I’ve been living in Mexico since 2018, and have always known Mexican cuisine should be more revered than it was. Well, that day finally came!
In 2024, the Michelin Guide expanded its culinary compass to include Mexico, highlighting the country’s rich and diverse gastronomic landscape.
With such a vibrant food culture, it’s no wonder there were numerous Mexico City Michelin Star restaurants honored — including one taco shop 🌮
While there’s only one Michelin Star taco shop in Mexico City, there are several Mexico City taco shops in the Michelin Guide (which is different from actually earning a star).
Below, you’ll find 15 Michelin taco spots in Mexico City that promise an unforgettable culinary experience for all foodies — at a reasonable price tag, no less.
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1. El Califa de León — The Only Mexico City Taco Shop With a Michelin Star
Opened in 1968, El Califa de León is a modest taco stand located in the San Rafael neighborhood — which is outside of the main tourist areas.
In 2024, it made history by becoming the first Michelin Star taco stand in the world.
They’re renowned for their gaonera taco, made with thinly sliced beef filet cooked to perfection and served on handmade corn tortillas — but they also have several other types of beef tacos.
The simplicity of the high-quality meat paired with fresh tortillas and delicious spicy salsas makes for a pure dining experience where the ingredients shine.
While they’re the only CDMX taco shop with a Michelin Star on this list, you might have noticed they don’t have the best reviews online.
I have seen many reviews that say they’re overrated, and too simple to have earned their star. After all, you just get a tortilla and a piece of beef with your order.
In my opinion, these are definitly good tacos, but my Mexican husband and I didn’t find them to be super special.
They’re also on the pricey side, which is one of the reasons you don’t see a ton of locals eating here. (When we went, it was 85% tourists.)
With all that said, if El Califa de León is a far trek from your Mexico City hotel, I’d say you’re not missing too much if you skip it. (Your call, of course.)
After all, this is Mexico City, and you’re never far from amazing tacos — maybe even other amazing gaonera tacos (though this variety is admittedly rare).
- Address: Avenida Ribera de San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Gaonera taco
- Cost: About $3-6 USD per taco
2. Taquería Los Cocuyos — A Favorite of Anthony Bourdain
Nestled in the Historic Center of Mexico City (AKA downtown), Taquería Los Cocuyos is a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Known for rich, flavorful meat tacos, they embody the essence of traditional Mexican street food — but with tables inside so you don’t have to eat standing up!
The late Anthony Bourdain famously visited Los Cocuyos during an episode of “No Reservations,” where he praised the tacos de suadero (slow-cooked beef) and lengua (beef tongue) for their deep, satisfying flavors.
Bourdain’s visit helped cement Los Cocuyos as a must-visit taquería for food lovers in Mexico City.
- Address: Calle Bolívar 56, Centro Histórico, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Suadero taco, tongue taco (lengua), and beef cheek taco (cachete)
- Cost: About $2-3 USD per taco
3. El Vilsito — As Seen on Netflix Taco Chronicles
By day, El Vilsito operates as a mechanic shop — but by night, it transforms into one of the most bustling CDMX taco shops.
El Vilsito is known for their tacos al pastor, which are marinated pork tacos cooked over an open flame on a vertical spit.
You can order them plain or with cheese, and many people add pineapple, salsa, diced white onion and cilantro on top, though that’s all optional.
In case you didn’t know, tacos al pastor actually have an interesting history in Mexico.
They came to Mexico by way of a large influx of Lebanese immigrants who came to the country in the 1930s, and introduced the concept of shawarma-style cooking.
Over time, the dish evolved to use local flavors and spices like achiote, Mexican oregano, and dried chilis, and swapped the lamb for marinated pork.
Today, it has become one of Mexico’s most iconic tacos, and El Vilsito consistently ranks among the best tacos al pastor in Mexico City.
- Address: Avenida Universidad 264, Narvarte Poniente, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Al pastor tacos
- Cost: About $2-3 USD per taco
4. Taquería Los Parados — As Seen on Netflix Taco Chronicles
Taquería Los Parados has a massive menu, but is renowned for tacos al carbón — though I highly recommend you don’t skip their tacos al pastor.
This is a style of taco where meats are grilled over charcoal (called “carbón” in Spanish), imparting a deep, smoky flavor.
The menu includes a variety of fire-grilled options, but the standout is the arrachera taco (skirt steak) that’s cooked over an open flame until perfectly charred.
