A very good seafood restaurant. It was fairly priced. I started with the soup sampler. Lobster bisque and corn chowder were good. I could pass on the Manhattan clam chowder. Caesar salad was large and pretty good not great. For the main corse I ordered the seafood Bouillabaise. It was nice to have the waitress crack the lobster. It was good but I have had better. My biggest complaint is that the swordfish was so small I wasnt sure what I was eating. It was too liquidy. I never saw the king crab. Would have liked more shrimp. They need to upgrade the dinner rolls. Service was excellent. Jazz music and minimal noise.
(4)
Sonji L.
The food was very good. Prices were within reason considering the quality. My only complaint is that the atmosphere could use a update.
(4)
Mary V.
Dinner with a large group, I ordered the walleye which I was told they were out of. Disappointed, I was forced to make a quick menu change to the special and I am quite glad I did! Our server was amazing and handled our large group with ease. Even after she had to deliver the news that they were out of two menu items, she offered suggestions that pleased our dinner guests. I've even ordered items that were no longer on the menu and they were able to make it to perfection! Charlie's Who?!
(5)
Keith N.
We met another couple here for dinner and conversation on a Friday night and we were very happy with the choice. We shared the Tuna Sashimi and the Ceviche for appetizers, and they were perfect starters - light and flavorful. I had the Crab and Shrimp Risotto and it was delicious. It was piping hot (it sounds minor, but I am impressed when food arrives at the table hot) and the crab melted in your mouth. The risotto was a tad thick for my taste, but I still ate every speck of it. My wife really enjoyed one of the specials, which was two lobster tails, however, she was really jealous of our friend that ordered the Bouillabaisse, because it looked fantastic. Our server, April, was excellent. She was attentive and friendly and gave great advice about ordering. The atmosphere was perfect for a quiet dinner with conversation. We could hear each other clearly and although there were plenty of people around us, it was not like you were part of their conversations, too. Leo's website suggests the Monroe Center Parking Ramp and it worked out great. When you walk down the stairs (or come down the elevator) on the Ottawa side, there is a door that goes right into Leo's. The weather was fine and we could have looked for on-street parking, but if the weather was dodgy, the parking structure is the way to go. We would definitely go back to Leo's!
(4)
Salvatore M.
Great place, delicious seafood and very friendly host...she talked with us a lot about everything aside the ordering.
(4)
Greg G.
Our second time at Leo's. This was our anniversary dinner. How nice to be greated at the door and receive anniversary wishes. Our server, Randall, provides excellent and professional service. Starting with my martini shaken at the table to the coffee the experience is first class. The food was perfect. Leo's is one of my favorite places in GR.
Me and my husband go here all of the time. Tonight while having a glass of wine we watch 3 people order steamed seafood in a bucket. We asked the bartender if it's a new menu item. She confirmed that it's a secret called the "clam bake". For $42 you get mussels, crab legs, a whole lobster and a veggie for $42.00. And I repeat $42.00!!!! Yep. I'm getting this from today forward.
(5)
Zach G.
Overpriced- This place is expensive for the quality that their food is. I have had better food at 'run-of-the-mill' places like Red Lobster and so on. Their fish was bland, and the food was not that great. If your into seafood, I would save your money.
While Marlee gave us stellar service, not really impressed with the food at Leo's. This used to be one of my favorite fish houses anywhere, but it has become mediocre the last couple of times I have been then. This time had ordered the stuffed shrimp and found it cold and tasteless. I was not able to taste much more than unseasoned bread crumps in the filling. My wife's whitefish was undercooked and her vegetables were the came. Not sure we would return at this point.,
Classy, comfortable, elegant restaurant. The food was fresh tasty exquisite fish. Had the Cajun chicken tortellini, stuffed shrimp and shrimp carbonara at our table. A little pricier than we were planning for the night but really worth it. Have not a meal like this without the kids in a very long time.
(5)
Rawle C.
Enjoyed the plentiful variety of entrees
(4)
John K.
This is our go-to place for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and Easyer brunch or dinner. Always great service and a nice menu. Our waitress today for Thanksgiving was Lauren and she was very nice! We will be back!
(5)
Steve A.
One of my favorite sea food places in GR. I eat here on business regularly so I eat at the bar. Bar service is good and the food is tasty. I love the pecan crusted walleye when it's available. Price isn't bad and I love that I can walk to my hotel from the restaurant after a couple of glasses of wine.
(4)
Jean S.
Both food and service were excellent. Leo treated our daughter who graduated earlier that day from GVSU and all grads to dinner. This was totally unexpected and a nice gesture! The ambiance is great tables are spaced so that you almost feel like you're dining alone. Made our celebration memorable and we will be coming back.
(5)
Ryan K.
This place was spacious, elegant, and welcoming. My girlfriend and I arrived late on a Friday, the weekend of Memorial Day. Our server was Mike and he was on point and knowledgeable. My girlfriend had the White Sangria, it was a generous serving and she loved it. Our appetizers were great, we had the brie and calemari. I wasnt feeling fish this evening , and Mike was cool enough to suggest a combination plate substituted with other yummy seafood items. GF had linguini and an array of seafood, she loved it! We would definitely go back when we return to GR.
(5)
Jon H.
One of the better restaurants for a long time they apparently have fallen out of being one of the finer spots. Cocktail sauce before seemed to be made fresh in-house has declined to something straight from a jar. Soup and entrees were heat lamp warm with clear color and texture indicators. Management and wait staff used to be attentive but now they are seen chatting in the kitchen while even the drinks sit empty (does it get more obvious we need service?). Miss the days when this was the best in GR
(2)
Phil G.
A-maz-ing! By far, the best seafood place in Grand Rapids which easily stands up to fine dining options in the big cities. Do not, I repeat: DO NOT make the mistake of going to Chuck's Krab for your seafood dinner. This establishment is far superior to such chains in the way of quality and value. The ambiance is elegant without being extravagant. The service has always been professional, prompt and friendly. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the meal. Most importantly, the food and drink quality are wonderful. Tip: the attached parking garage is so convenient when the weather outside is frightful! The appetizers are always great and there is something for everyone - including Black & White Tuna Sashimi, Baked Brie, Chicken Spring Rolls or Seared Sea Scallops. The seafood selection is fantastic, is always fresh, and is artfully prepared. The Salmon Corn Chowder is probably the best soup in GR and I just had the Swordfish which was marinaded in a chili-lime sauce. It was exquisitely tender and flavorful. The steak is also excellent! Actually, this is one of the best places to get a steak in Grand Rapids and I almost always add on a 6 oz. Filet to my seafood dish to make my own "Surf and Turf" Lastly, the dessert menu is heavenly. The desserts are prepared in-house and the ever-changing menu is inspired and will be sure to please. Literally, one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids and one I am not ashamed to expose my out-of-state foodie friends to. Worth every penny, every time!
(5)
Tony J.
This place ROCKS.. Arrived with a party of 7 during a business trip. The restaurant is beautiful, modern appeal, glass, wood, dim romantic lighting. Excellent place for a dinner date, dinners to impress clients, and so on. Pricey but the service and food is on point. They had 8 seasonal/special fish on the menu from Copper River Salmon, atlantic charr, Hawaiian Maui maui, and more. The server Heidi was impeccable. She had humor, great suggestions. Orders were perfectly received and to each persons who ordered them! I ordered surf and turf. The flies mignon was perfectly cooked to medium, tender and juicy, could have used slightly more meat rub ( salt, herbs, pepper) but very good. The lobster tail tender, warm, not tough. The has a collection of custom cocktails which I tried. The vodka, ginger ale and ginger beer. DELISH. I'm a immediate fan of Leos
(5)
Caroline H.
We came here on a weeknight to try to avoid the crowds, as we know this place gets busy. The decor is upscale, but you are out at ease by the server. I started off with a glass of red to pair with all the appetizers and main meal. We started off with flash fried calamari that was perfectly cooked with a delicious lemon garlic aioli. Next, we had a half dozen oysters from Washington (Kumamoto)... I had no idea they had oysters but I was pleasantly surprised. I had a clam chowder which was tasty, but filling. My husband had a hearts of Caesar salad. All portions were large and we were almost full even before out dinners came out. I had the shrimp fettuccine verde (as they were out of the lobster tail), and my husband had a dish with veggies and wild rice. This was an amazing meal and I can't wait to try it again.
(5)
Barry B.
Leo's is Fantastic! The food is always delicious, the presentation is superb, and then it's served excellently. Leo's staff pours an ample cocktail. Their wine list is richly filled with nice range of selections. The dining room is elegant and beautifully done. Leo's personnel are friendly and well-qualified. Highly recommended for a romantic evening, a business, or a family celebration!
(5)
Anna R.
Visited Leo's on a Monday evening for a business dinner. The service throughout the meal was great, but the entrees seemed to take quite a long time. Other than that, excellent. I chose the smoked salmon wrapped scallops and thoroughly enjoyed them. Would definitely get again. Although I had no room for dessert, but the traverse bay cherry and Oreo crust dessert that a guest at my table got looked amazing. Big enough to share, I'll have to save room for it when I return. All in all a nice, class environment with great seafood and good service.
(5)
Lee C.
Had lunch here with a friend from out of town and a newcomer to the city. It was my second lunch visit. It was a perfect spot to introduce GR. My friend wanted local fare -and I was glad I chose Leo's. We all enjoyed our lunch, I had perch and veggies. We had Escargot as a shared appetizer. It was my first time trying it and it was really good. I can't forget to mention the bread/rolls brought out before lunch...no butter needed. I usually pass on bread, but this was really good. -There's I think some sort of cheese seasoning and my friend said herbs. Leo's will definitely be a place that I would return.
(4)
Amy M.
If you are downtown and looking for a good burger you should definitely stop into Leo's. The Leo burger is delicious! Topped with a few different cheeses on a bun that is mighty tasty for sure! It comes with waffle fries that to me are a little lacking. I am a fan of the soft fry, not so much the crunchy. The rolls they give you while you wait for your food are - imho - wonderful. I could easily just have a basket of those and be happy. I have only stopped in for lunch a few times and had the burger but I hear they have lots of good food and that the women's restroom is pretty nice. I have only been here for lunch to have the burger - at $8 it can't be beat! I hear their other food is very good but haven't yet tried anything else. I hear the women's restroom is clean enough to eat in but I am not interested in experiencing that - but feel free if you ar einto that sort of thing.
(4)
Will G.
Excellent! Recently went to Charlie's and Leo's blew them out of the water! Karla was a phenomenal server, the food was amazing I had steak, lobster, and Caramel apple cheesecake for dessert! I have been all over the states eating seafood and they stack up against anyone! TWO THUMBS UP would go back for sure!
(5)
Joey M.
We went there prior to the Maroon Five concert had Scallops wrapped in salmon they were excellent salads were fresh martinis were small fairly expensive but so are most of the high end places. great server, she used to work at Chop House she looked familiar.
(4)
Nicole V.
Leos is amazing. The only thing that is as good as the food are the waitstaff. They are known for fish but I honestly can't leave there without a steak. I dream about how delicious they are!! All the desserts are made in house and the dinner rolls are amazing! I can't say enough great things about Leos!
(5)
Amy B.
This will be short and sweet. Our last visit was wonderful, as usual. I want to say I was pleased to see the addition of a full length mirror in the ladies room! Thank you for being so attentive to your customer! Wow. I just love this place. It's our favorite "fancy" restaurant!
(5)
Andrew E.
Just the worst. Everything looked so promising about this place - from the Yelp rating, to the individual reviews, to the delicious-sounding menu. 1. The atmosphere on a Friday evening was light sexy saxman music, very dark, cheesy 90's carpet, and very very stuffy. Like, the place your grandparents want to take you after church on Sunday stuffy. 2. The salmon-corn chowder. Not fresh. That's the most concise way I can describe that experience. The chowder was waayyyy too salty, the vegetables missed the train to fresh, and it tasted like it came straight from a can. I don't know if this is a straight-up rule, per say, but any restaurant that serves their soups with oyster crackers is probably not worthy of $30/plate prices. 3. The horseradish-encrusted whitefish. Just awful. It tasted burnt, but curiously did not look burnt. It was a scientific marvel - or it could just be that the lights were so dim I couldn't tell how far past "browned" the crust was. Two bites and done with that one. 4. I think our waitress was a robot. Stuffy. Every once in a while it's bound to happen - you spend a sizable amount of money on a disappointing meal. This is the first time it's happened in months, so i'm not too upset at myself. If you are younger than 35, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and don't like to feel like it, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and you feel like this review is complete balderdash, written by a young whippersnapper too big for his britches that probably wasn't even thankful for the cold pea soup his grandparent's gave him while babysitting him as a child - this is your place!
