Is Querido Leo good for an afternoon coffee break?
A beautifully executed gelato and espresso counter in Roma Norte, Querido Leo is exactly where you want to pause around 16:00. Acting as the lifestyle arm of Colectivo Carmelo, this meticulously designed space pulls excellent coffee alongside its core offering of small-batch gelato. It feels less like a traditional parlor and more like a sharply appointed design studio that happens to serve exceptional treats and thoughtful merchandise. It is perfect for a quick, high-quality reset.
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 blocks surrounding Plaza Río de Janeiro as a highly walkable afternoon loop, and Querido Leo slots perfectly into that rhythm. The move here is to grab an espresso and a scoop to go, checking out whatever new merchandise or creative collaboration the collective has on display, before walking the tree-lined streets of Roma Norte. If you want to make an afternoon of it, take your gelato down the block to browse the shelves at Casa Bosques bookstore, or pair the sugar hit with an early evening glass of natural wine at Loup Bar just a few streets away.
Pull up for an afternoon espresso paired with whatever gelato flavor they are rotating through that day, and check out the carefully designed Colectivo Carmelo merchandise on the shelves.
Practical notes
- 01Querido Leo operates as a compact, counter-style cafe rather than a sprawling lounge, making it ideal for a quick stop.
- 02The menu focuses tightly on high-quality coffee and gelato, so come expecting a specialized treat rather than a full meal.
- 03Keep an eye out for their limited-edition collaborative merchandise, which rotates frequently and reflects the brand's sharp design identity.
Good to know
- ✗Cards are widely accepted in Roma Norte, but keeping small pesos on hand is helpful for tipping baristas.
- ✗Afternoons in CDMX often bring brief rain showers between June and September; carry an umbrella for your walk.
- ✗Altitude can make sugar and caffeine hit a bit harder for first-timers; drink plenty of water alongside your coffee.