Leonardo’s has won lots of awards over the years in the Zim on a Plate competition, so one’s expectations are bound to be high, so we set off for lunch in cheery spirits, ready to indulge ourselves.
BY LE CONNOISSEUR
The Borrowdale shops, which sprawl further and further with every passing year it seems, were as usual completely packed, and parking is challenging here anytime during shopping hours — but we found a spot not too far from Leonardo’s.
We were warmly greeted by the proprietor at the top of the steps up to the restaurant, and took in the welcoming warmth of their chosen colour scheme of oranges and rich reddish browns and the spick and span interior, which reflects a place very well maintained, lovingly cared for and tended to.
Our waiter Takesure was excellent throughout, as were all those who attended to us, very professional and very friendly,yet not at all obtrusive — drinks were replenished at regular intervals, and the specials of the day, and the one item on the extensive and varied menu that was not available, drawn to our attention right at the outset. While studying the menu, we nibbled on the delicious pizza-bread, with its salty parmesan-sprinkled top.
We struggled to settle on choices as there is such a lot to choose from here, from a wide range of mouth watering starters, to lots of delectable sounding pizzas and pastas, to steaks, grills, pork, chicken, fish, seafood and more, so we took our time deciding.
The menu is well-designed and attractive, and it includes a very good value special lunch menu at US$10 for a starter and main course, with various options from which to choose from.
At length, we managed to narrow down our choices, and went for the minestrone soup — which was superbly flavourful, and upon which the waiter offered to sprinkle parmesan, to which I enthusiastically agreed — and the spicy chicken livers — equally so, and both, beautifully presented too.
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An enormous black pepper grinder was also helpfully proffered, should we require this addition to each of our dishes, always welcome and a nice touch.
Then, on to our mains, very hard to settle on a choice with such an array; however, we finally managed to choose one of their spectacular pizzas, baked in their proper pizza oven, and the chicken kiev, both absolutely delicious and very well-presented, and we ordered a salad to accompany these, which was excellent too. We ate lunch at a leisurely pace, soaked up the pleasant atmosphere, and felt spoilt and happy.
Even though well replete by now, we greedily decided on the lemon meringue pie for dessert, and enjoyed this very much too, then, to round off, cappuccinos of course, flavoursome and with lots of froth!
GREAT FOOD, GREAT SURROUNDINGS, PLENTY OF CHOICES
Leonardo’s ticked all our boxes for a really good dining experience — a warm welcome, which is important, and an often absent element when eating out, it sets the right tone from the start; then friendly, efficient service from there on in, in a pleasant, relaxed ambience in attractive surroundings; great food, plenty of choices, and attention to every detail as well as, clean, attractive bathrooms and premises. It is clear that management and staff here take a lot of pride in their work and in maintaining their standards, and so, create for the client, a memorable occasion.
Congratulations to Leonardo’s, which continues to please in every way.
Family Restaurant 5 Plates Expect to spend US$15 to US$35 per head Borrowdale Shops Harare