(1)
Annie K.
I have been wanting to go to Leo's for years and finally got to go on my birthday. The food was great as was the service. I would definitely go again. The room is elegant yet not too stiff. People are both dressed up and casual. The servers knew their food and were able to answer questions and give recommendations. The bouillabaisse was probably the best I've ever had. Parking wasn't too bad but you will have to either park on the street or park in one of the lots. That is a bummer but that is what you expect for downtown. Enjoy!
(5)
Bailey C.
Love this place. Good seafood, great customer service. A very nice anniversary and date night place to go. Will go back in the future. The parking was good too.
(5)
Alan S.
Everything was delicious from appetizer to dessert. Portions are generous and presentation was appealing. The Waitstaff was knowledgable and even offered my vegan daughter several options that were not on the menu. The soup trio is a must. The restaurant is very spacious and opened.
(5)
Jim A.
Next to Charlie's Crab Leo's is my favorite. Food is always exceptional, Service is first class, and the atmosphere is second to one. I love looking over the river and GR so Charlie's will always be my first love, but Leo's is the next best thing. Keep up the great tradition.
(5)
Matthew M.
While I haven't been there for awhile I've known Leo for over 20 years. A perfectionist and hard worker that makes every meal and guest special. A professional and good human being.
(5)
Monkean M.
I was really disappointed in this place. The selection of seafood was pretty cruddy (no Sea Bass...really?). Nothing was particularly interesting. The best part of my meal was the clam chowder. I was just there and literally cannot recall my entree...that's how memorable it was. Our waiter was friendly and helpful in trying to choose one of their fresh seafood options. It's a nice looking restaurant, but not worth the price. I had high expectations going in, but was pretty disappointed.
(2)
Joni S.
For the money you pay here, the service should be superior. I had the worst and weirdest service that I think I've ever experienced, especially at an upscale restaurant. The food was good, but not great. The atmosphere was a little "old fogeyish." Our waiter didn't greet us for almost ten minutes and when he did show up to pour the water, he didn't tell us who he was... We were left to wonder if he was the bus boy or the waiter... When I tried to engage him to ask about some of the dishes, he told me what his favorite dish was and then just stood there. I realized part of the way through my meal that I was having an allergic reaction to my dish, so I quit eating. When he came back later, he asked me, "Should I remove this?" Normally, if you see that someone has barely touched their meal, a waiter will ask if there was something wrong... He didn't. He obviously wasn't interested in whether I liked it or not. Won't go back. There are too many other really good choice restaurants in Grand Rapids to waste my time or money here. I should say that the food was average. The appetizer (a baked brie) was OK. It was not much different than something I've had a chain restaurant. The rest of the meal was good... nothing spectacular, but not bad either.
(2)
Michelle H.
Went here for an anniversary dinner, based on positive reviews. Originally, we were sat a booth next to the bathrooms, even though there were at least 20 other tables open. The hostess was nice enough to let us pick a new table. I ordered the surf & turf - medium - & after waiting 50 minutes, my steak came out well down. We told the waiter about the steak after he asked and, in a seemingly annoyed tone, offered to have another steak made. But there's no way I was going to wait 50 more minutes to eat dinner at 10 pm. I was surprised the waiter did not take this off our bill, especially since there was plenty left on the plate. Nothing else we ordered was above average & we were not impressed with the ambience.
(2)
Tracy G.
Had an amazing time here with my parents to celebrate a late birthday dinner. Even my dad, who is very hard to impress, said he loved the restaurant. Great fresh fish options and plenty of dishes to choose from. Had a great time celebrating and loved every last drop. Fantastic, personable service, as well!
(5)
Gail M.
An unexpected seafood jewel in downtown Grand Rapids! Nice bar area with comfortable dining tables. Great service! When I didn't care for how chunky (like salsa) the gazpacho was, my server went to the kitchen and brought back some extra broth. The steaming hot, fresh made bread was amazing!! I think it was a rosemary roll, whatever it was, it was fresh herbs! 6 doz oysters were good and flavorful. I bit small, but hey were in Michigan! grill onion and pineapple salad was delicious! Huge servings and a great experience overall !!
(5)
Seth W.
Dined at Leo's again with friends and family, and will certainly be back. We started with the Tuna Sashimi, Seviche, and Calamari. All were prepared well and enjoyed by everyone with nothing to remain. The rolls that are served prior to the meal are memorable. Three of us had the recommended Sea Scallops, and devoured every bit of them, including the sufficient portion of delicious sides of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The scallops are wrapped in smoked salmon and drizzled with a mustard sauce and have been the subject of my dreams ever since. The Oreo crust cheesecake was delicious. The atmosphere and service enhances the experience. Our server had a great personality, and when a slight problem with our seating arose, without being asked, a manager handled things pleasantly and immediately. The lighting and contemporary jazz is slightly noticed as a good thing; which to me is perfect. Pricing is good when considering the total experience.
(5)
John L.
The master restaurateur does it again. Every visit is a fantastic experience. The food and wait staff are unbelievable. For a nice casual dinner, try the bar area you'll love it. Always at the top of our list in GR!
(5)
G W.
One star is for the Oysters Florentine; we started with that and it was really good, along with a fine bottle of Viognier. Next we moved on to salads. Their caprese was recommended by our server, but was obviously made hours ahead of time and placed in a really cold refrigerator. The tomatoes were so cold you couldn't taste them. I had a Caesar and it was ok but the asiago on it (not parmigiano?) seemed processed; I would expect more care from an establishment with these types of prices. Next we ordered a bouillebasse and a cajun seafood roast. The bouillebasse actually turned my stomach and made me lose my appetite (not an easy thing to do!). Everything was either very rubbery and overcooked, or extremely fishy smelling. I ate the mussels but couldn't stomach anything else. The cajun seafood roast was similarly disappointing - smelly, overcooked seafood with too much cajun seasoning. Our server came and took away our uneaten entrees and presented us with our $125 bill. We paid the bill but will never be back.
(1)
D S.
We are from Illinois and our son was graduating today from GVSU. I found Leo's on the school website amongst many other restaurants. I ended up picking it because of how close it was to the arena and our son loves seafood. We were not disappointed. All three of our dishes were excellent--a pasta, scallops, and salmon. We had quite the variety. Brian, our server, was attentive and friendly. Wish we lived closer as I know we would return. A big bonus was they comped my son's dinner because of his graduation today. How many places do that? Two thumbs up for this restaurant!
(5)
Tim K.
Great food and service, especially seafood. The martinis were great as well. Feels like you are at a top of the line restaurant in Chicago or New York, but not nearly as expensive. Save this place for a special occasion as it is a bit expensive.
(5)
susan v.
Lovely, lovely restaurant! Elegant dining room with tables set far apart so you can get in and out easily and not have to listen to your neighbors' conversation. Patrons even seem to dress up for a night out -- not a sweatsuit in sight. EXCELLENT SERVICE. Staff works well together to see that all needs are met and are not the least bit intrusive. As a matter of fact, water glasses are refilled and empty glasses and plates disappear from the table and you don't even realize anyone was there! SUPERB FOOD. Husband had a cup of Clam Chowder followed by the Seafood Pan Roast. I had Chargrilled Sea scallops wrapped in smoked salmon. Nothing short of spectacular. Excellent value. We felt the prices are very reasonable and look forward to returning when we're in GR again.
(5)
Mike S.
Some of the best food in Grand Rapids without the pretension of places like the 1913 Room (and you don't give money to the Devos' - best of all). The service leaves something to be desired, but the food makes up for it. Seafood focused, but still a great selection of non-fish options. Nice mix of French, American, and Italian dishes.
(5)
Mike O.
I was unimpressed with Leo's. Everything that I ordered was mediocre and not worth the price. I started with the lobster and shrimp cake. It was decent, but the texture was unexpected. The sauce was tangy and good. I got the Seafood Newburg as and entree and it was ridiculously bland. The cream sauce was blah and the seafood was just OK. The carrot cake cheesecake for dessert was also bland. The carrot cake portion was dry and the cheesecake wasn't creamy. That is a good idea to mix the two, but the execution was poor. The wine list was excellent, our server was fantastic and the decor was good. I was really unimpressed with the food. It wasn't worth the high prices.
(2)
Braden M.
My family and I cam here out of the blue one night for dinner. Yes the place is pricey, but you get what you pay for. Its not a place where you spend 30 dollars and get something the size of your dogs paw. They had very decent size servings and the presentation was beautiful. I had the lamb which was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. and was very full at the end of dinner. The atmosphere is casual and a perfect place for a date, or a romantic dinner, or a night out with family. I will definitely be going here again... many times...
(4)
Noah V.
We ate at Leo's for the first time last night, and it lived up to all the positive reviews we had seen. The service was excellent; we always had what we needed, but didn't feel like anyone was hanging over us. The food was simply glorious. The seafood was very fresh, and the filet mignon melted in the mouth.
(5)
Karen W.
Just went for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey was scraps on a plate, stuffing mushy and mashed potatoes pasty and gray. Needless to say our entire dinner was comped by management. Hopefully their seafood is worth having, but we won't go back to find out. Very disappointing as we drive 2 hours to stay in Grand Rapids.
(1)
Michael Z.
Took our Daughter here for a college graduation dinner (12 people). As always, service & food was excellent. Although it is rather pricey, we all felt it was well worth it for the quality of the meals & "spot on" wait staff.
(5)
Jodi W.
Although Leo's is a "white tablecloth" restaurant, the bar takes on a whole different flair and feeling. The tables in the bar are relaxed, open, intimate yet still upscale and nice. We went with 6 friends and sat at the "big table" in the bar and had a great evening drinking wine, eating Paella (chocked full of seafood and meats). Although seafood is their speciality, they do have a lovely rack of lamb. The owner, Leo, stopped by and talked to us for quite some time, even giving us free dessert as a "welcome to the neighborhood". I would recommend it for a romantic dinner or a casual dinner with friends - just sit in the bar to avoid the cavernous, stodginess of the main dining room. They have a great deal if you eat here more than 1/year. Pay $25 for their "loyalty" program, and you get 1/2 off dinner for your birthday, several free items throughout the year AND 1/2 off all bottles of wine mid-week. That alone would save you money even if you rarely ate here. Enjoy.
(4)
Garnet S.
The pale, elegant decor and dramatically lofty ceilings were a pleasant surprise for a spontaneous lunch date on a Monday I happened to have some free time downtown. I ordered the lobster and shrimp cake, which was well seasoned with a nicely balanced remoulade. Nothing over the top, but tasty nonetheless. My date had the flash fried calamari, which I believe to have been fresh (not frozen), served with a citrus aioli. I only had one bite, but it was good and not at all greasy. I enjoyed myself substantially enough to plan a return trip to sample the dinner menu, when I have more time to enjoy a meal at leisure.
(3)
Cathy C.
My husband and I has date night there last night. The service was great even though the restaurant was busy. They have an extensive wine and beer selection. The filet was awesome and hubby's mahi mahi was great too.
(5)
Fritz G.
Leo's is an upscale seafood restaurant on the north east corner of Louis and Ottawa. It appears a bit unusual at first, perhaps, because the rest of the building is a parking ramp. As another reviewer mentioned, the interior is very open with really tall ceilings. Cavernous you might even say. Unlike the other reviewer though, I wasn't bothered by it. The bar is a separate area and very nice, with a mix of tall tables, regular tables, one booth, and the bar. I've heard that the owner/chef is the former chef at Charley's Crab, but thats only hearsay to me. None the less, I enjoy the place very much. Convenient seafood to down. I haven't ever had anything bad, but I can't really recommend the take out service. I had a Caesar salad with crab cakes and the salad was.. lacking. The crab cakes however were fabulous. Your mileage may vary.
(4)
Tara C.
Lovely seafood spot in downtown Grand Rapids! After considering a couple different seafood places near our hotel, we chose Leo's for dinner last night. It was a very nice dining experience! The place is very pretty and open, with high ceilings, large windows, and lots of wood accents. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. They have delicious bread- these super soft, sage flavored rolls that come out piping hot to your table. For my appetizer, I had to try the Lobster and Shrimp Cakes and I was not disappointed. They are loaded with lobster meat and whole bay shrimps, served on a plate drizzled with a sort of herbal, lemony mustard sauce. My entree was the Seafood Pan Roast- scallops, shrimp, and fish served in a fantastic Cajun cream sauce over Cajun rice. It also came topped with a slice of fried tomato- yummmm. The scallops in particular were incredible- perfectly cooked and tender. So if I am ever in Grand Rapids again, I will plan on making a return trip to Leo's!
(4)
Jonathan M.
