Cafe Leonelli

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Cafe Leonelli

Cafe Leonelli, located on the campus of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is a one-of-a-kind Italian cafe that offers a fast yet high-quality dining experience. With Michelin star chef Jonathan Benno at the helm, Cafe Leonelli serves up mouth-watering fresh focaccia, sandwiches, salads and delicious hot Italian cuisine including lasagna and eggplant parmigiana. Guests can also indulge in outdoor dining while enjoying piping hot lattes or innovative frozen sweet treats created by Chef Salvatore Martone. If you're looking for authentic Italian food or the best ice cream in Houston, Cafe Leonelli will not disappoint!

Recent social media posts

06/02/2026

Cold brew, warm weather, and world-class art just steps away. Your visit starts here at Café Leonelli.

05/30/2026

The lunch lineup is looking good.

Stop by Café Leonelli for a sandwich worth the visit - from our Muffaletta on homemade focaccia to the Eggplant Parmesan with fresh mozzarella and basil. Simple, satisfying, and made with care.

05/26/2026

Your favorite excuse to visit.

Margaritas at Café Leonelli - available Wednesday through Sunday, with Happy Hour from 12-2PM on Sundays and 4-8PM on Thursdays & Fridays.

05/23/2026

Join us Monday for Memorial Day - visit and stop by Café Leonelli for pastries, bites, and a light-filled dining room, open from 11AM – 5PM.

05/20/2026

Picasso used a coffee pot for his paintbrushes. We used it for inspiration.

Meet Cookiesmo - our playful nod to the ’s latest exhibition, “Picasso–Klee–Matisse: Masterpieces from the Museum Berggruen.” A chocolate coffee cookie with a Cubist twist, available all day Wednesday - Sunday through September 13 ($6).

05/16/2026

Some things are best enjoyed by the slice.

Our carrot cake layers cream cheese frosting and pecans into the perfect sweet afternoon moment at Cafe Leonelli.

05/13/2026

A moment of light at Cafe Leonelli.

Dine beneath Spencer Finch’s Moon Dust - a striking installation of more than 400 incandescent bulbs suspended throughout the space. Discover breakfast, lunch, coffee, and pastries inside the ’s Kinder Building.

05/08/2026

A scoop (or three) of something sweet.

Discover our housemade gelato and refreshing sorbet - perfect for a quick treat or a sunny afternoon.

05/04/2026

A little indulgence for the occasion.

Treat the mothers, mother figures, and leading ladies in your life with our limited-edition Fruit Tart ($8), now available through May 10 at Cafe Leonelli.

05/01/2026

Dinner is served at Café Leonelli.

Enjoy our “Steamed Salmon” with olive giardiniera and spinach - light, vibrant, and full of flavor.

04/28/2026

Coffee, the Italian way - crafted with care, made to go or to dine in.

Stop by Café Leonelli and take a moment of indulgence with you.

04/24/2026

Simplicity takes center stage.

Our focaccia, featuring a classic Margherita with tomato sauce, roasted marinated tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil - done the way it should be.

04/21/2026

A special pastry just for mom.

Treat the mothers, mother figures, and leading ladies in your life with our limited-edition Fruit Tart ($8), available from May 1-10 at Cafe Leonelli.

04/17/2026

Executive Pastry Chef brings imagination and artistry to every creation at Café Leonelli.

Overseeing pastry programs across , his work is rooted in classical technique and shaped by years at Michelin-starred kitchens, including Joël Robuchon Restaurant and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.

Inspired by his childhood in Naples, Chef Salvatore’s desserts balance tradition with creativity - thoughtful, expressive, and designed to spark a moment of delight with every bite.

04/16/2026

At Café Leonelli , the possibilities are endless.

Explore a wide selection of pastries and take your pick - each one crafted to satisfy every craving.

04/11/2026

Our favorite morning moment.

04/08/2026

A new week at Cafe Leonelli calls for new favorites.

Don’t miss our weekly specials, available from 11 AM - 6 PM.

04/02/2026

Happy (almost) Easter from our table to yours.

Stop by Cafe Leonelli , open from 9:30 AM - 6 PM on Sunday, April 5th.

03/31/2026

Spring is served.

03/28/2026

This Easter season, treat yourself to a chocolate dipped citrus sugar cookie crafted by 's .tiffani.

Savor the Chocolate Easter Egg Cookie for $6, available April 1-5 at Cafe Leonelli .

03/26/2026

Golden hour hits different at Cafe Leonelli .

Classic, spicy, or with a flavored twist - our fresh margaritas are crafted from $7.

Savor & unwind during Happy Hour: 4-8 PM on Thursdays & Fridays and 12-2 PM on Sundays.

03/19/2026

Celebrate rodeo season all March with specials guided by Houston's favorite tradition. ⁠
⁠
Enjoy fried catfish ($16) and warm coleslaw ($7) - or make it a combo for $23. Try our seasonal pizza BBQ chicken and pickles ($9), and savor rocky road ice cream ($5) available all month long.

03/15/2026

All you need is an almond croissant.

03/11/2026

Sip a new Culinary Canvas, "La Roja" mocktail. Crafted with hibiscus tea, vanilla & lime, its vibrant hue reflects Frida Kahlo's expressive use of color.

Inspired by the 's exhibition "Frida: The Making of an Icon," savor "La Roja" ($8) at Cafe Leonelli through May 17, 2026.

03/06/2026

Spring is in the air.

Get ready for Daylight Saving Time by spending the season at Cafe Leonelli .

Address

5500 Main Street
Houston, TX
77004

If you're travelling to Main Street in Houston, you can reach the vicinity using public transit by taking the bus or rail to any of the nearby stations. If you prefer driving, there are parking lots and street parking available. Please check the signs for restrictions and time limits.

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 8pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	8am - 5pm
Sunday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://www.cafeleonelli.com/

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What people say

Cafe Leonelli is a hidden gem located on the campus of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. This Italian cafe offers a unique dining experience with its mouth-watering menu crafted by Michelin star chef, Jonathan Benno. From fresh focaccia to hot Italian cuisine including lasagna and eggplant parmigiana, Cafe Leonelli has something for everyone. The outdoor dining area provides a perfect ambiance to enjoy a piping hot latte or an innovative Frohzen sweet treat created by Chef Salvatore Martone. The authenticity of the dishes served at Cafe Leonelli will not only meet your needs but also surprise you with their tastiness and creativity. If you are searching for great authentic Italian food or the best ice cream in Houston, Cafe Leonelli is definitely worth a visit. Their fast yet high-quality service will leave you wanting more!

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