Gym Junkie Gourmets
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After hearing glowing recommendations from the staff at Madonna Electric (another pizza gem), we knew we had to give Leonardo’s Pizza Palace a go. Tonight, we dined with friends, booked in advance, and eagerly anticipated some pizza magic.
The venue has a nostalgic 70s charm, with warm decor and a lively atmosphere. A DJ was spinning some tunes, which added to the vibe, though we found the music a touch too loud at times (perhaps that’s just us getting older! Hah)
Service was friendly but had a couple of hiccups. They were out of wines we were keen on, and while it took a bit of time to sort out the order, we eventually got a couple of bottles that paired well with the meal.
To start, we ordered a selection of snacks: the polenta with pecorino and pepper, cucumber with whipped goat's curd, anchovy crostini, and crumbed olive gildas. The snacks had a wine bar feel, which was refreshing for a pizza spot. While they were all pleasant and light enough to leave room for the pizzas, they didn’t quite hit the "elevated" mark that would deliver an umami kick but we are at a pizza joint so all in context. They were solid starters nonetheless. So tick here.
But let’s get to the reason we came: the pizzas. We shared a couple, starting with the Margherita, as it’s our go-to test for any pizza joint. It’s all about the dough and crust for us, if you can’t deliver a stellar Margherita, the rest doesn’t matter. Thankfully, Leonardo’s passed the test with flying colors. The 15-inch pizzas had a beautifully thin crust, with a great chew and char that held up against the simple toppings of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. The dough was clearly the star here, as it should be.
We also tried the pork and fennel pizza, which was equally delightful. The flavors were well-balanced, and while it came with a dipping sauce and chili oil on the side, it didn’t really need them. The toppings were just enough to complement the crust without overpowering it, striking the perfect balance. Despite some common complaints we’ve heard about a lack of toppings, we actually appreciated the restraint. Leonardo’s pizzas are a lesson in how to elevate the pie.
While the food was undeniably good, the evening wasn’t without its challenges. An issue we had was the rigid booking schedule. With only 6:30pm or 8:30pm slots for dinner, we opted for the later one to avoid feeling rushed. However, with the kitchen closing just an hour after our booking, we were pressured to order quickly. On a Saturday night, especially when you’re enjoying a couple of bottles of wine, it would be great to graze on snacks, take your time, and then order pizza at your own pace. We’d love to see Leonardo’s extend the kitchen hours to accommodate their later diners better, as it would enhance the experience significantly.
All in all, Leonardo’s Pizza Palace delivers where it counts and that is fantastic pizzas with great crust, solid snacks, and a fun, vibrant atmosphere.