Al carbón cooking is popular because the charcoal enhances the natural flavors of the meat, creating a rich and slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Pair your tacos with a jugo de carne (rich, meat broth soup) and homemade salsas for a truly mouthwatering experience.
- Address: Several locations throughout the city (Map)
- Recommended Order: Arrachera tacos and volcanes, which are made with a grilled tortilla instead of a soft tortilla
- Cost: About $2-4 USD per taco, depending on what you order
5. Cariñito Tacos
Located in the popular Roma Norte neighborhood, Cariñito Tacos offers a contemporary twist on traditional Mexican tacos.
Their menu features innovative fillings and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, appealing to both taco purists and adventurous eaters.
This hip taquería showcases Mexican fusion cuisine, blending classic Mexican flavors with Asian flavors and modern techniques to create unique taco combinations.
In addition to their creative pork options, Cariñito is also known for amazing vegetarian tacos, making it a great place for plant-based diners to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexico City’s taco scene.
While I’m not vegetarian, their eggplant taco is one of my favorite vegetarian tacos in Mexico City. I’ve heard their cauliflower tacos are also really good.
- Address: Guanajuato 53, Roma Norte, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: If you eat pork, the Siu Yuk taco and Cantonese taco (both are pork belly). If you don’t eat meat, the eggplant taco (berenjena) and cauliflower taco (coliflor).
- Cost: About $3 USD per taco
6. Taquería El Jarocho
Open since 1947, El Jarocho has been a staple in the southern part of the Roma Sur neighborhood (near Roma Sur) for decades.
I discovered this place because one of the apartments I lived in was right across the street — and I noticed that it was ALWAYS packed with tables full of locals.
They have a pretty extensive menu with numerous types of foods, but El Jarocho is famous for tacos de guisados.
Literally meaning “stewed tacos,” these home cooking-style tacos come in a variety of fillings that range from chicken tinga to mole to vegetarian options.
Each taco is a hearty, flavorful experience, and with tacos de guisados in Mexico City, there’s something on the menu to please everyone’s tastes.
While there are many options to choose from, and the menu rotates, my favorites that I’ve tried are the tongue tacos (lengua a la veracruzana) and green mole tacos (mole verde con cerdo).
- Address: Tapachula 94, Roma Norte, México City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Whatever tacos guisados catch your eye that day
- Cost: About $4 USD per taco, but they’re big tacos
7. Tacos Hola El Güero — As Seen on Netflix Taco Chronicles
Situated on one of the best streets in the popular La Condesa neighborhood, Amsterdam Avenue, the tacos here are as good as the people-watching.
Similar to the last place on this list, Tacos Hola El Güero also specializes in traditional Mexican guisado tacos.
It has been open since 1968, and in a city full of tacos guisados spots, they have proven to have stood the test of time.
Like any guisados place, the offerings change daily, but there are staples you can find most days like picadillo (ground beef) and rajas con crema (roasted poblano peppers in a cream sauce).
When I go, I ask for recommendations of what’s the best they have that day and go with those — or just pick whatever I’m craving at the moment.
- Address: Avenida Amsterdam 135, Hipódromo, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Whatever tacos guisados catch your eye that day
- Cost: About $2-3 USD per taco
8. Tacos Charly
Located in the Tlalpan neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City, not too far from the Xochimilco boats, Tacos Charly is a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient.
The menu features a variety of tacos, with the suadero tacos (slow-cooked beef) always being a standout choice.
They also have other delicious options like longaniza (sausage) and tacos al pastor, as well as sesos (brain) and lengua (tongue) for the adventurous foodies.
No matter your choice, don’t skip their house-made salsas which add an extra layer of flavor to perfectly complement the tacos.
- Address: Calle de la Paz 57, Tlalpan, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Suadero tacos
- Cost: About $2-3 USD per taco
9. Ricos Tacos Toluca
Famous for their green chorizo tacos (chorizo verde), Ricos Tacos Toluca brings a unique regional specialty from the city of Toluca to the heart of Downtown Mexico City.
This is a no-frills spot that’s popular with locals for their cheap, and delicious tacos — but know you will likely have to stand and eat your chorizo tacos.
Chorizo is a type of pork sausage that originally came from Spain, and was introduced to Mexico during the colonial period.
