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    Leon's

    4.1 (55 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Lamb arrosticini; potato & taleggio ravioli with ramps.
    Naomi C.

    Leon's is well located and I've been several times full disclosure. But today I decided to review it. It's located directly across from the Strand which is one my personal favorite places in NYC and if you've spent hours amongst dusty tomes, this is the place to break your fast. The food is HIGH QUALITY. I usually order the lamb burger but today we arrived late after browsing for hours and realized it was dinner time! I'd never even seen the dinner menu! Never fear, they had lamb arrosticini (skewers) which are phenomenal. Also, they got rid of the old lamb burger preparation with chili oil and it now comes with mushroom fondue fyi so if you loved it before be aware!!!! My daughter is a gnocchi queen so she ordered the potato & taleggio ravioli with ramps which we both thought were unique if rather bland ... Here's the thing, the lamb was an amazing cut, not too fatty (which is hard to do with lamb) and it was well cooked but it was SALTYYYYYY. I cannot understand it, even with the lemon wedge that we generously applied, the flavor was THERE but if I'd had high blood pressure or been salt sensitive it would have been a problem. I like salt. And it was salty for me. It may have been inedible for someone else. Same for the ravioli. I know that taleggio can be a salty cheese but paired with the potato ravioli I would EXPECT it to be balanced. It was not. I was surprised by how salty it was and the lack of any other real flavor. Because I always love the lamb burger, there's construction all around so I'm sure foot traffic is down, and the service was FABULOUS AS ALWAYS I leave the rating at a 3.6- rounding UP to 4 for the service and the fact that I LIKED IT (I like a lot of salt and usually add salt. They actually gave me more flaky salt to add to the lamb lol. I thought that was interesting). But I'd be careful with these specific dishes if you're salt sensitive. When I come with my girlfriend we usually get branzino and I must admit that has NEVER FAILED ME, so do with that what you will. Bon a petit!

    Ricotta Cavatelli, Sausage & Market Greens
    Nathan K.

    Our family was craving pasta and I had heard great things about Leon's. This was the first Italian meal we had on this trip as it was incredible. From the moment we walked into the beautiful dining room for lunch, we were warmly greeted and the service was fantastic throughout our meal. We had a pretty large group and everyone wanted to try a variety of items from the menu. We started with the Fava Bean Falafel with Tahina, Lamb Arrosticini, Salame Rosa and Prosciutto, Citrus Salad and Rapini Melt with Agrodocle Onions. Oh, and don't forget to order a side of Egyptian Fries...yum! First impressions from the table were all thumbs up. The Rapini Melt, Falafel and Lamb Arrosticini were to of my favorites, but everyone was delicious. By the way, the bread they bring to the table with olive oil is wonderful too. So light and flavorful. I could have eaten the whole basket. But we had more eating to do. For the mains we ordered the Bucatini all'Amatriciana, Lemon Tagliolini with Sea Beans, Ricotta Cavatelli, Sausage & Market Greens, and the Pappardelle & Duck Ragù. There's nothing like fresh handmade pasta and all four of these dishes were a winner. The Lamb Ragu was a hit and we had to order a second, however the Lemon Tagliolini was a table favorite too. Wow. To end the meal, we had to go all out. We devoured the Crème Caramel, Dark Chocolate Torta, Spumoni 'Perfetto' and a few more scoops of their house-made sorbettos, including Fior di Latte, Brown Butter Sage, and Mint Stracciatella. This was the perfect way to end a fantastic lunch. By the end we were ready to walk around and headed to the High Line. Hats off to Chef Kelley Pittman (Hawaii girl) and the team here for an incredible experience. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in the city.

    Bread
    Amanda W.

    Went to Leon's for a birthday dinner and first off, the restaurant and service was excellent. It is a beautiful space! And our server was attentive and very welcoming. The menu, I felt were mainly Italian. There were Egyptian dishes, such as Egyptian french fries, I asked our server what does that taste like? Her response was basically with a ton of spices such as paprika and cumin. I was unimpressed. A special shout out for the bread and the olive oil ! The best olive oil, I had to find out where it came from. And sadly it is from a private farm in Piedmont. I absolutely loved it. For apps, we ordered prosciutto, burrata and a salad. All absolutely delicious and fresh. And for our mains we all shared the steak frites, duck ragu and the skate. The steak frites was sad, only 3 pieces of steak with a very salty sauce on top. I had to scrape off the top. And the duck ragu was ok. And the skate was so salty. Overall loved the app, and while the food was fresh a lot of seasoning used ended up making the dishes way saltier than it should've been. And for desserts, we shared the cookies and the dark chocolate torta. Both were excellent! And because it was our girlfriend's birthday, our server gave us the maple sage ice cream with a candle. Very nice touch! Overall excellent service, beautiful restaurant, fresh food but several of the dishes was so salty.

