The downside of Michelin restaurants is that they’re usually pretty expensive, since they’re considered the best in the world. Inexpensive Michelin restaurants are becoming more common, but are still very much in the minority. And that’s what makes the newest Michelin Guide to Mexico so exciting. It’s the first time Michelin has ever done a guide to Mexico, and it covers 18 restaurants. It was released on May 14, and two restaurants got two stars each, with the other 16 receiving one illustrious star.
Photo: Velas Resorts Mexico/
The full list is below, but one restaurant getting extra attention is Taquería El Califa de León, a tiny taco stand in Mexico City that’s been around for roughly 50 years. It’s the only taqueria to be included in the Michelin Guide to Mexico, and has no website or online presence. In fact, it barely has much of a menu: just a few simple beef tacos. But they’re cheap, delicious, and now, among the best in the entire country. The head chef told multiple sources, including the Associated Press, that the secret to its success is the simple menu, adding just a fresh tortilla and a few different sauces to the meat.
It’s cash only, and fairly affordable by US standards (though a bit pricey for a taqueria): a basic beef taco will set you back 53 pesos, or about $3. The authors of the Michelin Guide to Mexico clearly like cheap eats, as they didn’t hold back when singing the taqueria’s praises.
“…the Gaonera taco, is exceptional,” they wrote. “Thinly sliced beef filet is expertly cooked to order, seasoned with only salt and a squeeze of lime. At the same time, a second cook prepares the excellent corn tortillas alongside. The resulting combination is elemental and pure.”
In addition to the 18 restaurants below, another 42 received a Bib Gourmand designation, acknowledging a high quality of food and drink at a price range slightly more accessible to the average traveler.
