El Jefe - Leña y Mar

First you need to ask for Sara. Our visit to El Jefe Leña y Mar was nothing short of incredible. We brought our one-year-old baby, and from the moment we walked in, we felt at home. It’s always a bit of a challenge dining out with a little one, but the staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. They were warm, attentive, and accommodating, helping us settle in quickly without feeling like our baby was a burden — which can be rare in upscale dining spots. Now, let’s talk about the food. Wow! Every dish we tried was packed with authentic, bold flavors that reflect the perfect blend of Mexican coastal cuisine and wood-fired grilling. The seafood options were incredibly fresh — you can taste the quality in every bite. The grilled items were perfectly cooked, with that signature smoky flavor that you only get from a wood-fired grill. The attention to detail in each dish, from the presentation to the seasoning, really stood out. We especially loved the tacos and ceviche — both were bursting with flavor and beautifully balanced with fresh ingredients. The octopus dish was tender, smoky, and one of the best we’ve had. Even the salsas and side dishes were exceptional, enhancing the overall experience. You can tell the chefs put a lot of thought and care into their menu, ensuring that every plate highlights the best of Mexican coastal cuisine.

This place was impressive as soon as we walked in. We definitely enjoyed the ambiance, food and drinks! Our server Allen was on point, definitely doing his part to make sure we had a good time. We came to celebrate my sister’s birthday with a party of 10 and enjoyed it. I did think their Ribeye steak dinner was a bit over priced for a 12 ounce steak ($50) picture below. I didn’t like that they charge you a Rest Surcharge after paying premium prices for food and beverages. Hope to visit this place again when my daughter come back in town.

The restaurant is one of the best for authentic Mexican cuisine with versatile, creative, and generous meals. Allan’s service is exceptional, from passionate knowledge of the menu to excellent food recommendation and warm inviting spirit. Will be a regular without a doubt and highly recommend for all foodies, especially those with a love for Mexican.

This was a great restaurant! The food was so good! Went well with our smokey old fashioned. Even with how busy it was, our server was so attentive and nice. We stayed long enough on a Friday to see the DJ play some music. We'll definitely be back!

We had an amazing experience at El Jefe Leña y Mar during our recent visit. Dining out with our one-year-old baby can sometimes be a challenge, but this restaurant exceeded our expectations in every way. The warm and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home, and our server Sara was truly fantastic. She went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and well taken care of, which made the experience even more enjoyable. They had great music playing with a live DJ the whole time and it kept the vibe fun, lively, and loud enough to have fun and quiet enough to hold a conversation. We asked for a quiet corner and our baby even slept the whole time! We felt like we were on vacation which was so great!! The food here is nothing short of spectacular. Every dish was bursting with authentic Mexican coastal flavors, and you can taste the quality and freshness of the ingredients in every bite. The grilled dishes had a perfect smoky char, and the seafood was incredibly fresh and flavorful. We especially loved the ceviche and tacos, but honestly, everything we tried was outstanding. Sara’s attentive and friendly service made the meal even more memorable. She was quick to offer suggestions, kept checking in to make sure we had everything we needed (especially with the baby), and made us feel truly welcomed. It’s rare to find such personalized service at a restaurant, and Sara made sure our dining experience was seamless from start to finish. What we appreciated most was how family-friendly the restaurant is, despite its upscale feel. It’s clear that they value hospitality and inclusivity, which is a huge plus for parents like us who love to dine out but want to bring their little one along. If you’re looking for delicious food, great service, and a place that’s welcoming to families, El Jefe Leña y Mar is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back — and we’ll be asking for Sara again!