Leonessa

5 star food, service and atmosphere! This is a place I will return over and over until I’ve tried every menu item and then start at the top again, wow! We shared Chicken under a Brick, Trofie Pesto, scallops, buttermilk fried rock shrimp, veal Marsala. Everything was so good, the veal was thin and tender cooked just right. The table favorite was the chicken under a brick. The favorite dessert was warm chocolate cake and the favorite drink was the espresso martini. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. Upscale dining but not stuffy, we could talk and laugh comfortably. The service was prompt and so attentive, perfectly timed arrival of appetizers and food. We even got a hello from the owner and manager and appreciated the professionalism of our food runner/busser, Pryce. Thank you for a great experience!

So glad we were able to get a reservation. Took my daughter there for dinner and it was so delicious. Had the grill swordfish with risotto and clams. So yummy and romantic. Our server was very sweet and made our experience even more pleasant. Bread delicious as well and appetizers too. Overall great delicious experience.

In my opinion this place is one of the best places to eat on cape cod. A lot of restaurants give up on ambience and music and overall vibes because they know they’ll be busy during the high season. Unlike others Leonessa has the whole deal, great music, decoration and ambiance. The food is unforgettable. We tried a special veal pasta, and pan crusted haddock and the meals complemented each other in the best way. This was our third time eating here and honestly we will keep coming back because the flavors are just undeniable!

We celebrated our wedding anniversary at Leonessa this week. My husband is in a wheelchair and the experience was amazing. All the staff from the front door to the back kitchen were so accommodating. The food was delicious. All prepared and presented beautifully. Our server Al, was a knowledgeable and experienced member of a team of people pleasing staff. The cocktails were excellent! Nice wine by the glass was a welcomed treat. Appetizers were outstanding. We shared Prosciutto and a crab cake on a delicious salad. Ragu was my husband’s entree and Pasta in clams was my perfect choice. We shared all of our plates. Dessert too! Blueberry Canoli, mango, coconut brûlée and chocolate gelato all yummy. We highly recommend this fine dining gem.

This was our last dinner on the Cape for this trip. It was about a nine minute drive from our lodging on 6A. We arrived a few minutes early and we had to sit for a few minutes before our table was ready. The restaurant was busy! We sat upstairs. It was a bit loud up there, but not bad. Our server was Mariette. We weren’t super hungry so we passed on an appetizer. We did order wine, we each had a glass of the Negroamaro Salice. We asked our server for help on a wine that was similar to a Cabernet Sauvignon and she pointed us in the right direction. It was very good and what we were looking for. We ordered the gemelli with a Ragu. It was excellent. It made up for the bad pasta dish that we had the night before at another restaurant. The bread that was brought to the table was a choice between a softer bread with herbs and a crispy slice. We decided on the cannolis for dessert and they were OK, not super exciting, just OK. Looking forward to coming back next year.

I had a wonderful experience at Leonessa, excellent service and the food was delicious! I had the octopus carpaccio and I’m still thinking about how delicious and tangy that way. I also enjoyed the crab cake that comes with a fired plantain slice - very creatively presented. My fish was a little dry, I wish it was more moist or had more sauce. It was still good though. I also loved that they had mocktails on the menu! A great edition to the cape and I’m excited for Leonessa’s future.

Best meal we had in the cape— obsessed with the crab cake caprese. So so amazing! The Greek salad was very good, as was the Dover sole special. The brocollini was well cooked, but a little heavy on the garlic and oil.

Wow. Just wow. Dinner at Leonessa tonight was nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish left me genuinely speechless—from the inventive yet perfectly balanced flavors to the use of the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The creativity behind the menu shines, but what makes it truly special is how seamlessly everything comes together on the plate. The experience went far beyond the food. The staff was warm, attentive, and welcoming, making us feel truly cared for throughout the evening. The atmosphere, thoughtfully designed and beautifully curated, set the perfect backdrop for such a lovely meal. Although this was our very first visit, it most certainly will not be our last. The team at Leonessa should be immensely proud of what they’ve built and how flawlessly they execute every detail. Dining here is a reminder of the beauty of food and the joy it brings—and we’re so grateful to have experienced it.

