Local taco fans can try the offerings of a Michelin-rated Mexico City taqueria at downtown Bethesda’s Tacombi starting next week through a limited-time partnership between the two eateries, Tacombi has announced in a press release.
Tacombi will offer four types of tacos from Taquería El Califa de León, a street taco shop in Mexico City, that has been in business for more than half a century, according to the Michelin Guide. The taqueria earned one Michelin star for its high-quality cooking in May.
The national taco eatery chain is launching the partnership Tuesday at its Bethesda location at 4749 Bethesda Ave., according to the press release. After the launch event, a selection of the four tacos will be available from Dec. 12 to 26.
“We are honored to partner with El Califa de León and share their tradition with our guests across Tacombi,” founder Dario Wolos said in the release.
The limited menu will include tacos with Bistec (beef steak), Costilla (beef rib), Gaonera (thin-sliced beef) or Chuleta (pork chop). The Michelin Guide described the Gaonera taco as “exceptional.”
“Thinly sliced beef filet is expertly cooked to order, seasoned with only salt and a squeeze of lime,” the guide said.
Wolos said he “dreamed up” the collaboration with El Califa de León owner Mario Hernandez Alonso during a trip to Mexico City, according to the release. This fall, Tacombi has been offering El Califa de León tacos at its locations in New York City, Miami and Chicago. The tacos also will be available at Tacombi’s Arlington, Virginia, location starting Wednesday.
Tacombi opened in Bethesda in 2022. The eatery serves a variety of Mexican dishes such as burritos, quesadillas, tostadas, corn esquites and tacos. Tacos such as the Baja crispy fish, al pastor and black bean and sweet potato are served on corn tortillas.
