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4 stars 101 reviews

Ahora Mexican Cuisine

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307 Dalhousie St
Ottawa, ON  K1N 7E8

(613) 562-2081

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Reviews [1]
English
4 star rating
Carrie August 10, 2009
Will scratch that itch for Mexican Food!

The food is tasty and the hot sauce bar was fresh. If you're craving a great burrito this is the place to go.

Other Reviews from the web
English
4 star rating
August 10, 2015

Nothing fancy here but great food and fast service over the lunch period.
Definitely a go to spot if you want to get in and out.

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4 star rating
August 09, 2015

I've heard mixed reviews about this place so I really wanted to see for myself... I'm personally not a fan.. The food was bland and the rice was verrrryyyy salty!
The salsa bar is a nice addition, but I don't get why everyone is raving... There are 7 options.. 2 which are repeated.. The options are spicy tomatoes and onions, mild salsa, spicy green salsa, spicy red salsa and coriander stems.... more

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4 star rating
July 28, 2015

We popped in here for lunch and it was a little less busy than before. My tacos were fine but I think some more spices could have been used in the cooking process of the steak. My friends ordered enchiladas and they loved them. The salsa bar is still there but I think they could use slightly bigger containers there.

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4 star rating
July 17, 2015

Stopped in here for takeout on a Friday night and the place was packed. Basement restaurant. Tight quarters. Friendly staff. Good food. I went with the quesadilla de carne (crispy flour tortilla filled with steak, cheese and guacamole). The steak was well done, as expected, but tender nevertheless. The rice was also good but had a notable tomato base to it.

As for local competition, I prefer... more

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4 star rating
July 15, 2015

Average Mexican food, neat location but don't pay with your credit card. That is all I'm saying.

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4 star rating
July 15, 2015

Awesome food and awesome prices! I just wish they gave bigger cups for the salsa bar.

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4 star rating
June 15, 2015

Average Mexican food...
The salsa bar was awesome and the staff were friendly. I shared the nachos with my boyfriend and got half the grande burrito it was good but nothing special....
The sangria was also nice so definitely try it!

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4 star rating
June 05, 2015

Disappointed! Chaotic environment, so-so food, and the prices were high considering you pretty much have to serve yourself, fast-food style. I may have had high expectations.

My friend thought the rice tasted like soap.

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4 star rating
June 01, 2015

I don't go for Mexican all that often but this place had made me a fan. Love their burritos! When I first went in I was like "we're eating in a basement" but the atmosphere is great and vibrant. Love the salsa bar and from my experience the staff are very friendly.

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4 star rating
May 30, 2015

Ahora served Authentic Mexican food in a large portion. The most amazing thing in this restaurant is the salsa self-served bar with different levels of spicy. My friend and I walked there after visiting the Byward market. It decorated in bright color because its was basement place.

The staff was nice and served the food quickly. But she didn't inform us that side dish need extra fee!! She just... more

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4 star rating
May 17, 2015

Ahora has become a fun go-to place for me to take a friend in town. The food is great, it's cheery decor. The service is pretty good, but it gets crowded when there's a line.

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4 star rating
May 14, 2015

Located on Dalhousie Street within Ottawa's famous ByWard Market, the restaurant is in the basement. Though it is in the basement, the restaurant is decorated with bright colours, and it is well lit because of the natural sunlight coming in. The restaurant was half full when we arrived, and the waitress was busy cleaning tables where customers just left. Throughout our dinner, there was a... more

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4 star rating
May 04, 2015

Nom, nom, nom!!! Delicious, despite being in a basement. Greeted as soon a we walked in, fast service and thanked when we left. Great place!

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4 star rating
February 28, 2015

The little basement place is not wheelchair accessible. Bright paint is cheery and makes the place seem bigger. Food was tasty. Didn't even know about the salsa bar until I just read about it on Yelp!

I had a bad experience having a casual dinner with a friend here. Instead of the staff politely telling us they were preparing to close, they cranked the music so loud we were straining to... more

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4 star rating
February 26, 2015

It was ok.

