4.5 stars Self-service Ristorante Leonardo is a rustic, upstairs cafeteria serving simple Italian classics done right to an audience of locals. It was easy and fun to assemble a multi-course Italian meal here for an unbelievable value! We started with antipasti (appetizers) of Insalata Mista made of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, radicchio, and shredded carrots; and a crunchy Octopus Salad, mixed with celery, carrots, and peppers. We continued with a primi of Risotto All'ortolana, a soupy mixture of rice, carrots, and zucchini in a light broth; and a secondi of Baccala Gratinato, a fillet of codfish baked in a crust of breadcrumbs and parmesan. For our contorni (sides), we had a simple but delicious sautéed spinach and Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) made of sliced eggplant baked with cheese in a tomato sauce. Everything we had was delicious, but my favorite items were the octopus salad, the spinach, and the eggplant parmesan. The workers were super friendly (especially for such a casual place), dished everything up with a smile, and seemed to have been working here for decades! read more

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Edible and Hardy cafeteria food, but not particularly good tasting or quality. They had breaded veal and breaded chicken, but it was not clear which was which, even after cutting into it. The noodles and lasagna were horribly overcooked and it was a bit greasy. You have to walk upstairs so if you have baggage with you, keep that in mind. read more

Food was cold and bland. Better to spend a few more dollars elsewhere and be satisfied. 100% not coming back and not sure why I ate here. Other reviews are big tripping if they think this is good read more

Literally the worst food I've ever had ever. Even worse than the cafeteria food at a hospital. My blind and crippled dog could make better pasta than this place. If I could give this place 0 stars I would. I would rather starve than go here again. Tried to offer some chicken to a homeless person and they even denied it. The most bootycheeks place I've been. read more

Great value, very well prepared food. Don't pass this very affordable place We were here years ago (on a budget) and wanted to come back and see how the place fared. Quite well as it turns out. You can see the Duomo from the upstairs dining room great sights, great food and very friendly staff. read more

Leonardo Self-service - Typical cafeteria style, but much, much better in value and flavors. - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

After reading all the great reviews and getting very positive about my forthcoming lunch I headed for my budget treat. Alas, it couldn't come up to my expectation. The prices are truly very appealing, I payed 14,5€ for my meal: a main (fish and potatoes), bruschetta, mozzarella and tomatoes and a small bottle of wine. It looks pretty neat in the picture attached. Unfortunately, it was all completely tasteless, bruschetta was hard as rock. The wine was good though. The place itself is not attractive looking, but pretty clean and the staff is nice. They also have a decent bathroom. Verdict: I probably won't be back. I would prefer to have one good filling and satisfying dish even for the price of the whole meal rather than a bunch of tasteless foods. After all Italy is a lot about its magnificent food, right? But if you are on a very tight budget, in the area and want a quick fill, that would probably be your catch. read more

Leonardo Self-service - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

This place is a savior for a weary and hungry traveller. The restaurant was recommended in Rick Steves Italy guide book and it is a perfect place for lunch if you want to sit down, have real tasty food, but not interested in paying full service restaurant prices. It's on the second floor and serves great food also popular with locals. Prices are also quite moderate. You have a selection of salads, pasta and meats. It may be a bit hectic, but I didn't think it was too much - I had a nice lunch break. read more

Leonardo Self-service - You pick and choose what you want. This was my selection that was about 12 euros - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

My family and I have been in Italy for five days from Texas, USA. It has been hard to find a place to eat that doesn't cost a fortune. This restaurant popped up when I opened Yelp and I was interested because I'm tired of paying coperto. If you want water, it costs about 4€ a L. Coperto seems to just be paying for the privilege of sitting at a table. So. This place is cafeteria style. The only thing is dishes are not labeled, but the person behind the counter will tell you what it is if you ask. Very friendly service here. Everything was reasonably priced, I got the lasagne and I think it was 5€. Got some side vegetables, a bowl of strawberries (not fresh), tiramisu, my husband got a breaded chicken breast with fries, my kids got some seafood risotto, lots of food and free pitchers of water for 32€. First time I didn't leave a meal still hungry here! They had small bottles of wine and beer, also sodas, bread, salads, but we didn't get any of that. Clean seating area. Lots of locals eating lunch here. One toilette per gender but two sinks outside the toilette rooms. The ladies bathroom was really nice too. I definitely recommend Leonardo self service! read more

Leonardo Self-service - The dining area - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

Leonard's is perfect! The owner, servers, and chef are friendly, warm, and welcoming. The food was authentic and delicious without all the fees of a sit down. There's something for everyone here; especially, traveling with kids (ages: 3, 6, 8) that all eat different foods. The menu changes daily. We ordered 10 dishes and paid 40 euros! read more

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Excellent food, my chicken thigh was very flavorful n good portion. We had other entrees n they were delicious. 5 different plates n a small bottle of red wine, total is under €30 for 3 of us. We were satisfied. Good value overall n will be back soon. read more

