Caesar's Restaurante Bar — Restaurant in Baja California

Food is average 6 out of 10 Service subpar 4 out of 10

Hosted friends for dinner Saturday night and they wanted to try Caesar's original restaurant. Somewhat crowded at 7:30pm and told the wait was over 30 minutes. But I quickly noticed people slipping the doorman tips and they got seated within minutes. So I do the same and less than three minutes we had a table! Whatever, it's Mexico.

Of course we tried the Caesar salad. The menu has two offerings: one made in the kitchen the other with an up charge for preparation table side. I requested four Caesar salads and pointed to the lower price on the menu because I did not see the point of having it made tableside. Regardless of my request, the waiter came out and made it at the table and we were charged an extra $1.50 per salad....So be it. I just wanted my guests to be happy. Salad was overdressed however. They also used raw eggs, which in Mexico makes me nervous because there, eggs are not pasteurized nor refrigerated.

We also ordered escargot and spicy octopus to share. Both done well. Knowing from experience escargot come preprocessed in a can and are stuffed into sanitized shells with herb laden butter. I was pleased with the flavors of the butter. The baby pulpo or octopus was delicious as well. Our main courses were 2 prime rib dinners (both way too salty to eat) and 2 pasta dishes.

After our hot appetizers were cleared the ladies excused themselves to use the restroom. They asked the waiter where it was and left the table. Before they even got to the restroom our entrees were delivered. I told the server that the ladies would not return for another 5 minutes or so and to please keep the food from getting cold. He disappeared and never came back. That made me mad. Typical gringo disrespect.

Our food was not served very warm to begin with and by the time the ladies returned the food was barely warm at all. Not to put a damper on the evening nothing was said about the food or service. Not once did our waiter return to check on us. No one ate more than half of their meals either. Poor service and unprofessional.

But the kicker came when I asked for the check. I paid the bill in pesos with just enough to cover the amount and was planning to leave a cash tip. But since there was no check holder to put the tip in, I thought I'd make the waiter wait on me while I excused myself to use the restroom. It is I’ll-mannered to let your invited guests see how much the check is and the tip.

While I was away the waiter had the nerve to tell my Mexican friends in Spanish that I was expected to leave a minimum 10% tip for service. My friends said he made them think I was a cheap gringo and that I was not going to tip him!

So when I returned and heard this, I was really put off. How unprofessional and embarrassing. When the waiter was passing by I grabbed his arm and in perfect Spanish told him how rude and unprofessional he was. To embarrass me in front of my Mexican friends like that because I am a gringo has no place in a fine dining establishment and he should be demoted or terminated.

My friends said the 2 floor managers were listening as were a couple of tables nearby. Good for them! I hope that the owners read this and take the appropriate actions necessary. Tourists are the heart of their business. The color of our skin or our nationality should not matter. Treat all people with respect, especially when in the...

Located on Avenida Revolución in the heart of Tijuana, Caesar’s Restaurant is a landmark of culinary history and sophistication. As the birthplace of the Caesar salad, the restaurant effortlessly combines its storied past with an elegant dining experience, making it a must-visit destination in northern Mexico.

Ambiance and Atmosphere From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to another era. The checkered floors, warm wood paneling, and vintage-inspired decor create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The open layout, complete with white tablecloths and meticulously folded napkins, enhances the upscale ambiance. Historic photographs of Caesar Cardini, the restaurant’s founder and creator of the Caesar salad, are prominently displayed, adding a sense of pride and connection to its heritage.

Service The service at Caesar’s is impeccable. The polished, attentive staff ensure every moment feels special. The tableside preparation of the Caesar salad is both a performance and a testament to tradition. Watching the server skillfully craft the dressing from scratch in a large wooden bowl adds a sense of authenticity and personal connection to this iconic dish’s history.

The Food Caesar Salad: The undeniable star of the menu more than lives up to its legendary reputation. Crisp Romaine lettuce, golden croutons, and the expertly crafted dressing combine in perfect harmony. The tangy, creamy dressing strikes a balance between boldness and refinement, proving why this dish became world-famous. The portion is generous and perfect for sharing.

Entrées: The ribeye steak was flawlessly prepared to order, generously coated in a savory, rich sauce. Paired with tender, seasoned potatoes and fresh vegetables, it was a hearty and satisfying main course that showcased the kitchen’s attention to quality and flavor.

Overall Experience Caesar’s Restaurant is much more than a fine dining establishment—it’s a living piece of culinary history. Whether you’re a food lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an exceptional meal in Tijuana, Caesar’s delivers on every level. From its elegant setting to its world-class service and outstanding food, this iconic restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in tradition yet elevated to...

Caesar's Restaurante Bar Av. Revolución 8190, Zona Centro, 22000 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico

It took 5 yrs and Cataract Surgery to get me here, finally , but I am here to try the original Caesar Salad

Wow, just wow!

I had the most incredible meal of my life here!

Caesar Salad Delight Let me start with the Caesar salad. The dressing is absolutely phenomenal—it's finger-licking good and so addictive! I would happily fly to Tijuana just to enjoy this salad again.

Ribeye Steak Perfection Next up was the ribeye steak, cooked to perfection and seasoned like a true culinary artist. While the meat itself was good, the chef's seasoning and that delightful gravy took it to another level. The steak was incredibly tender, and I absolutely loved it!

Beef Wellington Adventure I finally tried Beef Wellington, something I had always wanted to experience but hesitated due to the $80.00 price. Here, it was only $20 USD! Although I have type 2 diabetes and skipped the pastry, the steak was tender and seasoned beautifully, with a gravy that was simply to die for.

The chef truly excels at making gravy and seasoning steaks exceptionally well.

A New Favorite This was my first visit, and I am completely smitten! I loved the food so much that I can't wait to return with all my nine girlfriends.

I felt like I was dining at a five-star restaurant while only paying fast-food prices. What an amazing experience!

Caesar's Restaurante Bar, located in Tijuana, Mexico, is famously known as the birthplace of the Caesar salad, which was invented by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini on July 4, 1924. The story goes that during a busy holiday weekend, Cardini faced a shortage of ingredients due to an influx of American tourists escaping Prohibition. In a moment of culinary creativity, he combined whole Romaine lettuce leaves with garlic-flavored oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, raw eggs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a dish that would become iconic. Originally served as a finger food, the salad quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple in restaurants worldwide, with Caesar's Restaurante Bar still preparing it tableside today, honoring its rich history and Cardini's...