Ordered a steak quesadilla with rice and a Pop to drink: almost 13$ without tip.
I expected a bigger portion but I got a thin quesadilla and the other half of the plate was rice.
Steak was okay, not much flavour just plain. It wasn't dry, but it wasn't super tender either. Needed more cheese too. Seasoning is lacking.
The rice: came out warm which I find annoying. Is prefer it... more

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4 star rating
February 20, 2015

Food was excellent and authentic. Excellent tacos that come with side dish es (one or two, dpending on the number of tacos you order). Free salsa bar letting you choose individual flavours.
The burrito was very good also. You can order guacamole on the side and that was absolutely amazing. Best guac I've ever had.
Then the churros with dulce de leche. Yumm!

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4 star rating
December 02, 2014

Absolutely authentic and delicious food. Started off with the anafres which is re dried beans with melted cheese served in a clay pot, combined with nacho chips and it was great. For an entree I had the crane asada. Everything about this dish was great. The steak was well seasoned and the rice and beans were perfect. The salsa bar adds an extra nice touch and you can choose your own heat level.... more

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4 star rating
November 23, 2014

¡Qué rico!

The food was really good and the price too. I tried the meat, veggie and chicken taco, as well as one quesadilla.

The only bad thing is that the music was so loud at the counter area that it was hard for me to order!

I have never been to Mexico so I really cannot say, but the food seemed much more accurate to my idea of mexican food than other places that are more into the tex-mex... more

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4 star rating
October 14, 2014

I had the chicken burrito and it was soso I don't know why this place has such high rating but hey it's ottawa everything here is over priced and under delivered. Don't get any guacamole they go pretty cheap on it. For the price you expect a lot more from a semi serve your self

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4 star rating
September 30, 2014

Great Mexican food! The restaurant is situated in a basement, but you'd never know it: bright colours everywhere and a nice skylight near the front.

The ambiance is nice with Latin music. They have Mexican sodas and you can also order all kinds of fruity drinks too. You're seated at your table and handed menus. When you've made your choices, you go to the cash counter, order your food and... more

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4 star rating
September 13, 2014

Honestly, I love this place more and more every time I visit. The food is delicious, friendly to most diet restrictions. The atmosphere and staff rock.

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4 star rating
August 27, 2014

Pretty solid meal. Found the food to be really delicious and I enjoyed how fresh the side salad was. The sauce/salsa bar was pretty great.

Not the most enjoyable ambiance. It was really crowded (on a Tuesday evening?!) when we went and we kept getting nudged by the staff trying to deliver food to the tables. Getting a glass of water was also a struggle.

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4 star rating
August 22, 2014

I give this a solid 3 stars. Tried the quesadillas chicken and the beef taco taco. Didn't love the beef in the taco as it was a bit flavourless. The chicken quesadillas were very very salty. Both needed the salsa from the salad bar to even out the flavour. The chips and guoc were okay. As far as Mexican food goes it's not the best I have had but also not the worst. I don't know if I would go... more

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4 star rating
Nice inexpensive lunch spot
July 29, 2014

The food was good, not great, but good. Relatively inexpensive so if you wanted a quick lunch it is a good place to go. The meat in my steak taco was overdone. My colleagues liked the burritos they ordered. There is no table service, you have to order and pay, and then they bring the food out to you. The... more

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4 star rating
Great food and atmosphere
July 28, 2014

This little tiny place is GREAT! Food is very authentic and prepared fresh. Kids love it here as well. Great value for money. Can get very busy and it is only tiny. Atmosphere is lovely. Service is great. Staff are very helpful. Best Mexican .

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4 star rating
July 20, 2014

FREE SALSA BAR!!!!

Need I say more? haha
The highlight of the evening was the margaritas and those heavenly steak burritos.
Will be back soon.

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4 star rating
July 14, 2014

Great food, great prices, great staff. Nothing to really complain about for this place. For the price your paying it's a great place to get Mexican food. It's a little cramped but again for what your paying it's fairly good.

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4 star rating
Subtle and authentic
July 07, 2014

Great place. I've been there a few times and it's never been a disappointment. I'll gladly go back any chance I can. If you're in the by-ward market you have to try this little gem.

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4 star rating
Delicious
July 06, 2014

The place is quite difficult to find as only it's entrance is visible from the street. You walk down some steps to where the diner is. We ordered 2 meals which were both around 13 dollars each, cheaper alternatives were on the menu though. The meals were large and tasted delicious. It was the best meal we had had in... more

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4 star rating
June 26, 2014

Delicious!
Unlimited fresh salsa bar, large portions, authentic food! Had a great vegetarian enchilada came which came with two sides (options are tortilla chips, salad or beans).

