The very best Italian restaurant in all of NJ. Family owned and they take the best care of their guests. Food is amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Debbie Meade
You must visit!!! The food was absolutely amazing. The service impeccable. BYOB! Desserts, cappuccino, espresso wahoo! Thank you for an amazing day!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roxanne band
Delicious food Gorgeous atmosphere with Five star service ! Will be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tom Howard
Dinner was spectacular, atmosphere was great... it's a very active and lively place. Great service, BYOB and be prepared to eat!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Merritt
Based upon a friend’s recommendation we headed over for lunch on a Sunday. It’s in a strip-mall but once you enter the restaurant you immediately forget the outside environment. The decor is very attractive and impressive as you see a large seating area with an attractive bar seating area by the kitchen. Speaking of bar it’s BYOB with a liquor store conveniently across from the restaurant in the same mall. Staff is friendly and attentive with a very welcoming atmosphere that provides the perfect setting to enjoy your meal. As for the food the bread on the table is among the best we’ve enjoyed. If it’s indicative of their pizza we cannot wait to try one. For today Cheryll enjoyed the risotto with mushrooms and I tried the eggplant parmigiana. Both were impressive with the eggplant being the best I’ve ever had after decades of trying it at countless Italian restaurants. Even the side of pasta was cooked to perfection with a delicious sauce that was not too sweet or lacked seasoning…the entire meal won us over. The final touch was yet another perfect dish the Affogato which convinced us that the recommendation was well deserved and we’ll be returning to try the pizza and other entrees. The staff made such a positive impression alone that combined with the level of food and service we can readily recommend you try this spot as soon as possible.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vincent Todisco
Food was very good. Service was good. Nice place, but way way too loud. Can't hear the person next to you
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Marco Crincoli
My wife and I recently visited Il Leone, and the entire experience was exceptional from start to finish. The décor is elegant and inviting, and the service stood out immediately. Our waiter, Rey, was attentive, thoughtful, and never rushed us — the kind of hospitality that makes a night out feel special.
The food was the true highlight. We ordered the Arugula Pizza and the Margherita, and both were outstanding. The Margherita in particular brought me right back to the pizzerias of Naples — simple, balanced, and beautifully done. Our entrées, the Pollo Martini and the Spaghetti Wagyu Bolognese, were equally impressive and clearly prepared with care.
Il Leone is a rare gem — a place where atmosphere, service, and food all come together beautifully. My wife and I highly recommend it and look forward to returning soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Louise Poupos
Went there last night. The service was impeccable. The food was fantastic. The atmosphere loved it. I will definitely go back. I’m already making reservations with a bunch of friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert DeSalvatore
we had a wonderful experience. From the server to the owner this place was a great experience. The appetizers and all the main courses were incredible. The owner says desert and coffee on the house. was not expecting this offer again very appreciated. Thank you will return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rich Cruz
Took my wife there a few days ago because it looked nice and I hadn't heard about it before (thanks Google) and I wanted to try someplace new. The food was great and the service was exceptional. The place felt like a small trendy restaurant in the city, but welcoming at the same time. I can't wait to go back to try more dishes and I really hope more people check out this little gem.
My wife has been waiting to come to II Leon since the day they opened, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The décor and ambiance were really nice—warm, modern, and welcoming. The food was spectacular. I had the spicy rigatoni and it was incredibly flavorful. Even the bread they bring to the table was amazing; I literally had to tell myself to stop eating it.
The staff was friendly and attentive, constantly checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. The owners, a husband and wife team, were there and they were so down to earth and genuine. You can really feel the passion they put into this place.
We’ll definitely be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jaime Mapou
From the moment we walked into the restaurant the service was amazing. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere and decor were also beautiful and welcoming. Their attention to detail was something that a lot of restaurants have lost touch with, but they truly delivered. The food was outstanding. We will 100% be back again,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffrey Jones
Food was just run of the mill with a more than inflated price tag. Service was spotty and seemed more concerned with talking to other staff members than taking care of their tables
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Gahencha Saintilma
One of the best restaurant I’ve been too in a while, the employees were amazing great service and of course the food is amazing I do enjoy the black rice balls very much. Bri and her family are amazing looking forward to seeing them thrive
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leni P
I was very excited to go for the first time to Il Leone with friends. The reviews were wonderful and the online menu was appealing and although I thought the pricing was high for a non NYC restaurant, the BYOB was a plus. The restaurant is decorated very nicely bringing about a high class and cute vibe. However the noise was awful! We were friends reuniting after a long time and found having conversation very difficult. In terms of the food, the Calamari was delicious, a good choice. The chicken Martini was also delicious. Our server convinced me to try the special, which was pappardelle with spinach, mushrooms, shrimp in an aioli sauce. What a major disappointment! The pasta was dry, very skimpy on the mushrooms and spinach and the four shrimp served were dry! The pasta was hot, the shrimp were room temperature. So not worth the $44 or wouldnt have been worth $24!! Our server was most pleasant and tried to be as accommodating as possible. However, I read in the reviews how attentive the staff and servers are, last night must not have been a good night for them as the service was not as attentive as one would expect for this high end dining spot. We had to hunt down the bus boy for water refils, and when he came by, only filled one glass, not all three. Several requests were made when ordering to bring out red pepper, spicy marinara for the calamari in additiona to the standard, was forgotten. After a while I mentioned to our server, he apologized and said it would soon be out. We did eventually receive, but after half our meal was eaten. Although the owner pleasantly greeted us and sat us at the bar for a bit while awaiting for our table to be ready, I was surprised that no one came by to inquire about whether we were enjoying our meal or how everything was etc. I dont often complain, but when paying a high price tag for a dining experience, I expect consistency and attentive service. I may try them again on a week day to avoid the awful noise and perhaps receive more attentive service. Not sure!
