Casa de Leo Restaurant — Restaurant in Baja California

Overall I had an enjoyable experience with the menu and the food. My server, Francisco, was great. He was very attentive, answered all of my questions, and gave great recommendations on both food and wine.

There were many interesting options on the menu and it was tough to decide. I like when a menu leaves me conflicted on what to order. I went with the ribeye volcán, clam chowder, and short rib pappardelle. All very good. I did ask for a small portion of white sugar to offset some of the acidity of the ribeye ragu, but other than that the food and drinks were excellent.

Where I had issue was that I was seated on the terrace and they do allow smoking out there, however, they allowed two younger and rather sloppy guests who were seated inside to come out on the terrace just to smoke and sat them down close to me. It was chilly so only a few of the windows on the terrace were open and the smoke filled the area. I feel under those circumstances they should have been sent out front of the restaurant to smoke instead of letting them kick back with a cigarette in one hand and a vape in the other, and invade the space of the guests who were rightfully seated on the terrace. I feel as though if guests decide it's too cold to sit on the terrace to eat then it should also be too cold for them to use it as their personal smoking lounge. Luckily I had already finished my main meal, and although I was interested in getting dessert, I quickly lost my appetite and asked for the check.

I wouldn't let the smoking incident deter me from going back or tell others not to go there, but I would encourage the management to reconsider their policy on guests smoking on the terrace who are not seated on...

Wife was there and her party of 3 might not get a seat without a reservation. Hostess said they were no seats available but might have something available in 40 min. She said ok and would like to leave her phone number to call when a table is available. The hostess said no need for phone number just be back in 40 min. So they got back in 40 min and said that they gave away her table earlier. My wife was not happy and talked to the manager to complain why you would give our table away even though they would not take her phone number or mention she had to stay 40 min to be called. They manager apologized and offered free champagne which was nice and than said we can get her a table soon. So my wife party stayed but wasn't called for 30 min and asked why they haven't been seated yet. The manager said sorry there still a party of 10 and 2 party of 2 coming and the restaurant was full. That's when my wife was angry and said they should have said they were fully booked and couldn't accommodate but to make them wait almost hour and half was unacceptable. The manager than gave her business card and offered to book a reservation next time. Only reason they got one star for the free champagne. Would not recommend to try walk in as I feel they just want a crowd outside...

Italian Mexican fusion? Probably the best way to summarize the food. It was decent. If Cheesecake Factory was on one end. Then traditional Italian restaurants on the other. This place would be in the middle closer to the Italian side. The one thing that made me want to give it a lower score is the cheese. We ordered the Truffle Pizza which was made with mozzarella. It had a goat cheese taste. I personally don’t mind it, but some of my guests did.

Service was good but not amazing. They were attentive, but almost in the wrong way? They were very eager and punctual in cleaning off used plates and empty dishes, but some had a bit of food and they wanted to take it away. We told them a couple times to keep it. They should have transferred that to asking us if we needed refills or something.

Atmosphere was great. It can be compared with any fancier restaurants. Everything was quite posh. I would think it’s the fanciest restaurant I’ve been to in Tijuana.

All in all. I’d definitely come again. Might be a regular spot. The highlight was the Carajillo (espresso with Rum/liquor). We tried 2 types. The one in the picture is the more unique one. Coffee Vera Cruz infused with orange, cinnamon and star...