The Morris Park neighborhood is quickly becoming one of the Bronx’s most sought out dining destinations, known for its eclectic and creative food options. The newest addition to the neighborhood is Leandro’s Kitchen & Wine, which opened on December 17, 2025 at 1000 Morris Park Avenue — the location previously occupied by La Masa.

The restaurant’s international cuisine — offering a mix of Caribbean, Asian and Italian flavors — showcases the experience of owner and head chef, Leandro Carrion, who brings more than 10 years of experience working in high-end restaurants in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In fact, many of the employees are people who worked with Carrion at his restaurants in the Dominican Republic.

Carrion said the aim of the restaurant is to combine his background in fine dining with a casual, family-friendly eatery that fits in with the surrounding neighborhood. In this effort, the restaurant succeeds. Passers-by will immediately notice the backlit bar and floor-to-ceiling wine rack. The inside of the restaurant is elegantly designed: tiled floors, marble tables and cozy leather chairs.

The interior at Leandro’s Kitchen & Wine. Source: Best in the Bronx.

Carrion recommends first-time diners try the Crispy Pork Dumplings ($15), Caribbean Red Snapper ($42), Eggplant Rollatini ($16), and Ibérico Croquettes ($16) — dishes that showcase the restaurant’s fusion of flavors and techniques.

The crispy pork dumplings at Leandro’s Kitchen & Wine. Source: Best in the Bronx.

The restaurant also has an expansive cocktail and wine list. Carrion’s favorite drink is the appropriately named Leandro’s Cocktail, which is made of tequila, pineapple juice, Licor 45, cinnamon and star anise. The cinnamon is lightly toasted to add a smoky flavor to the cocktail.

The Leandro’s Cocktail at Leandro’s Kitchen & Wine. Source: Best in the Bronx.

Since opening, Carrion said business has been steadily increasing, attracting a mix of curious locals and visitors from outside the neighborhood. He said Saturday nights the restaurant has been consistently full. They are currently serving lunch, dinner and brunch.