What I like about Leon: + The overall concept: fast food but different from your normal options and fairly healthy too. + The design and layout. + the food itself which is imaginative and different (somewhat small portion sizes though). Eg. Grilled meatballs, aioli chicken with either brown rice and slaw or salad which were very good. + There is a good range of options but the menu is slightly confusing since there is a lot going on. + Service was quick and friendly. What I don't like: - the high prices. We paid £18 for two small lunch specials with a small lemonade and small 'baked fries' for fairly meagre portions. A bit too steep I think. - If you just get the small sandwiches they never seem enough. Hey, guys need to eat when we are hungry! So 3 stars since the food was and the concept is great but value isn't that good. If they just upped the portion sizes and/or reduced the prices a bit that would easily move it into 4 star territory. read more

Leon - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

As a general rule I'm wary of anywhere, anything or anyone advocated by the odious Giles Coren. Leon, however, is the exception to the rule. A restaurant that excels in serving genuinely healthy fast food with a relaxed atmosphere, a bright, if slightly cliched ambience and veeery friendly staff. The Spitalfields branch is spacious inside and out with generously apportioned outdoor seating which lends itself well to a glass or three of wine during the warmer months. Leon's fresh homemade lemonade is a snip at £1.50 and its Grilled Chicken Superfood Salad with broccoli, peas, quinoa and other saintly ingredients achieves the nigh-on impossible: rendering seemingly fast food resolutely virtuous. read more

Leon - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

Disclaimer: I'm not one of those "health nut" types, so this place would never really be my first choice. I came to meet a friend playing table tennis in Leon's side "court" (right in Spitalfield's Market...so cool!) We then ate some grub from their kitchen- I had the "Menu 3/Burger, Waffle Fries and Slaw deal for £8.95." I chose the Meatball Burger- mini Moroccan meatballs, sliced pickles, rocket, garlic aioli, house ketchup. The fries were nice...well-seasoned but I prefer Chick-fil-A's simpler pepper-and-salt version back in the States. The slaw was okay too. The burger was...nice. Nothing glorious. I will say the extra side of chili sauce paired with the meatball burger was what really made it delicious. I kind of wish it was already included in the burger's ingredients. What I enjoyed most was the vintage decor and laid-back music. They have plenty of plug outlets on one side of the restaurant and I can see it being a good place to pull the laptop out and people watch on a Saturday. Leon's is cool...but it might be more of your cup of tea than mine. read more

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Leons makes healthy fast food. Maybe too healthy. Although the Mexican wrap I had was pretty tasty, it could have done with some globs of gluttony to enhance the flavour. If it had sour cream or guacamole I would worship the chef. Without these possible extra enhancements the wrap was a bit dull. The lemonade I had with my meal was really good though, so I guess if you're a health nut you'll find their seasonal and organic menu super delectable. The interior of the restaurant has old school pictures of Leon and his family doing random things together, like going on family vacations to the beach. There are also shelves of books and other little quirky accoutrements. It is designed to make the customer feel like they're dining in Leon's home, which is really original and cool. To experience this unique atmosphere and this fairly good food I only had to fork up a fiver for my wrap and my fruit juice. read more

Leon - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

Leon is a 'healthy' option to the high street chains. This branch is no different than the other Leons, except perhaps it's outdoors is under the roof of Spitalfields market so even in the winter you can sit outside. The food is good and you get enough food for your money. read more

Leon - Food glorious food - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

As a healthy food evangelist I obviously have to like Leon ;) We went there for a light lunch and shared three different vegetarian dishes that we all loved despite the other guys being meat eaters. I also find the interior design very welcoming and comfy. Let's go again! read more

Leon - Three delicious veggie dishes - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

One of those places, where an outside area of it is as awesome as the inside.. Even though it was quite a cold day, we enjoyed ping pong there for hours! The fact that it is under cover is awesome... Not to mention that it is also well lit, so you can see where the ping pong ball is flying. We enjoyed it way too much, which resulted in us being locked in Spitafields markets and having to climb through the fence - quite unforgettable.. read more

