SoCal transplants call it ‘the best ever.’ Mexican restaurant opens 3rd Nampa spot
If there’s one thing California transplants revel in doing, it’s sharing their judgment of authentic ethnic cuisine. Intentionally or not, online reviews sometimes come across like, “I’m from California, so I definitely know quality food. This Boise restaurant ain’t it!”
They might have a point — sometimes. When it comes to Mexican food, California has more restaurants than any other state — 22% of them, according to Pew Research.
So when you read flattering words about El Semáforo, a birria-slinging Nampa brand that recently opened a second brick-and-mortar, it’s hard to dismiss the Cali thumbs-up factor. In at least two recent reviews, the small El Semáforo chain gets the California stamp of approval. It’s enough to make you want to drive from Boise to Nampa for lunch at the new restaurant: Taqueria & Birrieria El Semáforo, 9805 W. Sand Hill Drive.
“Hands down the best Mexican food I have had in Idaho,” a Google reviewer wrote of El Semáforo, adding “I am from SoCal, so super picky. Everything fresh and delicious. My go-to going forward.”
“Best ... I’ve ever had, and as a San Diegan I don’t say that lightly!” chimed in another. “Tender, flavorful, and not too greasy.”
The original Tacos El Semáforo has been parked at 115 16th Ave. South in Nampa for nearly four years. Birreria El Semáforo restaurant — the source of the aforementioned online reviews — opened at 5830 E. Franklin Road in early 2025.
Taqueria & Birrieria El Semáforo, the newest brick-and-mortar spot, debuted May 5 in the Canyon Crossing strip mall. It took over a space formerly inhabited by Mexican restaurant Chicken Out.
“This new restaurant represents a very important step for us as a family,” co-owner Fernando Mora says. “We started in 2022 with just one taco truck, and now this is our third location. Our goal has always been to share authentic Mexican food and create a place where people can enjoy great food in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.”
The menu is about much more than street tacos. Using rich beef birria, El Semáforo dishes up pizza, tamales, melts, tortas, ramen and stew. (Dip a slice of that pizza into savory consomé broth. Do it.)
After being open about two weeks, things are “going very well” at the new restaurant, Mora said, adding that “we’re happy to see people coming in to try the food and get to know the new location.”
Mora came to Idaho from Mexico in 2013 before moving to California for several years. He returned to the Gem State in 2019, he says.
“Idaho has become home for me and my family, and it’s where we’ve continued growing El Semáforo.”
And in case you were wondering? Expanding into Meridian or Boise is a goal for the El Semáforo team, he said.
“We’re still growing and learning every day, but we’re excited for everything ahead for El Semáforo and thankful to everyone who has supported us from the beginning.”