My wife and I made our first visit to Leonessa on our 27th anniversary. It was a bold choice given that a special occasion usually means the comfort of an old favorite, but the reviews convinced us to take a chance, and we're glad we did. Valet parking was a bit of a surprise, but it prepared us for what would turn out to be an upscale dining experience. We were seated right away on the second floor, where there was more of an intimate vibe than on the main floor. On the other hand, wooden floors contributed to a noisier atmosphere, but I would say it wasn't intrusive. We were served water immediately, after which we were asked if we wanted something more "adult." I had the mezcal-based "Bandolier," while my wife had the tequila-based "Hornet's Elbow." Both were uniquely decadent and flavorful. As appetizers, we shared a half dozen oysters and house marinated olives. The Calabrian Chili Cocktail Sauce for the oysters was an exquisite touch. For entrees, I had the Spaghetti Vongole, which didn't scrimp on either the clams or the garlic wine sauce. My wife had the Grilled Swordfish Risotto, which was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Both of us left clean plates. It's wonderful to know that we have another option for special occasions reasonably close to home. We'll be back!

I went to Leonessa in Yarmouthport for my birthday dinner, and it was such a memorable experience. The restaurant has a cozy, upscale feel--perfect for a special occasion. We started with the Yellowtail Amberjack Crudo, which paired beautifully with the complimentary homemade bread. The flavors were clean and fresh, though I do wish the portion had been a bit more generous for the price point. For our entrées, my dad got the Chicken Under a Brick, which was excellent--the chicken was tender and flavorful, and the puff pastry portion of the dish was especially amazing. My mom had the Crispy Panko Haddock, which was also a standout: crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. I ordered the Uniquely Spiced Duck, and it was absolutely delicious--rich, flavorful, and cooked just right. All of the entrées came with great portions, and we even had leftovers to bring home, which is always a bonus. Our server was fantastic--friendly, attentive, and never overwhelming. He had great timing and was always there right when we needed something. We finished the meal with the Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée, which was creamy, refreshing, and served cold--a unique twist that worked really well with the tartness of the passion fruit. Highly recommend Leonessa for anyone looking for a refined dining experience on the Cape. Perfect for celebrations or just a great night out!

PULL OUT 22 stars! For authenticity, for an impeccable wine list, for deliriously delicious food. For Jem the super server. Unbelievably wonderful and northern-italian interpretation at its finest with some other mediterranean fare sprinkled in. The rock shrimp appetizer was delightful, as was the Octopus carpaccio (sexy sexy sexy food). And although I really LOVED my Spaghetti vongole infested with clams and garlic and perfect al dente pasta, my husbands gnochetti with wild boar, took it to the next level. Sophisticated but not stuffy, approachable, portions are big and the wine list is impressive. And oh yeah, the valet guys were perfect professional young lads. Slap your mama silly food, stupid good food in a casually elegant and cozy (yes, its small) space. MAKE RESERVATIONS otherwise don't curse out the wait. Locals LOVE to dine here for a reason. Grannie has warned you.

As After Labor day vacationers, we Took the leap to see if Leonessa lived up to her fabulous reputation. What a neat little place with a petite bar area sandwiched between two smallish dining rooms. Not Cape Cod Summer linens & seersucker but rather upscale casual; I think you'd still get served if arriving just off from a day spent on a charter off of Monomoy island. Arriving on opening, there were no seats available for us walk ins but they do take reservations ( highly recommended ) still, we got there early enough ( at opening ) to sit at the short bar. We perused the nice but pricey wine list & found one we've had & could afford - then dived into a short but compelling menu. We went with starters of calamari, and an outstanding Littleneck Clams Amatriciana. I saw charred skirt steak & had to have it ( perfectly grilled medium rare ) & partner enjoyed chef's different twist on the classic Spaghetti alle Vongole. And those with hearty pasta appetites may find your bowl empty sooner than you'd like - just order more bread as we did. Everything we ate was delicious. We had one little communication error that I felt was handled awkwardly. We had inquired to our bartender about a starter being offered & had to reject it because of an ingredient my partner could not eat. To our surprise the bartender brought it out anyway & we sent it back explaining that we in fact did not order because of the forbidden ingredient. Soon after we got a visit by a gentleman, who may have been the kitchen manger, seemingly needing to follow up further. It was awkward, to say the least. In an establishment of this calibre & price point, explaining once,that we in fact had not ordered & why -should have been sufficient. Perhaps the noise level in the bar interfered with the communication. I Highly recommend Leonessa & will return in the future with a confirmed reservation for the dining room.