Over time, Mexican chorizo evolved with local spices and ingredients, leading to regional variations like the famous green chorizo from Toluca.
The distinct seasoning of the chorizo, which gets its vibrant color from a mix of herbs and green chiles, offers a flavorful departure from traditional taco fillings.
- Address: Calle López 103, Colonia Centro, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Green Chorizo tacos
- Cost: About $2-3 USD per taco
10. Castacán
Castacán is a pork belly preparation that comes from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula in the southeastern part of the country.
A savory delight that’s rich and satisfying, the perfectly rendered fat and crispy skin make castacán tacos a must-try for pork enthusiasts.
In traditional Yucatecan cuisine, the castacán meat is slow-cooked until tender and then fried for a crispy exterior.
It is commonly used in tortas, tacos, and even breakfast dishes like huevos con castacán (eggs with pork belly).
The combination of crispy, fatty pork with fresh tortillas and a tangy habanero salsa captures the bold, rich flavors that define Yucatecan food.
- Address: Puebla 387, Roma Norte, México City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Castacán tacos, but also try their cochinita tacos, as cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pulled pork) is another Yucatan food staple
- Cost: About $2-3 USD per taco
11. Tacos El Paisa — Michelin Street Tacos
The only true street taco cart on this list of the best Mexico City Michelin taco shops, Taquería El Paisa is a must-try for amazing tacos the locals love.
This lively taqueria on a street corner in the San Rafael neighborhood may feel intimidating when you approach because it’s usually super busy, but know the line moves fast.
Their most popular dish is suadero tacos (slow-cooked beef), though they have other tacos as well like tripa (tripe), longaniza (sausage), campechano (a mixture of meats), and tacos al pastor.
Known as one of the most popular late night foods in the city, and a staple after a long night of drinking, suadero is a must-try at some point on your trip.
Whatever you choose to order, know the tacos are small. It’s best to order 3-5 per person, though I often see people with plates of 6+ tacos.
After ordering, you eat wherever you can — sitting on the sidewalk, leaning against a building, or on the trunk of a parked car (but be mindful with that one).
- Address: Joaquin Garcia Icazbalceta 36, San Rafael, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Suadero tacos are the most popular, but I personally love their tacos al pastor just as much
- Cost: About $0.50-1 USD per taco
12. Barbacoa Gonzalitos
This hip taco shop in Roma Norte is famous for their beef barbacoa tacos and other northeastern Mexico-style tacos, like machaca and deshebrada.
Barbacoa, which means barbecue, is served throughout the country — though this is one of those regional Mexican foods, so what it’s made with will vary.
In central Mexico, barbacoa is typically made with sheep (borrego), other places use goat (chivo), and in the north, beef (carne de res) is the most common.
No matter the protein, traditional barbacoa is always slow-cooked in an underground pit, resulting in fall-off-the-bone meat to make tender and flavorful tacos.
The rich flavors of the meat are further enhanced by handmade tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a selection of salsas made in-house.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, expect long lines, but the wait is worth it because this style of barbacoa isn’t very common in Mexico City.
- Address: Colima 71, Roma Norte, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Barbacoa tacos
- Cost: About $2-3 USD per taco
13. Los Consentidos del Barrio
Famous for tacos al carbon, this taquería offers a wide variety of meat tacos, as well as some veggie tacos, all cooked perfectly on a charcoal grill.
Their can’t-miss menu item is the arrachera (skirt steak), but if you don’t eat meat, opt for their delicious rajas taco (poblano peppers).
Besides arrachera, they have a selection of other meat tacos that include costilla (ribs) and chuleta de cerdo (pork chop), as well as tacos al pastor.
The name, Los Consentidos del Barrio, translates to “The Spoiled Ones of the Neighborhood,” and their tacos certainly live up to that in terms of flavor.
- Address: Manzanas 27B, Tlacoquemecatl del Valle, Benito Juárez, México City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Arrachera taco
- Cost: About $1.50-3.50 USD per taco
14. Tacos Los Alexis
Led by Mexican Chef Alexis Ayala (hence the name), this taquería is located across the street from his restaurant, Pargot, which is also on the Michelin list.
Tacos Los Alexis has a small menu of Mexican specialties, including traditional tacos (with a vegetarian option), volcanes (tostada made with a grilled corn tortilla), and costras (melted, rolled, crispy cheese).