One of my favorites for lunch. Try the salmon burger.
(5)
Sarah L.
Leo's is a high-end seafood restaurant that is fairly new. We went for a romantic dinner, but we felt more like 'fish-out-of-water'(no pun intended). So, there were a couple things that bothered me about the atmosphere. The restaurant was sectioned off into three different areas where you couldn't see the other areas. The ceilings were VERY high and the tables were quite far from one another, normally that is a good thing, but then you feel like you are just out there where everyone can see you and the intimacy is lost. The place was deserted and felt a little eerie. The food was good, but not great. I've had better seafood than this. For an upscale restaurant, I was disappointed with the food! I was hoping for more! Again, there was a bit of a 'fishy' taste from the salmon I had. The desert was great but something about it ended up making me feel sick! Other than that, the service was good and the dinner ended up costing us about $120. Would I go again? I don't think so. Would I recommend? Well, it's great for a date, evening out, anniversaries and such.
(3)
Palmer W.
Stopped in with my wife for our one year anniversary. Made a reservation, but didn't end up needing it as it was near empty on a Saturday night. The decor was a little bit like a chincy hotel restaurant. Since we were celebrating we decided to start with martinis and an appetizer. This was certainly the highlight of the meal. I went with a Black Cherry Amaretto martini, which was hard not to down like a shot, it was so good. She went with the Pomegranate and it was not quite as good, but very strong, so I guess it's a trade off. The appetizer was a lobster and shrimp cake, and it was amazing. But for 8.50 the portion was on the small side. For the main course I chose the rack of lamb and my wife chose the parmesan encrusted Walleye. My dinner was served with a giant baked potato and corn on the cob. I thought the corn on the cob was an odd choice due to the environment, they give you 17 utensils and then corn on the cob. I felt a bit barbaric picking it up and eating like I was at a picnic. Both entrees were a little bland and on the over done side. Definitely not worth the 60 bucks combined between the two of them. At least the portions were healthy, so bonus points there. We finished our meal with the caramel apple cheesecake, and it was easily the best cheesecake I've ever had. I'd stop in again just for the martini and the cheesecake. Service was so-so, as the waiters would take turns stopping by, one was extremely friendly, the other one wasn't having his best night. I probably would go back for a special occasion, but it won't be in a hurry.
(3)
Sheesh S.
At Leo's price point, it should be a fine dining establishment--the sort of place where entrees are made to order and modifications are made graciously within the constraints of readily available ingredients. I regularly dine in large groups with one vegan. 99% of restaurants we have patronized are able to concoct a vegan pasta with marinara with no difficulty at all--frankly, this makes pasta with marinara about the least desirable vegan offering because it is so commonplace, but, at least it's dinner-- on several occasions, Leo's has never even managed that. The menu has a variety of veggies, potatoes and rice, but "dinner" for the vegan consisted of 3 mini potatoes, three asparagus spears and, maybe, 3/4 cup of mixed (frozen???) vegetables. Lame. I can only conclude that the cooks are not skilled enough, or the restaurant is not service-oriented enough to pull together from their pantry a special meal to meet the dietary needs of a patron. My large group will never again patronize Leo's and I'd recommend anyone with special dietary needs get a firm commitment to accommodate those needs ahead of time directly from the chef before giving the place a try.
(1)
Heidi M.
We come when we're in town and have consistently had excellent food. Last night my husband had the best rare yellowfin tuna he's ever had. The calamari was also very fresh and delicious. Great service and wine selection. We will be back next year .
(4)
john m.
Stopped in while on a business trip after reading reviews here. The service was excellent, the menu varied and the yellow fin tuna was excellent.
(5)
Matthew R.
Fresh creative cuisine, especially seafood.
(5)
Amy M.
If you are downtown and looking for a good burger you should definitely stop into Leo's. The Leo burger is delicious! Topped with a few different cheeses on a bun that is mighty tasty for sure! It comes with waffle fries that to me are a little lacking. I am a fan of the soft fry, not so much the crunchy. The rolls they give you while you wait for your food are - imho - wonderful. I could easily just have a basket of those and be happy. I have only stopped in for lunch a few times and had the burger but I hear they have lots of good food and that the women's restroom is pretty nice. I have only been here for lunch to have the burger - at $8 it can't be beat! I hear their other food is very good but haven't yet tried anything else. I hear the women's restroom is clean enough to eat in but I am not interested in experiencing that - but feel free if you ar einto that sort of thing.
(4)
Seth W.
Dined at Leo's again with friends and family, and will certainly be back. We started with the Tuna Sashimi, Seviche, and Calamari. All were prepared well and enjoyed by everyone with nothing to remain. The rolls that are served prior to the meal are memorable. Three of us had the recommended Sea Scallops, and devoured every bit of them, including the sufficient portion of delicious sides of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The scallops are wrapped in smoked salmon and drizzled with a mustard sauce and have been the subject of my dreams ever since. The Oreo crust cheesecake was delicious. The atmosphere and service enhances the experience. Our server had a great personality, and when a slight problem with our seating arose, without being asked, a manager handled things pleasantly and immediately. The lighting and contemporary jazz is slightly noticed as a good thing; which to me is perfect. Pricing is good when considering the total experience.
(5)
Glenn C.
A very good seafood restaurant. It was fairly priced. I started with the soup sampler. Lobster bisque and corn chowder were good. I could pass on the Manhattan clam chowder. Caesar salad was large and pretty good not great. For the main corse I ordered the seafood Bouillabaise. It was nice to have the waitress crack the lobster. It was good but I have had better. My biggest complaint is that the swordfish was so small I wasnt sure what I was eating. It was too liquidy. I never saw the king crab. Would have liked more shrimp. They need to upgrade the dinner rolls. Service was excellent. Jazz music and minimal noise.
(4)
Sonji L.
The food was very good. Prices were within reason considering the quality. My only complaint is that the atmosphere could use a update.
(4)
Phil G.
A-maz-ing! By far, the best seafood place in Grand Rapids which easily stands up to fine dining options in the big cities. Do not, I repeat: DO NOT make the mistake of going to Chuck's Krab for your seafood dinner. This establishment is far superior to such chains in the way of quality and value. The ambiance is elegant without being extravagant. The service has always been professional, prompt and friendly. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the meal. Most importantly, the food and drink quality are wonderful. Tip: the attached parking garage is so convenient when the weather outside is frightful! The appetizers are always great and there is something for everyone - including Black & White Tuna Sashimi, Baked Brie, Chicken Spring Rolls or Seared Sea Scallops. The seafood selection is fantastic, is always fresh, and is artfully prepared. The Salmon Corn Chowder is probably the best soup in GR and I just had the Swordfish which was marinaded in a chili-lime sauce. It was exquisitely tender and flavorful. The steak is also excellent! Actually, this is one of the best places to get a steak in Grand Rapids and I almost always add on a 6 oz. Filet to my seafood dish to make my own "Surf and Turf" Lastly, the dessert menu is heavenly. The desserts are prepared in-house and the ever-changing menu is inspired and will be sure to please. Literally, one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids and one I am not ashamed to expose my out-of-state foodie friends to. Worth every penny, every time!
(5)
Tony J.
This place ROCKS.. Arrived with a party of 7 during a business trip. The restaurant is beautiful, modern appeal, glass, wood, dim romantic lighting. Excellent place for a dinner date, dinners to impress clients, and so on. Pricey but the service and food is on point. They had 8 seasonal/special fish on the menu from Copper River Salmon, atlantic charr, Hawaiian Maui maui, and more. The server Heidi was impeccable. She had humor, great suggestions. Orders were perfectly received and to each persons who ordered them! I ordered surf and turf. The flies mignon was perfectly cooked to medium, tender and juicy, could have used slightly more meat rub ( salt, herbs, pepper) but very good. The lobster tail tender, warm, not tough. The has a collection of custom cocktails which I tried. The vodka, ginger ale and ginger beer. DELISH. I'm a immediate fan of Leos
(5)
Caroline H.
We came here on a weeknight to try to avoid the crowds, as we know this place gets busy. The decor is upscale, but you are out at ease by the server. I started off with a glass of red to pair with all the appetizers and main meal. We started off with flash fried calamari that was perfectly cooked with a delicious lemon garlic aioli. Next, we had a half dozen oysters from Washington (Kumamoto)... I had no idea they had oysters but I was pleasantly surprised. I had a clam chowder which was tasty, but filling. My husband had a hearts of Caesar salad. All portions were large and we were almost full even before out dinners came out. I had the shrimp fettuccine verde (as they were out of the lobster tail), and my husband had a dish with veggies and wild rice. This was an amazing meal and I can't wait to try it again.
(5)
Keith N.
We met another couple here for dinner and conversation on a Friday night and we were very happy with the choice. We shared the Tuna Sashimi and the Ceviche for appetizers, and they were perfect starters - light and flavorful. I had the Crab and Shrimp Risotto and it was delicious. It was piping hot (it sounds minor, but I am impressed when food arrives at the table hot) and the crab melted in your mouth. The risotto was a tad thick for my taste, but I still ate every speck of it. My wife really enjoyed one of the specials, which was two lobster tails, however, she was really jealous of our friend that ordered the Bouillabaisse, because it looked fantastic. Our server, April, was excellent. She was attentive and friendly and gave great advice about ordering. The atmosphere was perfect for a quiet dinner with conversation. We could hear each other clearly and although there were plenty of people around us, it was not like you were part of their conversations, too. Leo's website suggests the Monroe Center Parking Ramp and it worked out great. When you walk down the stairs (or come down the elevator) on the Ottawa side, there is a door that goes right into Leo's. The weather was fine and we could have looked for on-street parking, but if the weather was dodgy, the parking structure is the way to go. We would definitely go back to Leo's!
(4)
Salvatore M.
Great place, delicious seafood and very friendly host...she talked with us a lot about everything aside the ordering.
(4)
Greg G.
Our second time at Leo's. This was our anniversary dinner. How nice to be greated at the door and receive anniversary wishes. Our server, Randall, provides excellent and professional service. Starting with my martini shaken at the table to the coffee the experience is first class. The food was perfect. Leo's is one of my favorite places in GR.
Me and my husband go here all of the time. Tonight while having a glass of wine we watch 3 people order steamed seafood in a bucket. We asked the bartender if it's a new menu item. She confirmed that it's a secret called the "clam bake". For $42 you get mussels, crab legs, a whole lobster and a veggie for $42.00. And I repeat $42.00!!!! Yep. I'm getting this from today forward.
(5)
Zach G.
Overpriced- This place is expensive for the quality that their food is. I have had better food at 'run-of-the-mill' places like Red Lobster and so on. Their fish was bland, and the food was not that great. If your into seafood, I would save your money.
While Marlee gave us stellar service, not really impressed with the food at Leo's. This used to be one of my favorite fish houses anywhere, but it has become mediocre the last couple of times I have been then. This time had ordered the stuffed shrimp and found it cold and tasteless. I was not able to taste much more than unseasoned bread crumps in the filling. My wife's whitefish was undercooked and her vegetables were the came. Not sure we would return at this point.,
Classy, comfortable, elegant restaurant. The food was fresh tasty exquisite fish. Had the Cajun chicken tortellini, stuffed shrimp and shrimp carbonara at our table. A little pricier than we were planning for the night but really worth it. Have not a meal like this without the kids in a very long time.
(5)
Rawle C.
Enjoyed the plentiful variety of entrees
(4)
John K.
This is our go-to place for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and Easyer brunch or dinner. Always great service and a nice menu. Our waitress today for Thanksgiving was Lauren and she was very nice! We will be back!
(5)
Steve A.
One of my favorite sea food places in GR. I eat here on business regularly so I eat at the bar. Bar service is good and the food is tasty. I love the pecan crusted walleye when it's available. Price isn't bad and I love that I can walk to my hotel from the restaurant after a couple of glasses of wine.
(4)
Jean S.
Both food and service were excellent. Leo treated our daughter who graduated earlier that day from GVSU and all grads to dinner. This was totally unexpected and a nice gesture! The ambiance is great tables are spaced so that you almost feel like you're dining alone. Made our celebration memorable and we will be coming back.
(5)
Mary V.
Dinner with a large group, I ordered the walleye which I was told they were out of. Disappointed, I was forced to make a quick menu change to the special and I am quite glad I did! Our server was amazing and handled our large group with ease. Even after she had to deliver the news that they were out of two menu items, she offered suggestions that pleased our dinner guests. I've even ordered items that were no longer on the menu and they were able to make it to perfection! Charlie's Who?!
(5)
Ryan K.