Leon - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

Sometimes you don't know why you don't like something. For example; I don't like Lord of the Rings. Not sure why. I know I'm the weird one. I know you're all thinking I'm the strangest person around. But I just don't like it. I also don't like zoos. Or the cream filling in Oreos. Or Mayonnaise. Leon has free and fast wi-fi, lovely wraps, healthy salads, delicious fresh squeezed juices, tasty curries and plenty of other scrumptious grub for a reasonable price. There is nothing not to like. I can't emphasis this point enough. I just don't like it... and I know I'm the weird one. read more

Quinoa. Pronounced keen-wah so I'm told by many. Ignorantly but blissfully I've been calling it something more along the lines of kinoa for years but I digress. Leon has a lot of this stuff mixed into their rather tasty food and at first, I have to confess, I was cynical. Why put some super-grain or rather pseudocereal into a meal that tastes perfectly fine without? However slowly but surely, I was lured in. With those pretty bright signs and their mix of salads, I learned to eat quinoa. I learned to chew and chew that pseudocereal until the cows came home. And come home they did. For meatballs, and grilled chicken, I endured the pain of over-chewing and now, I'm officially a fan of Leon, despite the above issue. They even have a book, which I had a look at and I have to say, I'm tempted. Not only did it publish recipes but also had nice colourful illustrations. And their founder now writes for the Guardian. So in sum, meatballs, lemonade and comfy sofas. Plus they serve excellent sausage baps in the mornings. Seriously. Get one. Get one now. read more

Great selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals. Lyon is a decent eatery, with consistent quality and reasonable pricing. There is a lot of room that is hardly ever full. Stroll in for a quick, no-fuss healthy lunch either alone or with a large group. read more

Leon - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

Leon has super fast wifi, pseudo industrial comfy interior and massive fronted glass windows that are fab for people watching in the market. There is a large alfresco dining area that will be fantastic in the summer. The food here is popular and I can definitely vouch for the yummy sausage bap. This place is uber popular and it is easy to see why. There are no frills and I doubt they will win any culinary awards. But who cares? They do simple tasty grub that rarely fluctuates its standard in great surroundings. Last but not least, they have the greatest business name in the world... LEON! Nuff said. read more

I'd never been to a Leon before. Now I have. Was nice! Came in to warm up before tackling the Old Spitalfields Market and had the intention of grabbing a tea however was far too tempted by the sound of raspberry lemonade so opted for that along with a brownie. The lemonade was very refreshing - the raspberries sweetened the tang of the lemon nicely. The brownie was a bit 'meh!', I mean, where were the nice chunks of chocolate? It wasn't anything to write home about. Anyway, my eyes had wandered to JB's Lemon Ginger Crunch so I haggled her to do a 50/50 split of our cakes and I think I won on that front - hers was better than mine! Noms! All in all Leon is a-ok, I didn't spy anything in there that has particularly inspired me to return, although if the weather is as chilly as that again and I'm in need of warming up I might pop in for a tea and a Lemon Ginger Crunch! read more

It's good. It's fresh, I never feel "gaaaaah, how could I ever handle sitting at my desk after THAT calorie bomb" after, and it's totally in the same price range as many go-to lunch options. I've had mixed success with the smoothies (just weird taste/consistency) but that's the only Leon offering that I would straight up NO THANKS, NOPE NOPE, NAW, NAW never again order (even though I learned the hard way, ordering it 3x). The superfood salad is really solid with quinoa and the pops of pomegranate. They use good quality meat in the meatball and kofte plates which is nice because ground lamb/beef can feel heavy and fatty, as well as really delicious chicken thigh in their chicken dishes. Double points for their peanut / kale side salad and their kale chicken caesar (I like kale, sho'nuff). Small point: I find the paprika way too overpowering in the kofte salad, but that's personal preference. Truly, I have no complaints with Leon. It's not my go-to, but it's also a place that comes to mind when I'm faced with a wall of Prets, EATs and Itsus. Yelp note: take it to go! Cost saving, y'all. read more

Casual Tuesday of sharing platters at Spitalfields with my sister. Weren't in a particular rush, but it took 30 minutes just to have our order take, another 20 when we were ready for brownies. They'd ran out of the froyo which I heard was delicious (honey & banana!) Food was great, nice variety, waiter even switched an option for us, he was a gem! Would just maybe appreciate a little more coordination from staff, one woman looked like a dazed lost sheep walking between tables not being particularly helpful. Can't wait to go back & try wraps & salad, menu is delicious & cheap! read more

