Cantina Leon, a Mexico City–inspired cantina from chef Gerardo B. De Negri and partners, is set to make its Coral Gables debut on May 21. The multi-level spot is leaning hard into seafood-forward plates, a dedicated tequila-and-mezcal tasting area and a casual Mercadito café serving breakfast and grab-and-go tacos.
According to Time Out, Cantina Leon will span roughly 7,500 square feet at 2955 Ponce de Leon Boulevard and was founded by Chef Gerardo B. De Negri with Jorge Barrera, with operations handled by The Rabbit Group. Designer Maxielle De Jesus of DESIGNXTUDIO INC. layered 1920s post‑Porfiriato details with modern finishes, aiming for golden-era drama rather than museum piece. The restaurant’s online ordering page highlights seafood-heavy dishes like Torre de Mariscos and Shrimp Aguachile Tatemado alongside other main-menu plates.
Chef’s personal touch
Chef Gerardo B. De Negri told Time Out, “This restaurant is deeply personal to me because it reflects the way I grew up experiencing food in Mexico.” He and his kitchen team say the menu reworks familiar cantina plates with a bit of theatrical flair, with an eye toward group-friendly dining.
Drinks, vibe and music
Cantina León’s own site plays up a robust mixology program and notes that tequila and mezcal tastings will be a staple at the bar, backed by an international wine list and a sizable Mexican beer selection. The room centers on a dramatic bar, with a second-floor private-events area and plans for live-music nights to carry the energy into the evening. Signature highballs and Jarrito‑style cocktails are also listed on the venue’s ordering page on Toast.
Mercadito and daypart play
The team has already opened Mercadito, a sister café focused on breakfast, specialty coffee and quick tacos, which quietly debuted in late April, according to The Burn Miami. That daytime reach is designed to keep Cantina Leon visible on Ponce while the main dining room readies for its dinner service and events.
Health check
Public inspection records show Cantina Leon was inspected by the state on March 18, 2026; the DBPR record lists two violations and notes “Inspection Completed – No Further Action,” per FloridaFoodSafety.org. The facility is registered as Cantina Leon LLC at the Ponce address…