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

10/16/2026

Before the galleries, there is coffee at Café Leonelli. Our Leonelli Blend drip, specialty lattes, and full espresso menu are ready and waiting for you inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

10/13/2026

It is National Pizza Month and Café Leonelli is joining the celebration. Discover our La Dolce Vita Special — a slice of pizza and an Aperol Spritz for $12, or sip an Aperol Spritz on its own for $7. Available now through October 31st inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

10/09/2026

Salad season never ends at Café Leonelli. From a Chicken Caesar to a Panzanella with arugula and kalamata olives, or design your own from our selection of toppings — available from 11AM to close.

10/03/2026

Café Leonelli has lunch and dinner covered. Hot main entrées, fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads, everything you need all in one place inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

10/01/2026

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the passion and talent behind every cup, every plate, and every smile. To our team, thank you for everything you bring to Café Leonelli.

09/25/2026

Fresh seasonal pastries at Café Leonelli, because something sweet always makes the day better.

Stop in and treat yourself for a slice of Carrot Cake, a Summer Berry Scone, or a Lemon Poppy Muffin.

09/23/2026

Consider this your Happy Hour reminder. Café Leonelli is pouring margaritas, b**r, w**e, and mocktails every Thursday and Friday from 4–8PM, and Sundays from 12–2PM.

09/18/2026

Something new is on the plate at Cafe Leonelli.

Discover our Roasted Salmon with Tuscan sauce and sun-dried tomato, sip on a Tomato Basil Soup, or enjoy Charred Zucchini and Summer Squash. Join us for lunch or dinner inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

09/15/2026

The sandwich you have been thinking about for lunch is at Café Leonelli. Discover the Muffaletta on homemade focaccia, the Caprese, or the Chicken Salad Sandwich on brioche with bacon. Stop in and find your favorite.

09/11/2026

Enjoy summer days inside Café Leonelli. Natural light pouring in, fresh pastries on the counter, lunch items to linger over, and curated beverages to sip — all inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Consider this your sign to stop in.

09/07/2026

This is your final week to enjoy Cookiesmo at Café Leonelli. Our Culinary Canvas chocolate coffee cookie, inspired by Picasso’s iconic coffee pot, is available all day Wednesday through Sunday through September 13.

09/04/2026

Fresh muffins, made daily at Café Leonelli. This summer, the Lemon Poppy is the seasonal standout. Stop by and discover what’s fresh out of the oven.

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!