Tacubaya

The story

Tacubaya: A Berkeley Taqueria Honoring Mexico City Traditions | Michelin Recommended

Tacubaya

In Berkeley’s 4th Street shopping district, Tacubaya is a taqueria rooted in tradition. The name comes from the Mexico City neighborhood where architect Luis Barragan lived, and the restaurant shares his ethos: modern yet respectful of the past. The goal was to create a taqueria that honors the dishes found at street stands, in home kitchens, and at family-run taquerias across Mexico.

Chef Dona Savitsky opened Tacubaya in 2003, following her first restaurant, Doña Tomás, in Oakland. Her love for Mexican cooking deepened during her time as chef at Cafe Marimba, where she made repeated trips to Mexico to study. At Tacubaya, she recreates beloved classics: sopa de tortilla, tacos al pastor, and tamales con verduras. The menu is a careful balance of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with offerings like chilaquiles, huevos divorciados, and a Niman Ranch beef taco de asada. The restaurant’s counter-service style keeps things casual, while bar seats are available for walk-in guests.

The recognition from Michelin as a Recommended restaurant reflects the quality of the cooking and the clarity of the vision. The atmosphere is simple and welcoming, with Mexican details that echo the food’s origins. Tacubaya is a place where the flavors of Mexico are recreated with care, in a setting that feels both modern and familiar.