Michelin-rated taqueria from Mexico graces Tucson with its flavorful dishes
El Califa de León, a renowned taqueria from Mexico City, is making waves in the United States. Known for its standout tacos and rich history, the eatery is set to expand across the pond, with whispers of a potential Manhattan location.
The taqueria, which has been a staple in Mexico City's San Rafael neighbourhood since 1968, was awarded a Michelin star in 2024 and retained it the following year. The accolade has been a significant honour for Chef Mario Hernández Alonso, who considers it a responsibility to honour and elevate Mexican cuisine.
In October 2024, El Califa de León collaborated with Tacombi for a one-night pop-up in a Manhattan location. The event drew a big crowd, serving El Califa's standbys: beef filet, steak, beef rib, and pork loin tacos. The thinly sliced meat and salsa on house-made tortillas were a hit, with the "gaonera" taco, a dish consisting of thin slices of beef filet cooked to order with just lime and salt, being a crowd favourite.
Following the success of the pop-up, the tacos were available at all Tacombi locations in New York and five other states for two weeks. This was not the end of El Califa's US adventures, as a 13-day pop-up in Tempe (home of Arizona State University) took place in June 2025, and a 12-day pop-up in Tucson, Arizona, ran from an undisclosed date to September 14, 2025.
Now, it seems that El Califa de León is ready to establish a permanent presence in the US. A permanent U.S. expansion is being explored, with reports suggesting a potential Manhattan location. The name of the potential new restaurant will be Auténtica de San Cosme, a tribute to the CDMX location.
GrinGO founder Brian Krupski, who collaborated with El Califa de León for the pop-up event, considers the taqueria a coveted eatery and best-kept local secret. Tacombi provided its Vista Hermosa brand tortillas for the pop-up, and the meat was supplied by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors.
While no specific location for the potential new restaurant has been announced yet, a website for Auténtica de San Cosme, Autenticatacos.com, is already live. As El Califa de León prepares to plant its roots in the US, Mexican food enthusiasts can look forward to authentic, Michelin-starred tacos in the heart of Manhattan.
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