    Danan R.

    Solid Italian with French and Egyptian influences right in the heart of Union Square by Broadway and 12th from the Anton's team. The space is beautiful with high ceilings and open seating. It's great for groups and they have a private dining room, as well. The food is very solid - be sure to try the duck papardelle or ricotta cavatelli pastas. They have a special for 3 pastas and a wine bottle for $115 as well if you are looking for a nice tasting for a group of 2-3. The entrees are also solid and they have specials such as a bone-in ribeye for 2. The branzino for 2 is also a great sharing plate for a group. The fries (spiced and herbed) are a nice, thick cut and great pairing fot any of the proteins. Service can be a little on the slower side but that is to be expected for a new venue. Worth a visit!

    Lamb Skewers
    Cobie J.

    Nice ambience. Green salad was fresh with a bright lemon vinaigrette and delicious shaved cheese. Falafel was made with fava beans (Egyptian style), which was a delight. Lamb skewer was a disappointment, but they replaced it with a less fatty portion which was better. The gluten-free cavatelli-esque pasta was perfectly cooked and very nice with Amatriciana sauce. Happy hour is 3-5.

    Beth M.

    The service was amazing. They were so knowledgeable. The food was tasty and flavorful. Excellent chefs and preparation. Five stars

    Alan S.

    It's remarkably hard to find an above-mediocre weekday sit-down breakfast in Manhattan. Less explicitly corporate than Locanda Verde, more formal than a coffee and bagel from Apollo. Leon's, a new brightly-lit Italian spot across the street from the Strand, fits the bill with their 8am opening time. The caprese soft scramble was beautifully textured, and paired well with the crispy focaccia on the side. Will be back to try dinner here as well.

    Dave B.

    Our dinner at Leon's was one of the best meals any of my 3-person group has enjoyed in 2025. From start to finish - wine/cocktails through salads through pastas and entrees - everything blew us away. Special compliments to the lemon tagliolini w/sea beans - a buttery, chewy pasta that melts in your mouth w/hints of lemon. Among beverages, our favorites were the martini papillon and the Tenuta di Fessina Erse (red wine). Though honestly, everything shone. On top of all that, our waiter Eric made fantastic recommendations and presented everything w/tremendous zeal. I'm jealous of New Yorkers' food options on many levels, and not least, for this gem of a restaurant. As good as my hometown's food scene is, few of our restaurants stand up to Leon's on quality, service and value. I want to go back!

    Pappardelle & Duck Ragu.  Excellent.  Full of flavor.  Plenty of duck in the ragu.  Would order again.

    Brunch on a Saturday. We arrived 1:30 and the restaurant was maybe 33% full. It was almost completely full at 2:15 or 2:30. When full it was pretty noisy. Not awful, but we had to talk pretty loudly in order to hear each other (4-top). The food was good. The waiter was helpful when we were selecting dishes. First time at Leon's so we ordered more food than typical because we wanted to try a few items. The food was good and portions were reasonably sized. Pricing OK for NYC. Foos is not a 5 but a solid 4, maybe even above a 4.0. However, one of our party's main course was "input" incorrectly and she received something none of us had ordered. That was rectified, took maybe 15 minutes to get the replacement. Service during the meal was not good. Yes people could not wait to fill our water glasses every time any of us took a sip (actually annoying). What bothered us is that not a single person other than the water fillers, no manager, not our waiter, no one at all, checked on us during the meal. One of us wanted another glass of wine, the person with the fries wanted more ketchup, we loved the falafel and wanted to order a second plate. None of this was addressed because we were totally ignored. Just four middle-to-older quiet people that became invisible. Enter off 12th St., not Broadway.

    Cappuccino and their lemon tart
    Alex F.

    Absolutely love this place, service is wonderful all of the wait staff is extremely nice. The food is amazing and so is the atmosphere it's cozy while also being open and dynamic. Everything was 10/10!!

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    21 days ago

    We were in the side room which has less than zero ambiance and no air conditioning or fans on a stifling hot evening.

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    Fantastic food. Super service. Some of the kindest people NYC has to offer. We were having a bad day and Leon's turned all that around

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    11 months ago

    Gorgeous space. Wonderful staff. Delicious food. A neighborhood spot we didn't know we needed!

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    Valerie

    Valerie

    4.3
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Came for Brunch on a Sunday . Great food (try the shrimp &…read moreGrits- different but really good). Live music is fabulous (Danny Lipsitz) and the drinks are perfect. Of all the places to go In New York, Glad we stopped here . The attentive service (Bar and Restaurant) made the experience even better. Great job Valerie's !!

