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Leone's Italian

3.8 (387 reviews)
ModerateItalian, Bars
Closed 4:00 pm - 9:30 PM

Leone's Italian Photos

Business Info

LEONE'S ITALIAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Romantic
Classy
Upscale

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Recommended Reviews - Leone's Italian

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Reviews With Photos

Lobster Fettuccine
Genoa D.

Date Night Spot!! Whenever my Wife asked me where I wanted to go for an intimate romantic date night in Norfolk, I squealed, "Leone's!" I am in love with their spaghetti and meatballs, excellent service and grown & sexy vibe. We appreciate their designated parking lot as street parking can be tough. They don't have valet per se but a parking attendant is on duty and the lot is literally across the street from the restaurant. My Wife orders the popular Lobster Fettuccine dish, and we love to share a salad and calamari. Everything is fresh and so delicious. Absolutely comforting. For drinks a glass of Pinot Noir for me and tequila for the lady. Our preferred seating is cozied up next to the window, but they also offer rooftop seating, bar seating, some booths with privacy sectioning and of course main dining room tables. I love the way the servers chat us up a bit without ruining our romantic dinner. Signed, The Happy Hour Huntress

Breyona A.

Beautiful ambiance, they have a rooftop as well that I enjoy sitting out on when the weather is nice. All of the servers are attentive and always lets me know what the special of the day is. The food is very good, if you enjoy pastas, and italian dishes I'd definitely recommend this spot.

Bar
Melissa M.

I was craving some Spaghetti and Meatballs. This is definitely the place for it. They do have a dress code so dress nice if you go here. This definitely hit the spot. My second time here and delicious. I sat at the bar and the employee behind the counter was so nice and the service was awesome.

Pravash M.

One of a few Norfolk restaurants open on Sunday. No reservation but wife and I got a table immediately on arrival at 650p. Great ambience, good service from Megan N. Big drink menu but not a ton I was interested in. Pinot Noir from Italy ($13/glass) was surprisingly good. Wife enjoyed her Strawberry mimosa ($15). House bread and cashew butter served hot out of the oven was wonderful. Bruschetta (4/5 stars) was a good starter with crispy base and loads of tomato w strong basil notes (I like it). Calamari (3/5 stars) was ok. Jalepenos were different but too many tentacle pieces; sauce was the star. Sausage and Mushroom Gnocci (4/5 stars) was hot and rich, made richer by my love for fresh grated cheese. Wifey and I asked to split it, kitchen brought it in 2 smaller bowls; definitely needed the bread to help cut the heaviness. Chef's delight dessert ($12, 5/5 stars) was brownie cake with peanut butter mousse in the middle, covered with chocolate fudge and adorned with coca powder and marscepone whipped topping and a fresh strawberry. My wife had 4 forkfuls and tapped out, another rich offering. NO REGRETS!!! Parking on street and monitored lot next to 456 Fish. Gender specific restrooms in rear of first floor dining room. Yes, they have a rooftop level that's pretty cool at sunset.

Shrimp Pesto and Caesar Salad
Marylee B.

I've been eyeing this spot for the last month but have always stayed in town on the night it is closed. It finally worked out this week and I was able to pop in for some food. Super easy to make a reservation online. We were seated immediately and chose the patio out back. Our waitress came over and greeted us quickly and was knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the bruschetta and calamari as appetizers and split the chicken Caesar and pesto shrimp. The bread and cheese that is served is so delicious! If you're trying to stay away from carbs, I promise it's worth the cheat. The bruschetta was not great (4/10). It was too heavy on tomato and onion and too soft on the balsamic glaze. The glaze was delicious and probably could have helped with the acidity if they just poured a little more. The calamari was yummy (8/10). But let's talk about shrimp pesto (10/10): I am a pesto snob and this was by far the best pesto sauce I have ever had in a restaurant. They really leveled up on this dish. The shrimp and noodles were cooked to perfection. Great atmosphere. Good wine selection. Amazing service. While the bruschetta was not good, the service and shrimp pesto more than made up for it. 5/5

Paul J.

I arrived on a dark weeknight for dinner - there is parking across the street. This part of Norfolk is pretty deserted after the sun goes down, but Leone's was hopping with customers. I sat with my back to the wall so I could see all the people shuffling in and out. My plate of spaghetti was generous and hearty - deep red sauce with lots of noodles, just past al dente. I savored every spun fork full of flavor, sipping my drink and watching people. Good fun in downtown Norfolk - if you're looking for great Italian, go visit Leone's!

Soup of the Day
Takeyia S.

