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Cafe Leonelli

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

Slice of the day? From 11AM to close, Café Leonelli is serving focaccia - Margherita with roasted tomato and fresh basil...
06/24/2026

Slice of the day? From 11AM to close, Café Leonelli is serving focaccia - Margherita with roasted tomato and fresh basil, Pepperoni, and a Seasonal Focaccia with ricotta, honey, figs, and pear. See you soon.

Salad made your way. Start with romaine or arugula, choose your toppings, and build the perfect bowl at Café Leonelli. O...
06/19/2026

Salad made your way. Start with romaine or arugula, choose your toppings, and build the perfect bowl at Café Leonelli. Or keep it classic with a Chicken Caesar - either way, we’ve got you covered.

The tournament is here and so is the perfect scoop. Café Leonelli celebrates the world’s biggest sporting event with a l...
06/15/2026

The tournament is here and so is the perfect scoop. Café Leonelli celebrates the world’s biggest sporting event with a limited “Golden Popcorn Ice Cream” - popcorn ice cream topped with crunchy caramel popcorn.

Enjoy one scoop (or three), available Wednesday through Sunday throughout the tournament, beginning June 17.

The lunch order is easy today. Lasagna Bolognese - layers of pasta, beef bolognese, light béchamel, mozzarella, and Parm...
06/13/2026

The lunch order is easy today. Lasagna Bolognese - layers of pasta, beef bolognese, light béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan, waiting for you at Café Leonelli.

Great food, beautiful art, and a 417-bulb light installation overhead. Find us at Café Leonelli inside the  - order at t...
06/09/2026

Great food, beautiful art, and a 417-bulb light installation overhead. Find us at Café Leonelli inside the - order at the marble counter and dine in or al fresco.

Cold brew, warm weather, and world-class art just steps away. Your  visit starts here at Café Leonelli.
06/02/2026

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

The lunch lineup is looking good.Stop by Café Leonelli for a sandwich worth the visit - from our Muffaletta on homemade ...
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.

Your favorite excuse to visit.Margaritas at Café Leonelli - available Wednesday through Sunday, with Happy Hour from 12-...
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.

Join us Monday for Memorial Day - visit  and stop by Café Leonelli for pastries, bites, and a light-filled dining room, ...
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.

Picasso used a coffee pot for his paintbrushes. We used it for inspiration.Meet Cookiesmo - our playful nod to the ’s la...
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).

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

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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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