Mexico’s only Michelin-starred taqueria, El Califa de León, will be in Dallas for a two-week pop-up.
El Califa de León was founded in 1968 by Juan Hernández Gonzalez in Mexico City’s Colonia San Rafael. For the past 40 years, his son, Mario Hernández Alonso, has run the business.
In 2024, the taquería was recognized as the first and only taquería in the world to receive the prestigious Michelin Star honor.
On their first day off Hillcrest Avenue in Dallas, Califa de León had a long line that wrapped around the block as people waited for hours to taste the famous tacos.
“I was following the Michelin Guide from Mexico City when it was originally introduced,” Drew Stevenson said.
Stevenson said he has eaten at all 15 Michelin-starred restaurants in Texas and was not going to miss this opportunity.
“Food is my life, and I understand that if you want to get good food, you show up early,” Stevenson said.
Lu Silva, better known as Foodie Munster online, said he is a foodie and planned his week around the pop-up.
“We’re talking about unprecedented and history in the making right now for the culinary scene,” Silva said.
When asked about what makes the tacos from Califa de León stand out, Silva said, “Even the top chefs will tell you, keep it simple.”
Chef Mario Hernández Alonso opted to offer three of his four meat options for the Dallas pop-up.
Three options served on a fresh tortilla:
- Gaonera: Thinly sliced beef filet seasoned with only salt and a hint of lime
- Chuleta: Thinly sliced pork
- Costilla: Thinly sliced short rib
“I know and expect it to be excellent,” Silva said.
Operating hours are from 12 to 9 p.m., daily until October 28. They are located at 6501 Hillcrest Avenue #130, University Park – Dallas.