You order and pay first and then they bring you your food - which made it easy for our large group to "settle" our bill without a hitch. My only issue was that with a packed house the space was extremely snug.
... more

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4 star rating
Unexpected find on Dalhousie
June 23, 2014

We came across Ahora while wandering down Dalhousie at the recommendation of the local information bureau. This is not a fancy restaurant, but it is great Mexican food and extremely good value! The place was very clean and tidy, we got service with a smile (which appears to be unusual in Ottawa!) and really enjoyed our evening.

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4 star rating
the BEST mexican restaurant
June 20, 2014

really hard to spot, small sign and the restaurant is location downstairs, but completely worth it once you're inside, very classic mexican dishes and well-run small restaurant with delicious flavours and salsa bar. Highly recommend the nachos and go early at lunch to avoid line-ups.

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4 star rating
June 05, 2014

Ahora's has become my default "i'm too tired to cook and too hungry to wait" restaurant. It's quick, cheap, absolutely delicious and really quite healthy. You can't go wrong with the buritto grande, chicken quesidilla, or the enchilada's. Your main course comes with an option of sides: salad, rice, beans (sometimes,) or chips. Take advantage of the free salsa bar to pump up your already... more

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4 star rating
Mexican meals
May 27, 2014

Ambiance, music, decor... all charming. Service and prices, excellent. Food terrific, the salsa bar is a real bonus.

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4 star rating
May 11, 2014

Always excellent. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Ottawa.

If you're looking for authentic mexican food that isn't greasy, then Ahora is the place to go. There menu has quite a bit to choose from including some vegetarian / vegan options and the food is fresh.

It's also very cost effective (between $8 and $12 for a main course)

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4 star rating
Cantina in the basement
May 08, 2014

Head downstairs to Ahora for good food in a colourful Mexican restaurant. A couple of tacos makes a nice lunch and a burrito plate is a filling supper. Everyone can pick their salsa -- from mild to fuego -- at the salsa bar. The tacos are the soft corn kind. Service is always cheerful and attentive. You order at the... more

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4 star rating
May 06, 2014

Great food at a very reasonable price. It's not the Mexican I am used to being from the southern US but it's the best I've had in Canada. We will be going back!

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4 star rating
April 15, 2014

Definitely the best mexican cuisine in Ottawa! The prices are reasonable as well as the food protions. The staff is very attentive and friendly. It's always packed in there and it is small but well worth the wait.

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4 star rating
April 13, 2014

Headed here for lunch a few weeks ago and was not terribly impressed.

First of all, we arrived to an empty restaurant and opted for a table under the overhead skylight/window. We were immediately asked to move to a 2 top in the interior of the restaurant. This restaurant is a basement so less light/people watching... Seemed pretty arbitrary considering nobody else arrived the whole time we... more

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4 star rating
April 09, 2014

As someone who spent a year in Mexico this place brings back so many memories. People who say it's nothing special don't know that Mexican food tends to be bland to start. It's the salsa that makes the difference. And they have a great salsa bar at your disposal. So use it!

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4 star rating
April 07, 2014

guacamole is so good, that is all. The rest of the stuff is so so.

Service is always kinda slow/fast and just random, but they seem like nice people.

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4 star rating
March 26, 2014

Went again recently. Service was better - they got my order wrong but was indifferent about what I received anyways.

Got tacos with rice and they were alright - a bit bland. I ended up putting a lot of salsa on there which made it better.

It's a decent option in the market for Casual Mexican cuisine... If I had to choose something in the same ballpark, I'd rather go to Pancho Villa on... more

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4 star rating
March 23, 2014

We were in Ottawa on vacation and read about this place, we almost couldn't find it but DID!! So glad. It was such a good night! The guacamole was the best I've ever had and the staff (Claudia!) was amazing! We had pitchers of margaritas and the fresh salsa bar was great. There was a line up (we read there would be) but it was worth the wait!

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4 star rating
Great little Mexican Restaurant in the Heart of the Byward Market
March 18, 2014

Tucked away, downstairs on Dalhousie, this hidden gem is worth the hunt! Authentic and original, Mexican flavours at an affordable price. Head early to avoid the rush, limited tables. Large servings, all you can eat salsa bar...what more can I say!!

