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

A little bit of everything at Café Leonelli. Our Pick 2 Combo lets you pair a half sandwich with a small salad or small ...
09/01/2026

A little bit of everything at Café Leonelli. Our Pick 2 Combo lets you pair a half sandwich with a small salad or small soup for $16 — the perfect midday combination inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

08/28/2026

The newest addition to the Café Leonelli ice cream lineup is here — meet Banana Pudding. Scoop it in a cup or cone inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Rise and shine, a morning well spent is at Café Leonelli. A flaky croissant and your coffee of choice, waiting for you i...
08/26/2026

Rise and shine, a morning well spent is at Café Leonelli. A flaky croissant and your coffee of choice, waiting for you inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

A little slice of happiness at Café Leonelli. Enjoy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and pecans for your afternoon...
08/22/2026

A little slice of happiness at Café Leonelli. Enjoy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and pecans for your afternoon pick-me up.

A satisfying meal awaits at Café Leonelli. Savor our Steamed Salmon with olive giardiniera and spinach, on the menu for ...
08/18/2026

A satisfying meal awaits at Café Leonelli. Savor our Steamed Salmon with olive giardiniera and spinach, on the menu for lunch and dinner.

It’s Friday and that calls for gelato. Café Leonelli’s homemade selection includes Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Guava Mar...
08/14/2026

It’s Friday and that calls for gelato. Café Leonelli’s homemade selection includes Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Guava Maria, Stracciatella, and Strawberry. One scoop ($5), two ($10), three ($14). You deserve it.

Natural light, Italian inspiration, and a spot right inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Welcome to Café Leonelli —...
08/11/2026

Natural light, Italian inspiration, and a spot right inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Welcome to Café Leonelli — floor-to-ceiling windows, a charming outdoor terrace, and a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come find us.

The focaccia at Café Leonelli has something for everyone. Grab a Pepperoni, keep it classic with a Margherita, or let th...
08/08/2026

The focaccia at Café Leonelli has something for everyone. Grab a Pepperoni, keep it classic with a Margherita, or let the Seasonal Focaccia surprise you. And for the little ones, the Kids Cheese Pizza never disappoints. Available from 11AM to close.

Your latte, your way. Café Leonelli offers vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel syrups to sweeten the deal. Come in and find y...
08/05/2026

Your latte, your way. Café Leonelli offers vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel syrups to sweeten the deal. Come in and find your favorite.

Your weekend at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston starts at Café Leonelli. Stop in before the galleries and start the morning...
07/31/2026

Your weekend at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston starts at Café Leonelli. Stop in before the galleries and start the morning right with our assortment of freshly baked breakfast pastries, available until noon.

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!