La Diferencia Restaurante

The service was excellent, and the authentic Mexican wine was excellent. The food was good, authentic Mexican food. The place is decorated beautifully. The Hacienda theme, the art, the fountain in the middle, and the ceiling in the bar are stunning(excellent brickwork). This restaurant has a great, upscale, authentic Mexican experience in Tijuana downtown.

It's a nice place to eat, the steak is not always the best. We ordered two steak plates one was like chewing rubber and the other so delicious that melted in your mouth.

We ended up by pure chance and honestly can say it was a divine find. The first time we ate there we were there for breakfast and we tried a couple of versions of their chilaquiles and it was some sort of love at first bite. The we brought the family for lunch and everyone was extremely happy with the food. We had Enchiladas Suizas, Sopes de Tuetano and quesadillas de champiñones and rajas. My daughter told me she missed the enchiladas a couple of days later so I guess there's another trip to Tijuana in the near future.

Went to the 2024 Chile en Nogada season at La Diferencia and as expected, it was just delicious. You even get your own Certificate of authenticity. If you want to try an entree before the main course, I suggest the Grass hopper Sopes. You will not be disappointed.

I haven't been here in a while but I always have a nice experience with the service, menu, and prices. This was no different as the menu is varied, portions are big, and the flavors are delicious. Tried the Cazuela con rajas poblanas, the chilaquiles were perfectly done served with refried beans. The crepe cake was a bit too sweet for my taste but it was freshly made. You get a small pastry, and a small plate with fruit during breakfast. A nice addition was the live mariachi playing traditional Mexican songs. It's been a while but it didn't disappoint at all. This is well worth the visit.

Delicious food. Good service. Reliable place. Ordered a couple of appetizers for sharing including Lengua en pipian, torilla soup (a little spicy), corn soup and chicken main entry.

Excellent place for traditional authentic mexican food. Highly recommend the mole poblano, so delicious! The service is excellent, reasonable prices.

Excellent place for traditional authentic mexican plates. Highly recommend the machaca sonora, so delicious! The service is excellent, good prices.

Came here to celebrate a family anniversary. Staff were very attentive. The place was busy so there was a wait between courses. We were a party of 8 and I took a lot of pictures of the food. Some excellent choices and as it's a celebratory month in Mexico I've included a national dish in photos. Nice building and atmosphere with the traditional mariachis available to serenade you.

Make sure you don't park in the front parking belongs to the other place. Go inside the casseta parking is about 2 ..3 bucks .. service is 10/10 they gave us complementary Mexican sweet bread and fruit. Our waiter was super nice and informative very quick and easy to order. Now our food!!!! It was nice and hot very nicely plated and it tasted amazing very unique taste in each dish. Definitely recommend breakfast here!!

This Restaurant is underrated! Everybody goes to next door that is closer to this one, but my gosh what a service, food presentation and the dishes here are "old school", recipes from the grandmas, everything is made from scratch . Food from different states:Oaxaca, Puebla, Yucatán, you can't taste it here, and the cocktails are to die for. Our waiter "Alan" did an amazing job . We came here only because the general manager at our hotel recommended, we passed this avenue several times and we really never noticed. So for the owners, you guys need to put special attention to your front doors, it's lots of competition on this Avenue, so a bigger entrance, flowers, lights will help.

The place is OK. Nothing spectacular full quality is also OK. I was hoping for a better vibe and ambient, but I was pretty much the only customer when I came in which is no big deal I probably came in at the wrong time of the day.

I was there about a month ago or so. I had not been there in years. However, this place is the one that was selected for a large family reunion. I had made prior arrangements with the restaurant for a private room. The day of the event, one of the waiters was either having a bad day or was just being difficult. He was first arguing with me about the number of people. I had an exact number that had been confirmed with the restaurant. He said "that person doesn't know." I told him, she represented to me that it could be dine and asked to speak with the manager. The manager was very nice and accomodating. The food was good and tasty. I will definitively be going back in spite of the bad waiter.