This place was spacious, elegant, and welcoming. My girlfriend and I arrived late on a Friday, the weekend of Memorial Day. Our server was Mike and he was on point and knowledgeable. My girlfriend had the White Sangria, it was a generous serving and she loved it. Our appetizers were great, we had the brie and calemari. I wasnt feeling fish this evening , and Mike was cool enough to suggest a combination plate substituted with other yummy seafood items. GF had linguini and an array of seafood, she loved it! We would definitely go back when we return to GR.
(5)
Jon H.
One of the better restaurants for a long time they apparently have fallen out of being one of the finer spots. Cocktail sauce before seemed to be made fresh in-house has declined to something straight from a jar. Soup and entrees were heat lamp warm with clear color and texture indicators. Management and wait staff used to be attentive but now they are seen chatting in the kitchen while even the drinks sit empty (does it get more obvious we need service?). Miss the days when this was the best in GR
(2)
Nicole V.
Leos is amazing. The only thing that is as good as the food are the waitstaff. They are known for fish but I honestly can't leave there without a steak. I dream about how delicious they are!! All the desserts are made in house and the dinner rolls are amazing! I can't say enough great things about Leos!
(5)
Amy B.
This will be short and sweet. Our last visit was wonderful, as usual. I want to say I was pleased to see the addition of a full length mirror in the ladies room! Thank you for being so attentive to your customer! Wow. I just love this place. It's our favorite "fancy" restaurant!
(5)
Will G.
Excellent! Recently went to Charlie's and Leo's blew them out of the water! Karla was a phenomenal server, the food was amazing I had steak, lobster, and Caramel apple cheesecake for dessert! I have been all over the states eating seafood and they stack up against anyone! TWO THUMBS UP would go back for sure!
(5)
Joey M.
We went there prior to the Maroon Five concert had Scallops wrapped in salmon they were excellent salads were fresh martinis were small fairly expensive but so are most of the high end places. great server, she used to work at Chop House she looked familiar.
(4)
Andrew E.
Just the worst. Everything looked so promising about this place - from the Yelp rating, to the individual reviews, to the delicious-sounding menu. 1. The atmosphere on a Friday evening was light sexy saxman music, very dark, cheesy 90's carpet, and very very stuffy. Like, the place your grandparents want to take you after church on Sunday stuffy. 2. The salmon-corn chowder. Not fresh. That's the most concise way I can describe that experience. The chowder was waayyyy too salty, the vegetables missed the train to fresh, and it tasted like it came straight from a can. I don't know if this is a straight-up rule, per say, but any restaurant that serves their soups with oyster crackers is probably not worthy of $30/plate prices. 3. The horseradish-encrusted whitefish. Just awful. It tasted burnt, but curiously did not look burnt. It was a scientific marvel - or it could just be that the lights were so dim I couldn't tell how far past "browned" the crust was. Two bites and done with that one. 4. I think our waitress was a robot. Stuffy. Every once in a while it's bound to happen - you spend a sizable amount of money on a disappointing meal. This is the first time it's happened in months, so i'm not too upset at myself. If you are younger than 35, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and don't like to feel like it, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and you feel like this review is complete balderdash, written by a young whippersnapper too big for his britches that probably wasn't even thankful for the cold pea soup his grandparent's gave him while babysitting him as a child - this is your place!
(1)
Annie K.
I have been wanting to go to Leo's for years and finally got to go on my birthday. The food was great as was the service. I would definitely go again. The room is elegant yet not too stiff. People are both dressed up and casual. The servers knew their food and were able to answer questions and give recommendations. The bouillabaisse was probably the best I've ever had. Parking wasn't too bad but you will have to either park on the street or park in one of the lots. That is a bummer but that is what you expect for downtown. Enjoy!
(5)
Bailey C.
Love this place. Good seafood, great customer service. A very nice anniversary and date night place to go. Will go back in the future. The parking was good too.
(5)
Alan S.
Everything was delicious from appetizer to dessert. Portions are generous and presentation was appealing. The Waitstaff was knowledgable and even offered my vegan daughter several options that were not on the menu. The soup trio is a must. The restaurant is very spacious and opened.
(5)
Jim A.
Next to Charlie's Crab Leo's is my favorite. Food is always exceptional, Service is first class, and the atmosphere is second to one. I love looking over the river and GR so Charlie's will always be my first love, but Leo's is the next best thing. Keep up the great tradition.
(5)
Matthew M.
While I haven't been there for awhile I've known Leo for over 20 years. A perfectionist and hard worker that makes every meal and guest special. A professional and good human being.
(5)
Joni S.
For the money you pay here, the service should be superior. I had the worst and weirdest service that I think I've ever experienced, especially at an upscale restaurant. The food was good, but not great. The atmosphere was a little "old fogeyish." Our waiter didn't greet us for almost ten minutes and when he did show up to pour the water, he didn't tell us who he was... We were left to wonder if he was the bus boy or the waiter... When I tried to engage him to ask about some of the dishes, he told me what his favorite dish was and then just stood there. I realized part of the way through my meal that I was having an allergic reaction to my dish, so I quit eating. When he came back later, he asked me, "Should I remove this?" Normally, if you see that someone has barely touched their meal, a waiter will ask if there was something wrong... He didn't. He obviously wasn't interested in whether I liked it or not. Won't go back. There are too many other really good choice restaurants in Grand Rapids to waste my time or money here. I should say that the food was average. The appetizer (a baked brie) was OK. It was not much different than something I've had a chain restaurant. The rest of the meal was good... nothing spectacular, but not bad either.
(2)
Michelle H.
Went here for an anniversary dinner, based on positive reviews. Originally, we were sat a booth next to the bathrooms, even though there were at least 20 other tables open. The hostess was nice enough to let us pick a new table. I ordered the surf & turf - medium - & after waiting 50 minutes, my steak came out well down. We told the waiter about the steak after he asked and, in a seemingly annoyed tone, offered to have another steak made. But there's no way I was going to wait 50 more minutes to eat dinner at 10 pm. I was surprised the waiter did not take this off our bill, especially since there was plenty left on the plate. Nothing else we ordered was above average & we were not impressed with the ambience.
(2)
Tracy G.
Had an amazing time here with my parents to celebrate a late birthday dinner. Even my dad, who is very hard to impress, said he loved the restaurant. Great fresh fish options and plenty of dishes to choose from. Had a great time celebrating and loved every last drop. Fantastic, personable service, as well!
(5)
Gail M.
An unexpected seafood jewel in downtown Grand Rapids! Nice bar area with comfortable dining tables. Great service! When I didn't care for how chunky (like salsa) the gazpacho was, my server went to the kitchen and brought back some extra broth. The steaming hot, fresh made bread was amazing!! I think it was a rosemary roll, whatever it was, it was fresh herbs! 6 doz oysters were good and flavorful. I bit small, but hey were in Michigan! grill onion and pineapple salad was delicious! Huge servings and a great experience overall !!
(5)
Barry B.
Leo's is Fantastic! The food is always delicious, the presentation is superb, and then it's served excellently. Leo's staff pours an ample cocktail. Their wine list is richly filled with nice range of selections. The dining room is elegant and beautifully done. Leo's personnel are friendly and well-qualified. Highly recommended for a romantic evening, a business, or a family celebration!
(5)
Monkean M.
I was really disappointed in this place. The selection of seafood was pretty cruddy (no Sea Bass...really?). Nothing was particularly interesting. The best part of my meal was the clam chowder. I was just there and literally cannot recall my entree...that's how memorable it was. Our waiter was friendly and helpful in trying to choose one of their fresh seafood options. It's a nice looking restaurant, but not worth the price. I had high expectations going in, but was pretty disappointed.
(2)
Anna R.
Visited Leo's on a Monday evening for a business dinner. The service throughout the meal was great, but the entrees seemed to take quite a long time. Other than that, excellent. I chose the smoked salmon wrapped scallops and thoroughly enjoyed them. Would definitely get again. Although I had no room for dessert, but the traverse bay cherry and Oreo crust dessert that a guest at my table got looked amazing. Big enough to share, I'll have to save room for it when I return. All in all a nice, class environment with great seafood and good service.
(5)
Lee C.
Had lunch here with a friend from out of town and a newcomer to the city. It was my second lunch visit. It was a perfect spot to introduce GR. My friend wanted local fare -and I was glad I chose Leo's. We all enjoyed our lunch, I had perch and veggies. We had Escargot as a shared appetizer. It was my first time trying it and it was really good. I can't forget to mention the bread/rolls brought out before lunch...no butter needed. I usually pass on bread, but this was really good. -There's I think some sort of cheese seasoning and my friend said herbs. Leo's will definitely be a place that I would return.
(4)
John L.
The master restaurateur does it again. Every visit is a fantastic experience. The food and wait staff are unbelievable. For a nice casual dinner, try the bar area you'll love it. Always at the top of our list in GR!
(5)
G W.
One star is for the Oysters Florentine; we started with that and it was really good, along with a fine bottle of Viognier. Next we moved on to salads. Their caprese was recommended by our server, but was obviously made hours ahead of time and placed in a really cold refrigerator. The tomatoes were so cold you couldn't taste them. I had a Caesar and it was ok but the asiago on it (not parmigiano?) seemed processed; I would expect more care from an establishment with these types of prices. Next we ordered a bouillebasse and a cajun seafood roast. The bouillebasse actually turned my stomach and made me lose my appetite (not an easy thing to do!). Everything was either very rubbery and overcooked, or extremely fishy smelling. I ate the mussels but couldn't stomach anything else. The cajun seafood roast was similarly disappointing - smelly, overcooked seafood with too much cajun seasoning. Our server came and took away our uneaten entrees and presented us with our $125 bill. We paid the bill but will never be back.
(1)
D S.
We are from Illinois and our son was graduating today from GVSU. I found Leo's on the school website amongst many other restaurants. I ended up picking it because of how close it was to the arena and our son loves seafood. We were not disappointed. All three of our dishes were excellent--a pasta, scallops, and salmon. We had quite the variety. Brian, our server, was attentive and friendly. Wish we lived closer as I know we would return. A big bonus was they comped my son's dinner because of his graduation today. How many places do that? Two thumbs up for this restaurant!
(5)
Tim K.
Great food and service, especially seafood. The martinis were great as well. Feels like you are at a top of the line restaurant in Chicago or New York, but not nearly as expensive. Save this place for a special occasion as it is a bit expensive.
(5)
susan v.
Lovely, lovely restaurant! Elegant dining room with tables set far apart so you can get in and out easily and not have to listen to your neighbors' conversation. Patrons even seem to dress up for a night out -- not a sweatsuit in sight. EXCELLENT SERVICE. Staff works well together to see that all needs are met and are not the least bit intrusive. As a matter of fact, water glasses are refilled and empty glasses and plates disappear from the table and you don't even realize anyone was there! SUPERB FOOD. Husband had a cup of Clam Chowder followed by the Seafood Pan Roast. I had Chargrilled Sea scallops wrapped in smoked salmon. Nothing short of spectacular. Excellent value. We felt the prices are very reasonable and look forward to returning when we're in GR again.
(5)
Mike S.
Some of the best food in Grand Rapids without the pretension of places like the 1913 Room (and you don't give money to the Devos' - best of all). The service leaves something to be desired, but the food makes up for it. Seafood focused, but still a great selection of non-fish options. Nice mix of French, American, and Italian dishes.
(5)
Mike O.
I was unimpressed with Leo's. Everything that I ordered was mediocre and not worth the price. I started with the lobster and shrimp cake. It was decent, but the texture was unexpected. The sauce was tangy and good. I got the Seafood Newburg as and entree and it was ridiculously bland. The cream sauce was blah and the seafood was just OK. The carrot cake cheesecake for dessert was also bland. The carrot cake portion was dry and the cheesecake wasn't creamy. That is a good idea to mix the two, but the execution was poor. The wine list was excellent, our server was fantastic and the decor was good. I was really unimpressed with the food. It wasn't worth the high prices.
(2)
Braden M.
My family and I cam here out of the blue one night for dinner. Yes the place is pricey, but you get what you pay for. Its not a place where you spend 30 dollars and get something the size of your dogs paw. They had very decent size servings and the presentation was beautiful. I had the lamb which was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. and was very full at the end of dinner. The atmosphere is casual and a perfect place for a date, or a romantic dinner, or a night out with family. I will definitely be going here again... many times...
(4)
Noah V.
We ate at Leo's for the first time last night, and it lived up to all the positive reviews we had seen. The service was excellent; we always had what we needed, but didn't feel like anyone was hanging over us. The food was simply glorious. The seafood was very fresh, and the filet mignon melted in the mouth.
(5)
Karen W.
