El Califa Photos
EL CALIFA ATMOSPHERE
What's the vibe?
Recommended Reviews - El Califa
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos - El Califa
A Polanco Taco House with Style and Shortfalls At Taquería El Califa in Polanco, the monochromatic, modern-industrial design evokes an upscale mall food court, sleek but a touch impersonal. Service moved as expected, and the sparkling water, served in a perfectly chilled pint glass, was a thoughtful detail. The flaws, however, accumulated. Our table wobbled distractingly, chips for the guacamole were limited to a paltry four, and the guacamole itself lacked creaminess--a surprising misstep in Mexico City. The bistec taco, thin and slightly cold, still delivered flavor, while the prime rib tacos, paired with a bright, spicy green sauce, stood as the highlight. Yet paper napkins dispensed from a box diminished the otherwise polished sit-down setting. At $36 USD for two, the check aligned with Polanco's reputation but underscored what was missing: the vibrancy, generosity, and satisfaction of Mexico's street food staples. We left full but unconvinced. El Califa impresses in moments, but the experience doesn't warrant a return. #MexicoCityEats #TacoReview #PolancoDining Una Taquería de Polanco con Estilo y Carencias En Taquería El Califa, la arquitectura moderna e industrial, en tonos monocromáticos, recuerda más a un centro comercial elegante que a una taquería con alma. El servicio fue correcto y el agua mineral, servida en un vaso pequeño perfectamente frío, resultó un detalle cuidado. Los fallos, sin embargo, pesaron. La mesa cojeaba, los totopos para el guacamole fueron apenas cuatro y el guacamole carecía de cremosidad, algo difícil de perdonar en Ciudad de México. El taco de bistec, delgado y algo frío, fue sabroso, mientras que el de prime rib, acompañado de una salsa verde picante, brilló con intensidad. Aun así, las servilletas de papel dispensadas rompieron con la intención de sofisticación del espacio. La cuenta, $36 USD por dos personas, estuvo en línea con Polanco, pero resaltó lo que faltaba: la abundancia y energía de la comida callejera mexicana. Salimos satisfechos, pero sin ganas de volver. El Califa ofrece destellos, pero no logra justificar la repetición. #MexicoCityEats #TacoReview #PolancoDining
I was recommended the chicharrón de queso here, so that's all I ordered as I was planning to go taco hop afterwards. The server that took my order wasn't happy about it and was very rude from the beginning. The food came out quick and all the other staff that stopped at my table were pleasant and helpful. It was my main server that was so unprofessional and unfriendly. The chicharrón was tasty but way overpriced for what it was.
Fun spot for tacos and especially great for late night cravings (the restaurant opens until 4AM!). The dining area is spacious, and our group of 8 had no issues walking in and getting a table in the evening. My favorite was the classic al pastor taco - it's a small taco but bold and flavorful. Out of curiosity, I also tried the cactus leaves dish and thought they were rather bland, and they tasted sort of like flavorless bell peppers. Not bad, but not really interesting either. Their menu is huge, and I'd happily come back to try their other snacks and dishes!
Had the pastor tacos and they were absolutely average. Dry. Probably could have found better ones around the corner on the street. But a decent first meal in Mexico as I was trying to get my stomach acclimated. Servers were kind and attentive
We came here thinking it was a Michelin guide restaurant, but I think we may have mistaken this chain for Taqueria El Califa Leon. We got 2 types of tacos to try here, and they were pretty sad looking. I don't know if it was this specific location or if we just got a bad batch, but I didn't enjoy these tacos very much. They were also pretty expensive for what they were. In my opinion, you can get a way better taco for a better price elsewhere.
Always doesn't go wrong - my go-to place. They are simple food with fresh ingredients. Tacos chain. I always like their watercress salad (very simple) and mushroom dishes.
