Cafe Leonelli

Cafe Leonelli is an Italian-inspired café located within the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) in Houston, Texas. Operated by The Bastion Collection, the café offers a relaxed and friendly environment for enjoying traditional Italian cuisine.

The menu features a variety of dishes showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Italy. Guests can indulge in house-made focaccia with various toppings, sandwiches, soups, salads, baked pastas, and meat and seafood dishes.

The café also offers a selection of Italian pastries, cookies, and confections crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Salvatore Martone, a Michelin Star recipient. Additionally, an outpost of Martone’s Miami-based ice cream shop, Frohzen, provides homemade ice cream, signature popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, and milkshakes.

Chef Jonathan Benno, a Michelin Star chef and Bastion partner, collaborates with local purveyors such as Lonestar Mushrooms, Houston Dairymaids, and Homestead Gristmill. This partnership ensures the menu incorporates seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

The café operates with convenient, attended counter service. Guests can select from a variety of hot menu items beautifully displayed in cast-iron Staub cookware and copper-coated hot pans.

Beverage options include coffee drinks made using the Leonelli blend roasted by La Colombe, teas, espresso, and Italian sodas.

Location

Cafe Leonelli is located at 5500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77004. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

• The indoor space features floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural light and views of the Museum's Caroline Wiess Law Building.
• The outdoor patio overlooks the art and lush landscape of the serene Cullen Sculpture Garden, offering a charming dining experience.

Hours & Service

The café is open Wednesday through Sunday, with varying hours. For the most current information on operating hours and reservations, guests are encouraged to check the café's official website.

Highlights

• Authentic Italian dining experience blending tradition with local Houston flavors
• Collaboration with local purveyors to use seasonal ingredients
• Michelin Star expertise in pastry and culinary offerings
• Convenient counter service with a varied menu and quality beverages

Presence in Houston, TX, USA

Cafe Leonelli maintains its single location in Houston, TX, USA, where it continues to serve museum visitors and local diners an exquisite Italian culinary experience in a cultural setting.