It is refreshing to find Mexican food in Montreal that does not involve a loud decor complete with velvet sombreros hanging from the rafters or God forbid the kind you get in a shopping center food court.
El Sombrero is just that kind of Mom and Pop place I’ve been looking for. Tucked away on Bélanger street, near the Jean-Talon Market, the place is so small that you would miss it if you were not paying close enough attention. I’ve been there a couple of times and the quality so far has been consistent.
It is no fuss Mexican food and the fact that most of the clientele spoke Spanish in the establishment speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of the grub. As soon as you sit down you are served complimentary nachos with some salsa. The salsa was good although I thought it could use a little more heat, but it is just my preference.
We started off with an appetizer of Queso Fundido with Chirozo, which as pictured above is basically a fondue with some sausage in it. It came with some warm tortillas to pick up the gooey cheese with. My only complaint was there were not enough tortillas to mop up all that cheese.
As mains my husband ordered a taco dish, which I honestly forget what they called it, but I believe it was Tacos Mulato. The tacos were soft and meat well seasoned. I, on the other hand, went with the enchiladas pollo verde. It was 4 chicken enchiladas smothered in salsa verde, crema (a Mexican sour cream that reminds me more of crème fraîche), queso fresco and coriander. The enchiladas were delicious, the chicken moist and salsa verde tangy without being overwhelmingly so. The coriander added a fresh bite. The rice and refried beans that came with it were a little on the bland side though.
For drinks, I highly recommend giving their horchata a try. It is a sweetened rice milk infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Their version is not as gritty as their Salvadoran counterparts I’ve had. In fact I am told that Mexican horchata and Salvadoran horchata are not the same thing, but that is something I will explore at another time.
They had a sign out advertising a Mexican breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. I am definitely going to give that a try soon.
Our meal came out to a little under $38, which consisted of an appetizer, two mains and two glasses of horchata. Not too shabby for lunch. Well worth the detour for lunch after a morning at the market. Don’t forget to grab a business card before you leave, it serves as a coupon for $2.50 off for your next visit. I rate this place a 3.5 out of 5.
El Sombrero Restaurant
Address: 500A Bélanger (corner St-Vallier)
Telephone: 514-272-0888
Hours: Every day noon–9 p.m.
Payment: Cash only
they got rid of the interac machine?
@djou- yes they did. They actually had these little cards at each table talking about banks and to say no to plastic money. We were not happy about having to run to the bank machine, but it wasn’t too far so it was ok.
hi judyfoodie, I am happy to have found your website… it’s nice to read about the adventures of another Montreal foodie! I have been to El Sombrero once, and it was good, but I was a bit underwhelmed. Likely because I had a cold and my tastebuds were dulled. I will try it again, especially since it’s so close.