This place is absolutely for the gringas, but it was good. I came for a late lunch and had a chela preparada to start, which was decent. I ordered a taco al pastor and a Costra which I guess is like a cheese wrapped taco? I've never in my life seen that before but it was good, can't complain about melty cheese. I also got a side of the cebollas, which were soooo good. Probably some of the best I've had. Of the 4 salsas, I liked 2. One of them had a very distinct Smokey flavor that I don't think complemented the food well. Prices are high for Mexico City but it's also Roma Norte soooo...you should know to expect to pay a little extra for the location. Overall it was a good meal! Very cute place on the inside, they take cards, the bathrooms are spacious and clean.
It was very very good .. ambiance was great and service was fast and superior . It was all fresh and delicious
Quick and kind service, good food at a good price, the main items were good but not the most memorable, some unique desserts to try
the meat was so well grilled and smoky added with cheese is like the best thing to eat while drunk
We were on our way to a different restaurant (long line) so we went to El Califa. We had chicharrón de queso, queso fundido con champiñones, y unos tacos. Everything was great! Loved it so much we went to another location and it was also great.
4 months ago
Let's start with the only thing this place did well and the only reason i didn't flat out leave a 1star review. Me and my girlfriend sat in the back booth area. The restaurant seating does give mall food court vibes, but that's ok i wasn't looking for anything fancy. All the wait staff and servers were very friendly and attentive at all times. Food does not take long at all to come out. Overall the food was disappointing. The only taco that was decent and had some flavor was the chicken taco(pechuga). Quite literally everything else was flavorless. The sauces on the side were the saving grace for every item of food I ordered. The ribeye taco was soaked in grease, which made eating it messy. The chuleta taco had no flavor and i would even say tasted bad. I do not recommend it. The food is definitely overpriced, especially considering the area and the amount of taco vendors that sell better tacos. Now what made this experience terrible was my waiter. I ask for the check and the total was $1139. I told him i was paying cash and i put down $1150 cash. He then taps at the receipt saying there's a mandatory tip and service fee. So he added on $100 to the bill right there on the spot. I analyze the receipt he handed to me and none of this is reflected on the receipt. I refused to argue so i put down the extra $100 and asked for the change. Tipping isn't mandatory especially for a table of 2. So i feel the waiter just made this up. I cannot in good conscience recommend this place to anyone. STAY AWAY and save some money. Theres better tasting food at way better prices in the area. read more
This place was solid! I got the pollo pastor, steak and the bottom was also pollo with a cheese outside. This place is more of an expensive taco spot in Mexico City and more of a chain than anything. I wouldn't recommend as your first tacos in the city but was still good and satisfied my hunger. The salsas on the side were good and workers were nice. Very loud inside but decent seating. read more
11 months ago
A Polanco Taco House with Style and Shortfalls At Taquería El Califa in Polanco, the monochromatic, modern-industrial design evokes an upscale mall food court, sleek but a touch impersonal. Service moved as expected, and the sparkling water, served in a perfectly chilled pint glass, was a thoughtful detail. The flaws, however, accumulated. Our table wobbled distractingly, chips for the guacamole were limited to a paltry four, and the guacamole itself lacked creaminess--a surprising misstep in Mexico City. The bistec taco, thin and slightly cold, still delivered flavor, while the prime rib tacos, paired with a bright, spicy green sauce, stood as the highlight. Yet paper napkins dispensed from a box diminished the otherwise polished sit-down setting. At $36 USD for two, the check aligned with Polanco's reputation but underscored what was missing: the vibrancy, generosity, and satisfaction of Mexico's street food staples. We left full but unconvinced. El Califa impresses in moments, but the experience doesn't warrant a return. #MexicoCityEats #TacoReview #PolancoDining Una Taquería de Polanco con Estilo y Carencias En Taquería El Califa, la arquitectura moderna e industrial, en tonos monocromáticos, recuerda más a un centro comercial elegante que a una taquería con alma. El servicio fue correcto y el agua mineral, servida en un vaso pequeño perfectamente frío, resultó un detalle cuidado. Los fallos, sin embargo, pesaron. La mesa cojeaba, los totopos para el guacamole fueron apenas cuatro y el guacamole carecía de cremosidad, algo difícil de perdonar en Ciudad de México. El taco de bistec, delgado y algo frío, fue sabroso, mientras que el de prime rib, acompañado de una salsa verde picante, brilló con intensidad. Aun así, las servilletas de papel dispensadas rompieron con la intención de sofisticación del espacio. La cuenta, $36 USD por dos personas, estuvo en línea con Polanco, pero resaltó lo que faltaba: la abundancia y energía de la comida callejera mexicana. Salimos satisfechos, pero sin ganas de volver. El Califa ofrece destellos, pero no logra justificar la repetición. #MexicoCityEats #TacoReview #PolancoDining read more
