LEON Authentic Mexican — Restaurant in Rizal

Summary: one of the best Mexican restaurants, not just in Antipolo, not just in the greater Manila area, but in all of the Philippines.

Qualifier: I am a Western foreigner reviewing this restaurant from that point of view. Filipinos might have different tastes and expectations.

I am part American, part Spanish, and part Colombian. I've lived and traveled in the US (California and Texas specifically) and Mexico. This restaurant has some of the best and most authentic Mexican food I've had the pleasure to try in the Philippines. It's not completely authentic to Mexico, but it would easily hold up to competition in California or Texas (in other words, it's a blend of authentic Mexican and American-Mexican).

Details:

Quesadillas and tacos are maybe the best you'll find in Philippines, and are probably the best value for the money. Burritos and enchiladas are among the best in the Philippines. The enchilada is a bit small for the price - it should come with rice and beans - but delicious. Unlike many Mexican places in Philippines that are stingy (kuripot) with their protein, the amount of meat and cheese you get in the above four items is very generous, and very high quality. You won't be disappointed with the pulled pork, shredded beef, or chicken tinga (shredded chicken) options. For the quantity of protein and the level of flavor, quality, and authenticity you are getting from the food here, the prices are ridiculously cheap. You can spend the same or more at Mexicali or Army Navy and get half the protein and a quarter of the taste. Flavors and spices make everything super tasty. An Army Navy burrito is so bland by comparison. For a Filipino, the classic nachos might be among the best in the Philippines, but I was a bit disappointed compared to everything else on offer. Chihuahua's in Greenbelt still has the best nachos I've tried in the Philippines, but I haven't been back there in years so I'm not sure if this is still true. The queso bomb nachos here were much more unique and worthy of this restaurant, so if you want something closer to American nachos, order those. Edit: the queso bomb nachos are no longer on the new menu and the regular nachos are not my favorite, but still good. I have yet to try the fajitas and other entrees, but I saw them on other tables and they look fantastic. For the full Mexican experience, make sure to order a side of Mexican (yellow) rice and refried beans (basically mashed pinto beans) and mix a bit of rice and beans with every bite. Great sauces, herbs, and salsas overall. Some of the sauces also have the distinct taste of Filipino cream/butter, which could be a turn off for some. They actually sell fresh guac as a side and it's pretty good and cheap! Try it! They have real imported Mexican beer, depending on availability. I love Modelo Negra (similar to San Miguel's Cerveza Negra). Everything is a bit heavy - meaty, cheesy, and oily. If you are looking for a light meal, this might not be the best choice. Edit: This section about the third-floor and tiny location was no longer accurate. They have now moved to a bigger, first-floor location next door inside a gas station lot. Still no view, but it's much more accessible and spacious. They also raised the prices a bit and have a new menu, but the food is still great. I have to imagine if they put this restaurant in a larger place, with a view of Manila, and threw in a live band with beer on tap, it would be one of the best hangouts in the whole city. But then they would probably have to double the prices. If you're looking for amazing food at rock-bottom prices (for authentic foreign food) and no other frills, then this is the...

I recently visited LEON Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Antipolo and was blown away by the food. I ordered the California Steak Burrito, beef asada quesadilla, Mexican fries, and steak rice platter and found all of them to be magnificent. The flavors were amazing, and the quality of the ingredients was top-notch.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the service. Despite us being the only customers in the restaurant, our server wasn't very attentive, and I didn't feel like we received the level of service we should have. Additionally, I was surprised when we were told we'd be charged extra for more sauce, given the prices of the dishes.

Overall, while the food was excellent, the service left something to be desired. I hope that the restaurant can improve in this area, as it would make the dining experience even better. However, I would still recommend giving LEON Authentic Mexican Restaurant a try for...

Leon Authentic Mexican in Antipolo Rizal, located at Clean Fuel, offers a delightful dining experience. The taste of the food is fantastic, with dishes that are rich in flavor and true to Mexican cuisine. Each bite is a treat, from the tacos to the burritos and everything in between.

The service at Leon Authentic Mexican is equally commendable. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that your dining experience is pleasant from start to finish. They are quick to take orders and serve food, ensuring you don't have to wait long.

Overall, Leon Authentic Mexican is definitely recommended. Whether you're a fan of Mexican food or just looking to try something new, this place won't disappoint. The combination of great food and good service makes it a must-visit spot...