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4 star rating
Great spot
March 05, 2014

Came here for a late lunch on a cold winter's day. The atmosphere is so cheerful and brightly coloured that you warm up quickly. Food was good and freshly made. Service is a little strange as you get a menu then go up to order then they bring you the food. Lots of salsa options. Would definitely recommend stopping in.... more

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4 star rating
Yum
February 23, 2014

All the dishes are fresh and flavorful, I've never been disappointed. Huge portions. Great salsa selection!

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4 star rating
Disappointing
February 20, 2014

The atmosphere is very lively. It's underground but doesn't feel dingy. The food was decent, but didn't knock our socks off. The margaritas were awful. We ordered a pitcher and we're not convinced it had any tequila in it. We didn't even finish it because we felt like we were just drinking straight cheap sugary margarita mix. The ordering process... more

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4 star rating
February 16, 2014

A-OK for being as far away from Mexico as it is. The food was tasty, service was nice and had reasonable prices.

I didn't understand how to line up and order though. It was confusing because a server sat us, but they had people lining up in all different ways to order. I went up to the counter, and a party of five seemed to come from no where and order in front of me. I'd suggest making that a... more

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4 star rating
February 08, 2014

Great Churros, very delicious, I have then every time I am here. They sell the soft kind not the hard kind. I like the way it is designed as well, it has a nice Mexican flavour to it. The price range is decent and the food is always fresh. I have been here a couple of times and I have never been disappointed whenever I come here. Also the #1 & # 9 go by here.

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4 star rating
January 27, 2014

The best restaurant in all of Ottawa for sure!
Their salsa bar is incredible; all different types of salsa, and they have legit hot salsa, unlike everywhere else which gives this mild one out.
It's reasonably priced; good service, and absolutely delicious.
Go there.

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4 star rating
Good Mexican
January 23, 2014

It's certainly not the best plate of Mexican food I've ever had, but it's probably the best I've had since moving to Canada. The flavors are authentic and the food is pretty good. Value -- especially for this part of an already expensive city -- is fantastic.

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4 star rating
So good
January 15, 2014

I was with my collegues which one was from Nicaragua and i asked : is it like as good as when you where living in your village. She said that Ahora is the best maxicain ( not nicaraguaian) food she ever had in a restaurant. Very good ambiance but the restaurant is located downstairs. It is half a cafeteria and... more

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4 star rating
Comida deliciosa
January 07, 2014

Very good Mexican restaurant! It's easy to miss it as it is located in a basement. The decor is very colorful and has paintings of Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo. The service is fast, prices are good, portions are big and the food is great! They have a salsa bar for those who enjoy spicy sauces. The only downside... more

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4 star rating
Authentic mexican taste
January 03, 2014

Great Mexican restaurant that tastes like food in Mexico, which is rarely the case with Mexican restaurants. On top of this, they'll have your favorite Mexican beer. Don't get distracted by the lame setting. Sit down and enjoy the authentic Mexican taste, it's priceless. It might even remind you good memories of Mexico.

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4 star rating
yummy, funky Mexican in small basement location
January 03, 2014

Good value, friendly service and beer and wine available. Burrito meals are served with rice and salad, and well marinated meats and vegees, with a salsa bar on the side.

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4 star rating
December 20, 2013

The food is pretty good and big portion. You should try!

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4 star rating
Muy delicioso
December 18, 2013

It's easy to walk right by this place located in the basement on a building on Dalhousie Street. The restaurant has a fun, family eatery feel with absolutely delicious food. Portions are generous and their salsa "bar" offers an amazing range of salsas for all level of tolerance for heat. The staff is friendly and service is quick.

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4 star rating
A great little find
December 06, 2013

My husband and I try to stop here every visit to Ottawa. It's hard to find good Mexican food and this is one of our favs. We always look forward to our next visit.

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4 star rating
Wondefully Authentic Mexican
December 02, 2013

Very authentic Mexican food and plenty of it....meals are quite large and everything is homemade and delicious, served efficiently and with friendly staff. Decor is also warm and colourfully authentic. Located in a cozy cellar, with reasonable prices.
A truly wonderful experience!

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4 star rating
November 30, 2013

I think I'll get some angry messages/unfriendings from this review but whatever. I'm just going to come out and say it: I think I am the only person in the city who isn't crazy about Ahora. Not even close, in fact. I'd go as far as saying I don't really like it. :O woooah! I went there! Anyway. Like the other reviewers have all mentioned this place is cheap cheap cheap and I think its pretty... more

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4 star rating
November 23, 2013

Oh dearest Ottawa,

I rebut any favourable arguments, yet I still come back to you!
I am without a clue of what authentic mexican cuisine is. I still consider 'Burrito Day' at work to be IT.

