El Califa, Mexican restaurant in Condesa, Mexico City
El Califa is a Mexican restaurant in Mexico City with several locations across the city, known for its tacos. The interior is arranged on two levels, with black square tables and electronic music playing in the background.
El Califa was among the first places in Mexico City to serve traditional taqueria food in a proper sit-down setting. This approach helped shape the way many modern Mexican restaurants present their cooking today.
El Califa is known for tacos al pastor and gringas, flour tortilla tacos filled with meat and cheese, both rooted in everyday Mexican street food. Eating here, visitors can see how familiar dishes are served in a proper sit-down setting without losing their original character.
The place stays open into the early morning hours, making it a good option for a late dinner. Since there are several locations across the city, it is worth checking in advance which one is closest to where you are.
One of the notable items on the menu is the tatemada salsa, a sauce made from vegetables and chiles that are roasted directly over a flame until slightly charred on the outside. This roasting gives the salsa a smoky flavor that is clearly different from fresh or cooked salsas.
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