Tacofino — Restaurant in Tofino

I had the pleasure of getting take out at the original Tacofino food truck in Tofino, and it was an absolute delight.:

Delicious Mexican Food: The food at Tacofino truly lives up to the reputation of authentic and mouthwatering Mexican cuisine. Each bite was a burst of flavor that left me craving for more.

Originality of the Tofino Location: What makes this experience even more special is the fact that this food truck in Tofino is the original Tacofino outpost. It's where the magic began, and you can feel the authenticity in every dish they serve.

Diverse Selection: We tried a variety of dishes to get a taste of everything Tacofino has to offer. The Fish Taco, Krispy Chicken Burrito, and Pork Kimchi Gringas were all memorable choices.

Crispy Perfection - Fish Taco: The Fish Taco was a standout. The fish was impeccably crispy, and the combination of pico de gallo, cabbage, and other toppings provided a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that was truly delightful.

Generous Portions - Krispy Chicken Burrito: The Krispy Chicken Burrito was not only massive but also incredibly delicious. It's so generously filled with rice, crispy chicken, guacamole, and more that it could easily satisfy two people when paired with another item.

Savory Surprise - Pork Kimchi Gringas: The Pork Kimchi Gringas was a pleasant surprise. Similar to a quesadilla but with a unique twist, it featured juicy pork topped with kimchi and fried on cheese. It's a must-try for those looking for something different.

Hot Sauce Heaven: Don't forget to enhance your meal with their hot sauce. It complements all their dishes perfectly and adds an extra layer of flavor for those who like a bit of heat.

Refreshing Mango Jarritos: To wash down all that deliciousness, we opted for Mango Jarritos, which paired wonderfully with the food. It's a refreshing and slightly sweet beverage that adds a tropical touch to your meal.

In conclusion, Tacofino's original food truck in Tofino is a culinary gem that delivers on its promise of fantastic Mexican food. From crispy fish to massive burritos and inventive gringas, they offer a diverse range of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Don't miss out on the hot sauce and a Mango Jarritos to complete the experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this food truck is a must-visit for an unforgettable Mexican...

Grab yourself a large bottle of water as things are salty at Tacofino. Perhaps it was just a heavy-handed chef making my order, but I found the soy marinade in the tuna-ta taco ($8.50) so prominent that it was all I could taste (my friend, on the other hand, found theirs fine). It could be that the tuna wasn’t seared long enough so that the soy didn’t have a chance to burn off and caramelize, the fish tasted like it was dunked in soy and quickly swished onto the flat top, so it was barely warm.

Along with the heap of pickled ginger and wakame (sweet seaweed salad), this taco is certainly bold in flavours. It’s a shame as the tuna taco would have been outstanding if the condiments weren’t so overpowering. Despite the decent portion of tuna stuffed into the taco, I could barely taste it.

The Baja-style fish taco ($7.50) was better. The batter was thick but helps to soak up the chipotle mayonnaise and keep the shredded cabbage and pico de gallo adhered to the tortilla. Again, it incorporated some good flavours, and the tempura ling cod was flaky and fried to perfection.

Both are sizeable tacos and would have been sufficient to leave me satisfied. Yet, after waiting so long, I was ravenous and added a pork and kimchi gringa ($8). What exactly is a gringa you ask? To me, they are like quesadillas, but according to Taro Sushi Brooklyn there are three differences between the two toasted tacos: gringas are traditionally eaten cold, filled with beans and cheese, thicker and flatter, and made using wheat flour tortillas. Gringas are also from Mexico while quesadillas originate from Spain.

At Tacofino, their pork and kimchi gringa includes a cheese and slow-cooked pork filling (not just beans) and it is hot (not cold) and toasted until there is a lovely golden crust… the ideal first bite after waiting outside in the cold for so long. Out of the three, this was my favourite. The filling so rich as the juices and grease from the pork and cheese mix together with the pickled kimchi to create a messy gooey bite that is a hit of flavours. Gringa or quesadilla? Who cares,...

Popularity: HIGH Price: HIGH Wait Time: LONG Overhyped? Absolutely.

We were in Tofino for a few days and, since my girlfriend loves tacos, Tacofino was an obvious stop on our list. We’d actually come by the day before for Chocolate Tofino and were surprised to see such a long lineup — the food truck is tucked away and not immediately visible, but the crowd gives it away.

From lining up to actually receiving our food, the wait was about 1.5 hours — far too long for a food truck. I’ve had food truck fare before and have waited in long lines, but this was by far the longest I’ve ever waited for any meal, let alone one served in takeout containers.

As for the food? Disappointingly average. We tried their popular fish tacos — basically fish and chips without the fries. The crispy chicken burrito was okay, but nothing special beyond the addition of Korean-style fried chicken. A small order of tater tots with salsa and cheese set us back $10, and the 350ml pink lemonade cost $8. For these prices, especially from a food truck, we were expecting something more inventive, locally inspired, or at least bold in flavor. I’m no chef, but the seasoning and creativity were definitely lacking.

Now, about the overall experience: Tacofino clearly knows it’s a tourist magnet. The long lineups are a given — but they’ve done almost nothing to make that wait more bearable. A few patio umbrellas or even a shaded area would go a long way. Watching people stand in the sun for over an hour, some visibly frustrated, wasn’t a great vibe. We overheard more than a few people complaining, and sadly, many didn’t seem too thrilled even after getting their food.

To be clear, this isn’t a review meant to tear down a local business — I’m all for supporting small and independent operations. But when a place charges premium prices and has a reputation like Tacofino’s, expectations are naturally higher. Hopefully the owners take this kind of feedback as an opportunity to improve both the food and...