Had me my first visit to Leon yesterday didn't I. Very impressed! I was near Carnaby St and hungry for lunch so decided to get stuck in here. I think this was a relatively small branch as it was a bit manic trying to order at 1pm but I got through it all and came away with some moroccan meatballs, humous and flatbread and a nice lemon cooler in my mitts. The food was good - especially the meatballs. The humous was not much to write home about it but it did the trick for me. Leon seems to fill that middle ground that not many other places touch. Really fast food that is an actual meal, rather than a snack or horribly unhealthy. And i'll be back for more! read more

I tried really really hard not to be one of THOSE people. Detox salads, brown rice, power smoothies, hummus, these are all things I tried not to love but I've failed. Yet what a glorious failure it has been! Leon is the easy, fast, healthy lunch place I've been waiting for. No more £5 sandwiches that don't fill me up at Pret, I wander to nearby Leon (this one has plenty of seating) and savour a bit of hummus & flatbread, a superfood salad and a filter coffee and watch the people go about their day in busy Spitalfields. There's nothing like it. If I'm out from work early and need to be somewhere later in the evening, I often grab a bite here before setting off. Being a member of their club entitles you to 40% off food after 4pm. It's free to join so well worth it! read more

Should i review it as a takeaway lunch joint or as a full-fledged restaurant ? This place confuses me ... its a bit of both. This is one of the better places to pick up a healthy and tasty lunch in the City. The grilled chicken and the leon chicken curry are definitely worth trying. However their drinks are more impressive. Be it the lemonade or the carrot and ginger juice, all are served fresh. This is one place i don't feel the need to have Coke :) My only complaint against them is with their quantity of servings. I feel its too little, never enough for a complete lunch (or is it that i eat too much and should be looking to cut down ? ). But hey, that doesn't mean that i won't be back. The loyalty card says i am entitled to a free kiss after 5 meals ... so i will go back again to steal a kiss ;) read more

I definitely am not a fan of chains. There is so much choice with artisan/independent touches in London that it almost is a crime to me to go to chains... Still, Leon is different. That's what many say, so I had to check it myself. And they are right. The food looks relatively healthy compared to other chains out there, and reasonably priced for the quality. I had a chicken burger and some chips, for not much... Don't remember the price though, just how kind the waiter was. Well, it most definitely helps that he spoke French with me and is African too, but he was not obliged to be nice to me, was he? Good place if you're craving good quality food fast, and this one is in Spitafields so is a no brainer. Best of both worlds! read more

Popped in to grab a quick drinkie poos and was pleasant surprised / seduced into having a nibble too. It came in the form of a Lemon Ginger Crunch! I wouldn't say that I am or have a sweet tooth, but this little delight was indeed delightful! Soft brownie like centre, with a sugary crunchy top. Twas very good! I also noted a lady next to me had what looked like a tasty salad and the gent next to her, a pot of hummus and flat bread. This lady thinks, she will be returning. read more

Cozy atmosphere to enjoy tasty organic food and plug into free wifi. Or, order a glass of wine and hummus for an after-work snack with a friend. The soups are hearty and delicious and my roommate swears on the Leon Gobi. It's comfortable, trendy and worth a visit. read more

I do quite like Leon, with some caveats. But I'm not a fan of confused service. The food here is no different to other Leons I've been to: relatively healthy and original, but slightly pricey. I liked the large amount of seating outside in the market, which makes this Leon unusual. I didn't like the somewhat confused service this led to. I waited obediently at the 'wait here' sign, only to be ignored and to have to go to the bar, where I was told to wait at a table. I duly did, but it was sometime before my order was taken. So: food - reasonable. Seating in the covered expanse of Spitafields market - great. Service - forgetful. Overall - A-OK. read more

My main beef with Leon is that they throw cilantro into their salads without articulating it on the menu. I call this "stealth cilantro", a polarizing herb that for some of us tastes like it was green thumbed by the devil himself! A recent pea salad was delivered equal parts cilantro and pea, and rendered totally inedible for me. I know that some people are keen on it, and that's fine--all I ask is that it's clearly indicated in the menu's description. As others have pointed out, this location is huge, and excellent if you want to have a convening with a larger group of people. read more