My parents live in the Cape, so it is practically our second home. The Cape has so many restaurants that cost a lot but don't live up to the hype, or are simply not good, Leonessa is the exception. It is such a great find, a gorgeous restaurant, and the food is fantastic. We had the chicken and pork entrees, both were delicious and had generous portions. The service was also excellent, and the drinks were very memorable. One of our best meals on the Cape ever. So if you are going to go out for a nice meal, don't waste your money at one of the other overpriced places, and head here for sure!

Highly recommend this restaurant. We had reservations for 7. Awesome atmosphere. Our server knew everything about the cocktails and menu. We ended up getting a late reservation because there were 7 of us. We did a combination of starters and entrees since it was late. They did not make us feel rushed at all even though our dinner was 30 minutes before closing. The cocktails were excellent. The La Cura was a refreshing summer drink. Several chose the white Negroni and loved it. The bread plate they served before our meals arrived was awesome. I had the crab cake and mixed green salad. Perfect meal. A few chose the steak tartare and loved it. We had chicken under a brick, arancini, and veal Milanese. All were awesome. Check it out. We loved it.

What a lovely surprised Leonessa turned out to be. I had seen a dish on Yelp that I really wanted to try here. However upon arrival I discovered they had just swapped it off the menu. Rather disappointed I opted for a new selection and bam it was fabulous. I believe it was Lumpchino. Pardon me if I messed up the spelling of the dish Small pasta in a Marsala sauce of Beef, veal and mushrooms. My husband had a rigatoni in vodka sauce with lamb meatballs. Another home run. I highly suggest you make a reservation since we arrive at 4:45 on a Saturday night and could only sit at the bar. The restaurant was packed. Bon appetite.

what a delightful treat in yarmouth! leonessa is an amazing experience all around. there is included valet service due to the tight parking lot. the vibe of the inside is cozy and rustic with warm lighting - it definitely reminded me of the inviting restaurants in the middle of tuscany that you find on the side of the road. we arrived early and perused the drink menu. this is a fun menu with some interesting flavor combinations - not too out there but definitely for a more refined foodie palate - this isn't a mom and pop italian restaurant but rather a cool older sister vibe. the food was incredible and everything was noticeably fresh - the PLATING! the plates themselves were works of art and this was definitely a masterclass in presentation. this is definitely worth the reservation as we had a wonderful date night, but this is pretty costly so make sure this is for an occasion that is worth it :)

This restaurant is amazing. The actually building is slightly smaller than your average restaurant, but they make it work in a both chic and comfortable way. The menu is large without overextension, and it changes from time to time, so you can try new items when you visit. I was in awe of my perfectly cooked salmon, and the dulce de leche ice cream I had my first night was one of my favorite desserts ever. Every time my family comes here, we have an amazing conversation with a server, who is always friendly and helpful throughout the meal. Going to Leonessa is always a treat, and I highly recommend it.

Excellent dining experience. Exceeded expectations. Finely prepared Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting. Valet parked our car- complimentary. We were warmly greeted at check in. We sat at a comfortable high top table that has bench back seating for 2 of the 4 at that table. Server (Mariette) was very professional and friendly. Drinks, bread, oysters, salad, pasta, and veggies were all top notch. Prices are fair for this level of quality dining. Highly recommend. Notorious MD approved! We'll be back on our next trip to the Cape.