Isn't at this place during Norfolk restaurant week and we were pleasantly surprised with how great it was. to start. We had the house meatballs, and a house salad. I had a dirty martini from the bar, which was great for dinner. We ordered off the restaurant week menu. I got the linguine and clams and my husband got the chicken marsala or Malisse all of it came out well seasoned hot and fresh. Definitely enjoyed this restaurant for dinner. I had a dessert cocktail cannot remember their name but it definitely hit the spot will visit them again. The ambience in service is great. The noise level was appropriate bathrooms and amenities were very clean. They do have outside seating. We chose to sit inside, but they also have rooftop seating. Check them out.

Sausage & Mushrooms Gnocchi
Grace P.

Finally got to dine at Leone's after many years of trolling their social media. It was definitely worth the wait! Our server Neil was very courteous and attentive. The bread was delicious, and so good that we ate too much, and couldn't finished our meals. The gnocchi was amazing, the fish special (halibut) was perfectly cooked, and the bottle of wine we paired with our dinner matched our meals well. Can't wait to come back and try more.

Espresso Martini
Victoria D.

Leone's Italian is a gem! The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy dinner or a night out with friends. The star of the show? Their espresso martini--smooth, perfectly balanced, and just the right amount of indulgent. It's rich, velvety, and has that ideal kick of espresso flavor without being too sweet. I also have to shout out their linguine with clams--absolute perfection. The pasta is cooked just right, the clams are fresh, and the garlic white wine sauce ties everything together beautifully. Simple, classic, and done so well. Between the incredible drinks, delicious food, 10/10 service, and welcoming atmosphere, Leone's is definitely a spot I'll be coming back to!

Bourbon pecan pie
Maria C.

Always a good time! I dined here last month with my husband and another couple. I made reservations in advance via Open Table. We arrived about 15 minutes early and noticed the bar was wide open. We opted to dine at the bar instead of a table. So the secret here is, if you can, set your reservation a few minutes after the restaurant opens and this way you have first dibs at seating. Dining at the bar was a vibe, but anywhere inside is nice as well. Nevertheless, I always get the spaghetti here and it hits every time. My husband enjoyed his meal as well. He changes up, but is always happy with his meal. Now, the couple we dined with, the young lady did not care for her dish. I am not 100% sure what was wrong, but she took one bite and decided she didn't want it at all. Not sure of the outcome, but the restaurant was cool about it and wanted to turn her frown right side up. The cocktails hit too! My go to drinks here: red wine or old fashioned. Check them out :) Have fun and enjoy life!

Phenomenal limoncello-based cocktail
Jordan T.

This was our first visit to Leone's. As fans of Luce, another Italian favorite nearby, we were eager to compare the two. Leone's is always bustling, so we assumed the appeal was justified. Our plan was simple: an appetizer or salad, entrees, dessert to share, and a sambuca nightcap. We arrived early and were seated promptly and politely by the host. Despite the dining room being about 50-60% full--a decent turnout for a Monday--the pace of service immediately felt sluggish. This set the tone for the rest of the evening. Our server was polite but seemed either rushed or to assume we were regulars familiar with the flow. While other tables had both sparkling water and bread, neither was offered to us. We eventually asked for bread and received it, and it was delicious, but this small omission set an oddly exclusive tone. Bread service is the universal olive branch of Italian dining, a warm, welcoming gesture. Here, it felt more like a secret handshake. Drinks, however, were a highlight. My dining companion's limoncello martini struck a perfect balance of tartness and alcohol. My bourbon-based cocktail, after being corrected from an initial miscommunication (I was handed wine at first), was equally well-executed. These were worth the wait. We shared a Caesar salad, which was well-prepared and satisfying. The house-made croutons and shaved parmesan elevated what was otherwise a classic, if generic, starter. For entrees, we ordered the lobster fettuccine ($39) and the grilled ribeye ($41). At these price points, one expects a certain level of precision. Unfortunately, the ribeye, requested medium-rare, arrived medium-well, its texture and flavor compromised. The accompanying gravy tasted suspiciously like Bisto instant brown gravy--disappointing for a dish of this caliber. The potatoes were fine, and the asparagus was nicely cooked, but the steak felt like an afterthought. The lobster fettuccine was more successful, though not flawless. The lobster leaned slightly overcooked, and while the pasta approached al dente, it didn't quite land there. To the staff's credit, they noted my largely untouched steak and promptly removed it from the bill after inquiring about the issue. However, the problem felt preventable. The steak was thin, making it inherently difficult to cook perfectly while achieving grill marks. This suggests an issue with sourcing rather than execution. Leone's strength lies not in its food but in its atmosphere. The segmented dining spaces, soft lighting, and features like the indoor waterfall partition create a cozy, intimate vibe. Despite a full house, the sound level was pleasant, and we never had to raise our voices. It's clear that careful thought went into the ambiance, and it works beautifully. However, the food and front-of-house attention didn't live up to the setting. Leone's seems better suited for diners seeking ambiance over culinary excellence. It's a fine place for a pleasant evening out, but those looking for a more polished dining experience may find themselves wishing for just a bit more.