It is located in a small taco shop with bar seating and an open kitchen, so the vibe is casual, though the food is a bit more on the gourmet side.
You can also do a mezcal pairing with your tacos to sample artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca and other parts of the country.
- Address: Calle de Chiapas 46, Roma Norte, Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Carne casada taco and/or costra, and even as non-vegetarian, I loved their vegetarian taco with huitlacoche (corn smut)
- Cost: About $4-6 USD per taco
15. Pujol’s Taco Omakase — A Two Michelin Star Recipient
While it has long been known as one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, that became official in 2024 when Pujol received TWO Michelin Stars.
You can see the whole list of Mexico Michelin Star restaurants here, but Pujol and Quintonil were the only Mexico restaurants to receive two stars that year.
Headed by one of the most famous Mexican chefs working today, Enrique Olvera, Pujol has the 7-course Chef’s Tasting, and the 10-course Taco Omakase.
Inspired by traditional Japanese omakases, the tacos change daily, though they always showcase gourmet ingredients and elevated techniques.
The experience is limited to just 12 people who sit communally at the Barra de Tacos (Taco Bar) — and if you want to be one of them, book months in advance.
- Address: Tennyson 133, Polanco, IV Sección (Section 4), Mexico City (Map)
- Recommended Order: Tasting menu taco omakase
- Cost: The Pujol Taco Omakase, a fine dining take on tacos, costs about $175 USD per person
Best Mexico City Tacos FAQ
How many Michelin Star taco shops are in Mexico?
One — El Califa de León in Mexico City is the only taco shop in Mexico with a Michelin Star (and the only one in the world).
However, there are numerous other taco shops in Mexico City that have earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction for quality food at a great value.
These are considered “Michelin recommended,” though they have not actually earned a prestigious Michelin Star.
What is the most popular taco in Mexico City?
It depends on who you ask, but most people will say it’s taco al pastor and tacos de suadero.
However, other types like tacos guisados, barbacoa tacos and tacos de canasta (basket tacos), are contenders for the title as well.
Where did Anthony Bourdain eat in Mexico City?
While in CDMX, Anthony Bourdain visited several places inducing Taquería Los Cocuyos, Maximo Bistro, Fonda Margarita and Migas La Guera in Tepito Market.
What is the most authentic Mexican taco?
It depends where you are in Mexico — but in Mexico City, it’s al pastor tacos and suadero tacos.
However, in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s cochinita pibil tacos, in the Baja Peninsula, it’s baja style fried fish tacos, and in northern Mexico, it’s cabrito tacos…
I’ll stop there, but I think you get the idea.
What is the oldest taco shop in Mexico City?
Located in the southern CDMX neighborhood of Tlalpan, the title goes to La Jalisciense which opened 1875.
It’s not far from the popular Coyoacan neighborhood and Tacos Charly, one of the Mexico City Michelin Star taco shops featured on this list (it was #8).
My Final Thoughts on the Best Mexico City Michelin Star Taco Shops
We’ve reached the end of this article — and now the only question is, Which one(s) will you try first?!
Side note: As I’ve tried nearly every place on this list, my Top 5 favorites are Los Parados, El Paisa, El Jarocho, Los Cocuyos, and Tacos Los Alexis.
While we covered all the Mexico City Michelin Star Taco Shops here, I did want to highlight these five other famous taco spots in Mexico City for you.
🌮 Los Güeros de Boturini: Located on the most famous street for tacos in CDMX, Calle Lorenzo Boturini, Los Güeros has been famous for their al pastor tacos since opening in 1972.
🌮 Taquería El Turix: Considered the best tacos in Polanco, a posh neighborhood near Chapultepec Park, try the cochinita pibil tacos (slow-cooked pulled pork).
🌮 El Pescadito: Don’t miss their Baja-style fresh fish and shrimp tacos, which you can pile high with a variety of toppings and salsas.
🌮 Taqueria El Greco: This small Condesa taco shop is known for tacos arabes (Arabian tacos).
These are similar to tacos al pastor, but marinated in different spices, and traditionally eaten with pan arabe (similar to pita bread).
🌮 Taquería Orinoco: Considered a must-try taco spot for many visitors, Orinoco serves Norteño style tacos from northern Mexico.
They make just three types of meat tacos — tacos al pastor (pork), res (beef) and chicharrón (fried pork skin; my personal favorite) — which come with six salsas to choose from.
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