We came here on an early Saturday evening and we're seated immediately. Parking was super easy, but was in a paid lot. The place is super cool with an outdoor/indoor vibes - felt like we were sitting on a patio or street side, while actually being indoors. The food was super tasty and the waiters were super accommodating of our unique requests and dietary restrictions. We had the queso fundido with mushrooms, one of the shrimp dishes and Enchiladas de Pato con mole and Enchiladas banderas tres. They were all extremely tasty and well prepared. The portions were a little disappointing for the price, but the flavors made up for it in a big way.

It's Chile en Nogada season! And I had to make my day taste the much raved about Chile. It was delicious and very satisfying. Also has tacos de Salmón adobada, wow amazing! Really recommend this place.

Nice ambiance and food. Used to give you a pan dulce with your juice or coffee as a starter. Often have a mariachi on weekends during brunch. Not as crowded as La Espadaña next door, but every bit as good or better.

Found by chance, highly recommend the house special chilaquiles. Paired with a side of chicarron in green sauce, accompanied with blue corn tortillas. Cant wait to go back and try again.

La Diferencia serves really great food, from the mole to the yin-yang appetizer bean soup thing (obviously not its real name) to its stuffed puff pastries. The first time I'd visited here, about 3 years ago, the place was in a bit better shape and the service was better. However, that server cloned my credit card and bought a bunch of stuff in TJ with it, including electrical utilities. Yes, Diferencia, I know your guys did it, as I had only used that Amex once in the past month, and that time was at your restaurant. As for my recent visit: I know, Covid times have been rough, and the restaurant looked more beat up during my Dec 2021 dinner than I recalled from before. Food was great, but the server committed the Ultimate Non-US Restaurant Sin by dropping the check while we were still eating. By the way, I did pay cash this time, because I remember things. I was debating on tres estrellas, but I'm doing a generous round-up due to the rough time I know that Mexican restaurants have had over the past year and a half.

Beautiful restaurant. In my opinion the drinks were the starts of the show. The food was good but I like my food spicy. The service was great they are very attentive and check in you frequently. They have a parking lot right outside they validate so you pay less once you leave.

La differences is how horrible the service it! The server threw the menus on the table and walked away! Ok! Maybe he's busy right!!! Nope'. Before we even finished ordering he was walking away! Wtf!!! Then when we needed boxes, same was walking away before we finished our sentence!' He NEVER came to check on us! He never refilled our coffee! We have to keep changing after him for a refill!! The food was ok not something I would go back! Been here tried it and won't be back concept For us! PS: There's only ONE credit card terminal for the whole restaurant! Took forever to pay!

Awesome food Really good prices Super friendly staff The Cadillac margarita is the bomb Must try First time in TJ and in walking distance very pleased that we stopped by On the second time got desert and a carajillo Certainly recommend

This was a horrible restaurant the service was bad and when me and my family came here we ordered pancakes and the pancakes are microwaved and just cold and the tortillas are very cold. The waiter did nothing to help with the cold food I don't recommend this place the restaurant was loud and kids running all over the place

En julio celebramos los 70 años de mi mamá, y todo estuvo genial la comida,las bebidas,nos atendieron súper amables... si quieres un evento sin estresarte tanto y disfrutar tu fiesta cuenta con ellos al

This restaurant was very bad. I went with my family for breakfast and ordered pancakes, but they gave them cold, I asked the waitress to please heat up my food because I was not comfortable with eating cold pancakes. All the guy did was microwave MY FOOD, my quesadilla. The quesadillas was BURNT.

Really nice place and a very different kind of food. This is really a must try kind of restaurant if you never experienced food like this before.

Best traditional restaurant in Tijuana, it's a must if you are visiting! Due to COVID-19 they are closing at 6pm so make sure to call in and make a reservation. They now how plexiglass dividers and minimal table seating, it also counts with outdoor patio dining!

