Mexicali Rosa's

3.7 ( 1217 reviews )
Checking... 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
+1 613-234-8156

Mexicali Rosa's, located on the picturesque Dow's Lake in Ottawa, is a vibrant destination for Mexican cuisine lovers. Diners rave about the stunning views from the patio, making it a perfect spot for a delightful meal. The ambiance buzzes with energy, especially on weekends, as groups gather to savor the delicious fare. Patrons like Jürgen highlight the welcoming atmosphere, with a slight wait for service being outweighed by the flavorful dishes they enjoyed.

Many reviews underscore the quality of the food, with dishes such as chicken fajitas, burrito bowls, and beef quesadillas receiving high praise. Yelda and Sandra commend not only the mouthwatering flavors but also the refreshing beverages, including beers and smoothies. Friendly and attentive staff contribute to the overall positive experience, with servers like Leila and Ashley earning special mentions for their exceptional service.

Derek reminisces about visiting since the late ’80s, emphasizing the consistency in quality that has made Mexicali Rosa's a staple. The restaurant's budget-friendly prices, combined with its stunning lakeside views, create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Mexicali Rosa's is undoubtedly a must-visit spot for those craving authentic Mexican delights.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Beer
    • Cocktails
    • Coffee
    • Food
    • Happy-hour food
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Catering
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Toilet
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
  • Payments
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Parking

Reviews For Mexicali Rosa's

Jürgen Hatheier
Jun 22,2025
We came here as a group and really enjoyed the nice ambience on the lake. The food was really good and the place was buzzing. So, we had to wait a little for service but it wasn't bad. When we left there was a massive line queueing up to get in.
Yelda Kemiksiz
Jun 19,2025
The food was really good. It was so yummy and the beers and the smoothie were really good too. Also our server Leila was so kind to us so she deserved 5 stars.
Sandra
May 20,2025
This is one of those restaurants with best views! The Dow’s lake and the park looks beautiful from the patio. I tried chicken fajita, chicken burrito bowl and beef quesadilla. Everything tasted delicious! The tables were clean and sanitized. The staff were friendly and I didn’t have to wait for a table since I visited the restaurant on a weekday. Overall I liked the food and the view, it’s budget friendly too!
Derek Alex
May 19,2025
Started going here way back in the late 80's ! Still the best Mexican food in Canada. Had the.Taco Salad with Texas Red Chili. Fantastic. Dows Lake is a magic place to dine, it's absolutely amazing at night. This place is a must visit.
Amreen Shafiuddin
May 9,2025
Awesomeeee Mexican food !! the vibe of this place is killing !!! the music is great.. the view is stunning!! No complaints ! we were a group of 12 and luckily we got place in the patio on a saturday afternoon!! the nachos was amazing!! we ended up ordered 4 places of nachos other starters...!!! The pickle fry starter tasted great too!!! We were there about 2 hrs in this place and Ashley our server was great! She smiled and served us with all our request.. All the servers were on their toes all the time! Great people! highly recommend. Definitely coming here again when i visit ottawa!
Ayden Rajabali
Apr 23,2025
Outstanding Service from Michell! I don’t usually leave reviews, but Michell absolutely deserves the recognition. From the moment we sat down, the service was incredibly fast — it felt like our food arrived before we even finished ordering! On top of that, Michell was super friendly, welcoming, and genuinely kind. They checked in just the right amount and made us feel completely at ease. It’s rare to find someone who combines speed and warmth so effortlessly. Michell truly elevated our dining experience. Can’t wait to come back — thank you!
Kiah Robbins
Mar 17,2025
Delicious food. Great drinks. Beautiful location. Awesome views from practically every seat in the house. Didn't have to wait for a table, which is such a relief in the pandemic times.
Liam Zsigo
Mar 17,2025
Absolutely phenomenal experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality. The food was absolutely delicious—authentic, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The enchiladas were out of this world, and the homemade salsa had just the right amount of kick. But what truly made our night unforgettable was our amazing server, Michelle. She went above and beyond in every possible way—friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Michelle made us feel like we were the only table in the restaurant, even though it was busy. Her timing was perfect, her recommendations were spot on, and she had this wonderful, positive energy that made the whole dining experience even better. Honestly, if every restaurant had a Michelle, dining out would always be this enjoyable. We’ll definitely be coming back—and we’ll be asking for her by name!

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