Cantina Norte - Vancouver

Cantina is not your regular “Mexican food for non-Mexicans”. It is quite authentic and the dishes are unique and delicious. No heistation to recommend this restaurant unless what you are after is ubiquitous fish tacos and chicken quesadillas. Can't speak to the cocktails as we did not drink

I realize that restaurants aim to have what is known in the business as a “buzz” when you arrive. However, at 7:00 pm on a Friday in the main dining room the noise level was uncomfortable. People were shouting in an effort to be heard by the others at their table. The “thumping” non-Mexican style music in the background in concert with the constant martini shaker noise from the bar and shouting patrons added up to an experience I couldn't wait to exit. Our server was competent and friendly. The food was as expected ... reasonably priced.

Our food and drinks were amazing. The service unfortunately was not. Once we were seated, we had to wait quite a long time before our server came over. Once we ordered, the food came in a reasonable time, although my husband's meal was piping hot and mine was just warm. I ate it anyways still delicious but would have been better hot The server did come by once later to see if we wanted another drink but we were almost done by then. After waiting for another long time we waved down a busser and asked for a takeout container the portions were generous and packaged our leftovers before she finally came back and we were able to ask for the bill. Well worth going because of the excellent food and drink menu, just make sure you have lots of time to spare.

We really enjoyed our evening here. The service was great. The drinks were delicious . The food is amazing, but the portion sizes on a few items are off for what you get. We ordered an aguachile to share and we barely got a taste each the dish is very small and very expensive. The shrimp quesadilla was tasty and easy to share. The mussels are to die for. All in all we would definitely go back.

I was there on a Friday around 6:30 pm...It was a super loud place and I cannot even hear my friends sitting next to me. We had to keep shouting for an hour before getting the food and get the hell out. I'll try another day or time when it's less busy to really enjoy the food and atmosphere.