Chile en nogada to die for!!! I came here specifically for the chile en nogada (out of season), and it was everything I hoped and dreamed of! Big poblano, plenty of stuff inside, meaty, salty, sweet, and delicious! The walnut sauce was light and not too creamy, with just enough pomegranate on top! The overall place is really nice, kinda fancy ambiance, great service too! They were especially helpful and patient with my broken Spanish. Can't wait to share this dish with my American friends too!

Cute restaurant that looks like a Spanish mission style building from the outside. Very spacious and has private room to accommodate large parties. Staff are many and come around many times where you can flag down. Prices are extremely cheap for what we all got. for food: -fried quesadillas with mushrooms or the fried quesadillas with the calabasa (squash) -the nopales salad with chicarron (I've never had anything like this! The cactus is chopped up and mixed with avocado, then the crispy pork skin is on the side and it's almost like bruschetta. So delicious) this is a must try! -the beans with the chips (complimentary) are addicting -the beef (red meat) filets with bacon are so tender Drinks: Alcoholic- the table seemed to love the margaritas and the Jamaica margarita Non-alcoholic- the sparking limonada and the Coca Cola regular of course Dessert: -tried all the dessert - our table ordered one of each !! They bring you a whole plate and you can choose visually which one They have such unique desserts here - would recommend: -crepe cake white Chocolate -lava cake with vanilla ice cream (that vanilla ice cream taste the way vanilla feels in real life without all the artificial stuff) -anything with guavaba (the guava cheesecake was so fluffy and the baked roll with guava was delicious) -the sweet cheese curds in the bowl (never had anything like that) And of course everyone loved the cafe de Olla but for people like me who don't drink coffee- get their joy chocolate! Definitely left this place feeling full. Alcoholic drinks for a party of 13/14 only came out to 52 USD and people def drank. Food came out to 200 USD which is a steal. Would definitely come back!

Came here for my friend's baby shower and loved every minute of it! The decor, the staff, the food! We arrived at 10:30 a.m. and were greeted by the servers who came around and poured coffee for everyone and also brought a variety of pan dulce to each person and asked them to pick the pan they would like. Moments later, we were serve freshly squeezed orange juice and the best chilaquiles! For the dessert we had a slice of crepe cake which I think came from an outside vendor, but my sister said she's had crepe cake from La Diferencia before and it was just a delicious as the one we had. My friend asked one of the servers if she could please get a margarita pitcher on a separate tab and they happily obliged and brought glasses salted rims to the table. They truly went above and beyond for us and they were polite and timely the entire time. I want to come back and try more dishes and also dine inside as it's really beautiful!

Me gusta la comida de aquí y he venido varías veces a este lugar. La razón por esta calificación es que hoy recibí un trato muy desagradable. La muchacha de adelante me quería sentar afuera en la terraza pero le dije que yo quería adentro (vi varias mesas vacías). Ella me dijo que sólo había lugar afuera en la terraza y no adentro. Ni siquiera me dio la opción de esperar una mesa adentro. Salí con mal sabor en la boca por esa experiencia.

First time in TJ stumbled across this establishment.if your craving traditional Mexican food with great ambiance then I highly recommend you check this place out. Order the fresh OJ

This was a very nice athentic Mexican restaurant. The old Mexico decor made it feel like we were having breakfast en a patio with the water fountain in the center of the room. The setting was very inviting and confortable. I will be back for sure. The Cafe de Olla was very delicious

Great restaurant and taking covid precautions so we are all safe. Our server Rafael was on top of everything and the food was top notch. Don't be afraid to try if you don't speak Spanish they speak English and have menus in English. I had the filet de la Diferencia and it was cooked perfectly. Thanks to Don Paco for everything. The flan was super yummy and the cafe de olla hit the after dinner spot to get you back home.

I had the lengua wich was amazing. More chile than I would have wanted but it came the potatoes and beans which balanced the spice. Very good atmosphere and helpful waiters.

Not up our alley at all. Service was ok but food was low grade and no napkins and basic things on table. Salsa watered down and just seemed like they skimp with everything. Came for lunch but maybe it's better for breakfast? Don't know, won't be back to find out.