The very best Italian restaurant in all of NJ. Family owned and they take the best care of their guests. Food is amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You must visit!!! The food was absolutely amazing. The service impeccable. BYOB! Desserts, cappuccino, espresso wahoo! Thank you for an amazing day!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food
Gorgeous atmosphere with
Five star service !
Will be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dinner was spectacular, atmosphere was great... it's a very active and lively place. Great service, BYOB and be prepared to eat!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Based upon a friend’s recommendation we headed over for lunch on a Sunday. It’s in a strip-mall but once you enter the restaurant you immediately forget the outside environment. The decor is very attractive and impressive as you see a large seating area with an attractive bar seating area by the kitchen. Speaking of bar it’s BYOB with a liquor store conveniently across from the restaurant in the same mall. Staff is friendly and attentive with a very welcoming atmosphere that provides the perfect setting to enjoy your meal. As for the food the bread on the table is among the best we’ve enjoyed. If it’s indicative of their pizza we cannot wait to try one. For today Cheryll enjoyed the risotto with mushrooms and I tried the eggplant parmigiana. Both were impressive with the eggplant being the best I’ve ever had after decades of trying it at countless Italian restaurants. Even the side of pasta was cooked to perfection with a delicious sauce that was not too sweet or lacked seasoning…the entire meal won us over. The final touch was yet another perfect dish the Affogato which convinced us that the recommendation was well deserved and we’ll be returning to try the pizza and other entrees. The staff made such a positive impression alone that combined with the level of food and service we can readily recommend you try this spot as soon as possible.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was very good. Service was good. Nice place, but way way too loud. Can't hear the person next to you
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
My wife and I recently visited Il Leone, and the entire experience was exceptional from start to finish. The décor is elegant and inviting, and the service stood out immediately. Our waiter, Rey, was attentive, thoughtful, and never rushed us — the kind of hospitality that makes a night out feel special.
The food was the true highlight. We ordered the Arugula Pizza and the Margherita, and both were outstanding. The Margherita in particular brought me right back to the pizzerias of Naples — simple, balanced, and beautifully done. Our entrées, the Pollo Martini and the Spaghetti Wagyu Bolognese, were equally impressive and clearly prepared with care.
Il Leone is a rare gem — a place where atmosphere, service, and food all come together beautifully. My wife and I highly recommend it and look forward to returning soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went there last night. The service was impeccable. The food was fantastic. The atmosphere loved it. I will definitely go back. I’m already making reservations with a bunch of friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
we had a wonderful experience. From the server to the owner this place was a great experience. The appetizers and all the main courses were incredible. The owner says desert and coffee on the house. was not expecting this offer again very appreciated. Thank you will return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Took my wife there a few days ago because it looked nice and I hadn't heard about it before (thanks Google) and I wanted to try someplace new. The food was great and the service was exceptional. The place felt like a small trendy restaurant in the city, but welcoming at the same time. I can't wait to go back to try more dishes and I really hope more people check out this little gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
My wife has been waiting to come to II Leon since the day they opened, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The décor and ambiance were really nice—warm, modern, and welcoming. The food was spectacular. I had the spicy rigatoni and it was incredibly flavorful. Even the bread they bring to the table was amazing; I literally had to tell myself to stop eating it.
The staff was friendly and attentive, constantly checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. The owners, a husband and wife team, were there and they were so down to earth and genuine. You can really feel the passion they put into this place.
We’ll definitely be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
From the moment we walked into the restaurant the service was amazing. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere and decor were also beautiful and welcoming. Their attention to detail was something that a lot of restaurants have lost touch with, but they truly delivered. The food was outstanding. We will 100% be back again,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was just run of the mill with a more than inflated price tag.
Service was spotty and seemed more concerned with talking to other staff members than taking care of their tables
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
One of the best restaurant I’ve been too in a while, the employees were amazing great service and of course the food is amazing I do enjoy the black rice balls very much. Bri and her family are amazing looking forward to seeing them thrive
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was very excited to go for the first time to Il Leone with friends. The reviews were wonderful and the online menu was appealing and although I thought the pricing was high for a non NYC restaurant, the BYOB was a plus. The restaurant is decorated very nicely bringing about a high class and cute vibe. However the noise was awful! We were friends reuniting after a long time and found having conversation very difficult. In terms of the food, the Calamari was delicious, a good choice. The chicken Martini was also delicious. Our server convinced me to try the special, which was pappardelle with spinach, mushrooms, shrimp in an aioli sauce. What a major disappointment! The pasta was dry, very skimpy on the mushrooms and spinach and the four shrimp served were dry! The pasta was hot, the shrimp were room temperature. So not worth the $44 or wouldnt have been worth $24!! Our server was most pleasant and tried to be as accommodating as possible. However, I read in the reviews how attentive the staff and servers are, last night must not have been a good night for them as the service was not as attentive as one would expect for this high end dining spot. We had to hunt down the bus boy for water refils, and when he came by, only filled one glass, not all three. Several requests were made when ordering to bring out red pepper, spicy marinara for the calamari in additiona to the standard, was forgotten. After a while I mentioned to our server, he apologized and said it would soon be out. We did eventually receive, but after half our meal was eaten.
Although the owner pleasantly greeted us and sat us at the bar for a bit while awaiting for our table to be ready, I was surprised that no one came by to inquire about whether we were enjoying our meal or how everything was etc. I dont often complain, but when paying a high price tag for a dining experience, I expect consistency and attentive service. I may try them again on a week day to avoid the awful noise and perhaps receive more attentive service. Not sure!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
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