We came here for our anniversary and it did not disappoint! First off, everyone was very friendly and kept wishing us a happy anniversary which was sweet. The inside was really neat; dark, well decorated, and just overall a cozy place for a late night Italian dinner. We started with the complimentary bread with fava dip. The bread was super soft and delicious, and the big cracker-like thing was cheesy and tasted great. I had the spicy rock shrimp pasta, which I really enjoyed, I just wish it had some kind of sauce on it or was a little saucier, but the flavors were all great. My girlfriend got the Hand Rolled Strozzapreti with the beef and veal ragu. That was definitely the best dish of the night. Incredibly flavorful and the pasta was nice and chewy. We split the limoncello cheesecake which we really enjoyed. We especially liked that it wasn't too sweet and the lemon wasn't overpowering. The blueberry compote was delicious so a little more of that would have been well received!

Food is fabulous service is good, but the noise level is over the top!! Very difficult to have a conversation

Leonessa was fantastic! Cozy but modern atmosphere. We stopped in for appetizers and cocktails, and everything was delicious. Our server was the absolute best--she helped us pick out her favorite appetizers and recommended their Cosmos, which she said were the best on the Cape. She was right--they were outstanding! Great food, amazing drinks, and wonderful service.

Everything was very good except the main Entree. I got Gemelli Bolognese $34 Prime Beef, Veal, & Pork Ragu. It was extremely salty and almost un edible. Saving Grace was the pasta was cooked perfectly.

Came here on Sunday for my step moms birthday with a large group. Service was top-notch. Food was exquisite - both in taste and presentation. It was basically art. Everyone agreed that the overall experience was one of the best dining experiences on the cape. My personal favorites were both of the steak dishes, the creamy polenta side, and the oysters. Definitely coming back for a date night.

Great food and nice ambiance. I recommend a reservation as it is always busy and you can get stuck seated by the door which can be quite chilly in the off season- (that's just Cape Cod!). Dishes were really nice. Good drinks.

Celebrated a milestone birthday! What a treat. The staff is amazing, fun & so hospitable. Food was beautifully presented. Amazing texture & flavor choices by the chef. scratch cooking + crafted cocktails + curated wines MAKE A RESERVATION!!

The food was fantastic the service was excellent. The chicken on a brick was very tender and the mushroom pastry was tasty.

I love this Resturant!! It's brand new on cape cod. Most restaurants are featuring fried seafood, fries and lobster rolls. That's what a lot of vacationers want. So it's very hard to find a restaurant that offers fresh ingredients (a lot grown on site) in an Italian nouveau style. Cocktails are creative and varied. I had a rye martini type of drink that is almost like a Manhattan but with subtle flavors of rhubarb. Homemade bread was served with an tomato hummus that was delicious. The beet salad was delicious with fresh mint and herbs. The burrata was as creamy as can be with amazing tomatoes. I had the zucchini goat cheese appetizer for my entree and enjoyed it so much. My husband got the steak in a French style that was cooked perfectly. Thank you Lionessa for providing creative delicious cuisine.

The food was amazing. I had the pork and hubby had the duck. When delivered to the table , we all gasped...the presentation was beautiful. Service was impeccable, even though the restaurant was full. Richard, the manager, floats around inobtrusively to make sure all runs smoothly. We were seated in a corner, as requested, but the noise level was still substantial. I think this is just something expected. Our desserts were sumptuous; berry bowl with gelato, whipped creme and Lyle's syrup drizzled over it.....and the other was a decadent chocolate cake oozing with more chocolate inside. This is going to be our go-to for special occasions.

I'm a foodie and I definitely like to go out some nice restaurants that have welcoming atmospheres. So after living on Cape Cod for the last 20 years, I have my pics of places that I go to in Italian food is definitely one of them. I kept hearing about this place and I ended up one night stopping by and I was really amazed with their food and their presentation of the food . The service is great. It's a small little restaurant which has a little bar area to eat along with a little dining area and they open space relaxing dining area. . I would highly recommend making a reservation sometimes when I just come by and try to find a seat at the bar it's a little hard cause it's always busy . Now being an Italian place, I always have to try there. Spaghetti Bolognese and I was definitely imp. Also, their stuff oysters was really delicious. . So if you ever in the area, I highly recommend this place you would not be disappointed

Such an incredible experience this past weekend! The Cape was in need of a spot like this. We were celebrating a girlfriend's 40th and Leonessa delivered! Everything from the vibe (classy & city-ish), to the crowd (it was packed), to the service (exceptional & never rushed) and the food (every bite) exceeded expectations. We were the very last to leave for a reason - we soaked up every minute! This will be my new go-to for every occasion. Well done!