The establishment is depictive although sapiently subtle in it's caricature of mexicana. Our dishes (black bean burrito and pollo ensalada) we're copiously portioned. The many proposed salsas we're most... more

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4 star rating
Arriba! Arriba
November 20, 2013

Visited for lunch during the week, had a craving for Mexican I was not dissappointed. Took a minute to understand how to order, first you go to the counter and then they bring your food to your seat once it is ready. The guacamole was great! The food delicious. I had the ENCHILADA MIXTA, so good! Try their sauces and... more

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4 star rating
My favourite restaurant
November 09, 2013

Every dish is better than the last. Having been to Mexico, Texas, and many other plays touting authentic Mexican cuisine, this is truly the best Mexican food I have ever had. Wonderful servers, fair prices, and excellent vegetarian options.

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4 star rating
Delicious
November 03, 2013

Me boyfriend and I wanted a nice Mexican dinner. Thanks to Tripadvisor we payed attention and found the entrance (watch out, its a small door and you have to go into the cellar). It was a bit confusing because apparently you have to wait to be seated, but there was no sigh. The waitresses where all a bit nervous, but... more

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4 star rating
A wonderful meal and experience
November 01, 2013

First time visit. Very friendly staff, helpful and quick. We had a group of four and tried a few of the dishes. We were all very impressed with the meals. Great taste and lots of food. Had to watch a bit to understand the "system". Seating is tight, and the decor is very colorful. You need to order at the... more

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4 star rating
Incredible, affordable Mexican food
October 29, 2013

Just got back from this place. It is hard to find, we walked right past it the first time around, but man, oh man, is it worth tracking down. The best black beans i've ever had. The chicken tasted like it was charcoal grilled; amazing. The chips, the salsa bar, just incredible. Maybe it is because I'm from Vancouver and... more

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4 star rating
Authentic Mexican cuisine
October 19, 2013

I was so impressed with Ahora. The food is extremely flavourful and fresh. You can tell the owners are Mexican :) i especially love the salsa bar they have which allows you to serve yourself to a number of delicious homemade salsas (watch out for the spicy ones!!) The tray want is definitely not the poshest place in town, but... more

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4 star rating
Great Food, Big Lineup
October 14, 2013

My first time there. We were lucky to arrive early before the lineup began on the stairs leading down to the restaurant. The food was really good, and the service was friendly & unobtrusive, except we lingered a long time at our table talking, and eventually someone asked if we wanted to order another drink or food. There was a... more

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4 star rating
Always a great meal
October 05, 2013

Small restaurant with friendly staff and very relaxed atmosphere. We have never had a bad meal here although the food is not haute cuisine - tasty, good sized portions and lots of options. The meals are flavourful (love the enchiladas) and the condiments offer a variety of heat. We go every time we are in Ottawa.

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4 star rating
Decent food, but can not handle a crowd
October 05, 2013

Went there based on huge numbers of good reviews in various places, and it was just fine. Not spectacular and we were left feeling a little underwhelmed. The ambiance does feel like a late night Mexican taqueria - crowded tables, lots of noise, ordering at the counter.
The food was mostly good. The steak enchiladas were good; the chicken tacos... more

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4 star rating
Excellent food, friendliest staff: genuine mexican warmth in the heart of Otown
October 04, 2013

The place is small, but damn it's good.
At affordable student prices, you get healthy and hearty food, always served with a smile, in a tiny colorful place.
They have a salsabar from mild to suicide hot ... a good choice of latin beverages.
The enchilladas and burritos are generous and the frijoles the best I've had in the Capital.... more

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4 star rating
September 30, 2013

Lots of choices of salsa fire your chips..appreciate the options

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4 star rating
September 25, 2013

With all of the great reviews, I was excited to try Ahora, but my experience was just what the two-star review says: Meh.

