Tacofino Gastown

Sitting inside the bustling Tacofino Taco Bar, it’s easy to understand why Gino di Domenico often breaks into a smile. As the managing partner Vancouver Tacofino Operations, he’s part of this burgeoning chain of Mexican-inspired restaurants that keep garnering great reviews and accolades for its dishes as well as its interior décor.

In 2013, its Commissary (Tacofino's first Vancouver brick and mortar location) was the only Canadian restaurant nominated for best restaurant interior design at the prestigious INSIDE Awards at the World Architecture Festival. Not bad for an eatery which started from a very humble beginning only a few short years earlier.

In 2009, Tacofino was the original food truck that started the craze in Tofino, which quickly spread across the Lower Mainland. “I think its success embodies our culture,” says Gino. “When Tacofino opened its truck in Tofino, the idea of pairing great food, all made with lots of love from scratch, with sunshine just caught on and its popularity quickly grew.”

Indeed, Tacofino has gathered a very loyal following everywhere it goes. It’s iconic logo depicting the Virgen de Guadalupe with her hands in prayer has already become somewhat legendary. “We even have a loyal client in Tofino who sent us a photo of our logo tattooed on her arm,” says Gino.