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Leo’s

London, Clapton - Italian - Restaurant, café & bar - ££

A really lovely neighbourhood Italian for every occasion

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

A selection of the day’s papers hanging from a rail in the front room is a reminder that this chic neighbourhood Italian does brisk business as a café by day, dispensing excellent espressos, croissants, pizzette and plates of superlative lasagne. In the evening, lights are dimmed, candles are lit, noodly jazz plays, and the vintage Italian liquor posters on the wall exert their influence, persuading the diner to at least consider an aperitivo. Campari and soda, Ichnusa beer and non-alcoholic Crodino are all in keeping with the Italian theme.  In the kitchen, chef Peppe Belvedere (ex-Brawn) offers the full Italian works of snacks, antipasti, primi and grilled secondi such as turbot on the bone or lamb saddle, plain and unadorned. Well-heeled locals are certainly embracing the possibilities: some popping in for a glass of red and bowl of fettuccine with duck ragù, others putting on their glad rags for a fancy night out. The salad of cockles, mussels and raw scal...

A selection of the day’s papers hanging from a rail in the front room is a reminder that this chic neighbourhood Italian does brisk business as a café by day, dispensing excellent espressos, croissants, pizzette and plates of superlative lasagne. In the evening, lights are dimmed, candles are lit, noodly jazz plays, and the vintage Italian liquor posters on the wall exert their influence, persuading the diner to at least consider an aperitivo. Campari and soda, Ichnusa beer and non-alcoholic Crodino are all in keeping with the Italian theme. 

In the kitchen, chef Peppe Belvedere (ex-Brawn) offers the full Italian works of snacks, antipasti, primi and grilled secondi such as turbot on the bone or lamb saddle, plain and unadorned. Well-heeled locals are certainly embracing the possibilities: some popping in for a glass of red and bowl of fettuccine with duck ragù, others putting on their glad rags for a fancy night out. The salad of cockles, mussels and raw scallops in a chilled tomato dressing that we sampled is ‘special occasion’ food, for sure, though even a more rustic dish of firm cavatelli pasta with aubergine, datterini tomatoes and ricotta affumicata is made with love and care. As a refresher, finish off with peach sorbet.

Aside from aperitifs, beers and other libations, Leo's has a not-inexpensive wine list that divides its attention between Italy and France, with some beloved ‘natural’ producers on show (Nino Barraco, Bruno Duchêne, Le Coste etc). Not surprisingly, the place is popular, so be sure to book ahead if you want to enjoy the white tablecloths and wood panels of the main dining room. That’s not to say the yellow Formica-topped tables in the bar aren’t perfectly lovely too.

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VENUE DETAILS

59 Chatsworth Road
Clapton
E5 0LHGB

020 4559 8598

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OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Counter seating, Family friendly

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