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Cuauhtémoc

El Califa de León is renowned for its authentic Mexican tacos, particularly the Gaonera, which has earned it a Michelin star. Customers praise the quality of the meat and tortillas, as well as the simplicity and flavor of the tacos. The establishment's modest size and cash-only policy are noted, with some mentioning the wait times during peak hours.

Discover El Califa de León: A Taco Lover's Haven in Mexico City 

Nestled in the heart of San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, El Califa de León is a must-visit destination for taco enthusiasts craving an authentic Mexican street food experience. Located at Av. Ribera de San Cosme 56, this iconic spot serves up some of the most tender and flavorful tacos that Mexico City has to offer. With a reputation for simplicity and excellence, the stand specializes in the legendary taco Gaonera — a perfectly flattened filet mignon served on a freshly made corn tortilla, seasoned simply with salt and lime to highlight the pure quality of the ingredients.

Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, El Califa de León offers a unique no-frills taco experience where patrons order at the counter and watch chefs expertly prepare tacos right before their eyes. Fresh tortillas are handmade continuously, ensuring every bite bursts with warmth and authenticity. The menu focuses on meat tacos, primarily beef cuts cooked to perfection, paired with vibrant green and red salsas that add a zesty kick without overpowering the natural flavors.

 is renowned for its consistently high-quality tacos, making it a beloved gem among locals and tourists alike. While it does not have seating or live music, its fast service, reasonable prices, and walking-distance free street parking enhance the overall enjoyment for guests looking to savor a quick, delicious meal.

Due to its popularity, there can be occasional wait times during peak hours, but many visitors report a streamlined ordering process that keeps things moving. Keep in mind this spot is cash-only, and there are no vegetarian options on the menu, as the focus remains on authentic meat tacos. The absence of seating means you might find yourself enjoying your tacos standing, soaking in the lively atmosphere of one of Mexico City's most vibrant neighborhoods.

 - Av. Ribera de San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico.

¿Cuál es el platillo más popular en El Califa de León?

 El taco Gaonera, que consiste en filete de res aplanado, servido en tortilla de maíz recién hecha, aderezado con sal y limón.

 El Califa de León abre de lunes a domingo, de 11:00 AM a 2:00 AM.

 Av. Ribera de San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, 06470 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México.

 Sí, aceptan tarjetas de crédito y débito.

 El menú se centra en tacos de carne, por lo que no hay opciones vegetarianas disponibles.

El Califa de León enjoys a broadly positive reputation among visitors who praise the freshness of the tortillas, the superior quality of the meats, and the authentic taco experience it offers. Its straightforward approach has earned it a dedicated fan base that appreciates the focus on flavor over frills. Some patrons do note that the prices are higher compared to other taco stands, and the absence of seating can be a drawback for those seeking a relaxed dining environment. Nevertheless, the quality and flavor make it a standout choice for taco lovers exploring Mexico City.

North America

Mexico

El Califa de León: un'esperienza culinaria autentica a Cuauhtémoc

Immagina di immergerti in un'atmosfera vibrante e accogliente, dove i profumi di spezie e ingredienti freschi ti avvolgono appena varchi la soglia. Situato nel cuore di Cuauhtémoc, in Messico, El Califa de León è molto più di un semplice ristorante: è un viaggio nel cuore della cucina messicana autentica, un luogo dove ogni piatto racconta una storia e ogni morso è un'esperienza sensoriale.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfeU1iTUtnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJDdgBq8_40YUReV5XNsJFMJE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfeU1iTUtnEAE

Saw this restaurant on a TV news show so it was on my to-do list. I was expecting a long wait time, but I guess I got lucky and I didn't have to wait at all. There are no tables or chairs.  You go and order your tacos, and the chef cooks your tacos while you wait. Another employee is making fresh tortillas. The chef calls your name and hands you the tacos. Green hot sauce is available.  The tacos are tender, hot, and delicious. It's a simple meal served hot and delicious and inexpensive.  Highly recommended

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfcEppSTl3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJDdgBq8_40YUReV5XNsJFMJE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfcEppSTl3RRAB

Unforgettable tacos await! If you’re as passionate about tacos as I am, this spot is an absolute must. No frills, no pretense—just the magic of freshly made corn tortillas sizzling alongside perfectly cooked meats. Every bite is crowned with vibrant, freshly crafted salsa, creating a symphony of flavors that’s nothing short of extraordinary. A true taco lover’s paradise!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfeXJKbhAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJDdgBq8_40YUReV5XNsJFMJE/reviews/ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfeXJKbhAB

These tacos were amazing. The quality and quantity of meat? So high. The salsas??? Amazing. The freshly made tortilla in front of your eyes? Simple and delicious. To everyone saying it’s just a piece of meat on a tortilla? That’s the point. They did not have to complicate things to make it taste amazing. This is great food. These are great salsas. The chef also is great. Love that it’s also in a mid area of the city - it just adds to the character of the place.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcHU2UHJ3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJDdgBq8_40YUReV5XNsJFMJE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcHU2UHJ3RRAB

The trip to this taco stand is well worth it. Each taco featuring a different cut of perfectly cooked beef. The service was fast and friendly. The price is right. Their Michelin star is well deserved.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmLVlySnVRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJDdgBq8_40YUReV5XNsJFMJE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmLVlySnVRRRAB

Interesting  tacos - purist meat & tortilla that's it!
One hour wait
NOT MICHELIN STAR
Would not come back
Disorganized line
Confused customers not sure where to line up or pick up their food
Had to eat standing up with people bumping into your butt
No chairs

Just being 100% honest

Keep in mind this is literally a slab of meat on a tortilla, there is no onions nothing else but two ingredients.

