Taqueria Rico

The story

Taqueria Rico Antwerp: Handcrafted Mexican Street Food Near the Canal

The kitchen and its craft

Taqueria Rico in Antwerpen brings a focused approach to Mexican cuisine. Chef Catalina Ottone builds her operation around a single discipline. Fresh tortillas arrive at your table straight from the press, wrapped around locally sourced vegetables and carefully imported chilis, mushrooms, and tomatillos. This commitment to handcrafted plates landed the venue on the 2026 Le Fooding list.

Signature plates and sides

The Al Pastor remains the anchor of this Mexican menu, sliced from a rotating trompo and dressed in a house adobo marinade. Pineapple, cilantro, and raw onion cut through the smoked spice without overwhelming the meat. You can pair the main course with esquites, a warm corn salad tossed in lime, cotija, and chili flakes. Crispy papas aplastadas follow a different path, topped with a rich crème fraîche blend that ties the meal together.

The room and the rhythm

A corrugated aluminum counter anchors the dining area, reflecting the glow of overhead neon signs. Bar stools line the perimeter while guests watch tortillas transform into complete meals. The layout encourages a relaxed pace, matching the steady hum of the grill that keeps this Mexican kitchen moving. You will find the same energy spilling onto the sidewalk during warmer months, where outdoor seating extends the casual atmosphere right to the water.