Welcome to Cafe and Bistro Tio Leo

Cafe and Bistro Tio Leo stands out as a cozy culinary gem located in the heart of Plymouth. Known for its inviting atmosphere and friendly service, this restaurant captures the essence of community dining. Offering a vast selection of delicious dishes, Tio Leo strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and elevated cuisine. The tantalizing menu features everything from hearty breakfasts to exquisite tapas. Here, every meal is an opportunity to experience flavorful recipes that pay homage to various culinary traditions. With a price range between £10 and £20, it fits comfortably within many budgets. Whether you're popping in for a quick coffee or settling in for a delightful dinner, Tio Leo welcomes all with open arms and a warm smile.

Welcome to Café and Bistro Tio Leo, a cosy and trendy eatery located in the heart of Plymouth. With a delightful menu featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, Tio Leo is perfect for solo dining or gathering with friends. Indulge in a variety of delicious tapas, from succulent meatballs to fresh ceviche, complemented by a carefully curated wine list. Our dedicated team ensures a warm atmosphere, making you feel right at home. Enjoy great coffee and tempting desserts in our wheelchair-accessible space. Join us at Tio Leo for your next meal and experience the good vibes!

Services, Amenities and More

Service options

Dine-in

Highlights

Great coffee

Great dessert

Great wine list

Popular for

Breakfast

Lunch

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Coffee

Quick bite

Small plates

Wine

Dining options

Breakfast

Brunch

Lunch

Dessert

Table service

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

The star of Cafe and Bistro Tio Leo is undoubtedly the food. Visitors rave about the delectable tapas, which include favorites like hummus and chicken wings, perfectly shared amongst friends.

Great coffee is a recurring highlight, drawing patrons in for a pick-me-up or leisurely sip. Those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed either, particularly with the lemon polenta cake and churros, which leave guests wanting more.

Wine enthusiasts appreciate the well-curated selection, including notable white, red, and sparkling choices. The restaurant's ambiance—casual, cozy, and trendy—also receives much love, making guests feel right at home.

Lastly, the welcoming staff shines throughout, adding a personal touch to each visit that keeps customers returning.

Most Disliked

One potential downside at Cafe and Bistro Tio Leo is the frequent crowd, particularly on weekends. Although the vibrant atmosphere adds to the experience, it can lead to longer wait times during peak hours.

Some diners have pointed out that the menu can feel a bit overwhelming due to its extensive offerings. While variety is often a positive, narrowing down choices among seventy dishes might be a challenge.

Additionally, it has been noted that while most dishes shine, the consistency in preparation can vary. Some patrons feel that certain tapas could be improved in flavor delivery, leading to mixed reviews based on individual visits.

Lastly, the outdoor seating—while delightful—may not always be the best choice on cooler or rainy days, suggesting that sunny days might be the ideal time to enjoy a meal al fresco.

User Reviews

Food C.

1 months ago

Good Vibes!! Such a happy place! We came here last Saturday (23rd August) and loved it so much that we booked for coming Friday ie today. Delicious tapas, good wine, cocktails, desserts and really really nice people! Can’t wait to come back.

J J.

1 months ago

Popped in last night for a quick bite...they were pretty full but squeezed us into the pretty courtyard out the back. We had the meatballs, hummus and dirty fries between us..all great..especially the meatballs! Fab service..lovely feel to the place. Will certainly go back. I couldn't fit in a dessert but took a cheeky slice of lemon polenta cake home. Had it this morning gently warmed up (as suggested) with some Greek yoghurt...wow yum! 🍋 🍋 🍋

Bernarda G.

1 months ago

We LOVED the place. The food was amazing, full of flavour, good portions, good price. Que ordered the chicken paella, garlic prawns, calamari, and ceviche. All four dishes were great, the garlic prawns maybe my favourite as the flavour was perfect. The owners were very kind and tried to make a space for everyone. I’d definitely recommend the restaurant and will be coming back🫶🏽

Philip D.

7 months ago

I came across this place more or less by accident on a visit to Plymouth - run by Costa Ricans I think? It's small, but very cosy and the staff are so nice and helpful. The tapas selection was very standard, but fresh and well cooked and a very reasonable price. It's the sort of nice neighbourhood restaurant you'd always want to have close to home.

Emma J.

3 months ago

Visited Tio Leo’s for Mothers Day and Fathers Day. The customer service and atmosphere is fantastic. So cosy and the food is delicious and well priced. We felt so welcome by Juan and the team. Will definitely be back again soon. Thankyou

cath d.

6 months ago

First time visiting and we'll definitely go again!! Service was fabulous, food was delicious, atmosphere was chilled 🤠 Personal favourites .. chicken nachos and garlic prawns 😋 Husbands favourites chicken wings and garlic prawns 💪🏼 but all dishes are banging and value for money 💰 and the wine is great too!! Look at that picture to see the yumminess!!! ❤️

Susan P.

5 months ago

What a find ...This tapas bar is authentically Spanish and transported me instantly to Spain. Recommended by a local as it close to the centre but also off the beaten track. Fresh food, great hospitality and atmosphere. I will be returning for those fish goujons. With free parking for an hour outside and open till 9 it is definitely worth a visit.

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen

TuesdayOpen

WednesdayOpen

ThursdayOpen

FridayOpen

SaturdayOpen

SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Tio Leo offers a delightful mix of cuisines with a focus on tapas, risotto, and a variety of satisfying breakfast options. Each dish is crafted to highlight fresh flavors and quality ingredients.

Absolutely. The cafe's cosy and trendy atmosphere makes it perfect for solo dining. Enjoy a great cup of coffee or indulge in small plates without feeling rushed.

Don't miss out on the garlic prawns and meatballs from the tapas menu. The chicken paella and the lemon polenta cake are also highly recommended for a fuller experience.

Yes, there is paid street parking available nearby. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.

Why visit Cafe and Bistro Tio Leo

Cafe and Bistro Tio Leo deserves a spot on any foodie’s map for several reasons. First, it offers an escape from the ordinary, allowing patrons to indulge in a warm, bustling atmosphere that's undeniably infectious. Whether dining alone or with friends, every meal here feels special.

The commitment to quality is evident. Each dish is prepared with care, inviting diners to taste the passion behind the cuisine. Want a different vibe? Just grab a seat in the charming courtyard, ideal for connecting over tapas and drinks amidst fresh air.

Plus, the price range makes it accessible for various budgets—a simple morning coffee or a full feast won’t break the bank. Lastly, the optimal location means it's easy to combine a visit with a stroll around the scenic streets of Plymouth, enhancing the day well beyond a meal. So whether it’s breakfast, a quick lunch, or a cozy dinner, Tio Leo ensures that each visit is marked with good vibes and even better food.