It's in the basement, so it should feel cozy and warm, but it felt a bit claustrophobic. Perhaps I hit it at a bad time because the restaurant was taken over by two groups of more than 6-8 students. Once you find a seat, a waitress brings over a menu and then you go up to... more

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4 star rating
Great and tasty food and fun to visit
September 07, 2013

Great place, great prices. The food is amazing and the flavors are unbeatable. Food is order at the counter, delivered to your table, there is a lot of sauces and condiments to tried self -serve. I tried the Ahora plate, michelada and alfajores and everything was fresh and tasty. For sure I'll repeat this place on my next trip to... more

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4 star rating
September 04, 2013

Ahora is a great spot. Loved my vegetarian burrito. Their black beans are delicious. Loved the hot sauces and salsa on the side. Easy on the pocket big on taste.

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4 star rating
Good food, quirky place
September 04, 2013

I liked this restaurant a lot, even though it's a little unconventional (or perhaps because it's unconventional). The unconventional part is, as others have noted, that you order at the counter, and a variety of sauces and condiments are self-serve. I hadn't notice the condiments until the person at the cash desk pointed them out to me when I placed... more

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4 star rating
Tasty food, good value, fun place to try
August 29, 2013

Very casual, upbeat atmosphere, in colourful surroundings, offering tasty Mexican fare at very reasonable prices. Food is ordered at the counter, then delivered to your table; self-service also for the salsas, cilantro and marinated peppers. Not a romantic spot by any stretch, but a nice place to enjoy great food in a relaxed way, halfway to a fast-food place. My... more

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4 star rating
August 27, 2013

The food here was ok at best, but again I was eating Mexican food in Canada. Probably not the best idea. Of course the reviews made it sound like it was the best Mexican food around, which it may be. The reality is that it is a long ways away from some of the other Mexican food places where I have eaten.

I did like the nachos.

I ordered the shrimp burrito, which was ok.

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4 star rating
Would not Recommend
August 26, 2013

We were looking for Mexican food and found this place by chance. Like many other restaurants claiming to serve authentic food this was a disappointment. The food was a bit tasteless and a bit expensive for what we got. They have a weird system that is bothersome: a server brings a menu to your table but you have to go... more

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4 star rating
August 25, 2013

Ahora is an awesome little place in Ottawa! It's a bit hidden if you ask me, but it's definitely worth a visit if you spot it.

We arrived at Ahora just as the dinner rush started pouring in. We were seated almost instantly, but a few minutes more and we would have been waiting quite a while for a table.

That night, I ordered a plate of nachos with chicken to share with a friend and I decided... more

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4 star rating
August 21, 2013

Ahora is the best value for money in the market. I don't know anywhere else you can get a meal for two and a half liter of wine and end up with a $32 bill. The food is, I would say, baja style mexican = fresh. Cozy, underground and always a good eat.

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4 star rating
Authentic Mexican fare
August 13, 2013

We had our second experience at this restaurant in a few weeks and it did not fail to satisfy and make us feel we were in Mexico.
The food is really quite authentic and tasty. Our only negative was the margarita on the rocks that did not taste like a margarita at all but the food was excellent and very... more

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4 star rating
August 07, 2013

Yummy! A friend of mine told me to come to Ahoras, and I've been recommending it as cheap eats ever since. This colourful little basement celebrates it's divergence from fine dining with a pared down menu, delicious tacos and drinks. It's fun to come sit in the corner and chat - you order at the cash so you're never rushed once you've sat down and you have a selection of delicious salsas at the... more

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4 star rating
Casual Mexican restaurant with a correct service & price
August 06, 2013

It was close to an average rating, but the atmosphere, the good value for money and the paintings of Frida Khalo made me rate it 4 stars.
It's not the most refined restaurant but there's a real Mexican feel to it. The Nachos were pretty good. The real deal. The Ahora Steak Burrito was good, but not excellent. The Chicken... more

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4 star rating
Surprisingly good food
August 03, 2013

I walked past this restaurant too many times to count before finally going in to eat. The restaurant doesn't look like much on the outside, or really on the inside for that matter, but the food was delicious! I really enjoyed the extra fresh pico de gallo and hot sauces available at the counter to add to your meal. I... more

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4 star rating
Best chicken burritto I have had
August 01, 2013

This is the first Ontario Mexican restaurant I have been to that I really enjoyed my meal. The food is simple, but fresh and well done.The chicken burritto was served with a nice fresh basic salad. My wife and daughter had the chicken Quesidilla, both really good. Pricing was very reasonable for the quality and quantity. It was very similar... more

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4 star rating
Good food, good prices, good atmosphere
July 13, 2013

I am a snob about Mexican food, and while Ahora wasn't as authentic as I normally like, it was very good for what it is. The atmosphere was awesome, and the staff were busy but extremely friendly. Also, you can't beat the prices. I would definitely eat here again the next time I'm in Ottawa.

