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El Califa

4.2 (251 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Closed 1:00 pm - 4:00 am (Next day)

El Califa Photos

EL CALIFA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for groups
Good for kids

Recommended Reviews - El Califa

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Onions and tacos
Sam J.

First meal in Mexico City and I can say it was a success. After a long travel day El Califa was recommended by our concierge as somewhere local good and accessible when we needed it. As a party of 6 we were glad to be able to get immediately seated specially when the restaurant was as crowded as it was. It was busy it was lively it was a place where you felt like you should be. We had meat eaters and we had vegans in our group. They have a full vegan menu page which was refreshing. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the salsas they put on the tables with the chips weren't flavorful and good.

Caili C.

I came to El Califa for a quick solo lunch and ordered a costra with arrachera (skirt steak), taco with costilla (rib) and taco with ribeye. I was most excited for the costra which is a layer of crispy cheese wrapped around a filling like a tortilla. I loved the arrachera which was my favorite meat of the 3. The costilla and ribeye tacos were a let down though as both cuts were very thin thing and a bit overcooked and dry. The meat itself didn't have much flavor either and I ended up wanting more meat and flavor. It's pricer than most other casual taco spots and although the restaurant environment is nicer, honestly there are way better spots to eat in Mexico City I wouldn't come here again.

Great guacamole
Lou E.

Wow, one of our favorite places to eat while in Mexico City. Decided for an early dinner around 5PM and the place had a few diners. It seated a lot of people. As we sat the dining area became busier and busier. A good sign. They of course offered us an English menu and we requested on in Spanish so that can learn. It was hard to decide what to order, it was our last night so we knew that we were going to over order. We first orders guacamole. Then added a Pollo Pastor Taco, a pork El Pastor, a Bistec/Queso Taco, and a Chicharron de Quesso. The guacamole arrived first and it was the best we had all week...and we had it at least twice per day! Then the rest of the food just started arriving and we dug in. Everything was outstanding. The Bistec/Queso taco was something I had never tried and trust me I will get it again and again. It was delicious. This restaurant seemed to be a "Happy" place. It was humming with excitement. Service was excellent and prices were reasonable. Highly recommend.

Ribeye taco and bistecmcon queso, guacamole
Francina L.

Love el califa for the simplicity of their tacos. They have very tender simple flavored, not over condimented meat that is extremely tender. Even their tortillas are super tender and don't break and I think that's what some ppl don't see. These aren't the typical over sauced tacos but the point is to enjoy the quality of the meat. They provide you with three sauces that aren't spicy but only flavorful. I love the queso tacos that is also served in a thin layer. They have amazing service and their waiters are very attentive!

Christina N.

Honestly, I don't get the hype. Food is expensive even by California standards. Meats were dry. Taco overall was meh. Also not a fan of the cheese w taco. Overall just a very mid experience and it felt like a tourist trap. There's way better tacos in cdmx for much less!

Nadine A.

The food was great! Very tasteful and authentic. A must try! I simply wished there were menus in English, it would've made ordering easier and quicker

Francisco H.

Excellent place! Todo súper riquísimo. I really liked doing tacos differently - lettuce instead of tortilla, pita bread instead of tortilla. And the pollo al pastor was really good! My favorite was their tamarindo salsa. Delicious. Service was okay, a little slow I thought but just because it was SO PACKED so I understand. The vibes were great, good music and lots of lively people. La sopa de frijoles con esas tostadas, wow!

Nick P.

Good food, good service and open till 4:00 AM. Gotta love it. Oh and they have a Michelin Star

Costras with sirloin.  Most amazingly wonderful thing I have ever eaten.
J W.

Best taco ever! Simply outstanding. Went back several times. Nice on the inside. Wait staff was great. Menu in English. The costras tacos (a taco with the meat in the middle surrounded by a wrap of cheese that is caramelized on the griddle - pure magic). Got several other things but kept coming back to the costras. The sirloin one in particular was my favorite. Fantastic!

More tacos
Joyce L.

This is a taqueria chain in CDMX, and it was great! A nice sit-down taco spot. Clean, modern feel. Service was superb, our food was brought out quick. Pretty content with the experience, quick and easy. And the tacos were good!

Will W.

This is a great and affordable taco place. The beer selection is large. The tacos are fresh made and extremely tasty!

Trompo al pastor
Arturo F.

Delicious tacos al pastor and quick service, but a bit overpriced compared to other similar places nearby. Very cool location near the Angel de La Independencia. Good spot for people watching.

Pollo con queso

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4 months ago

First stop in CDMX and the taco were really good big menu try for your self you won't be dissappointed

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11 months ago

Fantastic food and beer! Atmosphere was awesome! Service was quick and the tacos were the best we've had! $65 for 4 people!!

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El Califa Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - El Califa

the guacamole was one of my favorites in cdmx -- chunky and fresh and perfect with the tostadas or on any taco.

Mentioned in 21 reviews

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El Califa - mexican - Updated May 2026

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