexican soda varieties), and service can be a bit slow with only a few staff members on site. But service is very friendly and attentive, and atmosphere is casual and nice. read more

Authentic taste. Just like our last trip to Mexico DF. The price is right. Service could be faster. Will definitely go back.

Very good mexican food. The avocado soup is delicious. You must try that restaurant. Look for it if you're in NDG

I love this place! The guacamole and homemade tortilla chips are addictive! We all had the daily special, cochinita pibli, which was delicious. Service was very attentive. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN MONTREAL i absolutely love this place, and take it for me, I grew up in Mexico so I know what REAL AUTHENTIC GOOD Mexican food is. The cooks are Mexican, so they know what they are doing, it's not cheap food like in 3 amigos or those fake restaurants. Their gringas, sopa de tortilla and ensalada de nopales are TO DIE FOR! oh and you have to try their agua de Jamaica. Super refreshing. again. MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. If you are Mexican/latino or simply anyone who is looking to get a taste from home, this is the place to go. read more

Amaranto is awesome. Montreal's options for Mexican food have improved somewhat in recent years, but this place really raised the bar when it opened up several years ago. It's not your typical generic Mexican resto, but everything I have had has been excellent. read more

Insanely good red and green salsa, very good guacamole and chips. The chicken taco is very likeable. The shredded beef taco is good but could use more spice. Good queso fundido. read more