Leonardo Ristorante Italiano

Ask for the "Special" topping on your pizza

23 May 08, 09:49 Beyond expectations

When I lived in Brighton I had an office just around the corner from Leonardos and I used to go their 2 or 3 times a week for their great value lunchtime deals.

The grilled sardines were amazing and the service was always spot on.

HOWEVER, this all came to an abrupt end one day back in 2003. There was I busy tucking into Moma's spicy meat balls when a load of police came bursting through the front door and started pointing guns at everyone.

It turns out that the then owner had been making a tidy profit from a new line of pizzas that featured "special" toppings. Toppings that included finest Columbian cocaine.

People would ring ahead with their "special order" and then drop by the restaurant to pick up their pizza. Once home they would lift a corner of their pizza's succulent, hand spun, doughy base to find a yummy big bag of Coke sitting their ready for desert.

Now that's what I call service!

The owner ended up getting 8 years...

http://archive.theargus.co.uk/2004/8/24/110346.html

Mama would be proud

17 May 08, 14:29 Above expectations

This is a superb little Italian restaurant on a road where there are more Italian restaurants than people.

From the outside it might not look much but go inside and the experience begins. The decor is neutral, one up from basic, but it doesn't need to be any more than that, this place isn't about showing off or being ultra chic, it's about good wholesome Italian food in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

The staff are very welcoming and as far as I can tell, they are also Italian which is novel nowadays (either that or they put on a cracking Italian accent) You are welcomed quickly and shown to your spacious table. Even for 2 people the tables are large so there is plenty of room for the garlic bread, bruschetta, wine bottle, water jug, glasses, mobile phone, keys and breadsticks.

The menu is extensive and reasonable. There is the usual list of pasta, pizza and meat or fish dishes. The risotto is superb, fresh ingredients, well cooked and well presented. The bowls they use here are so good I actually bought some for my flat!

You'll get a nice surprise when the bill comes, it's not too expensive at all, unless of course you sit there all night and down bottles of vino, but then you'll be too merry to worry about the cost. Enjoy the experience of a true Italian gem

Good Italian

30 Apr 08, 16:32 As expected

Leonardo's is a nice, little italian located in central Hove. The staff are quite entertaining, and the service is quick. The menu has lots on offer and they do great soap! The cocktails are good and very well presented. Overall quite reasonably priced and has an eay going atmosphere.

All your Italian favourites

30 Apr 08, 12:36 As expected

Leonardo's is one of several Italians located within Hove's 'square mile'. Food wise it covers all your Pizza & Pasta favourites, alongside a host of speciality dishes straight from Momma's recipe book!!

The staff are always attentive & friendly and if you're on a budget they do offer a £4.95 and £8.95 set menu option, which is great value.

Family run by generations of Italians you simply can't go wrong with this lovely little restaurant.

Best Italian in Hove

30 Apr 08, 12:34 Above expectations

This is a really good Italian in Hove, of which there are many, and they're all good but this may be the best. Great pizza, great pasta, good value, good service. It also does lots of other dishes, my favourite starter is the scallops with quails eggs, it's delicious

Momma Mia

21 Apr 08, 19:51 Above expectations

Leonardo's is a fabulous family run business in Hove. Its easy to go in and choose a simple pasta or pizza but if you look further the menu is sophisticated as is the wine. They have a good selection of classic reds on the list and a truly wonderful italian meal can befit any occassion grand or otherwise. They are family friendly and don't shy away from the odd birthday or hen night. Probably best to go mid week if you want a romantic night out.

Loads of Italian restaurants in Hove... this is possibly the best

16 Apr 08, 08:33 As expected

Leonardo's dishes up above average Italian food in a part of Brighton with more than it's fair share of Italian restaurants. The atmosphere is excellent, really fun and friendly (they have been known to have a clown in on a Sunday lunchtime, but don't let that put you off!!?) A bit of advice - the menu is extensive but stick to the pasta and pizzas, my brother had a steak and it was tough.

Good value Italian

16 Apr 08, 07:36 As expected

If good value, authentic Italian food is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with Leonardo. You'll find all your favourite pizzas and pasta dishes here - they're all home made. Staff are friendly - I think it's family run - and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.