Leonessa

Review summary

1. E

   Evan

   Greater Boston

   22 reviews

   4.0

   22 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Not our first time to Leonessa, and like previous times, it continued to prove itself as one of the standout Cape Cod restaurants. Service was spot on across the board and friendly but prompt and professional. Seriously, there were no, as in zero, service mistakes. The restaurant has several smallish warmly designed rooms, including the reception/bar area, and that design keeps noise down so you can comfortably chat with your companions. Prices run on the high side, and while every dish was well executed and presented, nothing really raised eyebrows except for the espresso cheesecake which offered a delicious balanced mix of flavors and textures. So, the question is: For the price should the food have more of an edge? That said, Leonessa's formula is clearly working, with a full house on a raw January evening. The extensive wine list is predominantly Italian, and prices run from occasionally fair (2x retail) to occasionally difficult to swallow (4x retail). If you don't know your Italian wines and related pricing in depth, defer to the house expertise but don't expect a bargain. Happily, wine prep was - and this is rare on the Cape - just right. All wine was served at the proper temperature, and the cork pulling, bottle presentation and initial tasting were from the book. And there was none of that aggressively filling your glass without your authorization, which is one of the most despicable of wine service practices. Wine service is so weak on the Cape, that alone will bring us back. Love Leonessa? Very nearly so.
   

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2. D

   Deb

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Leonessa is an artfully skilled dining experience. We've eaten there many times and have never had a bad visit. Even in the high season they handle a busy night well and consistently provide great dining!
   

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3. J

   Jana

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Mike was an amazing server! We will always request him at our future visits. So personable, funny, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The limoncello crème brûlée was out of this world!! The steak an poivre is still our top steak dish on Cape. Espresso martinis were an excellent way to end the meal. Another fantastic dinner at Leonessa!! You can count on us being back!
   

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4. P

   Paul

   Greater Boston

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was great. But will not be retuning ... Was VERY disappointed when I asked if I could substitute carrots for another vegetable was told "THE CHEF SAID NO" and was told that I would have to order a separate side vegetable for AN ADDITIONAL $10.00. Very poor petty descision.
   

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5. P

   Pam

   Greater Boston

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on January 10, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Asked to be seated upstairs where it’s quieter which was accommodated. Service was excellent. Food and beverages were delicious. Excellent experience overall.
   

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   LeonessaResponded 7 days ago

   It was our absolute pleasure to welcome you to Leonessa. We thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
   

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6. R

   Ron

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   36 reviews

   5.0

   36 reviews

   Dined on January 5, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My wife and I started with the cheese plate which was delicious.For mains my wife had the spicy crab and pasta which was delicious. I had the short rib risotto which was also delicious. The service provided by Michael was great ( as always as we’ve had him as our waiter in previous visits) We’ve eaten here about half a dozen times and this meal may have been the best yet. We’ll be returning soon.
   

   LeonessaResponded on January 5, 2025

   It was our absolute pleasure to welcome you to Leonessa. We thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Michael is the best!
   

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7. K

   Kara

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 4, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   One of the best meals I’ve had on the cape and south shore! Short rib risotto was absolutely delicious. The short rib was cooked perfectly and the risotto was mushroom forward. The veal Milanese was also lovely. Impressive wine list and service was impeccable. Will be returning soon!
   

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   LeonessaResponded on January 5, 2025

   It was our absolute pleasure to welcome you to Leonessa. We thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
   

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8. T

   Tammy

   Greater Boston

   21 reviews

   4.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on January 4, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Service was Exceptional. Food was delicious. Wish you had gluten free bread service. Unfortunately table so close to us came in after us and woman was wearing very strong overpowering perfume that made Me sick to my stomach. Not much you can do with it but I feel for the server Who had to keep going to the table as Well.
   

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9. T

   Teresa

   Central Coast

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 4, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was absolutely divine. Each dish was a symphony of favors. Service was impeccable and the staff knowledgeable. This is a rare demon the Cape! My new fav restaurant.
   

   LeonessaResponded on January 9, 2025

   It was our absolute pleasure to welcome you to Leonessa. We thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
   

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10. J

    Jim

    Coastal Georgia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Excellent dinner - bartenders were engaging and knowledgeable, without being pretentious. Food was amazing.
    

    LeonessaResponded on January 4, 2025

    It was our absolute pleasure to welcome you to Leonessa. We thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
    

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