Took my hubby here for his birthday dinner and it was such a huge WOW factor on all aspects! We were recommended by locals (my SIL) and boy oh boy we have no regrets! The ambiance is intimate, absolutely loved it. Our waiter had only been working there for a few months but if he had told us he's been there for 10 years I would've believed him! He was so knowledgeable about everything on the menu and made great recommendations; service was great and would definitely ask for him again (unfortunately don't remember his name but I know faces)! Oysters and calamari were absolutely life changing. I think the pictures will speak for itself. Definitely looking forward to coming back once we're in the area again. Can't wait to recommend this place to the next person!

The valet parking was great. The receptionist was great. The wait staff was outstanding. The food was terrific and very hot . The noise level was terrible. We almost left but decided to stick it out. It ruined what should have been a total 5* night. For many years I did "noise control" and it is not an impossible task to take care of. Save your restaurant.

Well, I accidentally made our reservation for the following evening and when we arrived it looked like our dinner would not happen. Thank you to the very gracious staff for quickly finding us a cozy table. The service was great, attentive yet not overbearing, the drinks were clever and delicious and the food was amazing! Probably the best bolognese I have ever had. Could not have asked for a better experience. Free valet parking was quick and friendly as well. Would highly recommend if you want a really nice dinner out. Put Leonessa on your must visit list!

This is the best meal I've had in a while! Everything was so good! From the cocktails, to the starters, to our meals! There are several vegetarian options. The ambiance was dark and cozy. Our server was nice (our water glasses did get empty twice thought). The prices were reasonable. There's complimentary valet. And make sure to make reservations, which is super easy to do online!

The food was good bit pricey for Ragu The service was good. But 19 dollars for a measured makers manhattan in a martini cup made for a dessert no thank you. What is going on with the drink prices

When we got there the valet parking was a little backed up but they took the car and off it went and we went right in for our reservations a gorgeous table in the corner are server was kind and knowledgeable. I had the tuna with wasabi and it was cooked to perfection with a puree of parsnip underneath it was delicious. My wife had the pasta dish and she thoroughly enjoyed it what a great place to go for a date night on 6A

This was our first trip to Leonessa and overall we had a good experience. Breaking it down the food was freshly prepared and hot when it was served. It was tasty and of higher quality than most places on the Cape. The portions were average and the meal Is more about quality than just quantity. The service was very good. Our service person was attentive, responsive and conversational and checked in to make sure our service needs were met all night. The atmosphere was good but the place has a unique layout and we sat on a high top near a bathroom door and an air conditioner condenser that kept going off to pump out the moisture. Please don't read that as an indictment on the place as we still were very comfortable. That said the tables were clean and the clientele was upscale. We will go back for sure.

The food and ambiance are excellent. Every food dish is done with a flourish and full of flavor. The chef is extremely talented. From the valet parking to the well adorned but simple decor, the restaurant is welcoming. Every pasta is made in-house, and you can't go wrong with any of them. The spaghetti with clams were great. The cavatelli is delicious. The rice balls were fried lightly and were greaseless. The veal was tender and shareable. The desserts were a nice finish to the meal. The ownership is only four months old, so they need to get a few kinks out of the service as this two story restaurant has several dining rooms and coverage can be spotty, but the effort to close this gap is there. Go as the trip is worth it. Oh, the have a pizza oven that is not yet in use, but my bet is that this will be a plus.

Top restaurant on Cape Cod. We have dined here on multiple occasions and the food and service are splendid

Upscale all the way, dinner for one was presented with much charm and in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Thank you to my wonderful server, his suggestions were spot on. Presentation and flavors were delicious, their food was bursting with yumminess and looked beautiful. Please look at the pictures, says it all. Feast your eyes, please come and enjoy the very best dining in a pretty well appointed Cape Cod home restaurant.

Ate here for the first time last evening. Excellent experience all around. Waitress was great, food was spot on (best pork chop I've ever had out to eat). Highly recommended, will definitely be back to try other entrees. Dined early so it wasn't full.

