Best Taco al Pastor in Italy? Found it in Bergamo! | El Boss del Taco Review
The King of Tacos, Brotherhood, and Finding "Home" in Bergamo
Listen up, folks. I've been on a quest to find the perfect taco al pastor ever since I had my first one in Mexico. It was a life-changing experience, and I've been chasing that dragon ever since. For years, here in Italy, the search has been...fruitless. A gastronomic graveyard of pale pretenders.
But then, a beacon of hope! A whisper on the wind! A tip from a trusted source (OK, it was a random Instagram post, but still). It led me to Bergamo, to a little hole-in-the-wall joint called El Boss del Taco. And let me tell you, the search is over.
El Boss del Taco is the name of the place, and if you're ever in Bergamo, you need to check it out. But it's more than just a taqueria. It's the passion project of a man named Nicholas, a culinary evangelist spreading the gospel of real-deal Mexican food. This guy isn't just slinging tacos; he's narrating a land and its culture, one perfectly-spiced bite at a time.
Nicholas is clearly obsessed with authenticity. This isn't some Tex-Mex abomination, people. This is the real deal, a temple of true Mexican flavor. And above the trompo, that glorious spinning tower of meat, a banner proudly proclaims: "This is not a kebab." Damn right, it's not. But you know what's fascinating?
The al pastor taco actually has roots in the Middle East. Lebanese immigrants brought their shawarma traditions to Mexico in the early 20th century, and the Mexicans, bless their innovative souls, took that vertical spit-roasting technique and made it their own. They swapped lamb for pork, added achiote and pineapple, and boom... the taco al pastor was born. A beautiful culinary fusion, a testament to the magic that happens when cultures collide.
The taco al pastor at El Boss is made with spit-roasted pork that's marinated in achiote and other spices. It's then topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. The meat is so tender and flavorful, and the pineapple adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the pork.
But what really sets this taco apart is the tortilla. It's made with fresh, locally-sourced corn, and it's cooked to perfection. It's soft and chewy, and it holds up perfectly to the juicy filling. One bite and I was transported... not just to Mexico City, but to Miami.
See, every time I visit my brother in Miami, we have a ritual. Straight from the airport, bags still in hand, we head to The Taco Stand in the Design District. It's an authentic taqueria, a little slice of Mexico in the heart of Florida. That first bite of their al pastor, the familiar flavors... it's the taste of brotherhood, of tradition, of coming home.
And this taco, here in Bergamo? It evoked that same feeling. That's how good it is. It's more than just a taco; it's a culinary time machine, a portal to those joyful moments with my brother. Food has the power to connect us to people, places, and memories. And finding this little gem, this unexpected oasis of authenticity, well, it just filled me with a sense of joy. Pure, unadulterated, taco-fueled joy.
I'm telling you, folks, this taco is the real deal. It's the best taco al pastor I've ever had outside of Mexico. And it's definitely worth a trip to Bergamo to try it.
Here are a few other things you need to know about El Boss del Taco:
It's open for lunch and dinner, so you can get your fix any time of day.
The tacos are around €6-8 each, which is still a steal for the quality.
The place is small, so be prepared to wait for a table.
So what are you waiting for? Get your ass to Bergamo and try this taco! You won't regret it.
P.S. Drooling yet? Check out El Boss del Taco's full menu.
P.P.S. Alright, I get it. Some of you have an aversion to pork. Maybe it's a texture thing, maybe it's a moral thing, who am I to judge? But don't think you're off the hook. El Boss del Taco has you covered with some seriously good alternatives. We're talking camarones (shrimp) tacos, pollo (chicken) tacos, even cactus tacos for the adventurous. But if you want my personal recommendation? Go for the Tostada de Camarones with aguacate. Shrimp, avocado, that perfect crunch... it's a revelation. Trust me on this one.