Our travels are driven by a quest to immerse in new cultures and landscapes, yet it's the local cuisines that excite us the most.

Tacos might not be unfamiliar to most, but we LOVE tacos, and here we dedicate a page to those deliciously messy eats.

Having said that, the tacos in Mexico far surpass any preconceived notions, boasting superior flavour and affordability, especially for us Brits. However, a word of caution: if your palate seeks upscale dining or you want to ‘dress up’ for your meal, you might want to look elsewhere.

This is not a list of restaurants; it's a list of traditional taquerías. Here, we celebrate the quintessence of Mexican street food—unpretentious, swift, and authentically delightful tacos. Ready for a taste adventure? Let's dive in!

Birria Estilo Jalisco

Address: Colima 171, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: 1 - 9pm

Some of the best tacos can be found on a random street corner. This wasn't so random for us, as this food stand was on the street corner next to our favourite bakery, Panadería Rosetta. For that reason, many people might dismiss it and go straight for the baked goods, but I'd recommend coming to this street for these tacos because you won't find birria tacos everywhere. Get your birria tacos (res) and make sure to get your tacos with the birria consommé (broth). Expect a rich birria and tender meat with lots of locals grabbing their tacos at lunchtime or as they head home from work.

What are birria tacos?

Meat cooked slowly until it falls off the bone to create a meaty stew and served with the spiced (adobo) meat broth; the idea is to dip your meat-filled taco into the consommé, creating the juiciest taco around. The tortilla is lightly fried.

Taquería Orinoco

Open: 1.30pm - 3.30am

A must-visit spot located in the lively Zona Rosa district. We stumbled upon this joint during the final days of our six-week adventure in Mexico, and we couldn't believe what we'd been missing out on.

The humble exterior is reminiscent of a retro canteen with its red and white decor. Expect a queue, but it moves surprisingly fast and will be worth the wait. You order at the counter but are served at the table with a tray of a selection of sauces and salsas to complement your meal.

The menu is simple and straightforward: pick your meat, add your desired extras, select a drink, and you're good to go. Don't leave without trying the papas Orinoco (potatoes) – they're a delicious addition to any order.

@taqueriaorinoco

La Casa de Los Tacos Coyoacán

Open: 8am - 11pm

If you're heading over to Coyoacán (no doubt you will for those colourful façades and the Frida Kahlo Museum), then make sure to head to this rustic spot for lunch. Watch as they hand-press tortillas on the spot. We'd recommend their classic tacos as well as their tacos de birria de res.

@casadelostacos

Taqueria Los Huarachines

Address: Av. Cuauhtémoc 145, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: 3pm to late

A mere 13-minute stroll from Arena México, Taqueria Los Huarachines is your go-to for a quick taco fix pre or post-Lucha Libre. This laid-back spot serves mouth-watering al pastor tacos - a must-try traditional taco that perfectly balances marinated pork with sweet pineapple. While it's all about the food here, with no alcohol served, it remains a great choice for a tasty, uncomplicated meal.

Taqueria El Greco

Open: 2 - 10pm

An unassuming taco joint, serving traditional tacos in a simple yet charming setting where seating spills onto the tree-lined street.

@taqueriaelgreco

Tacos Hola El Güero

Opens at 9am

A small and traditional fonda specialising in taco guisados (tacos with stewed meats and vegetables) with a variety of 20 varieties (including chicken tinga), this is a local spot for a quick bite or two. Expect a few plastic chairs and tables out front. The tacos come double-wrapped and filled to the brim. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

The best tacos in Mexico City according to our Airbnb host.

@tacosholaelguero

Maizajo

Note: Closed on Mondays.

Once a dedicated tortilleria known for its fresh tortillas and corn-based products, it has recently evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, now accepting reservations.

If you're like us and keen to carry the authentic taste of corn tortillas back to your kitchen, Maizajo offers them vacuum-packed to ensure they stay fresh.

@maizajo

El Califa de León

*Update 18th May 2024

So, we havn’t been this this place but after making history as the first-ever taqueria to be awarded a Michelin Star we had to add El Califa de León to our list.

There is only space for around 6 people to sit around the stall and their signature item is the Gaonera which includes thinly sliced beef with salt and lime.