Le doy una estrella por que Lis meseros personal muy atentos pero la comida muy sin sabor ordenamos arachera pollo en mole y lengua en salsa verde nada de sabor y para no gustarme sentí $61.00 dlls tirados no volveré muy mala comida

My friends and I have been to La Diferencia twice now; it's worth the trek from San Diego. We LOVE the unique setting, the indoor/outdoor feel, the tile, the fountain, the lighting, the art work, the art glass, and the overall feel to the place. Service is impeccable at this restaurant, whether it is the owner, Juan Pablo, who takes great pride in his menu, to the servers to pay attention to detail when one enjoys fine dining. A special shout out to our servers: Rafael, Achilles and Imber...nicely done gentlemen! Highlights for us were the blue corn and mushroom quesadilla, the stuffed tomato appetizer, the perfectly seasoned rice, the sublime steamed vegetables, the salmon dishes and the chips and salsa. My friends ate the black beans (I did not because they contain lard), and said they were the best black beans they'd ever tasted. We ordered cocktails, sodas, various dishes recommended by the chef, and were impressed with the attention to detail, the fine flavors, the right amount to spices, the right amount of heat, and the generous portions. I ordered the mango salmon and thought it was one of the most creative, flavorful fish dishes I've ever tried. In summary, La Diferencia is true to its name, it is indeed "different" amongst its competition and replete with interesting and colorful dishes. Wonderful food, great ambiance. Cross the border for a gastronimical adventure. P.S. An Uber back to the U.S. border (new crossing) cost us a whopping $2.47.

If you are looking legitimate and traditional Mexican food, you will find it at La Diferencia. I'm pretty fabulous in just about everything but where I can be a bit basic would be my palate. Bring on those rich sauces that is part of traditional Mexican cuisine, but throw some of the extra-ordinary stuff like Excamoles (Agave Ant Eggs "Mexican Caviar") and I'm all naw. The Mister had been chatting up this place for awhile, chinga chinga about trying the ant eggs, thus the reason we specifically came to La Diferencia. We trollied it down to the San Ysidro Pedestrian crossing and taxied over to Zona Rio to the restaurant. The restaurant is super traditional and romantic, I just loved watching the parakeets being traviesos in their nearby cage. It also had a feel of the San Juan Bautista Mission that reminded me of home. On my list to order was the Blue corn tortilla quesadilla with the Flor de Calabaza (squash blossoms) it did not disappoint, I was more enthralled with the tortilla, it was spongy and fresh, nothing what I expected. Next the Mister ordered the Cuitlacoche which arrived in these adorable pastry bags on a sauce of chile poblano; there were two so we each had one. I would say it was my favorite thing I had, the cuitlacoche had great flavor and the unexpected kick of the chile made it my hero. There was so much food that Mister ordered, because that's what he does, we left so much food since it was probably enough for 6 starving adults. The other items ordered was the Tlayudas ("Mexican Pizza") the concept sounds marvelous, but I thought Mister was tricking me and trying to feed me liver because that's what it tasted like to me. That Tlayudas was HUGE too. After few bites of the Escamoles, the Mister was done and said he would never speak of it again, he did really try though so I will give him props. The surprise star of the dinner was Ensalada de Nopales y Chicharron (cactus salad with fried pork skin), I don't usually like nopales but this salad was very good and super refreshing, I felt healthier just eating it. This was the only leftovers we brought back and made for a super yummy breakfast that I just added eggs and a lil' spam to. I would very much like to go back since they did not have the "Christmas Chile Relleno" the white sauce with the pomegranate seeds, until the following week after our visit. The Flautas de Barbacoa look good too. So I will keep them in my radar for a future visit. Huge props to "Joe Pesci", the waiter with all the answers even though he wasn't our waiter he still would come and check on us to make sure we had a fabulous experience.

