Taquería El Califa Verified listing

Taquería El Califa de León is a renowned taco stand located at Av. Ribera de San Cosme 56 in Mexico City's San Rafael neighborhood. Founded in 1968 by Juan Hernández González, it has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its simplicity and dedication to quality. In 2024, it made history by becoming the first taco stand in Mexico to be awarded a Michelin star, a testament to its exceptional offerings and enduring legacy .

The menu at El Califa de León is intentionally minimalist, focusing on four types of tacos: Gaonera (filet mignon), bistec (beef steak), costilla (beef rib), and chuleta (pork chop). Each taco features thinly sliced meat grilled with salt and a squeeze of lime, served on handmade corn tortillas. Accompanying the tacos are two house-made salsas: a green salsa verde and a red salsa roja. Despite its modest setup, the quality of the food has garnered international acclaim .

Operating in a compact space with no seating, El Califa de León maintains a traditional taco stand atmosphere. The Michelin recognition has led to increased attention, including pop-up events in cities like New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Miami. Despite its growing fame, the stand remains a beloved fixture in Mexico City's vibrant culinary scene, offering a genuine taste of authentic Mexican street food .