Over the past few years, Los Taquitos has gone from a little known hole in the wall, to someplace where I can barely get a table. When they first opened, I noted in my review for the Burnside Gorge Community News, that the food was so cheap that they're going to run themselves out of business. Well they quickly adopted higher pricing, followed by a more extravagant menu, longer hours and aggressive liquor sales. This is the restaurant business like it's supposed to be. The prices are still reasonable, the quality good and their approach to the business has been extremely responsive to their expanding clientele.

Located in deepest darkest Rock Bay, Los Taquitos follows a traditional Mexican decorative theme and is neat and tidy, with one of the nicest and sweetest smelling washrooms in town. With an relatively extensive bar list, the clear choice here is beer, with several Mexican brands to choose from. (If you're looking for a deal on the beer, go for the nachos and bucket (5) of beer special for $24.95).

As usual, I started with the guacamole and chips ($6.95). It always seems a little steep for guac and chips, but it's a huge serving of homemade and super tasty guacamole.

I usually order the same things at Los Taquitos...tacos...enchiladas, but tonight my dinner-date Katherine and I, decided to mix it up sharing the Chile Rellenos ($9.95) and the Tostada de Ceviche ($13.95). Katherine made the thoughtful observation that both of these dishes are usually found on the appetizer list, rather than among main courses - we wondered how that would manifest itself.

The Chili Rellenos arrived and I was a little disappointed to only receive one cheese stuffed pepper, served with rice, beans and tortilla. It was especially unfortunate because it was delicious and I really would have liked two. One of the nice things about the Los Taquitos menu is a variety of portion sizes for different appetites, but in the case of my peppers I really wanted more. The Tostadas de Ceviche on the other hand were huge. Three crispy corn tortillas topped with lettuce and lime-marinated snapper and a side of guacamole. While tasty, had we not been sharing our food, I would have found three of the tostadas a little overwhelming - this dish would indeed do better, scaled down, as a first course. Also, while the dish was fresh and limey tasting, I did find the seasoning a little light. Topped with the accompanying chili sauce, it came together, but I would have liked a little more salt and maybe some cilantro and onion.

As a general notation, none of the food at Los Taquitos is very hot and neither are their otherwise lovely chili sauces. This may come as a surprise to people used to fiery Mexican food - that's not how they do it here.

Our dessert, the Tres Leches Cake ($4.95), made the meal. A dense white cake soaked in sweetened milk, with a creamy icing. In combination with our after dinner coffees, the cake was amazing.

Los Taquitos is the most authentic Mexican restaurant in town. They've never been perfect, a large part of their charm, but the food is good and in Victoria, they're one of a kind.  

Value of Food: 72100

Quality of Food: 73/100

Service: 81/100

Ambiance: 82/100

average score: 76/100

  Reviewed: March 11. 2006