I first came here in 2007 and around ten years later I am back! I learned about this place when I was attending SDSU and two exchange students from Guadalajara invited to dine there with them. I am sure glad I returned because it was as great as the first time I dined here. On my most recent visit I recommended La Diferencia to some friends and we came here on a Saturday. If you are coming from California walk across the border by foot and then take an Uber for around $5. La Diferencia is in Zona Rio which is a neighborhood about ten minutes from San Ysidro with challenging traffic. The first thing you will notice when arriving is the very colonial architecture on the exterior. After going down the walkway off Sanchez Taboada the entrance is on the left while the parking lot is on the right. The parking lot seems like it would hold around a dozen or so vehicles. Once you enter you will see one portion of the interior dining area to the right, a bar center left and a smaller dining area off to the left. The bathrooms are in the back to the left of the bar. You're welcome. One of my friends had already been there for awhile and chips, salsas and queso were already waiting. They were all great and dined on while waiting for our entrees. I ordered the shrimp enchiladas and they were delicious. Unlike the US where beans and rice are common, only the entrée was served and there were no sides. I also ordered two margaritas and they were great. I wish larger sizes were offered like at La Corriente Cevicheria. Considering the ambiance of the place and the perceived quality I think the prices were on par. They are not cash only and I learned this after seeing one of my friends pay with a debit card. After you dine here I recommend you walk around the neighborhood for a few minutes because it is a hub of great restaurants and cafes. In conclusion, I definitely plan to return to try other menu items. And guys if you are looking for a date night place this is it.

I can't wait to return after Covid. I've been a patron for years because this is my favorite place in Tijuana. Food is great and service is attentive. My mother is in a wheelchair and they always treated us with great care. It's a lovely hacienda-like setting with canaries and parakeets that reminds me of southern Mexico. sometimes there are strolling musicians. Very relaxing with great food and atmosphere. I'm sure you'll love it too!

I went to this restaurant decades ago and I've always looked forward to going back the next time I was having dinner in Tijuana. I finally did. The place was almost empty which was surprising because it was a Friday night. But then they close at 8 PM which I found to be strangely early unless they simply don't get the business. We went to dinner at 6:30. The service was good although it was eerie being in an almost empty restaurant. Food was good, we enjoyed everything including the cocktails although I wouldn't say it was memorable. The interior was as beautiful as always.Toward the end of our meal we were the only ones in the restaurant and we felt like they wished we would go so they could start vacuuming. It was a little disappointing. So with so many good restaurants in the area I probably won't be back. And I feel sad about it. All

Went here again 9-12-15 and was even more impressed with the food and service. We had a trio come to our table to serenade the birthday girl. The cuitlacoche omelette and huevos sopeados, (chef recommended) were to die for. Update 11-15-15: Went again yesterday morning and has grasshopper sopes. I'm hooked!! They are surprisingly delicious. I can't wait to try more of their other seasonal dishes. Good was so good I returned for dinner and had the black mole and it was the best I've ever had. Our server Adrian took the time to explain to us about the pre Hispanic cuisine they serve and where it comes from. To my surprise I had left my credit card there earlier that day and they brought it back to me. I love this place and can't wait to go back.

If you are looking for a fun place to try something new in Tijuana, I recommend checking out La Diferencia. They have a very diverse menu of distinct traditional Mexican dishes from various regions of the country. I really enjoyed their multi-flavor enchilada dish... They also have a grilled grasshopper entry. My family and I thought it might be interesting to try them out, and have a little adventure... They ended up being quite tasty, and made a great story to tell!

Haven't been in TJ in couple decades. Lots of nice looking new restaurants in Zona Rio. Found La Diferencia by accident. Food was great. Waiters were very helpful since my Spanish consists of Cuz words and things I heard yelled playing soccer.

Normally I would not have issues w this place. I would come here often. But after today, I would think twice before giving my money to this place. I invited my parents to breakfast and they would not admit my father based on what he had on. Which is typical for the summer weather. Which where shorts , sandles, and a short sleeve shirt/ closer to a tank top. I pointed out that a lady was sitting in the table in front w the same style clothes. Shorts, sandles and in her case a spaghetti strap shirt. They said yes but she is a woman. This rule applies to only men. The receptionist was at least understanding and even nice, she said the rule was stupid but she can't change it. I did thank her and agreed the issues is w the companies policies not with her. Never again will I come here.

