The staff was just exceptional, and the food was to die for! Everything, from the atmosphere to fiinshing dessert, was just a perfect evening. (December 2003)

I have to strongly agree with your rating of Leonardo's. I was born and raised in New Jersey and my grandmother was born in Italy. I very much miss good Italian food, which Birmingham greatly lacks. I was excited when Leonardo's opened to rave reviews my local Vestavia residents. After waiting in line, I couldn't imagine what the fuss was all about. Although the service was fine and the owner very hospitable, the food was terrible. There were five of us and no one liked their entree. The bread, however, was acceptable. I swore never to return. However, I did after they were opened for a year hoping that they had improved. I was dining with a friend and we shared the baked oyster appetizer, which was not edible. The vinegar taste was so strong, we thought the oysters had gone bad! When we informed the waiter that the dish was not edible, he simply agreed with us and said that other diners had also expressed this. However, we still had to pay for it!!! The fried Italian donuts for dessert were a pleasant surpise having grown up eating them (we called them Zeppolis) but our entrees were just so-so. The restaurant still remains crowded and I can only wonder if people in Birmingham just have not experienced what good Italian food really tastes like.

I was disappointed with your review of Leonardo's. I'm no food critic, but I like good food and I enjoyed my entrees on both my lunch time visits. The rolls are incredible. On my first visit I had cheese ravioli that was very fresh tasting and cheesy. The spinach and mushroom calzone that I had on my second visit was very good. The spinach as fresh and flavorful and the cheeses were excellent. I agree the salad is a huge disappointment. I think Leonardo's could be great with a few improvements.

My husband and I decided to go out to eat for Valentine's Day. It appeared everyone else in the Birmingham area had the same idea. he first restaurant we visited said there would be a two-hour wait so we drove around looking for an alternative. We spotted Leonardo's which we knew nothing about but it looked good. Luckily someone with reservations didn't show up and we got a table. The atmosphere was romantic with valentine balloons and the music was terrific. The food, especially the rolls and lasagna were excellent. The service was superb. We really felt welcomed despite our drop in. We wouldn't hesitate to return! (February 2004)

Leonardo's is wonderful! I can see where people would say that the red sauce is not their favorite, but the Chicken Marsala, rolls, and the house vinegarette are to die for. The chicken in the Marsala can be cut with a fork, and the portions are very large. I've only been at lunch so far, but it is one of my favorite Italian places (that I've tried so far) in town.

Just don't get the manicotti... I was highly disappointed...

We have loved Leonardo's since our first visit five years ago. The staff is wonderful and the food is even better! Our favorite dishes are the chicken parmigiana, shrimp musso and the calzones. Whether it's lunch or dinner or their catering, this is the best Italian food in Birmingham!!!