Leone’s

I am absolutely disgusted with Leone's. I booked the restaurant for my partner's 30th Birthday - they happily took my booking knowing it was a special birthday (30th)and when we arrived on the Saturday night of the Easter weekend - we found the restaurant shut and in darkness.

Everywhere else in the surrounding area was fully booked and so we had to go home!!!
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Teresa Hogan
Friday, May 09, 2008

Went there for the 1st time on Saturday night with 3 other friends of mine. Was very pleased to see they have amazing bar you can have a drink at before being seated at your table. Also was very surprised to see they have live music. Lady called Gloria was singing different mix of songs. The atmosphere was great although it wasn't too busy.

Food was great, i would say slightly more expensive than average food you get in Brighton & Hove but it is worth the money you pay.

I will definitely go back there and would recommend this place for nice evening out when you want to treat yourself to something more than just a good food!
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Sarah M.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008

I can only assume that the previous reviewer visited on a bad day because my experience of Leone's couldn't be more different. I first found them when I was looking for a venue for a dinner party for fifteen guests to celebrate my my parents' diamond wedding anniversay. This was proving difficult as it was on Boxing Day and many places were closed. Marcello at Leone's couldn't have been more helpful agreeing to provide a fixed price menu and helping me to chose the dishes.

I admit we were the only customers that evening but everything was ready when we arrived. The service was friendly and efficient but not intrusive and we got everything that was promised and even some festive crackers thrown in. The food was attractively presented without being over elaborate and there was plenty of it . All the guests were really impressed by the quality of the food and, as most of them regularly dine out in Brighton and Hove, they are in a good position to judge the relative merits of eating establishments!

The ambience is wonderful as it's part of an old building ( in fact part of Langfords Hotel but privately run). The white canopy you walk under as you enter, wooden floor, high ceilings, cornices, marble (?) pillars, rich drapes and even a classical ceiling fresco, all contribute to an elegant dining experience. The crisp white and deep cream table linen adds the final touch.

I returned last week to sample their luncheon menu. It's limited to a choice of three starters and three main courses but extra vegetarian dishes are available on request. My friend and I were again impressed, Between us, my friend and I sampled four of the options, all of which were excellent. and at £8.95 ( which includes a glass of wine) represented excellent value for money. As before service was quick and efficient but we did not feel hurried or hassled!

The full menu is extensive and interesting . It's not the cheapest of restaurants but it's reasonably priced: starters £4.50-£9.50, meat and fish dishes £12.95-£18.95, pasta £8.50-£12.95. There is also a separate menu for the Oyster Bar where you can chose from a number of different accompaniments: six for £8.95, 12 for £15.95. If all the dishes are as good as those I have tried so far these prices reperesent good value. I would have only one criticism in that the choice for vegetarians seems a little limited unless they eat fish!

I will definitely be returning and will continue recommending it to friends
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Susan Kidd
Saturday, February 09, 2008

I went to Leone's for lunch as part of a group of 40.

The service was dreadful.

The restaurant had been given the order for the two-course meal several days in advance.

The lunch was supposed to start at 1 pm. They didn't start serving the first customers until 1.30; and then with just two staff, it took half-an-hour before all 40 customers had their food.

Even when it came, the food wasn't that brilliant. Everything seemed to be covered in a thick sauce - which is always a bit suspicious.

They then took ages to serve the dessert. Really difficult dishes - like ice cream!

Acid test of any restaurant is, would I go there again?

Answer; absolutely not!
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Sunday, January 27, 2008

Leone is back - with a bang!

I moved to Hove 3 years ago, roughly when they closed and had heard good things about the restaurant. I was pleased to be able to try it last Saturday night now they have re-opened.

The decor is smart and fresh with the tables set a nice distance apart, so it's easy to have a conversation even when the resident singer is in action. (She's very good too). Service is informed, friendly and unassuming.

They have a good range of Italian inspired dishes with generous portions and lovely quality. Presentation is also excellent.

The oysters I had were superb, as was the salmon with mussels which came afterwards. The friend I went with reported that his veal was first class.

Leone is not cheap but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. This is a splendid addition to Hove's eating scene and I look forward to returning soon.
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Epicurean
Monday, October 29, 2007

Ate there 3 years ago(been closed since then -re-opened 4/5 weeks ago).

Was absoutely superb -shall be trying it again as sooon as poss.
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ANTHONY LLEWHELLIN
Tuesday, October 23, 2007