I came here for my birthday breakfast with a large group. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the staff was beyond attentive. The food on the other hand was not what I expected. The chilaquile dishes and the machaca were great but some of my friends ordered a guisado that was so small and tasteless. I would try this place once more just because of how much I love the decor and the staff. Maybe I will try dinner next time I am in town.

The food here was amazing. I had the Tacos de Pato Con Mole Negro and it was fantastic. The service was good, but we didn't seem to have server consistently check with us. It was the mid-afternoon, so it could have been because we were such a late lunch. The rest of my party enjoyed their meals, as well. Even with all the places to eat on Tijuana I have left to explore, there is a good chance I will return here.

It's been awhile since I have had this kind of Mexican food you can't go wrong this is one of the best restaurants in TJ....very good food

This place was EXCELLENT!! food was delicious, service was on point, plenty of outdoor seating so social distancing was no problem at all. We had red and green chilaquiles, huevos a la mexicana and some chicharrones en salsa verde. All of them were 100% awesome. Highly recommend it.

It's pretty neat how breakfast works at this place. They seat you down, they bring you your coffee, they bring a selection of Mexican bread to pick from, then you order your food, and they bring you a small plate of fruit, and finally they bring your food. Unfortunately we didn't get this kind of service, we saw this done to every table except for ours. Great concept for the service, we just didn't get to experience it first hand. The protein here (the meats, chicken, pork, etc) is cooked to perfection. I order the chilaquiles with chicken on them. I had a bite of the chicken and was blown away. Then I had a bite of the chilaquiles and they were really bland. I've had two different types of chilaquiles here and both times I had the same experience, really good meat but overall bland meal. I think I need to try this place for dinner and not breakfast. Other details: there's a switch between breakfast and lunch so try avoiding coming here at exactly at noon, come a little earlier or later.

I can't wait to go back here. The food is so authentic and delicious like in Central Mexico. Such a peaceful hacienda-like patio, complete with canaries that it's like my grandma's house in San Luis Potosi. Everyone I take there wants to go back. I much prefer this over that better known restaurant 2 doors down that tastes like El Torito in LA. You will not be disappointed at La Differencia. Sometimes strolling musicians walk-in and only add to the charming ambiance. My mother was in a wheelchair and staff always went out of their way to help us. They got to know us we went so often! First chance I get to go to TJ, I will return!

Went on a Friday night. Wasn't busy at all. Waiter was nice. Gave us some chips and salsa. Is in a fun part of town and was close to my hotel. Got a little annoyed they had a band and the members kept coming over every few minutes asking if we wanted them to play us a song (for a fee). There were so few people there they had to know they had already asked us several times.

Authentic place. We were a party of 10 so service was a little slow. Chile Nogada was interesting and so were the flash fried crickets.

First time at this restaurant. We decided to have a family dinner for four adults. I opted for beef brisquets well done and my wife had enchiladas with shrimp. We both loved it as well as my inlaws. The ambience is very good. You can get excellent service and food of your choice as they have a good variety and excellent pastries. I recommend the chocolate cake which is amazing. If you like a well decorated old fashion Mexican ambience, great food at a reasonable prices I recommend la diferencia.

Are you looking for a great place México that has good Mexican and American food? Are you looking for short wait and a fresh dinner? Well then the difference is not for you. This place makes you wait 23 minutes before they actually offer you a drink, then it takes about 30 minutes for them to bring snacks like chips, and finally I had to wait over an hour to get your food, and this day was not I busy day at all only three tables had people at them. Over all I don't recommend it, but if you're going to come here any way then get a steak. At medium rare.

An amazing place in TJ, unique food and the best Tamarind margaritas ever! Make this a stop and you won't be disappointed.

Excellent place to eat. It resembles a small hacienda. Food is great and the service is excellent. I will definitely make this one of my best spots.