Just went for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey was scraps on a plate, stuffing mushy and mashed potatoes pasty and gray. Needless to say our entire dinner was comped by management. Hopefully their seafood is worth having, but we won't go back to find out. Very disappointing as we drive 2 hours to stay in Grand Rapids.
(1)
Michael Z.
Took our Daughter here for a college graduation dinner (12 people). As always, service & food was excellent. Although it is rather pricey, we all felt it was well worth it for the quality of the meals & "spot on" wait staff.
(5)
Jodi W.
Although Leo's is a "white tablecloth" restaurant, the bar takes on a whole different flair and feeling. The tables in the bar are relaxed, open, intimate yet still upscale and nice. We went with 6 friends and sat at the "big table" in the bar and had a great evening drinking wine, eating Paella (chocked full of seafood and meats). Although seafood is their speciality, they do have a lovely rack of lamb. The owner, Leo, stopped by and talked to us for quite some time, even giving us free dessert as a "welcome to the neighborhood". I would recommend it for a romantic dinner or a casual dinner with friends - just sit in the bar to avoid the cavernous, stodginess of the main dining room. They have a great deal if you eat here more than 1/year. Pay $25 for their "loyalty" program, and you get 1/2 off dinner for your birthday, several free items throughout the year AND 1/2 off all bottles of wine mid-week. That alone would save you money even if you rarely ate here. Enjoy.
(4)
Garnet S.
The pale, elegant decor and dramatically lofty ceilings were a pleasant surprise for a spontaneous lunch date on a Monday I happened to have some free time downtown. I ordered the lobster and shrimp cake, which was well seasoned with a nicely balanced remoulade. Nothing over the top, but tasty nonetheless. My date had the flash fried calamari, which I believe to have been fresh (not frozen), served with a citrus aioli. I only had one bite, but it was good and not at all greasy. I enjoyed myself substantially enough to plan a return trip to sample the dinner menu, when I have more time to enjoy a meal at leisure.
(3)
Cathy C.
My husband and I has date night there last night. The service was great even though the restaurant was busy. They have an extensive wine and beer selection. The filet was awesome and hubby's mahi mahi was great too.
(5)
Sarah L.
Leo's is a high-end seafood restaurant that is fairly new. We went for a romantic dinner, but we felt more like 'fish-out-of-water'(no pun intended). So, there were a couple things that bothered me about the atmosphere. The restaurant was sectioned off into three different areas where you couldn't see the other areas. The ceilings were VERY high and the tables were quite far from one another, normally that is a good thing, but then you feel like you are just out there where everyone can see you and the intimacy is lost. The place was deserted and felt a little eerie. The food was good, but not great. I've had better seafood than this. For an upscale restaurant, I was disappointed with the food! I was hoping for more! Again, there was a bit of a 'fishy' taste from the salmon I had. The desert was great but something about it ended up making me feel sick! Other than that, the service was good and the dinner ended up costing us about $120. Would I go again? I don't think so. Would I recommend? Well, it's great for a date, evening out, anniversaries and such.
(3)
Fritz G.
Leo's is an upscale seafood restaurant on the north east corner of Louis and Ottawa. It appears a bit unusual at first, perhaps, because the rest of the building is a parking ramp. As another reviewer mentioned, the interior is very open with really tall ceilings. Cavernous you might even say. Unlike the other reviewer though, I wasn't bothered by it. The bar is a separate area and very nice, with a mix of tall tables, regular tables, one booth, and the bar. I've heard that the owner/chef is the former chef at Charley's Crab, but thats only hearsay to me. None the less, I enjoy the place very much. Convenient seafood to down. I haven't ever had anything bad, but I can't really recommend the take out service. I had a Caesar salad with crab cakes and the salad was.. lacking. The crab cakes however were fabulous. Your mileage may vary.
(4)
Tara C.
Lovely seafood spot in downtown Grand Rapids! After considering a couple different seafood places near our hotel, we chose Leo's for dinner last night. It was a very nice dining experience! The place is very pretty and open, with high ceilings, large windows, and lots of wood accents. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. They have delicious bread- these super soft, sage flavored rolls that come out piping hot to your table. For my appetizer, I had to try the Lobster and Shrimp Cakes and I was not disappointed. They are loaded with lobster meat and whole bay shrimps, served on a plate drizzled with a sort of herbal, lemony mustard sauce. My entree was the Seafood Pan Roast- scallops, shrimp, and fish served in a fantastic Cajun cream sauce over Cajun rice. It also came topped with a slice of fried tomato- yummmm. The scallops in particular were incredible- perfectly cooked and tender. So if I am ever in Grand Rapids again, I will plan on making a return trip to Leo's!
(4)
Jonathan M.
One of my favorites for lunch. Try the salmon burger.
(5)
Palmer W.
Stopped in with my wife for our one year anniversary. Made a reservation, but didn't end up needing it as it was near empty on a Saturday night. The decor was a little bit like a chincy hotel restaurant. Since we were celebrating we decided to start with martinis and an appetizer. This was certainly the highlight of the meal. I went with a Black Cherry Amaretto martini, which was hard not to down like a shot, it was so good. She went with the Pomegranate and it was not quite as good, but very strong, so I guess it's a trade off. The appetizer was a lobster and shrimp cake, and it was amazing. But for 8.50 the portion was on the small side. For the main course I chose the rack of lamb and my wife chose the parmesan encrusted Walleye. My dinner was served with a giant baked potato and corn on the cob. I thought the corn on the cob was an odd choice due to the environment, they give you 17 utensils and then corn on the cob. I felt a bit barbaric picking it up and eating like I was at a picnic. Both entrees were a little bland and on the over done side. Definitely not worth the 60 bucks combined between the two of them. At least the portions were healthy, so bonus points there. We finished our meal with the caramel apple cheesecake, and it was easily the best cheesecake I've ever had. I'd stop in again just for the martini and the cheesecake. Service was so-so, as the waiters would take turns stopping by, one was extremely friendly, the other one wasn't having his best night. I probably would go back for a special occasion, but it won't be in a hurry.
(3)
Sheesh S.
At Leo's price point, it should be a fine dining establishment--the sort of place where entrees are made to order and modifications are made graciously within the constraints of readily available ingredients. I regularly dine in large groups with one vegan. 99% of restaurants we have patronized are able to concoct a vegan pasta with marinara with no difficulty at all--frankly, this makes pasta with marinara about the least desirable vegan offering because it is so commonplace, but, at least it's dinner-- on several occasions, Leo's has never even managed that. The menu has a variety of veggies, potatoes and rice, but "dinner" for the vegan consisted of 3 mini potatoes, three asparagus spears and, maybe, 3/4 cup of mixed (frozen???) vegetables. Lame. I can only conclude that the cooks are not skilled enough, or the restaurant is not service-oriented enough to pull together from their pantry a special meal to meet the dietary needs of a patron. My large group will never again patronize Leo's and I'd recommend anyone with special dietary needs get a firm commitment to accommodate those needs ahead of time directly from the chef before giving the place a try.
(1)
Heidi M.
We come when we're in town and have consistently had excellent food. Last night my husband had the best rare yellowfin tuna he's ever had. The calamari was also very fresh and delicious. Great service and wine selection. We will be back next year .
(4)
john m.
Stopped in while on a business trip after reading reviews here. The service was excellent, the menu varied and the yellow fin tuna was excellent.
(5)
Matthew R.
Fresh creative cuisine, especially seafood.
(5)
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Address :60 Ottawa Ave NW,downtown
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Glenn C.
A very good seafood restaurant. It was fairly priced. I started with the soup sampler. Lobster bisque and corn chowder were good. I could pass on the Manhattan clam chowder. Caesar salad was large and pretty good not great. For the main corse I ordered the seafood Bouillabaise. It was nice to have the waitress crack the lobster. It was good but I have had better. My biggest complaint is that the swordfish was so small I wasnt sure what I was eating. It was too liquidy. I never saw the king crab. Would have liked more shrimp. They need to upgrade the dinner rolls. Service was excellent. Jazz music and minimal noise.
(4)Sonji L.
The food was very good. Prices were within reason considering the quality. My only complaint is that the atmosphere could use a update.
(4)Mary V.
Dinner with a large group, I ordered the walleye which I was told they were out of. Disappointed, I was forced to make a quick menu change to the special and I am quite glad I did! Our server was amazing and handled our large group with ease. Even after she had to deliver the news that they were out of two menu items, she offered suggestions that pleased our dinner guests. I've even ordered items that were no longer on the menu and they were able to make it to perfection! Charlie's Who?!
(5)Keith N.
We met another couple here for dinner and conversation on a Friday night and we were very happy with the choice. We shared the Tuna Sashimi and the Ceviche for appetizers, and they were perfect starters - light and flavorful. I had the Crab and Shrimp Risotto and it was delicious. It was piping hot (it sounds minor, but I am impressed when food arrives at the table hot) and the crab melted in your mouth. The risotto was a tad thick for my taste, but I still ate every speck of it. My wife really enjoyed one of the specials, which was two lobster tails, however, she was really jealous of our friend that ordered the Bouillabaisse, because it looked fantastic. Our server, April, was excellent. She was attentive and friendly and gave great advice about ordering. The atmosphere was perfect for a quiet dinner with conversation. We could hear each other clearly and although there were plenty of people around us, it was not like you were part of their conversations, too. Leo's website suggests the Monroe Center Parking Ramp and it worked out great. When you walk down the stairs (or come down the elevator) on the Ottawa side, there is a door that goes right into Leo's. The weather was fine and we could have looked for on-street parking, but if the weather was dodgy, the parking structure is the way to go. We would definitely go back to Leo's!
(4)Salvatore M.
Great place, delicious seafood and very friendly host...she talked with us a lot about everything aside the ordering.
(4)Greg G.
Our second time at Leo's. This was our anniversary dinner. How nice to be greated at the door and receive anniversary wishes. Our server, Randall, provides excellent and professional service. Starting with my martini shaken at the table to the coffee the experience is first class. The food was perfect. Leo's is one of my favorite places in GR.
(5)K C.
I would recommend their fresh catch specials. I ordered the skate wings in a lemon-caper butter sauce and the sauce was so delicious that I tried to put it on everything. Their house chowder with pancetta is really rich and tasty as well. And the bread rolls they serve is one of the best that I've ever had in a restaurant. If you have room for dessert, try the white chocolate creme brûlée. YUM. I've tried their linguine with clams as well, and I wouldn't recommend it. The sauce is bland and I don't like how the clams are chopped up. It was also missing something... Maybe a touch of wine or some kind of herb.
(4)Stephanie E.
Me and my husband go here all of the time. Tonight while having a glass of wine we watch 3 people order steamed seafood in a bucket. We asked the bartender if it's a new menu item. She confirmed that it's a secret called the "clam bake". For $42 you get mussels, crab legs, a whole lobster and a veggie for $42.00. And I repeat $42.00!!!! Yep. I'm getting this from today forward.
(5)Zach G.
Overpriced- This place is expensive for the quality that their food is. I have had better food at 'run-of-the-mill' places like Red Lobster and so on. Their fish was bland, and the food was not that great. If your into seafood, I would save your money.
(2)Cecilia B.
I was pretty disappointed with my experience here. Although my server was really nice, service was slow. There were only 5 other occupied tables in the restaurant! I ordered the escargot, sea bass and chocolate creme brûlée. The escargot came with un-toasted stale bread and was mixed with so much spinach and tomato. I found a few of my snails to be unclean with cooked slime attached to it. My seabass was not bad. It wasn't anything special as I think the mixed vegetables tasted the best in the plate. Lastly, I had chocolate creme brûlée for dessert. If anything, I could at least go home with a belly full of delicious dessert. Wrong again. The server claimed it was freshly whipped in the kitchen but I had one bite and immediately regretted it. The torched sugar was not delicate and light but over-torched and thick. The creme part was really cold which made me think the whole dessert was a day old. My server had offered a new dessert which I declined and also mentioned it was not going to be on my bill due to the long wait for service. Despite this awful experience, I will try Leo's again and hope my second visit will prove this was just a "bad night."
(2)Jay S.
While Marlee gave us stellar service, not really impressed with the food at Leo's. This used to be one of my favorite fish houses anywhere, but it has become mediocre the last couple of times I have been then. This time had ordered the stuffed shrimp and found it cold and tasteless. I was not able to taste much more than unseasoned bread crumps in the filling. My wife's whitefish was undercooked and her vegetables were the came. Not sure we would return at this point.,
(2)Philip D.
Looooved it! I made reservations and the staff was all very courteous and helpful. The food is delicious! I had the steak and my fiancé had the stuffed salmon with the almond Brie as an appetizer.
(5)Robert D.
