El Califa de León

Good street tacos, but not star-worthy. After hearing all the controversy, my friend and I decided to check it out ourselves after working through quite a few of the city’s famous taco spots. We arrived around 7pm on a Tuesday with about ten groups ahead of us. The line didn’t look bad, but it still took roughly 45 minutes to get our order. The setup was simple. One person on the grill, one woman pressing tortillas from fresh dough and tossing them onto the comal. It was very bare-bones, and hygiene didn’t seem like a priority, though at least there weren’t flies hovering around the stand. If you opt to sit inside the neighboring store instead of eating at the standing counters, there’s a mandatory tip (which felt a bit odd). We ordered one of each (Costilla, Bistec, Gaonera, and Chuleta). The larger cuts (Costilla and Chuleta) came sliced across two tortillas, so portions were more generous than we expected. Chuleta and Gaonera were both lean, and since everything is grilled in batches, they came out dry and slightly overcooked. On the other hand, Costilla came with a fat cap intact, which made it juicier and more satisfying even without much garnish. Salsas were limited to a green tomatillo and a roasted chili salsa at each table. We all have decent spice tolerance, but that tomatillo salsa was super sharp and punchy. The roasted chili had better balance. Still think the star felt more like a symbolic gesture from Michelin, but the tacos overall were solid. Not better than other famous taco spots I’ve tried, but the costilla tacos were one of the best versions I’ve had so far in the city.

So....we had to try El Califa de León being what I think was the first Michelin stared taco shop. I will say, it's a cool experience, and the tacos were fresh and tasty.... BUT, I really don't think you need to make a special trip there if you are not near by. It was easy to take the metro, but the area, is basically a "local" area, not much around for a tourist, so I wouldnt return. We got 2 of everything except the Nopal which we did not try. We didn't need to order 2 of everything as each order the meat was split between 2 tortillas. It was just meat in tortilla, then there was 2 bowls of salsa. The salsas were really good...particularly the green one. The meats looked very similar, so I don't know which was which. As for the price, it's still mexico so it was cheaper than anything in the US, but kinda expensive for mexico. Also, no place to sit for anyone. There are so many taco shops everywhere, that we felt were much better, and cheaper. I wouldnt return but am glad that we went....if you are looking for that michelin star taco experience there are like 30+ others I'd try next time. If you are looking for the "first", dint over hype yourself or you will be let down

We had great tacos here. They are simple, tasty, inexpensive. I think it’s great that Michelin is awarding places like this with stars, rather than only fine dining restaurants. The night we went there was no waiting time, and we were able to stand in the place and eat whilst watching the tacos being made.

Few very simple but tasty tacos in this Michelin star taqueria. We went around 4pm and there was no waiting time, we ordered and a few minutes later the.tacos were ready. The tacos come only with meat and then you have two different salsas on your table to add on top. The quality of the meat was great and considering they had some lean meat options like steak and fillet, it was cooked well without being dry.

Taquería El Califa de León is known for being the only taquería in Mexico City awarded a Michelin star, so expectations are understandably high. The quality of the meat is good and the tacos are well executed, but for me, the overall flavour didn’t quite live up to the hype. The tacos were enjoyable, yet not particularly memorable, and the salsas — which are often the star of a great taquería — were underwhelming. Given the price point, it feels more geared toward visitors looking to experience a Michelin-starred taquería rather than locals seeking exceptional flavour. It’s a solid taco experience, but personally, I wouldn’t go out of my way to return.

This place is a classic-simple tacos, 4 items on the menu. It tastes like eating tacos in el DF twenty years ago--in the best way possible. The meat quality is great, and each element of the tacos is just right--the salsas are fresh, flavorful, and spicy. The tortillas are made fresh right in front of you. We went for the gaonera and the bistec--and had to go back for a second round of both--just that good. Obviously not as cheap as it used to be, given all the hype, but the taste and quality are still there, and it's not out of line with the general inflation of taco prices. The service is friendly and efficient. There are tables in the small clothing shop next door. Cash only.

They truly deserve their Michelin star ,and now I know exactly why. These tacos are incredibly simple yet bursting with unforgettable flavor. The sauces are delicious, but honestly, you can enjoy the tacos with or without them: plain, with lime, with salsa… any way you choose, they’re amazing. The tortillas are freshly made right when you order, which takes everything to the next level. And honestly, the service also deserves a Michelin star haha, they are amazing, attentive, and make the whole experience even better. If you’re visiting Mexico City, make sure you take a moment to stop by this spot. It’s absolutely worth it.

Bob Dylan once sang, “We live in a political world Love don't have any place We're living in times Where men commit crimes And crime don't have any face” Was he thinking about El Califa de Leon? I don’t think so, but those lyrics might have been churning in my head as I stood in line on the afternoon of June 21, 2025, awaiting the wonderful bistek tacos. Unfortunately, since receiving a Michelin star, everyone has extra opinions about this taqueria that have nothing to do with the delicious tacos. I leave it to you, dear reader, to decide the merits of the case before us. I will say this: the line was long, the tacos were delicious, and there was seating at the next door clothing shop for a small donation. The condiments, the mole & salsa, were on point. The crowd, mostly Mexican, were all happy and in the moment. Mexico City has an amazing food. This taqueria is a great option and very representative of the riches that CDMX food has to offer. Go and seek tacos!