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
Comments 15
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?
Posted 21 Nov 2007 at 13:40 ¶No report from Little Oven?
Posted 21 Nov 2007 at 13:43 ¶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.
Posted 21 Nov 2007 at 13:53 ¶I cannot tell you just how hungry I am just now. Argh! The pizza *looks* delicious, at the very least.
Posted 21 Nov 2007 at 19:07 ¶That’s near my Dad’s place. I’ll have to take him there soon.
Posted 22 Nov 2007 at 09:57 ¶Looks good to me, I’ll give it a try. I could probably walk there.
Posted 26 Nov 2007 at 13:20 ¶Mmm. You said “Donatelli’s.” Now I have to drive out there this week.
Posted 27 Nov 2007 at 13:38 ¶I went there once, I’ve been everywhere once, it was goooood!
Posted 27 Nov 2007 at 23:48 ¶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.
Posted 06 Dec 2007 at 17:39 ¶I did notice that there lunches have Pizza by the slice, and the menu’s are on the website… check the on-line ordering…
Posted 28 Dec 2007 at 15:28 ¶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!
Posted 03 Jan 2008 at 18:39 ¶Great tasting Pizza!
Favorite little place to go get pizza. Great place to go over lunch. Great overall experience. Nice, polite staff.
Highly recommend!
Posted 03 Jan 2008 at 18:52 ¶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?
Posted 18 Mar 2008 at 13:15 ¶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.
Posted 19 Mar 2008 at 16:53 ¶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.
Posted 13 Aug 2008 at 17:03 ¶Post a Comment