Is Querido Leo a good spot for an afternoon coffee break in Roma Norte?
Mid-afternoon in Roma Norte calls for a specific kind of pause, and Querido Leo answers it beautifully. Operating as the lifestyle and gelato wing of Colectivo Carmelo, this small, sharply designed space excels at exactly two things: excellent espresso and thoughtful gelato. It is a highly intentional café built around collaborations and smart merchandise, making it an ideal drop-in spot when you need a caffeine reset or a sweet treat before wandering down Colima.
Gelato and café — the lifestyle arm of Colectivo Carmelo.
- Address:
- Jalapa 121, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX
- Web:
- www.instagram.com/queridoleo/
What locals actually do
Chilangos use the neighborhood's cafes as extensions of their living rooms, and Querido Leo fits perfectly into a relaxed Roma Norte afternoon itinerary. Because the space is small and focused on its core offerings of gelato and coffee, regulars treat it as a transitional stop rather than an all-day remote workspace. Grab an espresso and a scoop of whatever flavor they are currently featuring, check out the Colectivo Carmelo merchandise on display, and then take your cup to go. From here, locals will often walk a few blocks to browse the art books at Casa Bosques or sit by the fountain at Plaza Río de Janeiro to catch the late afternoon light.
Pair a double espresso with their seasonal gelato, browse the sharply designed Colectivo Carmelo apparel on the shelves, and take your coffee for a walk toward Plaza Río de Janeiro.
Practical notes
- 01The café is compact and designed for quick turnover, making it better for a short break than a long afternoon of laptop work.
- 02Their merchandise and apparel lines frequently rotate through limited-edition collaborations, so grab a piece you like while it is still on the shelf.
- 03Pair your visit with a walk down Colima or Orizaba, two of Roma Norte's most tree-lined and architecturally interesting streets.
Good to know
- ✗Mexico City afternoons can get surprisingly warm year-round, making an iced coffee or gelato a smart midday strategy.
- ✗Card payments are universally accepted here and throughout Roma Norte, but keeping small pesos helps for tipping.
- ✗Always check their social media before visiting to confirm the current hours and see what seasonal gelato flavors are available.