As I work out in the suburbs, it’s always a treat to find out when a new non-chain restaurant opens out here. Bill tipped me to Leonardo’s Pizzeria right as they were opening. When we arrived there was a sign on the door that indicated that they were still in “training mode.” The entire time we were there a woman was training another employee in. Fine with me.
Leonardo’s is located just north of I-694 on Highway 120, on the border between White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi. It’s small and in a strip mall. They have only six tables and they deliver. It’s cozy. We were surprised by their menu. This isn’t a normal indie pizza joint in a strip mall: most of their menu is their specialty pizzas including a Mediterranean Chicken pizza to a Hawaiian influenced Big Island Delight pizza. Their full menu is on their website. They also have grinders, wings and some appetizers.
Unfortunately their prices were bit higher than we expected. Co-worker Nick and I ordered two drinks and a regular 10″ Margherita, which is one of their least expensive pizzas. The total came out to be $18.38 before tip. Their 14″ Sicilian Supreme Deep Dish pizza is $23.79! They had specials written on a chalkboard but they all seemed to cater towards parties of four or more.
The pizza was quite tasty — better than I expected. Nick thought it was “all right.” I think he would have preferred a more traditional pepperoni pizza. Next time. The crust was crispy and I thought it had just the right amount of toppings and cheese. We went through it quickly. It’s a sharp contrast to the pizza down the road at Donatelli Brothers which generally has a lot more cheese and really oily. I think Leonardo’s, from my first taste, has better pizza but Donatelli’s is probably more utilitarian if you’re starving.
We both thought Leonardo’s service was friendly, fast and personable. We’ll be back.
Leonardo’s Pizzeria
3150 Century Ave N
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
651-777-1200
Maybe someday I’ll venture over there and try it out. I didn’t see any on their website’s menu but was hoping they had some by the slice. Did you notice anything like that?
No report from Little Oven?
Bill- I don’t think they sell by the slice. Their sizes are 10″ and 14″.
JW- Nick and I visited the Little Oven last week but we weren’t inspired to write anything about it. We’ll probably visit there again soon.
I cannot tell you just how hungry I am just now. Argh! The pizza *looks* delicious, at the very least.
That’s near my Dad’s place. I’ll have to take him there soon.
Looks good to me, I’ll give it a try. I could probably walk there.
Mmm. You said “Donatelli’s.” Now I have to drive out there this week.
I went there once, I’ve been everywhere once, it was goooood!
Leonardo’s Pizzeria was a letdown to me, twice.
My first experience was dine-in with a good friend who was in town over the Thanksgiving weekend. We decided on the “Tuscan Vegi,” with white garlic sauce and without olives. When it came it was covered in green olives. I pointed this out to our waiter and he replied by telling me that I said “No black olives.” He offered to make a new one, but being hungry and a little disappointed by his attitude towards my apparent mistake we just picked those little green buggers right off. Once the olives where off the pizza it became pretty obvious that what we had before us was just a mangled cheese pizza. Where were the other toppings? Oh well, I thought — they where in training, and it was a great cheese pizza.
Last night I decided to give them another chance. We called and ordered a large cheese with artichokes and basil. We were told the total would be $18.10. It arrived in about 40 minutes. When the delivery guy came he told us our total was $44! Somehow a Sicilian Supreme Pizza was added to our order. He insisted we did order it and thats why it took so long to arrive. We gave him the $18, a tip and had him leave with the Sicilian.
Thats it! I’m tired of this pizza shop telling me its my fault they are still working things out in the company.
Own up to your mistakes, make them right, and treat your customers with grace.
One more thing: when you order a pizza for delivery, make sure you have a pizza slicer! Our pizza came whole.
I did notice that there lunches have Pizza by the slice, and the menu’s are on the website… check the on-line ordering…
GREAT LOOKING PIZZA!!!
I haven’t had the magheritta yet but its on m list. I had the MOSNTER MEAT pizza and the virarity of toppings on it you can’t find anywhere else, puts it in a league of its own. It was so GOOD,there was the right amount of mozzerella cheese and sauce to balance out the toppings!
OH, the chicken wings were really fanominal. I couldn’t figure out what seasoning they used never tasted it anywhere else.
Going back again soon!
Great tasting Pizza!
Favorite little place to go get pizza. Great place to go over lunch. Great overall experience. Nice, polite staff.
Highly recommend!
I’ve been working here at Leonardo’s Pizzeria on the weekends since they have opened and It’s Benn a Joy. At first nobody really knew what to do but we learned fast and have been getting more busy. I believe I’ve been spoiled by the food here because now I wont ever want other pizza. The prices are high but I think its completely worth it. With everything hand made fresh daily and with top shelf ingredients why not pay for a better food?
And I admit we make mistakes but who doesn’t? Thanks for coming!
-LIz リズ
Liz- Thanks for the note and the subsequent email exchange. I went back last night and now I’ve been there more than a few times. It’s not my favorite pizza in the area but I think it’s good. I’m glad the neighborhood has Leonardo’s but I worry that the market isn’t there to have creative and higher-quality ingredient pizza mixed with a family-style casual dining area (e.g. our “gourmet” pizza soda was delivered to our table in styrofoam cups, plastic tops and straws). On top of it, maybe I haven’t had a fantastic pizza there yet — good ingredients is one thing and making something greater than the sum of it’s parts is another.
As Slice linked yesterday, the pizza business is hard. I hope Leonardo’s makes it work, honestly.
It’s not far from where I work, I’ll stop back again some time.
Just found this little gem a few weeks ago and then stumbled across your review today while I was trying find their website.
I think I’ve been to Leonardos about 4 times now. 2 for lunch (pizza by the slice) and twice to pick up a pie on my way home. Each time the service was excellent – they certainly have a friendly staff.
Pizza by the slice was great on the first trip but a notch less than great on the 2nd. Maybe the pizza had been in the warmer too long.
Both take home pies were good – I especially like the BBQ chicken and the Monster Meat eater. Kids love the basic pepperoni.
That said, prices are a little on the higher side but if that’s what it takes for them to stay in business I don’t mind an extra buck or two.
On a related note – I stopped in at the Mahtomedi Carbones last weekend and picked up two VERY good pizzas. Some new 20 something kid just bought the place last week. The pies were excellent and the staff was great!
I’d highly recommend both spots for a great pizza.
I live right up the road and is one of my fav places to go eat, very freindly, great service, and wonderful food. I’ve been there many many times and never once could i, or would i complain. It was perfect. maybe arrons sister is just a complainer and will never be satisfiedwith anything. Oh well, there’s room enough for all sorts in Noah’s ark eh? Love it.
Jesse-
Thanks your comment and I like other opinions.
By the way, my sister is not “just a complainer,” and I respect her opinion as well as her recollections of her experiences. I suppose Noah’s Ark allows for people that make grandiose negative assumptions too.
I have been driving by Leonardos every day and today I see they have a big sign out there. Most of the comments on here are from years ago. Has anyone been there lately? I would like to give it a try but am not sure after reading the reviews. I had Donatellis over the weekend and not really imprressed with their pizza. Isure would like to here more updated comments
Thanks
If you drive past it every day, you should stop by and try it, and let people know how it is.
I dig Donatelli’s down the road — it’s on the greasy side but it’s really solid midwestern style pizza.