Classy, comfortable, elegant restaurant. The food was fresh tasty exquisite fish. Had the Cajun chicken tortellini, stuffed shrimp and shrimp carbonara at our table. A little pricier than we were planning for the night but really worth it. Have not a meal like this without the kids in a very long time.
(5)Rawle C.
Enjoyed the plentiful variety of entrees
(4)John K.
This is our go-to place for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and Easyer brunch or dinner. Always great service and a nice menu. Our waitress today for Thanksgiving was Lauren and she was very nice! We will be back!
(5)Steve A.
One of my favorite sea food places in GR. I eat here on business regularly so I eat at the bar. Bar service is good and the food is tasty. I love the pecan crusted walleye when it's available. Price isn't bad and I love that I can walk to my hotel from the restaurant after a couple of glasses of wine.
(4)Jean S.
Both food and service were excellent. Leo treated our daughter who graduated earlier that day from GVSU and all grads to dinner. This was totally unexpected and a nice gesture! The ambiance is great tables are spaced so that you almost feel like you're dining alone. Made our celebration memorable and we will be coming back.
(5)Ryan K.
This place was spacious, elegant, and welcoming. My girlfriend and I arrived late on a Friday, the weekend of Memorial Day. Our server was Mike and he was on point and knowledgeable. My girlfriend had the White Sangria, it was a generous serving and she loved it. Our appetizers were great, we had the brie and calemari. I wasnt feeling fish this evening , and Mike was cool enough to suggest a combination plate substituted with other yummy seafood items. GF had linguini and an array of seafood, she loved it! We would definitely go back when we return to GR.
(5)Jon H.
One of the better restaurants for a long time they apparently have fallen out of being one of the finer spots. Cocktail sauce before seemed to be made fresh in-house has declined to something straight from a jar. Soup and entrees were heat lamp warm with clear color and texture indicators. Management and wait staff used to be attentive but now they are seen chatting in the kitchen while even the drinks sit empty (does it get more obvious we need service?). Miss the days when this was the best in GR
(2)Phil G.
A-maz-ing! By far, the best seafood place in Grand Rapids which easily stands up to fine dining options in the big cities. Do not, I repeat: DO NOT make the mistake of going to Chuck's Krab for your seafood dinner. This establishment is far superior to such chains in the way of quality and value. The ambiance is elegant without being extravagant. The service has always been professional, prompt and friendly. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the meal. Most importantly, the food and drink quality are wonderful. Tip: the attached parking garage is so convenient when the weather outside is frightful! The appetizers are always great and there is something for everyone - including Black & White Tuna Sashimi, Baked Brie, Chicken Spring Rolls or Seared Sea Scallops. The seafood selection is fantastic, is always fresh, and is artfully prepared. The Salmon Corn Chowder is probably the best soup in GR and I just had the Swordfish which was marinaded in a chili-lime sauce. It was exquisitely tender and flavorful. The steak is also excellent! Actually, this is one of the best places to get a steak in Grand Rapids and I almost always add on a 6 oz. Filet to my seafood dish to make my own "Surf and Turf" Lastly, the dessert menu is heavenly. The desserts are prepared in-house and the ever-changing menu is inspired and will be sure to please. Literally, one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids and one I am not ashamed to expose my out-of-state foodie friends to. Worth every penny, every time!
(5)Tony J.
This place ROCKS.. Arrived with a party of 7 during a business trip. The restaurant is beautiful, modern appeal, glass, wood, dim romantic lighting. Excellent place for a dinner date, dinners to impress clients, and so on. Pricey but the service and food is on point. They had 8 seasonal/special fish on the menu from Copper River Salmon, atlantic charr, Hawaiian Maui maui, and more. The server Heidi was impeccable. She had humor, great suggestions. Orders were perfectly received and to each persons who ordered them! I ordered surf and turf. The flies mignon was perfectly cooked to medium, tender and juicy, could have used slightly more meat rub ( salt, herbs, pepper) but very good. The lobster tail tender, warm, not tough. The has a collection of custom cocktails which I tried. The vodka, ginger ale and ginger beer. DELISH. I'm a immediate fan of Leos
(5)Caroline H.
We came here on a weeknight to try to avoid the crowds, as we know this place gets busy. The decor is upscale, but you are out at ease by the server. I started off with a glass of red to pair with all the appetizers and main meal. We started off with flash fried calamari that was perfectly cooked with a delicious lemon garlic aioli. Next, we had a half dozen oysters from Washington (Kumamoto)... I had no idea they had oysters but I was pleasantly surprised. I had a clam chowder which was tasty, but filling. My husband had a hearts of Caesar salad. All portions were large and we were almost full even before out dinners came out. I had the shrimp fettuccine verde (as they were out of the lobster tail), and my husband had a dish with veggies and wild rice. This was an amazing meal and I can't wait to try it again.
(5)Barry B.
Leo's is Fantastic! The food is always delicious, the presentation is superb, and then it's served excellently. Leo's staff pours an ample cocktail. Their wine list is richly filled with nice range of selections. The dining room is elegant and beautifully done. Leo's personnel are friendly and well-qualified. Highly recommended for a romantic evening, a business, or a family celebration!
(5)Anna R.
Visited Leo's on a Monday evening for a business dinner. The service throughout the meal was great, but the entrees seemed to take quite a long time. Other than that, excellent. I chose the smoked salmon wrapped scallops and thoroughly enjoyed them. Would definitely get again. Although I had no room for dessert, but the traverse bay cherry and Oreo crust dessert that a guest at my table got looked amazing. Big enough to share, I'll have to save room for it when I return. All in all a nice, class environment with great seafood and good service.
(5)Lee C.
Had lunch here with a friend from out of town and a newcomer to the city. It was my second lunch visit. It was a perfect spot to introduce GR. My friend wanted local fare -and I was glad I chose Leo's. We all enjoyed our lunch, I had perch and veggies. We had Escargot as a shared appetizer. It was my first time trying it and it was really good. I can't forget to mention the bread/rolls brought out before lunch...no butter needed. I usually pass on bread, but this was really good. -There's I think some sort of cheese seasoning and my friend said herbs. Leo's will definitely be a place that I would return.
(4)Amy M.
If you are downtown and looking for a good burger you should definitely stop into Leo's. The Leo burger is delicious! Topped with a few different cheeses on a bun that is mighty tasty for sure! It comes with waffle fries that to me are a little lacking. I am a fan of the soft fry, not so much the crunchy. The rolls they give you while you wait for your food are - imho - wonderful. I could easily just have a basket of those and be happy. I have only stopped in for lunch a few times and had the burger but I hear they have lots of good food and that the women's restroom is pretty nice. I have only been here for lunch to have the burger - at $8 it can't be beat! I hear their other food is very good but haven't yet tried anything else. I hear the women's restroom is clean enough to eat in but I am not interested in experiencing that - but feel free if you ar einto that sort of thing.
(4)Will G.
Excellent! Recently went to Charlie's and Leo's blew them out of the water! Karla was a phenomenal server, the food was amazing I had steak, lobster, and Caramel apple cheesecake for dessert! I have been all over the states eating seafood and they stack up against anyone! TWO THUMBS UP would go back for sure!
(5)Joey M.
We went there prior to the Maroon Five concert had Scallops wrapped in salmon they were excellent salads were fresh martinis were small fairly expensive but so are most of the high end places. great server, she used to work at Chop House she looked familiar.
(4)Nicole V.
Leos is amazing. The only thing that is as good as the food are the waitstaff. They are known for fish but I honestly can't leave there without a steak. I dream about how delicious they are!! All the desserts are made in house and the dinner rolls are amazing! I can't say enough great things about Leos!
(5)Amy B.
This will be short and sweet. Our last visit was wonderful, as usual. I want to say I was pleased to see the addition of a full length mirror in the ladies room! Thank you for being so attentive to your customer! Wow. I just love this place. It's our favorite "fancy" restaurant!
(5)Andrew E.
Just the worst. Everything looked so promising about this place - from the Yelp rating, to the individual reviews, to the delicious-sounding menu. 1. The atmosphere on a Friday evening was light sexy saxman music, very dark, cheesy 90's carpet, and very very stuffy. Like, the place your grandparents want to take you after church on Sunday stuffy. 2. The salmon-corn chowder. Not fresh. That's the most concise way I can describe that experience. The chowder was waayyyy too salty, the vegetables missed the train to fresh, and it tasted like it came straight from a can. I don't know if this is a straight-up rule, per say, but any restaurant that serves their soups with oyster crackers is probably not worthy of $30/plate prices. 3. The horseradish-encrusted whitefish. Just awful. It tasted burnt, but curiously did not look burnt. It was a scientific marvel - or it could just be that the lights were so dim I couldn't tell how far past "browned" the crust was. Two bites and done with that one. 4. I think our waitress was a robot. Stuffy. Every once in a while it's bound to happen - you spend a sizable amount of money on a disappointing meal. This is the first time it's happened in months, so i'm not too upset at myself. If you are younger than 35, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and don't like to feel like it, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and you feel like this review is complete balderdash, written by a young whippersnapper too big for his britches that probably wasn't even thankful for the cold pea soup his grandparent's gave him while babysitting him as a child - this is your place!
(1)Annie K.
I have been wanting to go to Leo's for years and finally got to go on my birthday. The food was great as was the service. I would definitely go again. The room is elegant yet not too stiff. People are both dressed up and casual. The servers knew their food and were able to answer questions and give recommendations. The bouillabaisse was probably the best I've ever had. Parking wasn't too bad but you will have to either park on the street or park in one of the lots. That is a bummer but that is what you expect for downtown. Enjoy!
(5)Bailey C.
Love this place. Good seafood, great customer service. A very nice anniversary and date night place to go. Will go back in the future. The parking was good too.
(5)Alan S.
Everything was delicious from appetizer to dessert. Portions are generous and presentation was appealing. The Waitstaff was knowledgable and even offered my vegan daughter several options that were not on the menu. The soup trio is a must. The restaurant is very spacious and opened.
(5)Jim A.
Next to Charlie's Crab Leo's is my favorite. Food is always exceptional, Service is first class, and the atmosphere is second to one. I love looking over the river and GR so Charlie's will always be my first love, but Leo's is the next best thing. Keep up the great tradition.
(5)Matthew M.
While I haven't been there for awhile I've known Leo for over 20 years. A perfectionist and hard worker that makes every meal and guest special. A professional and good human being.
(5)Monkean M.
I was really disappointed in this place. The selection of seafood was pretty cruddy (no Sea Bass...really?). Nothing was particularly interesting. The best part of my meal was the clam chowder. I was just there and literally cannot recall my entree...that's how memorable it was. Our waiter was friendly and helpful in trying to choose one of their fresh seafood options. It's a nice looking restaurant, but not worth the price. I had high expectations going in, but was pretty disappointed.
(2)Joni S.
For the money you pay here, the service should be superior. I had the worst and weirdest service that I think I've ever experienced, especially at an upscale restaurant. The food was good, but not great. The atmosphere was a little "old fogeyish." Our waiter didn't greet us for almost ten minutes and when he did show up to pour the water, he didn't tell us who he was... We were left to wonder if he was the bus boy or the waiter... When I tried to engage him to ask about some of the dishes, he told me what his favorite dish was and then just stood there. I realized part of the way through my meal that I was having an allergic reaction to my dish, so I quit eating. When he came back later, he asked me, "Should I remove this?" Normally, if you see that someone has barely touched their meal, a waiter will ask if there was something wrong... He didn't. He obviously wasn't interested in whether I liked it or not. Won't go back. There are too many other really good choice restaurants in Grand Rapids to waste my time or money here. I should say that the food was average. The appetizer (a baked brie) was OK. It was not much different than something I've had a chain restaurant. The rest of the meal was good... nothing spectacular, but not bad either.
(2)Michelle H.
Went here for an anniversary dinner, based on positive reviews. Originally, we were sat a booth next to the bathrooms, even though there were at least 20 other tables open. The hostess was nice enough to let us pick a new table. I ordered the surf & turf - medium - & after waiting 50 minutes, my steak came out well down. We told the waiter about the steak after he asked and, in a seemingly annoyed tone, offered to have another steak made. But there's no way I was going to wait 50 more minutes to eat dinner at 10 pm. I was surprised the waiter did not take this off our bill, especially since there was plenty left on the plate. Nothing else we ordered was above average & we were not impressed with the ambience.
(2)Tracy G.
Had an amazing time here with my parents to celebrate a late birthday dinner. Even my dad, who is very hard to impress, said he loved the restaurant. Great fresh fish options and plenty of dishes to choose from. Had a great time celebrating and loved every last drop. Fantastic, personable service, as well!
(5)Gail M.
