Britannia, to many, is Calgary’s forgotten neighbourhood. Nestled behind the largely popular Chinook Center and adjacent to the winding Elbow River, the quaint Plaza is home to many local gems – including a recently-opened second addition to Calgary’s favourite spot for authentic tacos and elevated Mexican street food, Native Tongues Taqueria.
Having opened their doors in 2015 a with flagship location in Victoria Park, a bustling downtown strip populated by several notable restaurants and scenic spots in the city, Native Tongues has quickly become a staple to Calgarians on the search for authentic tacos. They describe themselves as a local gathering point where people can partake in community, coming together to share a unique experience directly inspired by the traditions and culinary styles of Mexican street food.
Native Tongues has set out with a mission to introduce Calgarians to all the vibrancy and variability which are to be found in abundance in Mexican cuisine. To accompany this theme is the ambience, also exuding a sense of playfulness while paying homage to the colours and textures of Latin American design. Additionally, the Britannia restaurant evokes the feeling of walking into a friendly neighbourhood pub, with rustic accents, warm lighting, and ornately adorned walls complete with everything from hanging plants to cow skulls.
Wooden tables are connected by benches, once again placing an emphasis on community through design. Here, patrons are encouraged to embrace the notion of strangers turning into friends by being transported to the vivacious streets of Mexico. Both the interior design of Native Tongues’ dining room (which includes both locations) and the authentically derived menu of tacos and main courses work hand-in-hand to create a truly immersive experience.
With the summer in Calgary drawing to a close and the autumn season fast approaching, there is precious little time left to enjoy the evening outside on a warm and sunny patio. Thankfully, Native Tongues’ Britannia location boasts a large convertible patio, offering both an open space connected to the interior and protection from the elements. Plus, open views of Britannia Plaza and its unique collection of shops make this an idyllic spot to kick back and enjoy the remaining patio days ahead.
It is to be expected that a restaurant like Native Tongues Taqueria is known for having exceptional tacos – and this is certainly the case. It seems variability is a main throughline in Native Tongues’ menu; they offer 10 different styles of corn taco with fresh ingredients ranging from tender Pork Belly to perfectly-seasoned Oyster and Cremini Mushrooms. Plus, each taco comes with homemade salsas, cilantro, and lime.
The tacos are always strongly recommended by Calgarians with experience dining at Native Tongues, however, it is also encouraged that you venture into other areas of the menu whenever possible. Both the sharable and family-style sections contain must-try dishes, with each offering bursting with flavour, spice, and vibrancy. A wonderful example is the Tuna Contramar: a Mexican take on Ahi Tuna wherein the fish is deeply marinated before being placed on a crispy tortilla with Chipotle Mayo, Fried Leeks, and crunchy serrano peppers.
Offerings from the family-style section of Native Tongues’ menu include mouth-watering dishes all inspired directly by the culinary traditions of Mexican street food, boasting flavourful proteins and fresh ingredients. The Barbacoa De Cordero, a slow-cooked Lamb Shoulder simmering in spices with fresh avocado and Anaheim pepper, is another must-try for those not already stuffed with tacos and guacamole – so try to pace yourself, however difficult that may be.
With their two locations in Britannia and Victoria Park, and another soon to open in the University District, Native Tongues sets out to share authentic Mexican cuisine across Calgary. Regardless of whether it is “Taco Tuesday”, a date night, or an opportunity to celebrate being together with friends, there is never a bad time for one (or more) tacos at Native Tongues.