Was pleasantly surprised after having been to enough below par, mediocre and over-priced eateries in London already. Their brownie was delicious, with a surprising hint of orange (and ginger I think), moist, fresh and tasted as good as home-baked. Their strawberryade was tart and fresh too, no hints of artificial flavours or added sugars or colour. The total came to under a £4 which I found was good value for this overpriced city. read more

I like their concept - pick a protein and pack it in a wrap, salad, or rice box. They have more, of course, but it makes for tidy ordering. I had their chili chicken the other night along with the baked chips. The chili chicken wrap was fine, a nice late night recharge. However, I still prefer my kebab places. Regardless, Leon rocks up 4 stars because of customer service. The baked chips took a while. I didn't really noticed, but they came up with a brownie. And they must have remembered I originally said no to a brownie for dessert, because they asked if I'd like something else since I waited so long. Free flapjack bar and a brownie for a friend! read more

I generally search out smaller, less 'chain like' restaurants and the area in Spitalfields is packed full of seemingly large, money making, characterless establishments. So imagine my surprise when I wandered into Leon one morning, (actually I think it was a hungover Sunday afternoon). It's immediately welcoming with the fast food bar straight in front where I ordered my 'power smoothie', organic oats, milk, honey, & banana and a cranberry & pecan flapjack. SO good I keep meaning to go back for another helping! It's a shame they don't do soya smoothies but you can't have everything. If you're fancying something a bit more substantial, they do great salads, soups, curries and even bacon baps. I love the interior of Leon, comfy sofas, industrial lamps hanging off the pipes from the ceiling and bookshelves filled with books which brings a more homely feel to what could be just another souless chain restaurant. I still prefer the smaller, independent cafes but it's difficult not to pop into this one, for organic, healthy food it doesn't get much better than this. read more

Leon - Fast Food Near Me - London, XGL

I can't help it. I love Leon. The food there is always good, and there is something to be said for instant gratification and getting your food right when you order it. The one in Spitalfields is nice and big, and you can sit anywhere. When I go I always like to look at the soups, but I have to say that whenever I leave Leon I am ALWAYS wanting more. Not sure if it's because my body is so used to eating crap that when i feed it something healthy it's left craving for something unhealthy. So sometimes when I am feeling naughty I like to get the cranberry and pecan flapjack and i want to die because it is so good. I want to never eat anything else. And they have a lil frequent buyer card and it is always nice to get rewards. read more

Named after everyone's favourite for-hire killer (or perhaps not) this is a very pleasant and healthy place for a meal or snack if you are in Spitalfields market. The sweet potatoe falafel wrap was delicious as was the strawberry power smoothie First time I have eaten at a Leon and with some of the other options also looking very tasty I would definitely like to munch here again. The website for the chain is really good too, with comprehensive nutrition details. read more

It's ok. You get quick food and it's healthy. I had a chicken pot and it was good. My friend had a brown rice said put and that was good too. They have a unique selection of food there and it's all aimed at people living on the healthy side of love that wasn't summer quick food. It just didn't exactly get me excited. I got some cross cut chips, which in the time it took me to walk outside were pretty luke cold. Though it's right by the market so good location if you want to sit down after a bit of a browse. Maybe I should try more of their food before I judge them to much. read more

Super nice staff, cool "outdoor" seating area (it's inside Spitalfields, which is open air but roofed). The grilled halloumi wrap was pretty good, especially the sauce. read more

I recall many moons ago going to Leon (maybe about 3 years ago now) and thinking this place was amazing. Today's visit however wasn't as impressive as I remembered it to be. The food was nice, it seemed to be a nice healthy option, was reasonably tasty, warm, and I was served quickly. However it was rather on the expensive side and the portions were quite small. Whilst this isn't the worst place to go in other area's of London, however in Spitalfields where there are so many lovely places to eat with lots of choice for reasonable prices, this really isn't exceptable! I shall not be returning, as whilst i like the food here I haven't won the lottery yet. read more

