Leo Razo is co-founder and Executive Chef of Villa Roma Argentine & Italian Restaurant in Laguna Hills. He came to the United States in the early 1990’s from birthplace in Jalisco, Mexico. Before becoming the chef and owner of Villa Roma, Leo had shared his talents in well-known restaurants like Carmelo’s in Corona del Mar, Viva Italia in Laguna Beach and Sea Cliff Country Club in Huntington Beach. Leo enjoys delighting people with unique culinary adventures and has purposely traveled extensively throughout Argentina and Italy to study their culture, food and history.
Leo began his culinary profession as a dishwasher and added lots of passion, hard work, long hours and many scarifies. Today he is grateful to have and amazing team running Villa Roma Restaurant, Villa Roma Market & Deli and Villa Roma Catering. With Leo’s leadership and his contagious passion Villa Roma has been recognized numerous times by press, regional organizations, congress, senate and other business leaders for his dedication and contributions to our Southern California community as a small business, his philanthropic involvement and community empowerment.
Leo greatest satisfaction is to see guests enjoy his food, service, ambiance and values. He enjoys delighting Orange County residents and tourists with the best Argentine & Italian cuisine. His is proud of each of his staff and considers them as his extended family. Leo believes in building and supporting each other. His purpose is to continue serving the community and providing our guests and friends with high quality, delicious food and cultural experience.
“My passion is to prepare and serve food not only to satisfy the palate, but to satisfy the senses and soul.” – Chef Leo Razo