Linguini with Clams
Doug S.

So. This place is awesome. Nice atmosphere even before walking in! Got greeted by a younger looking security guard wearing all the accoutrements who was super friendly and even noted my friend's wife's earrings that they were nice, which I thought was pretty cool of him! Very busy! Make a reservation for sure, especially on a show night. We were going to see Jerry Seinfeld at the Chrysler and picked this Italian gem due to it proximity and menu reviews. Waiter was great and had all the things you could ask committed to memory. Drinks were delicious, standard old fashioned, but there Sazerac had a twist with a little cider in it. VERY good, highly recommend. Fresh bread comes out warm with 2 different homemade butters. Let me tell ya, don't get an appetizer if you like bread and delicious butter because this is next level bread! Wifey got the gnocchi... she said it was so effing good...I mean that says it all! I got the linguine and clams, super yum. A little kick with the red pepper flakes but hit the spot for me being from Maine! Only downside was the risotto my daughter got. She wished it was a little more creamy. Taste was great though! All in all we'll definitely be back! My buddy had the duck and let me try it - very tasty and moist.

Lobster fettuccine-it was good. The presentation was great! The taste was ok. It could have used more flavor/seasoning.
Michelle J.

First time at Leone. It is conveniently located down and to the Chrysler Hall. Despite the closing hours listed as 10pm, it closes at 10:30 on Friday nights. Very much appreciates being able to find a spot open after the concert we attended. The lemon drop martini was really good if you like your drinks in the sweeter side (which I do). The manager came around and checked on us and brought us bread which was nice. I ordered the lobster fettuccine and it was decent-not amazing but given the limited options in Norfolk and at that hour, I was very grateful. And to be fair, I flew in from out of town so I wasn't sure where my expectations should be and you may not want to listen to me. A New York 7 maybe a Norfolk 10 so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Cannoli

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2 days ago

Went before a show at Chrysler Hall. Service was excellent, food was fabulous. Highly recommend to anyone

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6 months ago

Excellent Italian food and specials. Wine list is thorough for all price ranges good service and ambience.

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I went here for dinner last month with my mom and girlfriend. I had the lasagna. It was one of the best lasagnas I've ever had.

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Ask the Community - Leone's Italian

Do they have happy hour?

They use to but only in the bar seating area.

Is the pasta made fresh in house? :O

No. It is not made in house

View All 5 Questions

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Amazing food and cozy vibe- a must-visit downtown spot! We…read morewere at Luce on Friday and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The space is intimate and cozy with side-by-side counter seating right in front of the open kitchen -- perfect for watching the chefs at work and adds to the whole experience. We started with the ensalata di Luce and it was fresh and flavorful, a great balance to the rich mains. The pollo con strati was perfectly cooked and the lobster gnocchi was phenomenal -- rich, indulgent, and definitely worth ordering a side of sourdough bread for dipping in the sauce! To finish, the cheesecake with berries was a delightful end to the meal -- creamy and just sweet enough without being heavy. Service was attentive without being intrusive and the ambiance complemented the food beautifully. This place is small and fills up fast, so reservations are a very good idea, but snagging a seat at the counter made our night feel special and lively. Overall -- truly one of the best Italian meals in Norfolk if you're looking for great food, a cozy atmosphere, and a memorable dinner. Always my fave & we will definitely be back!

This was kind of a meh dining experience. I called the restaurant to make a reservation for 3…read morepeople on a Tuesday evening. I was told that there was no availability for the evening and I should try to walk in for bar seats. Upon arrival, the bar was not busy so we took three seats and noticed that the table behind us never got sat the entire time we were there. To me, this is a pretentious restaurant that falls below the bar in every way. Second time dining here and would not return because service from Branice C. was a C- in her caring that she was even at work, to the upcharges for extra marinara sauce to go with the greasy overbreaded calamari appetizer. The oil saturated flavor was almost nauseating. Please change the oil in your fryer! Prices were not excessive but the upcharge for using a credit card was. Who really walks around with $300 cash in pocket to pay for dinner without a credit card fee. JUST ADD IT IN YOUR MENU PRICES!!!! The Boar Ragu was truly not boar but probably run of the mill ground beef and the four tiny slices of steak on the Caesar salad was a joke. There are so many other lovely restaurants along this block that this is a skip right past for the future.

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Fellini's - Spotted dessert on the way out!

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We were looking for a restaurant with great food and a great atmosphere to grab dinner with some…read morefriends before making our way to the theatre Saturday night. Although it's been years since we've been back to Fellini's, we chose Fellini's to introduce to them since there's variety for most everyone's appetite. Service was good. The food was better. My husband and I enjoyed sharing a Greek Salad to which we added marinated grilled chicken. Our friends enjoyed their Fettuccine Alfredo with added chicken, and a Fresh Tomato gourmet pizza.

