Outstanding modern Mexican restaurant located in the Plaza Paseo Chapultepec. The Plaza is an upscale shopping center in Tijuana with several other fine dining restaurants and bars. Lorenza is located on the second floor of the Plaza, right across from Cabanna, a very good and popular seafood restaurant. Parking is easy and plentiful in the Plaza garage, but park on the second floor for direct access.
To start, definitely make a reservation well in advance before visiting. Lorenza is relatively new and is still very popular. You are looking at a very long wait if you attempt to walk in. We had a reservation for 7:15 pm on Saturday, arrived five minutes early, and were immediately seated. There were 30 people waiting for tables at the entrance though.
The decor is simple, modern, and elegant, but also colorful and vibrant. The dining space is quite large, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and tables for groups of all sizes. There is also a private dining room that you can reserve for a special occasion. We were seated near the bar, which is at the front of the house. This is a lively place, so if you're looking for peace and quiet, this may not be the spot for you, and definitely not on a Saturday night.
Lorenza offers a vast selection of house cocktails, all of which looked delicious. I tried the cachanilla (mezcal/tequila/chile liquour/mango) and it was smoky and balanced. It was also beautifully presented.
The menu offers modern takes from Mexican classics and Baja Med cuisine. Plates are meant to be shared and there is something for everyone. Everything I tried was outstanding. All tostadas and tortillas (flour, blue corn, chipotle) are made fresh in house. The queso fundido with pork belly was very flavorful and not overly greasy. The roasted bone marrow was as tender as you'll ever find, and the fried octopus topping was a nice touch. The tuna ceviche was extremely fresh and light, and the corn bread dessert was fluffy, moist, and perfect to end a heavy meal.
Service was excellent throughout the meal, particularly considering that every table was full and the place was packed. Many dishes are also finished table side, which adds a nice touch to the ambiance. Large cuts of meat are sliced right next to you, and desserts are flambé'd. There is definitely an element of showmanship to this entire place, and they manage to pull it off in style.
Dinner here was a memorable experience and I'll definitely be back to Lorenza the next time I bring friends or family to Tijuana. read more