LeoGreta, located in Carnegie, is a hidden gem serving up classic Italian fare. If you don’t live near Carnegie, you likely haven’t heard of LeoGreta. The restaurant, which was initially a small space when it opened in 2018, has grown into a sprawling establishment with a bakery and dessert bar. It still retains its cozy, homey vibe with wooden accents, kitschy decor, and a friendly, attentive staff.
I’ve been to LeoGreta many times in the six years since it opened, and I’ve never been disappointed with any of my meals. They’re always offering seasonal specialties to add a little spice to their traditional menu, such as a pasta dish with fresh corn in the summer and a pumpkin cake in the fall. Their regular menu is filled with classic, homestyle Italian dishes, and the quality of every dish is next-level.
I started my meal with one of my favorite dishes on the menu—the burrata. Instead of serving the cheese with a cold tomato salad with basil, as many other Italian spots do, LeoGreta serves their burrata with a warm, roasted tomato purée and tops it with fresh basil. The contrast of the cold cheese and warm, flavorful tomato sauce is luxurious. Dip some of the copious amount of bread LeoGreta serves you into the burrata and experience heaven. The other starter I opted for was the beans and greens, which is a must during these cold, dreary months. This dish is hearty and incredibly filling thanks to the white beans and homemade fennel sausage. I’m not a huge fan of sausage, but LeoGreta’s is a must-try. It made the entire dish sing with its savory flavor.
LeoGreta’s salad selection is admirable, with four different options at any given time. These include the arugula and radicchio, the Caesar, the frisée and lardon and a seasonal salad. On the night I dined there, I opted for the frisée and lardon salad. This salad is so decadent that I’m not sure it should even be considered a salad. The crunchy frisée is topped with crispy fried bacon lardons, a perfectly fried egg, and a creamy, herby dressing. I cut the egg yolk, and it mixed seamlessly with the dressing to create the most luscious salad I’ve ever had. The crispy bacon lardons added a nice contrast in texture, and I devoured the entire dish. Another favorite salad of mine is the arugula and radicchio, which is bursting with flavor from the bitterness of the greens and the balsamic garlic dressing.
If you’re a pasta lover, then LeoGreta will be your version of heaven. They have six pasta dishes at any given time, including a special pasta that rotates with the season. While both the linguine carbonara and manicotti are worth ordering, the gnocchi is the true star. Every time I come back, it’s impossible for me to try something different because the gnocchi is just that divine. The gnocchi will have you dreaming of clouds with its fluffy, pillow-like texture. They simply melt in your mouth the minute your fork meets your lips. The restaurant’s flavorful red sauce makes this dish all the more comforting. The fontina and parmesan cheese on top make the dish even more decadent. The gnocchi is a must-order when dining at LeoGreta. I suggest splitting it with a friend, as it is pretty filling, and that leaves more room in your stomach for an extra meatball (or two). LeoGreta knows their meat, and like their fennel sausage, their meatballs are perfectly seasoned. It would be a red flag if an Italian restaurant didn’t have delicious meatballs, and LeoGreta passes the test with flying colors.
Dessert is necessary here. When a restaurant has its own bakery and fully dedicated dessert bar, then you know you have to order something. There are so many dessert options that it’s a little overwhelming. They have crème brûlée, a cinnamon bun cheesecake, cannoli, and so much more. I was extremely full after my meal (as is the norm at LeoGreta), so I opted for two scoops of their homemade ice cream. It was light and creamy, the perfect ending to a large and filling meal.
LeoGreta is the quintessential neighborhood Italian spot. Their dishes are hearty and seasoned to perfection, while their staff makes you feel like family. LeoGreta is a place I’ll be frequenting for years to come.
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