    Came here for a slightly early dinner after a Broadway show with a party of 4 on a Sunday evening…read more We had a reservation, but it didn't seem like we would have needed one, but I suppose better safe than sorry. The ambiance feels straight of the golden age, which is an aesthetic I'm certainly a sucker for. Even their robust cocktail menu fits the bill and is one of the prettiest menus I've ever had the joy of perusing. Staff was able to sit us a little bit ahead of our reservation which was also much appreciated. Wait staff was also very helpful and attentive, I don't think I've ever had my water glass so topped off! Starting off with cocktails, this place is a gin bar through and through and you'd be making a mistake if you didn't try one of their many options. I went with the 10,000 words, which you simply just give a spirit of your choice (I picked gin of course) and whether you antes) wanted your drink shaken or stirred and the bartender does the rest, so a bit of a surprise! I wound up with their version of The Last Word which was delightfully citrusy but I was hoping I'd wind up with something a little more adventurous app things considered. My girlfriend got the blackberry G&T, which was not only very pleasing to look at but delicious to boot. For food, we started with splitting some zucchini blossoms and beef cheek bao buns (both come in portions of 3). Both were tasty, but I love a good bao bun and these were so light and pillowy, I could have just went for an order of those for my main course. For the entree I went for the roasted half chicken, perhaps the most unassuming choice on the menu but this was maybe the best roast chicken I've ever had. Prepared perfectly, cooked to perfection, excellent portion size, and the kicker of it all was the stunning gravy that I was tempted to lick my plate for. Chicken is very easy to screw up, and they nailed it on all fronts here. My girlfriend went for the Valerie Signature burger with white cheddar and this thing did not mess around! A very rich patty, cooked to her temperature of choice served alongside some garlic truffle fries that made an American classic feel just a little more elevated. Our experience was delightful and I'd love to comeback here again, especially to check out more of the cocktail menu and soak in more of that golden age aura the place gives.

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    Valerie
    Valerie
    Valerie

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    Sunken Harbor Club

    Sunken Harbor Club

    4.5
    (116 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$$

    I've been trying to go to Sunken Harbor for over a year now. I don't know how it's possible but…read moredespite being local it always seems to have a private event whenever we have plans to go. The stars finally aligned this winter and I had the opportunity to try it out. The vibes are perfect. Fog and bubbles, sea noises and all of the art go together seemlessly. Drinks were great. We had three and left suitably sloshed for the night with no aftereffects. We didn't have too many bites but the food was very good for a bar. I'm excited to go back and I hope we have just as much luck getting in next time.

    This is a "speakeasy" above Gage and Tollner. An undersea Tiki style adventure with a sexy mermaid…read moreheading up the bar. Nautical theme throughout with weathered leather, ropes, fish. Cocktails are made with various types of rum and ingredients like grapefruit, maraschino, wormwood amaro, falernum, thyme, Assam tea, spiced lime, allspice, coconut, cucumber, nutmeg, sour orange. All the drinks keep with the tropical, fruity taste with a hint of spice. They are also broken up into categories (dry land = no alcohol, shallows = average amount of alcohol, and abyss (larger amounts of alcohol). The abyss section has some cocktails that are limited to two per customer. They have some bar bites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp toast, broiled oysters, ricotta, dumplings, sliders. I had the French fries with kimchi ranch, which were underwhelming. Bartenders were cool and kept the drinks coming. I got in immediately without an issue or a wait, but it was right after a snowstorm. I've seen some people struggle to get in or have a long wait.

    Photos
    View of the bar
    View of the bar
    Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

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    Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner
    Dear Strangers

    Dear Strangers

    4.3
    (29 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Dear Strangers is a wonderful hidden gem! We celebrated Valentine's Day there last night and while…read morethe restaurant was incredibly busy, we never felt overlooked or underserved. The owners were milling around making sure everyone was well taken care of and the wait staff were kind and personable. Now the food...AMAZING!!! Every bite we took was wonderful and so surprising with creative combinations and gorgeously presented. The restaurant itself was hip and refined and seemed to be the happening spot of the night. We will certainly be back!

    Met up with friends here for dinner before a show near Washington square. It wasn't super crowded…read morewhen we arrived around 6pm (maybe due to the extreme cold that day) but started filling up gradually. I loved the ambiance and decor, very cozy. As for food, there were some true hits but most of the food was good but basic. The highlights for me were the wild mushrooms & rice cakes as well as the Caesar salad - loved the use of nori in the salad and would definitely come back for the mushrooms. The chicken cutlet and chicken dumplings were fine but I probably wouldn't order them again. The wait staff weren't super attentive nor super warm, but they were efficient when we asked for water refills, etc. There was ample standing room at the bar while we waited for our friends, but the table/booth that we sat at was super narrow, I was knocking knees with my friend all night and generally felt squished.