An unexpected seafood jewel in downtown Grand Rapids! Nice bar area with comfortable dining tables. Great service! When I didn't care for how chunky (like salsa) the gazpacho was, my server went to the kitchen and brought back some extra broth. The steaming hot, fresh made bread was amazing!! I think it was a rosemary roll, whatever it was, it was fresh herbs! 6 doz oysters were good and flavorful. I bit small, but hey were in Michigan! grill onion and pineapple salad was delicious! Huge servings and a great experience overall !!
(5)Seth W.
Dined at Leo's again with friends and family, and will certainly be back. We started with the Tuna Sashimi, Seviche, and Calamari. All were prepared well and enjoyed by everyone with nothing to remain. The rolls that are served prior to the meal are memorable. Three of us had the recommended Sea Scallops, and devoured every bit of them, including the sufficient portion of delicious sides of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The scallops are wrapped in smoked salmon and drizzled with a mustard sauce and have been the subject of my dreams ever since. The Oreo crust cheesecake was delicious. The atmosphere and service enhances the experience. Our server had a great personality, and when a slight problem with our seating arose, without being asked, a manager handled things pleasantly and immediately. The lighting and contemporary jazz is slightly noticed as a good thing; which to me is perfect. Pricing is good when considering the total experience.
(5)John L.
The master restaurateur does it again. Every visit is a fantastic experience. The food and wait staff are unbelievable. For a nice casual dinner, try the bar area you'll love it. Always at the top of our list in GR!
(5)G W.
One star is for the Oysters Florentine; we started with that and it was really good, along with a fine bottle of Viognier. Next we moved on to salads. Their caprese was recommended by our server, but was obviously made hours ahead of time and placed in a really cold refrigerator. The tomatoes were so cold you couldn't taste them. I had a Caesar and it was ok but the asiago on it (not parmigiano?) seemed processed; I would expect more care from an establishment with these types of prices. Next we ordered a bouillebasse and a cajun seafood roast. The bouillebasse actually turned my stomach and made me lose my appetite (not an easy thing to do!). Everything was either very rubbery and overcooked, or extremely fishy smelling. I ate the mussels but couldn't stomach anything else. The cajun seafood roast was similarly disappointing - smelly, overcooked seafood with too much cajun seasoning. Our server came and took away our uneaten entrees and presented us with our $125 bill. We paid the bill but will never be back.
(1)D S.
We are from Illinois and our son was graduating today from GVSU. I found Leo's on the school website amongst many other restaurants. I ended up picking it because of how close it was to the arena and our son loves seafood. We were not disappointed. All three of our dishes were excellent--a pasta, scallops, and salmon. We had quite the variety. Brian, our server, was attentive and friendly. Wish we lived closer as I know we would return. A big bonus was they comped my son's dinner because of his graduation today. How many places do that? Two thumbs up for this restaurant!
(5)Tim K.
Great food and service, especially seafood. The martinis were great as well. Feels like you are at a top of the line restaurant in Chicago or New York, but not nearly as expensive. Save this place for a special occasion as it is a bit expensive.
(5)susan v.
Lovely, lovely restaurant! Elegant dining room with tables set far apart so you can get in and out easily and not have to listen to your neighbors' conversation. Patrons even seem to dress up for a night out -- not a sweatsuit in sight. EXCELLENT SERVICE. Staff works well together to see that all needs are met and are not the least bit intrusive. As a matter of fact, water glasses are refilled and empty glasses and plates disappear from the table and you don't even realize anyone was there! SUPERB FOOD. Husband had a cup of Clam Chowder followed by the Seafood Pan Roast. I had Chargrilled Sea scallops wrapped in smoked salmon. Nothing short of spectacular. Excellent value. We felt the prices are very reasonable and look forward to returning when we're in GR again.
(5)Mike S.
Some of the best food in Grand Rapids without the pretension of places like the 1913 Room (and you don't give money to the Devos' - best of all). The service leaves something to be desired, but the food makes up for it. Seafood focused, but still a great selection of non-fish options. Nice mix of French, American, and Italian dishes.
(5)Mike O.
I was unimpressed with Leo's. Everything that I ordered was mediocre and not worth the price. I started with the lobster and shrimp cake. It was decent, but the texture was unexpected. The sauce was tangy and good. I got the Seafood Newburg as and entree and it was ridiculously bland. The cream sauce was blah and the seafood was just OK. The carrot cake cheesecake for dessert was also bland. The carrot cake portion was dry and the cheesecake wasn't creamy. That is a good idea to mix the two, but the execution was poor. The wine list was excellent, our server was fantastic and the decor was good. I was really unimpressed with the food. It wasn't worth the high prices.
(2)Braden M.
My family and I cam here out of the blue one night for dinner. Yes the place is pricey, but you get what you pay for. Its not a place where you spend 30 dollars and get something the size of your dogs paw. They had very decent size servings and the presentation was beautiful. I had the lamb which was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. and was very full at the end of dinner. The atmosphere is casual and a perfect place for a date, or a romantic dinner, or a night out with family. I will definitely be going here again... many times...
(4)Noah V.
We ate at Leo's for the first time last night, and it lived up to all the positive reviews we had seen. The service was excellent; we always had what we needed, but didn't feel like anyone was hanging over us. The food was simply glorious. The seafood was very fresh, and the filet mignon melted in the mouth.
(5)Karen W.
Just went for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey was scraps on a plate, stuffing mushy and mashed potatoes pasty and gray. Needless to say our entire dinner was comped by management. Hopefully their seafood is worth having, but we won't go back to find out. Very disappointing as we drive 2 hours to stay in Grand Rapids.
(1)Michael Z.
Took our Daughter here for a college graduation dinner (12 people). As always, service & food was excellent. Although it is rather pricey, we all felt it was well worth it for the quality of the meals & "spot on" wait staff.
(5)Jodi W.
Although Leo's is a "white tablecloth" restaurant, the bar takes on a whole different flair and feeling. The tables in the bar are relaxed, open, intimate yet still upscale and nice. We went with 6 friends and sat at the "big table" in the bar and had a great evening drinking wine, eating Paella (chocked full of seafood and meats). Although seafood is their speciality, they do have a lovely rack of lamb. The owner, Leo, stopped by and talked to us for quite some time, even giving us free dessert as a "welcome to the neighborhood". I would recommend it for a romantic dinner or a casual dinner with friends - just sit in the bar to avoid the cavernous, stodginess of the main dining room. They have a great deal if you eat here more than 1/year. Pay $25 for their "loyalty" program, and you get 1/2 off dinner for your birthday, several free items throughout the year AND 1/2 off all bottles of wine mid-week. That alone would save you money even if you rarely ate here. Enjoy.
(4)Garnet S.
The pale, elegant decor and dramatically lofty ceilings were a pleasant surprise for a spontaneous lunch date on a Monday I happened to have some free time downtown. I ordered the lobster and shrimp cake, which was well seasoned with a nicely balanced remoulade. Nothing over the top, but tasty nonetheless. My date had the flash fried calamari, which I believe to have been fresh (not frozen), served with a citrus aioli. I only had one bite, but it was good and not at all greasy. I enjoyed myself substantially enough to plan a return trip to sample the dinner menu, when I have more time to enjoy a meal at leisure.
(3)Cathy C.
My husband and I has date night there last night. The service was great even though the restaurant was busy. They have an extensive wine and beer selection. The filet was awesome and hubby's mahi mahi was great too.
(5)Fritz G.
Leo's is an upscale seafood restaurant on the north east corner of Louis and Ottawa. It appears a bit unusual at first, perhaps, because the rest of the building is a parking ramp. As another reviewer mentioned, the interior is very open with really tall ceilings. Cavernous you might even say. Unlike the other reviewer though, I wasn't bothered by it. The bar is a separate area and very nice, with a mix of tall tables, regular tables, one booth, and the bar. I've heard that the owner/chef is the former chef at Charley's Crab, but thats only hearsay to me. None the less, I enjoy the place very much. Convenient seafood to down. I haven't ever had anything bad, but I can't really recommend the take out service. I had a Caesar salad with crab cakes and the salad was.. lacking. The crab cakes however were fabulous. Your mileage may vary.
(4)Tara C.
Lovely seafood spot in downtown Grand Rapids! After considering a couple different seafood places near our hotel, we chose Leo's for dinner last night. It was a very nice dining experience! The place is very pretty and open, with high ceilings, large windows, and lots of wood accents. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. They have delicious bread- these super soft, sage flavored rolls that come out piping hot to your table. For my appetizer, I had to try the Lobster and Shrimp Cakes and I was not disappointed. They are loaded with lobster meat and whole bay shrimps, served on a plate drizzled with a sort of herbal, lemony mustard sauce. My entree was the Seafood Pan Roast- scallops, shrimp, and fish served in a fantastic Cajun cream sauce over Cajun rice. It also came topped with a slice of fried tomato- yummmm. The scallops in particular were incredible- perfectly cooked and tender. So if I am ever in Grand Rapids again, I will plan on making a return trip to Leo's!
(4)Jonathan M.
One of my favorites for lunch. Try the salmon burger.
(5)Sarah L.
Leo's is a high-end seafood restaurant that is fairly new. We went for a romantic dinner, but we felt more like 'fish-out-of-water'(no pun intended). So, there were a couple things that bothered me about the atmosphere. The restaurant was sectioned off into three different areas where you couldn't see the other areas. The ceilings were VERY high and the tables were quite far from one another, normally that is a good thing, but then you feel like you are just out there where everyone can see you and the intimacy is lost. The place was deserted and felt a little eerie. The food was good, but not great. I've had better seafood than this. For an upscale restaurant, I was disappointed with the food! I was hoping for more! Again, there was a bit of a 'fishy' taste from the salmon I had. The desert was great but something about it ended up making me feel sick! Other than that, the service was good and the dinner ended up costing us about $120. Would I go again? I don't think so. Would I recommend? Well, it's great for a date, evening out, anniversaries and such.
(3)Palmer W.
Stopped in with my wife for our one year anniversary. Made a reservation, but didn't end up needing it as it was near empty on a Saturday night. The decor was a little bit like a chincy hotel restaurant. Since we were celebrating we decided to start with martinis and an appetizer. This was certainly the highlight of the meal. I went with a Black Cherry Amaretto martini, which was hard not to down like a shot, it was so good. She went with the Pomegranate and it was not quite as good, but very strong, so I guess it's a trade off. The appetizer was a lobster and shrimp cake, and it was amazing. But for 8.50 the portion was on the small side. For the main course I chose the rack of lamb and my wife chose the parmesan encrusted Walleye. My dinner was served with a giant baked potato and corn on the cob. I thought the corn on the cob was an odd choice due to the environment, they give you 17 utensils and then corn on the cob. I felt a bit barbaric picking it up and eating like I was at a picnic. Both entrees were a little bland and on the over done side. Definitely not worth the 60 bucks combined between the two of them. At least the portions were healthy, so bonus points there. We finished our meal with the caramel apple cheesecake, and it was easily the best cheesecake I've ever had. I'd stop in again just for the martini and the cheesecake. Service was so-so, as the waiters would take turns stopping by, one was extremely friendly, the other one wasn't having his best night. I probably would go back for a special occasion, but it won't be in a hurry.
(3)Sheesh S.
At Leo's price point, it should be a fine dining establishment--the sort of place where entrees are made to order and modifications are made graciously within the constraints of readily available ingredients. I regularly dine in large groups with one vegan. 99% of restaurants we have patronized are able to concoct a vegan pasta with marinara with no difficulty at all--frankly, this makes pasta with marinara about the least desirable vegan offering because it is so commonplace, but, at least it's dinner-- on several occasions, Leo's has never even managed that. The menu has a variety of veggies, potatoes and rice, but "dinner" for the vegan consisted of 3 mini potatoes, three asparagus spears and, maybe, 3/4 cup of mixed (frozen???) vegetables. Lame. I can only conclude that the cooks are not skilled enough, or the restaurant is not service-oriented enough to pull together from their pantry a special meal to meet the dietary needs of a patron. My large group will never again patronize Leo's and I'd recommend anyone with special dietary needs get a firm commitment to accommodate those needs ahead of time directly from the chef before giving the place a try.
(1)Heidi M.
We come when we're in town and have consistently had excellent food. Last night my husband had the best rare yellowfin tuna he's ever had. The calamari was also very fresh and delicious. Great service and wine selection. We will be back next year .
(4)john m.
Stopped in while on a business trip after reading reviews here. The service was excellent, the menu varied and the yellow fin tuna was excellent.
(5)Matthew R.
Fresh creative cuisine, especially seafood.
(5)Amy M.