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4 star rating
Fantastic Mexican restaurant
June 22, 2013

Ahora is a fantastic restaurant. I used to live in Texas and love good Mexican food. I find that its almost impossible to get decent Mexican food in Canada. Ahora is the exception to that.
Its a very casual place where you order and then they bring you your food. They also have takeout.
My only complaint is that I... more

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4 star rating
Authentic and affordable
June 17, 2013

We just ate here a few days ago and had a great meal! We were warmly greeted by a very friendly girl who spoke Spanish and who seated us and explained how to order at the till when we were ready and to help ourselves to the various salsas and toppings while we waited. We ordered guacamole & chips to... more

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4 star rating
Always Fun and Always Fresh Food
June 14, 2013

This is a great place. My husband and I really enjoy coming here. It is below ground in a brightly painted small space decorated with Mexican items. At night it is usually crowded but we have never waited long for a table. There are a lot of younger people here since the food is very economical and the atmosphere light... more

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4 star rating
Hidden gem near Byward Market
June 09, 2013

While it is a bit disconcerting to see Mexican food items en francais on the menu, the experience at Ahora is well worth the leap of faith required. This little basement restaurant offers very tasty, authentic Mexican dishes, a cool vibe and friendly service. The experience gets even better when you find out how inexpensive it all is.

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4 star rating
Great food, every time
June 09, 2013

My favorite Mexican restaurant! Every time we travel from Vancouver to Ottawa we love stopping by! Their quesadillas are excellent. Only downfall, it is too small, in a basement, no stroller or wheelchair access :-(

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4 star rating
Can't wait to go back
June 06, 2013

I went here after a few friends recommended that I give it a try. My boyfriend wasn't keen on the idea (it was for our anniversary and he seemed underwhelmed by the idea of tacos for diner.) It was colourful when we went inside. The ordering system is different where you have to order at the cash register - we... more

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4 star rating
Best Mexican food in Ottawa
May 30, 2013

On first blush, this basement restaurant on Dalhousie Street in the Byward Market looks unimpressive: chintzy decor, basic seating, and counter service (servers deliver the food to your table after you order and pay for it).
But Ahora offers the best Mexican food in the Ottawa area. My favourite dish is the Ahora Platter, which consists of a large, well-stuffed... more

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4 star rating
Tasty Mexican Nook
May 25, 2013

Splendid atmosphere, good portion size. The vegetarian burritos were full flavored and filling. The tables were pretty crammed but it added to the atmosphere. The staff were really friendly. You have to order at the front desk and not at your table which we weren't told right away we got the food really quickly once ordered.

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4 star rating
Not impressed with the quality of food
May 25, 2013

Chicken was burnt. Overall the food seemed dry. There are a lot of better places for good mexican food, I wouldn't visit this place again.

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4 star rating
Fabulous mexican food, small venue
May 22, 2013

Ahora is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Byward Market area. The tortillas are nice and fresh, the salsas fresh and available in many heat levels and the staff is friendly.
The only drawback to this venue might be the size which is cozy.

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4 star rating
Such a Hidden Gem
May 05, 2013

Ahora is hands down the best Mexican food you can buy in Ottawa. It's reasonably priced and the atmosphere is really cute. It's a little tricky to find though, as it's in the basement of a building on Dalhousie but there is still a sign on the street and you can see down through the windows.
Be careful when making... more

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4 star rating
May 12, 2007

We stopped in for supper on Thursday May 10th with a friend visiting from Oaxaca, Mexico. It had been two years since we last visited Ahora. We were very disappointed with our meals, two Plato Rancheros (chicken) and one Chicken Enchiladas. The meat was all dark and tough. The Plato Rancheros were especially bad, the meat tasted of too much vinegar or lime. The tomatoes on our plate had hard... more

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Business Description from the Web
English
August 19, 2013

Ahora Restaurant Mexicain offers these services: restaurant.

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February 25, 2013

Grab a bite at this friendly, charming Mexican restaurant and you are guaranteed to come back for more. None of the usual Americanized grub can be spotted at this ground-level eatery, which is decorated in bright hues to cheer the spirits. Hot, satisfying portions of burritos and tortillas arrive with a host of sauces that you can use liberally to dress up your meal. The service is prompt,... more

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