This was our second visit. The food is consistently excellent. Unfortunately, the service from Mike was upsetting. I think he had a bad day & was not welcoming or pleasant. He had a caustic edge. We felt dismissed. Mike was not attentive or in the least bit enjoyable If we go again I will definitely request a different waiter.

Tonight my wife and I took her sister to Leonessa to celebrate her birthday. This was our first time here and it was outstanding. I was worried about parking but the valet service was great. When we entered we were greated warmly, seated immediately and the ambience was cozy and inviting. As an app we shared calimari and it was some of the best I have ever had and it went great with the Rose wine we all had. For entrees, my wife had Chicken under a brick and my sis-in law and I had Lumachine. All were generous portions and delicious. The service was also excellent. Although just a tad pricey, this place is a gem and we look forward to returning.

The food was great. Our server was good. I made the reservation for our 40th wedding anniversary 3 weeks early. In the reservation I mentioned it was our anniversary. When we checked in I again mentioned it was our anniversary. So they sat us next to the restrooms. We went there as some place special, obviously they didn't return the feeling.

Outstanding, intimate, and thoroughly enjoyable. Food was excellent, as was the service. Will return.

We had an amazing meal and great service from our server Jim. We would highly recommend.

This is as good as all the reviews say. Service was outstanding. We will be coming back again next summer. We got a last minute 4:00PM reservation and were so happy we did!

Great food, great service, great vibe. I had the swordfish served over lobster risotto and clams, the swordfish had the perfect char, and the risotto was proper. Would definitely stop in here anytime i come back.

Exactly what is expected from a fine dining experience. Complimentary valet was a great service. We made reservations and had a great server. Excellent wine selection that will meet anyone's pallet and wallet needs. We ordered appetizers and entrees. While the overall bill was large, from a value standpoint the portions and quality match the price. The pasta was delectable and the steak and pork chop were massive and tasty too. Definitely the place to be in the cape if you are looking for fine dining

Excellent service-faultless. Strossapretti with beef & veal ragu was outstanding. I couldn't stop eating it. It was hearty & richly flavored. Perfect on a chilly night. Unfortunately, Spaghetti Vongole--although the pasta was well cooked, the sauce was watery & lacked flavor.

Nice addition to the Cape! We loved everything we ate here, ravioli special, pork chop and haddock. Cocktails were creative and delicious, with a few NA choices which were great too. Restaurant is cozy and cute, with a few different dining areas that all looked nice. Our server Brian was really good and fun to talk to. We can't wait to go back.

Excellent food and service. We went for our anniversary. Oysters and shrimp cocktail were delicious. The bottle of rose' was very nice. Scallops and risotto and spicy shrimp entrees also did not disappoint. Finished with dessert and Grand Marnier

Leonessa was the highlight of our trip to the Cape this year. The ambiance is charming, our server Camila was wonderful, and the food was fantastic! We started with oysters and olives and then our group had the tuna crostini, beef tartar, and prosciutto appetizers. Mains were two orders of the pork chop--best I've ever had!--one chicken under a brick, and one charred swordfish risotto. Everything was perfectly done and artfully presented. One member of our party is gluten and diary free and they were entirely willing and able to accommodate her. I can't recommend Leonessa enough for fine dining on the Cape!

Delicious food, Bread was tasty. Pasta was yummy. Service was exceptional. Wine suggestion was right on.

The food and the Ambiance is great. The dining experience was wonderful and really good.

I had dinner at Leonessa for the first time last night and I'm so glad that I tried it! Everything was exceptional - cocktails, wine, appetizers, and my strozzapreti was absolutely delicious! Even the bread and olive tapenade that they served before the meal was excellent! I'm not really a dessert person but the description of the cheesecake forced my hand and it was just as light and delectable as described. In addition to the fabulous food was an attentive and friendly staff including our waiter Brian, who was knowledgeable about everything on the menu along with the wine. After last night's experience, I will definitely be a repeat customer at this truly exceptional establishment!

Great service - waiter Brian spaced out the courses perfectly. Great atmosphere. Great food. First time visiting, will be back yearly.