We walked in and smelled such a delicious smell of fire roasting pizza, garlic, pasta sauce...?…read morewhatever it was, our appetite level was greatly increased! We read the sign to seat ourselves and found a tucked away booth away from the chill of the outdoors. Our server was sweet. My husband asked about the Cesar salad consistency , oily or creamy....she said creamy but it was oily. Anyway, tho it wasn't what he preferred, he said it was still good. Our server wasn't too attentive. I would have liked a second glass on wine when dinner arrived. I ordered the marinated chicken breast with added pesto and provolone cheese, very tender, juicy and it had a great pesto flavor! However, the Greek potatoes, as my side dish of choice, was disappointing. The potatoes were over cooked, over seasoned and over oiled. My other choice of a side was steamed broccoli and it was very fresh, hot and (beautifully green ) served with roasted whole garlic cloves. My husband ordered the ziti Fellini ( with smoked tomatoes, chicken, mushrooms in a cream sauce). He enjoyed it. The place looks like a well loved neighborhood charm. I felt as if a lot of regulars were there.

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Over dressed side Ceasar

Fellini's - Picture hanging in our booth area

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Varia - Fresh bread with olive oil and butter

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We had tickets to a show nearby and we were a little pressed for time but the staff was able to…read moreaccommodate us very well. We started out with the Cesar Salad and an order of the Meatballs as an appetizer. They were kind enough to split the salad for us and without having to ask, always a nice touch. The Cesar Salad was delicious, the ingredients were fresh and the croutons were clearly made in house. The meatballs were flavorful and tender. They were served with a dollop of whipped Ricotta and a generous amount of marinara, the basil sprig was also a welcome addition. Everything worked well together and we enjoyed the dish. We also split the Rigatoni Bolognese and again they split the order for us. It was served piped hot and it was delicious. The service was excellent and we were able to get in and most importantly, out in plenty of time to catch our show...

We came in for dinner one weeknight and the hotel was really busy, as there was a conference being…read morehosted, but this restaurant was steady, but not busy. The décor is really interesting, as it has a secret dining room behind a bookcase and all of it is beautifully assembled. Menu is decent, with many typical Italian favorites. Starting with their arancini, it was decent. The temperature was warm, but not as hot as it should've been considering we expected it to be freshly fried, plated, and served. The jam under it was a little too sweet as well, but the texture and flavors were decent. Next up was their Cesar salad. This was my starter salad and it was quite substantial. The lettuce was great - very fresh and crunchy! The dressing was excellent, clearly made in-house and it was so very tasty. The combo of both was excellent! Lastly, I chose their chicken marsala for my entrée. It was plated quite nicely, looking very tasty. The chicken was breaded and appeared lightly fried, as the batter flaked off. The sauce was a little too sweet compared to my liking... I realized that marsala wine is sweet, but this might have been reduced or sweetened a little too much. The greens were inedible - they were way too vinegary. I took one bite and choked trying to swallow it down. Their crispy smashed potatoes were very nicely done. Overall, this entrée was just 'ok' but nothing special, which I found disappointing, as I could have ordered a pasta instead. Service for our dinner was nice and friendly. Prices are on the high end for the quality of the food preparation, which is also disappointing. So, over the past couple of months I've been to Norfolk twice and last time ate at Saltine downstairs in this Hilton and this time ate upstairs at Varia and both menus are amazing, service was adequate, and execution was lackluster - This tells me their food program is poorly managed. I left out the review of my dinner guest's pizzas... They eat got a pizza and each was completely over-cooked!!! I like char'd crust on brickoven pizza, what I saw (and what they explained) wasn't a simple char, it consisted of hard, over-cooked cheese and toppings and frankly if I got either of those pizzas, I would've sent it back. Given the absolute beauty of these eateries and amazing menus, they need to work on the management component and they'll have truly amazing joints, but not until then.

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Cool dining room behind this bookcase!!

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Waters Edge Wineries - Greek flatbread with added chicken -$25

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We arrived just after 4pm, only dinners in, had our choice of seating in the elegantly modern,…read morenautical atmosphere. It was very clean and inviting. The music playlist was from my mid 1980's HS years...loved that Our server was pleasant and knowledgeable of the menu, checked on items that she wasn't sure of, regarding our spice/allergy levels. The Brussel sprouts appetizer was phenomenal! We opted to have the feta on the side, due to one of our preferences, they were totally accommodating. I had a tasting of the white wines, wonderful broad spectrum of palate pleasing flavors and textures. There is a large private room for reserving. The gift shop has an array of gifts from, of course, their wines, but also candles, wine accessories, and canned/bottled sangrias and much more. Great monthly events are scheduled at the Waters Edge, too!!

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Leone's Italian - italian - Updated May 2026

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