Café Leonelli @ MFAH

Cafe Leonelli, is scheduled to open in mid-March, with traditional Italian cuisine by Jonathan Benno boosted with an outpost of famous pastry chef Salvatore Martone's Miami-based ice cream shop Frohzen
Bastion, which is behind the successful La Table on Post Oak, sought out Houston as a destination for additional locations, citing the city's friendly culinary climate. "We have seen firsthand how this city is such a great incubator of culinary talent," said Antonio Begonja, chief operating officer. "To that end, we wanted to bring the brands we developed in New York and Miami to this culturally-diverse community so they can continue to grow."

Cafe Leonelli embraces Italy’s culinary culture and generosity. Cafe Leonelli is a place where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. The Italian cuisine served at Cafe Leonelli draws from Chef Jonathan Benno’s earliest food memories, his extensive travels through Italy, and his professional experience honing the craft of classic culinary methods. The menu is comprised of house-made focaccia with a variety of toppings, sandwiches, soups, salads, baked pastas, meat and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of Italian pastries, cookies, and confections. Beverages include a variety of coffee drinks, teas, espresso, and Italian sodas.