Jordan T.
Yelp
This was our first visit to Leone's. As fans of Luce, another Italian favorite nearby, we were eager to compare the two. Leone's is always bustling, so we assumed the appeal was justified. Our plan was simple: an appetizer or salad, entrees, dessert to share, and a sambuca nightcap.
We arrived early and were seated promptly and politely by the host. Despite the dining room being about 50-60% full--a decent turnout for a Monday--the pace of service immediately felt sluggish. This set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Our server was polite but seemed either rushed or to assume we were regulars familiar with the flow. While other tables had both sparkling water and bread, neither was offered to us. We eventually asked for bread and received it, and it was delicious, but this small omission set an oddly exclusive tone. Bread service is the universal olive branch of Italian dining, a warm, welcoming gesture. Here, it felt more like a secret handshake.
Drinks, however, were a highlight. My dining companion's limoncello martini struck a perfect balance of tartness and alcohol. My bourbon-based cocktail, after being corrected from an initial miscommunication (I was handed wine at first), was equally well-executed. These were worth the wait.
We shared a Caesar salad, which was well-prepared and satisfying. The house-made croutons and shaved parmesan elevated what was otherwise a classic, if generic, starter.
For entrees, we ordered the lobster fettuccine ($39) and the grilled ribeye ($41). At these price points, one expects a certain level of precision. Unfortunately, the ribeye, requested medium-rare, arrived medium-well, its texture and flavor compromised. The accompanying gravy tasted suspiciously like Bisto instant brown gravy--disappointing for a dish of this caliber. The potatoes were fine, and the asparagus was nicely cooked, but the steak felt like an afterthought.
The lobster fettuccine was more successful, though not flawless. The lobster leaned slightly overcooked, and while the pasta approached al dente, it didn't quite land there.
To the staff's credit, they noted my largely untouched steak and promptly removed it from the bill after inquiring about the issue. However, the problem felt preventable. The steak was thin, making it inherently difficult to cook perfectly while achieving grill marks. This suggests an issue with sourcing rather than execution.
Leone's strength lies not in its food but in its atmosphere. The segmented dining spaces, soft lighting, and features like the indoor waterfall partition create a cozy, intimate vibe. Despite a full house, the sound level was pleasant, and we never had to raise our voices. It's clear that careful thought went into the ambiance, and it works beautifully.
However, the food and front-of-house attention didn't live up to the setting. Leone's seems better suited for diners seeking ambiance over culinary excellence. It's a fine place for a pleasant evening out, but those looking for a more polished dining experience may find themselves wishing for just a bit more.