My globe trekker friend highly recommended this self-serviced canteen to me. The canteen is located in the centre of Florence, near the Duomo. I noticed that most of the customers were locals. Me and my travel buddy were the only tourists there. There was quite a queue during lunch time and the place was packed with locals. They have a good variety of food to choose from. Food was cheap and cheerful. I had the chicken breasts with mushrooms and some bruschetta. The chicken breasts were a little cold. I believe the dish was prepared before we arrived. The bruschetta was nice, with a subtle aromatic tones of olive oil. The total bill was €7.70, very good value for money. Tap water was free. We got ourselves a jug. The lights in the toilets would automatically turn off very quickly. Do not panic. Just make some movements and the lights will turn on again. read more

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Always a favorite in the center. This is located just down from the duomo on the second floor. Plenty of seating, self service style restaurant. Friendly staff that speaks enough English to help you. Cheap prices and good food. After your meal grab a caffe and the cheapest price in the center. My favorite is the lasagna with ricotta. This place has a great variety of food read more

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Do you wanna eat in a cheap and fast place with no junk food and a perfect location in the center of Florence? This is the place! Clean and tidy and the staff is funny and gentle. It's a self service restaurant but they can help you with pleasure. I come here frequently when I need something quick and cheap. Absolutely go for it! read more

Actually a very affordable lunch spot with good food. I had the sea bass (I think that's what it was, didn't check) but it was as good as the one I'd had at a restaurant another day, for much less cost. The servers were very nice and flexible to swap out the potatoes that should have come with the sea bass for the brussel sprouts that were in another dish. I also got a side salad and small bottle of wine that were great. Despite the self serve, cafeteria-style look and feel we were able to get in and out with good food in our bellies between two tours when we had less than an hour to eat lunch. read more

Leonardo Self-service - Sea bass, I think... Great price - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

This place has friendly staff, cafeteria style food. We paid for Italian food at a tourist trap restaurant and to us this place was just as good. Cheap food with lots of choices and light on your wallet. You can get lasagna, spaghetti, fried pork chop, fries, a few choices of desserts, several drink options and more. You could go there a few days in a row and not eat the same thing. read more

Good food, cheap prices and it's not just pizza and pasta as many sma places have. I've been feeling rather desperate for veggies after many hotel breakfast buffets of undercooked bacon, scrambled eggs, cake and cheese. At Leonardo I got a plate of fresh green beans, bruschetta loaded with tomatoes, braised veal with potatoes plus Lasagna for hubby, with a very small bottle of wine plus sparkling water, for less than 20.00 EUR. This isn't gourmet food and the ambience is cafeteria, but the people are friendly, it's less than a block from the Duomo, it's fast and cheap. Saving my EUR for Gelato later today. read more

If you are looking for a place to get a quick bite of fresh food -not just pizza and pasta like all the other places in Florence, take your family here and you'll spend €50 on food for four- and that's over eating, instead of €110 at a regular restaurant. The chicken cutlet was great, the lasagna was pretty good, the french fries were great, the penne with bolognese sauce was very good, pork chops very good - different selection of vegetables- pretty good all around in my book! My family ate well and we then had money to SHOP!! read more

Leonardo Self-service - Chicken cutlets and bruschetta. VERY good. - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

Best place I found so far in Italy. Very convenient, taste great and price is the best. I definitely recommend this

Everything in Florence is expensive of course except for this location. Great food at a fair price, if on a budget this is a place to go.

Great place to get a quick and cheap bite to eat right by the Duomo. It is on the second floor so there is a walk up but there is plenty of seating and food to choose from. It's a buffet style and waiters behind the counter will create your plate. The men I interacted with spoke very good English so there was nothing lost in translation. Prices are cheap, especially for the city, and portions are very generous. Nothing absolutely spectacular but definitely tasty. I got the gnocchi and my boyfriend got the lasagna and both were great. They also serve wine and beer and have a wonderful view of the Duomo! read more

4 meals there in five day must tell something! Homecooking italian style at it best! Limited hours but open everyday. 1145-1445 lunch and 1856-2145 for dinner. The earlier the better for lunch. Menu changes daily. Every dish was a winner. Oh and did i say cheap! read more

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In Florence, where you have to pay for water and the use of the toilets, it's a pleasure to find a down to earth place that cares more about the quality of it's food than anything else. The owner was engaging like an Italian uncle. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The cafeteria style with big clean tables was totally unpretentious and seeing you food choices instead of a menu was a pleasure. Some Items change daily but you can always find fresh food to eat. Knowing I could eat salad,eggs or vegetables and my husband could get fish, meat or pasta made this a perfect restaurant. read more

Cheap and tasty! Our group ordered pasta al pomodoro, lasagna, and tortellini al ragu. Each plate was €4.50 and a big portion! Best out of all was the lasagna, super creamy and delicious. If you're looking for a quick meal with good Italian food, you will want to try Leonardo's! Just don't expect a fancy restaurant or someone to serve you. read more