Delicious, healthy food without the expensive price tag! Weather it's takeaway lunch or sitting in for dinner, the atmosphere is always relaxed and food is always tasty. Although the service is not great, staff are happy to help if you make them aware that you would like something. Also love Leon as there are always great deal happening. I joined the Leon club so received 40% off my bill the next visit and then this week due to the tube strike they're offering a free coffee in the morning or after work when purchasing a snack or meal. Nothing can beat a good deal! Also as I've mentioned previously, I'm quite competitive.. & they have ping pong table here, perfect for pre or post food coma! read more

I first heard about Leon through the Observer Food monthly; the ultimte answer to anyone who wants to have the convenience of a realiable spread of fast food chains that don't sell typical fast food. Even though it sounded like a great idea to me I was also aware of how hot new trends get hyped to death, so I didn't really bother going, until I stumbled across a branch in Spitalfields, while waiting for a mate that was late. It's a great Sunday timewaster's venue; brightly decorated in wake-me-up primary colours, sofas to sink into, a good spread of papers. A perfect springtime location. The food is fantastic. I went there a month ago and had their Leon Gobi - a fun spin on a lovely Indian dish. What's even better is he fact they share the recipes with you on their website so you can also make them at home. They have some awersome superfood salads, fresh juices, smoothies tea and coffee, although it's a real shame they use Sunrise soya milk which is vile and muddy-tasting. Switch to Alpro, people! Their service is nearly as fast as Pret-a-manger; which is handy if you're as hungry and impatient as I often am. If you want one of the good seats though, best get there before 1pm, which is when the hordes of shoppers descend upon Spitalfields to part with their hard earned dosh. read more

As the Leon branch opposite my office has served me well of late, when I was left in a breakfast lurch by a closed Wetherspoons' kitchen at Liverpool Street this weekend, I decided to head over to the Spitalfields branch for some munch. And well, I do like this Leon. I like how big it is. I like the way there's loads of different furniture, I like the retro styling and I big like the illuminated red LEON out front. But yeah, it's all front and it's what's going on in the kitchen that I'm interested in, really. I've been here before for one of the superfood salads. It was very good - feta, brocolli, some quinoa, health win. On Sunday though I went for their Breakfast of Champions - coffee and porridge. Not sure what it'll make me a champion of, but never mind. The boy went for a bacon batch. My main point of mild irritation, before we'd even started, was that the food took so long to be prepared. There were going on for as many staff members in the kitchen as there were at the counter ordering, but no sign of the fabled 'order out of chaos' I have come to expect from places with counters. I appreciate it was a Sunday morning, but it was dawdly and dull. And so after some messing around and lots of people getting served before us (que?), I was presented with a tub and the boy with a rather meagre looking silver bag. Inside he had a 'tasty but tiny' bacon roll on some sort of rye. Inside my pot was some porridge swimming in watery honey (assume watery cos it was hot), so I stirred it up and hoped for the best. Unfortunately there was far too much honey in there though - the damage had been done. It was far too sweet for me, though the porridge was decent quality and consistency and the honey was clearly very good. Overall, there's points to be had for the ambience, decent (if a little weak) coffee and tea and good quality ingredients, but points lost for poor execution without excuse. Yes, I'll try again, but to me Leon is treading a bit of a fine line here. One foot wrong and you'll lose me, boys! read more

Couldn't quite decide whether to give a three or four ... I'm a huge fan of their books but this was the first time I'd visited a shop. I remember the old Spitelfields market as I used to pop over regularly when I lived in Dalston. It looks very different these days. Way more up market and way more price. Leon reflects that change. It looks great inside and out. All the cool elements are here, but for me just a bit too 'designed'. It lacks a creative, interesting vibe. The staff were Ok; a bit snooty to be honest. The food was fresh and tasty enough but it felt bland ... just healthier and more expensive that the average fast food. It arrived way too quick for something made fresh - freshly put into a box maybe. The wifi was good and the huge choice in chair and table styles was great, as was the outside seating area. But overall it felt like a great idea gone a bit stale, i.e. minus the passion that perhaps was originally brought to Leon. read more

