In what can only be described as the light industrial wasteland of northwest Edmonton, a small restaurant in a non-descript strip mall is serving authentic southern fare.

Mexico Lindo is a tiny, family-run eatery serving fresh and tasty Mexican fare, the likes of which are not that common out there. It was recommended to me by a self-described Edmonton foodie and appears on Allan Taylor’s excellent Edmonton Food Places map.

This is a place that you go to for the food, so I’ll start there. Some reviewers have praised Mexico Lindo for its authentic cuisine. Thing is, I wouldn’t really know because when I’m in Mexico, I typically find myself on a cruise ship or a at a resort and not hanging out at the local establishments. But I know what I like when it comes to Mexican fare: good guacamole, REAL Margaritas, warm homemade nachos, and generally fresh ingredients with lots of hot sauce on the side.

The traditional Mexican menu seems to be the same ingredients assembled into different dishes: corn tortillas, beans, pulled chicken or other meat, fresh tomatoes, onions and lettuce. Oh yeah, and some sauce on top. So, how did Mexico Lindo size up? The guacamole was fresh and good – chunkier than I am used to and minimally seasoned to let the avocado taste shine through. I like that it was garnished with the cleaned pit of the avocado. The tortilla chips were warm and fresh. Nice way to start.

Complementing the guacamole were the Margaritas which were average. My expectations were high, so that was a bit disappointing. We had a fave Mexican haunt back in the T-dot and they had a proper bar and bartender, so their Margaritas were made with real lime juice and good tequila and served on the rocks – as they should be. Real lime juice is the key and Mexico Lindo’s Margaritas tasted distinctively like a sugary mix.

As for the rest of the meal, the pulled chicken tostadas were fresh and tasty. The enchiladas were enjoyable with green or mole sauce. And there were several other items that I was eager to try – but that will be for my subsequent visits.

Mexico Lindo offers diners a casual, clean environment with excellent fresh food that will trigger memories of southern climes and warm you from the inside out on a cold winter day.

A couple of tips: if you’re going for Friday lunch, plan to be there before noon to get one of 6 or 8 tables. Oh, and when you’re done, don’t wait at your table for the bill – just head up to the front counter to pay.

Mexico Lindo - Google Places page and blog/website.
16604-109 Av NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 1C2
(780) 444-7151