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    Dear Strangers
    Dear Strangers
    Smoked chicken croquettes

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    Smoked chicken croquettes
    Attaboy

    Attaboy

    4.1
    (875 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Attaboy absolutely lives up to the hype…read more From the moment we sat down, we knew we were in for something special. Our bartender, Zack, was phenomenal. Calling him a bartender almost feels like an understatement--he's a true cocktail craftsman. I was amazed watching him create drinks based simply on a few words or flavors we mentioned. It felt less like ordering a cocktail and more like collaborating on one. Of course, he also nailed the classics. The Clover Club and Gimlet were both perfectly executed, and my husband tried three different whiskey cocktails throughout the evening and loved every single one. The atmosphere is exactly what you hope for from a speakeasy: dark, intimate, and unassuming. The space is small, which adds to the experience, although the bar stools are definitely not designed for settling in for a three-hour hang (my only minor complaint). But honestly, that probably helps keep the experience moving and allows more people to enjoy this special spot. Attaboy is a great example of why NYC has such a legendary cocktail scene. The drinks, the craftsmanship, and the personal attention make it clear why this place gets so much attention. We'll absolutely be back.

    Have I found a new favorite bar?! I've heard nothing but good things about this place, and it still…read moreexceeded my expectations. The vibe is super chill, fun, and welcoming. The concept is simple: tell the bartenders what type of liquor and flavors you enjoy, and they create a custom cocktail just for you. I think it helps to go in with a few ideas, but if you give them some creative freedom, they can really surprise you. I honestly cannot remember all the ingredients in my drinks, but I do remember loving every sip. Such a unique spot and a fun experience. Definitely small inside so you may have to wait awhile. I only wish I lived closer!

    Photos
    Small space but good vibes
    Small space but good vibes
    Paper plane
    Paper plane
    Interior bar seat

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    Interior bar seat
    Steight

    Steight

    4.6
    (42 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Very cute speakeasy hidden behind an empty hair salon. The decor was very fun, and I couldn't quite…read moretell what the theme was. It's a very small space, so it may be a bit of a wait for a seat. We came around 8:45 PM, and got a spot at the bar after about 20 minutes. We tried the yuzu contact and the ma-chet baker, and the ma-chet baker was definitely our favorite. It tasted just like a matcha latte, and I liked the bits of gen maicha in it. It wasn't very strong however. The yuzu contact was also very light and citrusy.

    yuzu highball mt highball…read more- highball was nice, basic, and refreshing; nothing much to note about but ive definitely had better - i liked the yuzu a bit more because the mt highball was a bit too alcoholic hojicha colada - hojicha is their seasonal menu and it also is my favorite! The tea was strong and fragrant - it is on the sweeter side, a bit like dessert, so i had to pair it with water, but it was still yummy and would recommend yuzu contact - this was alright! Typical yuzu but ive had better ones - personally feel like the yuzu can be brighter and a bit sweeter rating: 4/5 - the drinks were all good but nothing particularly stood out except for the hojicha colada - the vibe and the music really brought up my rating though! It was such a cute, cozy, intimate spot for dates - small speakeasy with only a few seats, similar to bars in japan; it's one of those japanese listening bars and i love it - there was light jazz in the background, not too loud that i had to shout - the mood was perfect; I couldn't stop staring at the interior decor and immerse myself in this little cozy corner - service was super quick, nothing much to note IG: @nom.noms.only

    Photos
    Oolong Punch
    Oolong Punch
    Sake Flight.
    Sake Flight.
    Steight

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    Apotheke

    Apotheke

    3.8
    (1.6k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Apotheke was one of my first experiences with a hidden speakeasy a number of years ago, and it…read morestill remains the OG in my vast encyclopedia of experiences. :) Strolling down Chinatown's busy and gritty Doyers Street, looking for any sign of Apotheke is a fond memory, then finally figuring out where it was, and entering through the mysterious and otherworldly threshold resulted a transformative experience that made me feel like I time traveled. Mood lighting, comfortable seating, great drinks in a cozy and Victorian-inspired space are the perfect blend of unique and. I always felt like I was part of something special the few times enjoyed creative, delicious, and strong libations from the pros at the bar. While it has always been pricey, I do feel like the excellent service ambiance, and drink quality warrant this, but may prevent more folks from becoming regulars so to speak. I love the clever and compact bathroom design, too. IYKYK Long live Apotheke!

    Fifteen years later and Apotheke is still one of my favorites!…read more You will walk past this hidden speakeasy several times before finding it. I could tell you to look for the blue beaker sign that says "Chemist" but the better tell is the random guy sitting on a stool outside. He'll be the only person on the street, so no worries about missing him! The menu has changed over the years, but the quality has not. The bartenders are social and personable. And the prices are in line for the area. My bestie and I loved the vibe. One of the best speakeasies she's had the pleasure of experiencing. Don't miss out on this place!

    Photos
    The bar
    The bar
    Live Band
    Live Band
    Beautiful bar

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    Beautiful bar

    Leon's - italian - Updated July 2026

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