Leon's is a fab place to you if you need your food in a hurry but don't want to sacrifice quality. The best part is that all the food is labelled with Wheat Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Dairy Free icons so that you can be sure that you're getting the right ingredients for your body. It's such a pleasure for me to eat somewhere where I can trust I'm getting something Wheat Free. I had the superfood salad, and it was amazing. Quinoa, Broccoli, Avocado, Sprouts, Peas, and a lemony dressing. Deeelish! read more

A great little place in the funky newly refurbished Spitalfields market. Cheap as anything, which is unusual for the area and, unlike most Leons which are really take-away joints with a few seats thrown in for good measure, this is a proper large sit-down eatery. As with the other locations, Leons is all wholefood so if you're desparate for a huge steak with fries this isn't the place for you, but I really like it - their sweet potato falafel, brown rice and raw pea salad dish is lovely :) If there is one quirk, it's the menus - one sheet with food on one side and a selection of wine on the other. No mention at all of the other drinks that they have on offer, including their wonderful smoothies. A rather strange omission read more

Me and the lovely reviewer Emma went to Leon over the weekend. I really liked it, mainly because of the healthy food on offer... We both had salads, which contained ingredients like broccoli, alpha sprouts, pumpkin seeds - lots of vitamins basically. I always feel really proud of myself when I eat food like this at home, and even more so when I'm out. Oh and we had some really yummy falafel as well, I'm into Middle Eastern food at the moment so I guess that really won me over. We both agreed it is a girly place, though the metorsexual man will probably like it as well. The vibe is kind of funky, with unisex toilets and lots of quirky wall decorations. There was something that looked like a children's play area in the corner, but I didn't really invetsigate any further.... I suppose it would be "yummy mummy" heaven here, although, thankfully, I didn't notice too many of these types... Just people hanging out, chilling and chatting. There was nothing too try hard about it, which I liked. read more

Leon is where its at for fast and yummy. Every location has unique decor which surprisingly works with the brand. Spitalfields is a great open space which is cozy, quirky and buzzy. As a designer, what I love about Leon is not only the branding throughout..but that the food is delicious and fresh at a minimal cost. The menu is seasonal so it changes but the brownie is a good staple in my eyes!!!! The best brownie in all of London! read more

I was on a hunt for a pastry hybrid. I awoke early this morning, psyched for my own discovery of this mythical and mystical culinary phenomenon. All I wanted was to find a Cronut. Maybe if I was incredibly lucky I would find a Townie. It was not to be - over-excitement combined with under-preparation was my own cross-breed of a disastrous day. I rocketed to Bank to be at Bea of Bloomsbury at 10 o'clock sharp. It opened at 12. Kicking myself, I then stomped further East - through Spitalfields, across Brick Lane.. The Townie had failed me so I was turning to the infamous Cronut. I suddenly became lost down a non-descript street where the shutters of a small inconspicuous shop were pulled down. Rinkoff Bakery was also shut. No Cronuts for me either. I was now extraordinarily hungry and slightly annoyed with my own stupidity. So there I was, back in Spitalfields, viciously compromising my pastry craving on a sticky table at Leon. The 'Padstow Box' (which included smoked salmon - in Cornwall?!) tasted very good despite the disappointment of having a cardboard box shoved at you. A pea and mint salad, with fresh lemon and smoked mackerel pate were well thought of and happily munched. Coffee was excellent. I understood that it was fast food with fast service, but the presentation on this morning did not seem to correspond with the fresh and attractive concept of the restaurant. read more

So I came here for a quick bite to eat and service wise was abit dodgy. Let's start off with the windows. Place was surrounded by it which means you can see inside very clearly from outside and as soon as I started taking a few snaps with my phone by the till I was told sternly that I had to put away my camera. Photographs are forbidden. Obviously I was not pleased even though I told them that I was taking pictures to put on a Yelp review. Still wasn't allowed. For anyone who hasn't been to a Leon before, the place is quite quirky with random objects placed everywhere and from my memory (sorry I couldn't provide pictures) a shelf suspended above the till filled with colourful books. Anyways onto the food. I ordered a curry rice box which wasn't as flavoursome as I'd expected. It was ok but to someone after something abit more substantial for the price being charged, they're better off going to an actual Asian restaurant. Leon is only good if you're desperate and in need of a quick bite to eat. read more