You have two salsa options green and red.

Michelin is a French tire company and I'm not sure they know what a good taco is. There needs to be a new rating system just for Mexican food and we need not rely on an elitist French brand like Michelin to tell us what good Mexican food is.

El Califa de León: Ristorante autentico nel cuore di Cuauhtémoc, Messico

El Califa de León, founded in 1968 by Juan Hernández González, is a renowned taquería in Mexico City's San Rafael neighborhood. It gained international acclaim in 2024 by becoming the first Mexican taco stand to receive a Michelin star.

Fondata nel 1968 da Juan Hernández González, El Califa de León si afferma come una delle più rinomate taquerías di Città del Messico, situata nel quartiere di San Rafael. Con il suo stile autentico e la qualità impareggiabile della sua cucina, questa storica taquería ha conquistato il cuore di locali e visitatori da tutto il mondo.

Nel 2024, El Califa de León ha raggiunto un traguardo storico, diventando il primo stand di tacos messicano ad ottenere una stella Michelin. Questo riconoscimento sottolinea l'eccellenza e l'autenticità della cucina messicana, portando questa tradizione culinaria a un livello ancora più prestigioso a livello internazionale.

1968: Fondazione di El Califa de León da Juan Hernández González, un punto di riferimento per gli amanti della cucina messicana autentica.

2024: Ottenimento della prima stella Michelin per uno stand di tacos messicano, un riconoscimento che eleva la sua fama a livello internazionale.

Authentic Mexican tacos made with high-quality ingredients and freshly made tortillas.

Taco Bistec

Taco Costilla

Taco Gaonera

Taco Chuleta

El Califa de León Menu

Benvenuti nel cuore della cucina messicana autentica a Cuauhtémoc, presso El Califa de León. Il nostro menù celebra la tradizione con piatti ricchi di sapore e preparati con ingredienti di alta qualità, in un ambiente autentico e accogliente.

Vivi l’esperienza autentica di El Califa de León a Ciudad de México! Gustosi tacos e atmosfera vivace nel cuore di Cuauhtémoc. Prenota ora la tua visita!☺️

El Califa de León: Authentic Mexican Dining in CDMX

Cuauhtémoc Municipality

El Califa de León

Tacos

A variety of soft drinks to complement your meal.

Refrescos

el califa de león: un autentico viaggio gastronomico in messico a cuauhtémoc

el califa de león ti porta in un autentico viaggio tra i sapori messicani nel cuore di cuauhtémoc. Questo ristorante si distingue per la sua offerta di autentici tacos realizzati con ingredienti di alta qualità e tortillas fresche, un'esperienza culinaria irrinunciabile per gli amanti della cucina tradizionale.

Located at Avenida Ribera de San Cosme 56 in the vibrant San Rafael neighborhood of Mexico City, El Califa de León is a celebrated taco stand known for its authentic Mexican tacos. This Michelin-starred establishment has garnered a loyal following for its high-quality ingredients and freshly made tortillas. With a simple yet efficient ordering system, guests can enjoy delicious tacos prepared right before their eyes.

A true taco lover's paradise, El Califa de León offers a unique dining experience that is both casual and satisfying. The establishment has become a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.

The restaurant's reputation is bolstered by positive customer reviews, highlighting the tenderness and flavor of the tacos, which are served hot and fresh.

With a cash-only policy and limited seating, El Califa de León offers a no-frills approach that emphasizes the quality of its food.

The establishment is open for lunch and dinner, making it a versatile option for any meal of the day.

Overall, El Califa de León is a culinary destination that showcases the best of Mexican street food, inviting guests to indulge in the simplicity and authenticity of its offerings.

• Authentic Mexican tacos
• High-quality ingredients
• Michelin-starred
• Freshly made tortillas
• Positive customer reviews

• Cash-only policy
• Limited seating
• Long wait times during peak hours

• Taco enthusiasts
• Quick lunches
• Casual dining experiences

• Bring cash, as the restaurant does not accept cards
• Expect a casual atmosphere with limited seating
• Arrive early to avoid long wait times during peak hours

El Califa de León stands out as a premier taco destination in Mexico City. With its focus on quality and authenticity, it offers a unique experience that is both satisfying and memorable. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the tacos here are a must-try, showcasing the best of traditional Mexican cuisine.

CDMX

Scopri i deliziosi tacos di El Califa de León a Cuauhtémoc, Mexico. Gusta l'esperienza autentica e la loro fama di ristorante stellato Michelin.

El Califa de León: Autentici Tacos Mexicani a Cuauhtémoc

Esplora Cuauhtémoc e assaggia i famosi tacos di El Califa de León, primo stand messicano con stella Michelin. Prenota ora per un'esperienza culinaria autentica.

Guida di Cuauhtémoc: Degusta i Tacos Stellati di El Califa de León

Orari di apertura di El Califa de León a Cuauhtémoc. Scopri quando è possibile visitare questo famoso ristorante messicano e goderti i loro tacos autentici.

VEGuerrero

Vegano Sugar Planty

Can Sin Cueva