Leo's is an Italian cafe, bar and restaurant in Clapton, serving as a cafe in the mornings and a more sophisticated neighbourhood restaurant in the evenings. Before Leo's, this site was Jim's Cafe - a legendary Sixties Italian cafe and biker-themed greasy spoon. You can still catch glimpses of Jim's Cafe in the retro Italian style of Leo's.
The creative minds behind Leo's are Julian Porter and Lauren Johns, who have made their mark on the city's brunch scene at Juliet's Quality Foods in Tooting. Teaming up with chef Giuseppe Belvedere - once of P. Franco, Bright and Brawn - they have crafted something distinct in Clapton.
Leo's embodies the atmosphere of an Italian bar and restaurant, designed to capture the essence of a vintage canteen. The space features wooden paneled walls adorned with retro posters, complemented by mid-century chairs sporting olive leather upholstery and mustard-colored tables. Details like empty wine bottles perched on ledged wooden panels give that extra retro touch.
This spot is designed to satisfy your cravings throughout the day. Whether you're starting your morning with an espresso, newspaper, and a light bite (spuntino), grabbing a quick lunch, or winding down with a cozy evening meal prepared over a wood hearth in the dining room, Leo's Clapton has you covered. Everything is served from the open kitchen, which creates a sense of intimacy.
Chef Belvedere brings to the table his Sardinian roots, whipping up some modern Mediterranean dishes cooked over a wood fire. Indulge in grilled asparagus topped with prosciutto served with a 60-month aged Parmesan sauce, agnolotti stuffed with braised rabbit, and grilled lamb saddle with tomato salad and mint sauce during the evenings and café staples and espresso during the day.
As for drinks, Leo's Clapton offers an extensive selection of low-intervention Italian wines. Or you can choose from a range of beer options, both on tap and by the bottle. And if you're thirsty for something stronger, they also serve up negronis and G&Ts.