8 months ago
I was recommended the chicharrón de queso here, so that's all I ordered as I was planning to go taco hop afterwards. The server that took my order wasn't happy about it and was very rude from the beginning. The food came out quick and all the other staff that stopped at my table were pleasant and helpful. It was my main server that was so unprofessional and unfriendly. The chicharrón was tasty but way overpriced for what it was. read more
Fun spot for tacos and especially great for late night cravings (the restaurant opens until 4AM!). The dining area is spacious, and our group of 8 had no issues walking in and getting a table in the evening. My favorite was the classic al pastor taco - it's a small taco but bold and flavorful. Out of curiosity, I also tried the cactus leaves dish and thought they were rather bland, and they tasted sort of like flavorless bell peppers. Not bad, but not really interesting either. Their menu is huge, and I'd happily come back to try their other snacks and dishes! read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
Had the pastor tacos and they were absolutely average. Dry. Probably could have found better ones around the corner on the street. But a decent first meal in Mexico as I was trying to get my stomach acclimated. Servers were kind and attentive read more
We came here thinking it was a Michelin guide restaurant, but I think we may have mistaken this chain for Taqueria El Califa Leon. We got 2 types of tacos to try here, and they were pretty sad looking. I don't know if it was this specific location or if we just got a bad batch, but I didn't enjoy these tacos very much. They were also pretty expensive for what they were. In my opinion, you can get a way better taco for a better price elsewhere. read more
This place is absolutely for the gringas, but it was good. I came for a late lunch and had a chela preparada to start, which was decent. I ordered a taco al pastor and a Costra which I guess is like a cheese wrapped taco? I've never in my life seen that before but it was good, can't complain about melty cheese. I also got a side of the cebollas, which were soooo good. Probably some of the best I've had. Of the 4 salsas, I liked 2. One of them had a very distinct Smokey flavor that I don't think complemented the food well. Prices are high for Mexico City but it's also Roma Norte soooo...you should know to expect to pay a little extra for the location. Overall it was a good meal! Very cute place on the inside, they take cards, the bathrooms are spacious and clean. read more
1 year ago
It was very very good .. ambiance was great and service was fast and superior . It was all fresh and delicious read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
Quick and kind service, good food at a good price, the main items were good but not the most memorable, some unique desserts to try read more
9 months ago
the meat was so well grilled and smoky added with cheese is like the best thing to eat while drunk read more
2 years ago
7 months ago
We were on our way to a different restaurant (long line) so we went to El Califa. We had chicharrón de queso, queso fundido con champiñones, y unos tacos. Everything was great! Loved it so much we went to another location and it was also great. read more
Bottom line: friendly staff, spicy sauces, FLAMEY TACOS. Couldn't go wrong for a late night bite Vibes: okay it was 4am, does that taint the review? Impossible to say. We walked into Rihanna, waiter immediately suggested the Pastor Tacos. Group of 6, we got 12. Sauces and guacamole: flavors were strong, stood on their own as far as flavor. As a spicy fan 5/10 spice, 9/10 flavor. It was an instant spicy, didn't linger to long. Pastor taco: came out HOT. Was a grilled cheese and pastor taco. First hit was a salty cheesy flavor burst. You later get into the pastor, and it's a light pork taste. Tortilla was fresh. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
More info about El Califa
Review Highlights - El Califa
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
1 review that is not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
5 years ago