If you are downtown and looking for a good burger you should definitely stop into Leo's. The Leo burger is delicious! Topped with a few different cheeses on a bun that is mighty tasty for sure! It comes with waffle fries that to me are a little lacking. I am a fan of the soft fry, not so much the crunchy. The rolls they give you while you wait for your food are - imho - wonderful. I could easily just have a basket of those and be happy. I have only stopped in for lunch a few times and had the burger but I hear they have lots of good food and that the women's restroom is pretty nice. I have only been here for lunch to have the burger - at $8 it can't be beat! I hear their other food is very good but haven't yet tried anything else. I hear the women's restroom is clean enough to eat in but I am not interested in experiencing that - but feel free if you ar einto that sort of thing.
(4)Seth W.
Dined at Leo's again with friends and family, and will certainly be back. We started with the Tuna Sashimi, Seviche, and Calamari. All were prepared well and enjoyed by everyone with nothing to remain. The rolls that are served prior to the meal are memorable. Three of us had the recommended Sea Scallops, and devoured every bit of them, including the sufficient portion of delicious sides of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The scallops are wrapped in smoked salmon and drizzled with a mustard sauce and have been the subject of my dreams ever since. The Oreo crust cheesecake was delicious. The atmosphere and service enhances the experience. Our server had a great personality, and when a slight problem with our seating arose, without being asked, a manager handled things pleasantly and immediately. The lighting and contemporary jazz is slightly noticed as a good thing; which to me is perfect. Pricing is good when considering the total experience.
(5)Glenn C.
A very good seafood restaurant. It was fairly priced. I started with the soup sampler. Lobster bisque and corn chowder were good. I could pass on the Manhattan clam chowder. Caesar salad was large and pretty good not great. For the main corse I ordered the seafood Bouillabaise. It was nice to have the waitress crack the lobster. It was good but I have had better. My biggest complaint is that the swordfish was so small I wasnt sure what I was eating. It was too liquidy. I never saw the king crab. Would have liked more shrimp. They need to upgrade the dinner rolls. Service was excellent. Jazz music and minimal noise.
(4)Sonji L.
The food was very good. Prices were within reason considering the quality. My only complaint is that the atmosphere could use a update.
(4)Phil G.
A-maz-ing! By far, the best seafood place in Grand Rapids which easily stands up to fine dining options in the big cities. Do not, I repeat: DO NOT make the mistake of going to Chuck's Krab for your seafood dinner. This establishment is far superior to such chains in the way of quality and value. The ambiance is elegant without being extravagant. The service has always been professional, prompt and friendly. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the meal. Most importantly, the food and drink quality are wonderful. Tip: the attached parking garage is so convenient when the weather outside is frightful! The appetizers are always great and there is something for everyone - including Black & White Tuna Sashimi, Baked Brie, Chicken Spring Rolls or Seared Sea Scallops. The seafood selection is fantastic, is always fresh, and is artfully prepared. The Salmon Corn Chowder is probably the best soup in GR and I just had the Swordfish which was marinaded in a chili-lime sauce. It was exquisitely tender and flavorful. The steak is also excellent! Actually, this is one of the best places to get a steak in Grand Rapids and I almost always add on a 6 oz. Filet to my seafood dish to make my own "Surf and Turf" Lastly, the dessert menu is heavenly. The desserts are prepared in-house and the ever-changing menu is inspired and will be sure to please. Literally, one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids and one I am not ashamed to expose my out-of-state foodie friends to. Worth every penny, every time!
(5)Tony J.
This place ROCKS.. Arrived with a party of 7 during a business trip. The restaurant is beautiful, modern appeal, glass, wood, dim romantic lighting. Excellent place for a dinner date, dinners to impress clients, and so on. Pricey but the service and food is on point. They had 8 seasonal/special fish on the menu from Copper River Salmon, atlantic charr, Hawaiian Maui maui, and more. The server Heidi was impeccable. She had humor, great suggestions. Orders were perfectly received and to each persons who ordered them! I ordered surf and turf. The flies mignon was perfectly cooked to medium, tender and juicy, could have used slightly more meat rub ( salt, herbs, pepper) but very good. The lobster tail tender, warm, not tough. The has a collection of custom cocktails which I tried. The vodka, ginger ale and ginger beer. DELISH. I'm a immediate fan of Leos
(5)Caroline H.
We came here on a weeknight to try to avoid the crowds, as we know this place gets busy. The decor is upscale, but you are out at ease by the server. I started off with a glass of red to pair with all the appetizers and main meal. We started off with flash fried calamari that was perfectly cooked with a delicious lemon garlic aioli. Next, we had a half dozen oysters from Washington (Kumamoto)... I had no idea they had oysters but I was pleasantly surprised. I had a clam chowder which was tasty, but filling. My husband had a hearts of Caesar salad. All portions were large and we were almost full even before out dinners came out. I had the shrimp fettuccine verde (as they were out of the lobster tail), and my husband had a dish with veggies and wild rice. This was an amazing meal and I can't wait to try it again.
(5)Keith N.
We met another couple here for dinner and conversation on a Friday night and we were very happy with the choice. We shared the Tuna Sashimi and the Ceviche for appetizers, and they were perfect starters - light and flavorful. I had the Crab and Shrimp Risotto and it was delicious. It was piping hot (it sounds minor, but I am impressed when food arrives at the table hot) and the crab melted in your mouth. The risotto was a tad thick for my taste, but I still ate every speck of it. My wife really enjoyed one of the specials, which was two lobster tails, however, she was really jealous of our friend that ordered the Bouillabaisse, because it looked fantastic. Our server, April, was excellent. She was attentive and friendly and gave great advice about ordering. The atmosphere was perfect for a quiet dinner with conversation. We could hear each other clearly and although there were plenty of people around us, it was not like you were part of their conversations, too. Leo's website suggests the Monroe Center Parking Ramp and it worked out great. When you walk down the stairs (or come down the elevator) on the Ottawa side, there is a door that goes right into Leo's. The weather was fine and we could have looked for on-street parking, but if the weather was dodgy, the parking structure is the way to go. We would definitely go back to Leo's!
(4)Salvatore M.
Great place, delicious seafood and very friendly host...she talked with us a lot about everything aside the ordering.
(4)Greg G.
Our second time at Leo's. This was our anniversary dinner. How nice to be greated at the door and receive anniversary wishes. Our server, Randall, provides excellent and professional service. Starting with my martini shaken at the table to the coffee the experience is first class. The food was perfect. Leo's is one of my favorite places in GR.
(5)K C.
I would recommend their fresh catch specials. I ordered the skate wings in a lemon-caper butter sauce and the sauce was so delicious that I tried to put it on everything. Their house chowder with pancetta is really rich and tasty as well. And the bread rolls they serve is one of the best that I've ever had in a restaurant. If you have room for dessert, try the white chocolate creme brûlée. YUM. I've tried their linguine with clams as well, and I wouldn't recommend it. The sauce is bland and I don't like how the clams are chopped up. It was also missing something... Maybe a touch of wine or some kind of herb.
(4)Stephanie E.
Me and my husband go here all of the time. Tonight while having a glass of wine we watch 3 people order steamed seafood in a bucket. We asked the bartender if it's a new menu item. She confirmed that it's a secret called the "clam bake". For $42 you get mussels, crab legs, a whole lobster and a veggie for $42.00. And I repeat $42.00!!!! Yep. I'm getting this from today forward.
(5)Zach G.
Overpriced- This place is expensive for the quality that their food is. I have had better food at 'run-of-the-mill' places like Red Lobster and so on. Their fish was bland, and the food was not that great. If your into seafood, I would save your money.
(2)Cecilia B.
I was pretty disappointed with my experience here. Although my server was really nice, service was slow. There were only 5 other occupied tables in the restaurant! I ordered the escargot, sea bass and chocolate creme brûlée. The escargot came with un-toasted stale bread and was mixed with so much spinach and tomato. I found a few of my snails to be unclean with cooked slime attached to it. My seabass was not bad. It wasn't anything special as I think the mixed vegetables tasted the best in the plate. Lastly, I had chocolate creme brûlée for dessert. If anything, I could at least go home with a belly full of delicious dessert. Wrong again. The server claimed it was freshly whipped in the kitchen but I had one bite and immediately regretted it. The torched sugar was not delicate and light but over-torched and thick. The creme part was really cold which made me think the whole dessert was a day old. My server had offered a new dessert which I declined and also mentioned it was not going to be on my bill due to the long wait for service. Despite this awful experience, I will try Leo's again and hope my second visit will prove this was just a "bad night."
(2)Jay S.
While Marlee gave us stellar service, not really impressed with the food at Leo's. This used to be one of my favorite fish houses anywhere, but it has become mediocre the last couple of times I have been then. This time had ordered the stuffed shrimp and found it cold and tasteless. I was not able to taste much more than unseasoned bread crumps in the filling. My wife's whitefish was undercooked and her vegetables were the came. Not sure we would return at this point.,
(2)Philip D.
Looooved it! I made reservations and the staff was all very courteous and helpful. The food is delicious! I had the steak and my fiancé had the stuffed salmon with the almond Brie as an appetizer.
(5)Robert D.
Classy, comfortable, elegant restaurant. The food was fresh tasty exquisite fish. Had the Cajun chicken tortellini, stuffed shrimp and shrimp carbonara at our table. A little pricier than we were planning for the night but really worth it. Have not a meal like this without the kids in a very long time.
(5)Rawle C.
Enjoyed the plentiful variety of entrees
(4)John K.
This is our go-to place for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and Easyer brunch or dinner. Always great service and a nice menu. Our waitress today for Thanksgiving was Lauren and she was very nice! We will be back!
(5)Steve A.
One of my favorite sea food places in GR. I eat here on business regularly so I eat at the bar. Bar service is good and the food is tasty. I love the pecan crusted walleye when it's available. Price isn't bad and I love that I can walk to my hotel from the restaurant after a couple of glasses of wine.
(4)Jean S.
Both food and service were excellent. Leo treated our daughter who graduated earlier that day from GVSU and all grads to dinner. This was totally unexpected and a nice gesture! The ambiance is great tables are spaced so that you almost feel like you're dining alone. Made our celebration memorable and we will be coming back.
(5)Mary V.
Dinner with a large group, I ordered the walleye which I was told they were out of. Disappointed, I was forced to make a quick menu change to the special and I am quite glad I did! Our server was amazing and handled our large group with ease. Even after she had to deliver the news that they were out of two menu items, she offered suggestions that pleased our dinner guests. I've even ordered items that were no longer on the menu and they were able to make it to perfection! Charlie's Who?!
(5)Ryan K.
This place was spacious, elegant, and welcoming. My girlfriend and I arrived late on a Friday, the weekend of Memorial Day. Our server was Mike and he was on point and knowledgeable. My girlfriend had the White Sangria, it was a generous serving and she loved it. Our appetizers were great, we had the brie and calemari. I wasnt feeling fish this evening , and Mike was cool enough to suggest a combination plate substituted with other yummy seafood items. GF had linguini and an array of seafood, she loved it! We would definitely go back when we return to GR.
(5)Jon H.
One of the better restaurants for a long time they apparently have fallen out of being one of the finer spots. Cocktail sauce before seemed to be made fresh in-house has declined to something straight from a jar. Soup and entrees were heat lamp warm with clear color and texture indicators. Management and wait staff used to be attentive but now they are seen chatting in the kitchen while even the drinks sit empty (does it get more obvious we need service?). Miss the days when this was the best in GR
(2)Nicole V.
Leos is amazing. The only thing that is as good as the food are the waitstaff. They are known for fish but I honestly can't leave there without a steak. I dream about how delicious they are!! All the desserts are made in house and the dinner rolls are amazing! I can't say enough great things about Leos!
(5)Amy B.
This will be short and sweet. Our last visit was wonderful, as usual. I want to say I was pleased to see the addition of a full length mirror in the ladies room! Thank you for being so attentive to your customer! Wow. I just love this place. It's our favorite "fancy" restaurant!
(5)Will G.
Excellent! Recently went to Charlie's and Leo's blew them out of the water! Karla was a phenomenal server, the food was amazing I had steak, lobster, and Caramel apple cheesecake for dessert! I have been all over the states eating seafood and they stack up against anyone! TWO THUMBS UP would go back for sure!
(5)Joey M.
We went there prior to the Maroon Five concert had Scallops wrapped in salmon they were excellent salads were fresh martinis were small fairly expensive but so are most of the high end places. great server, she used to work at Chop House she looked familiar.
(4)Andrew E.
Just the worst. Everything looked so promising about this place - from the Yelp rating, to the individual reviews, to the delicious-sounding menu. 1. The atmosphere on a Friday evening was light sexy saxman music, very dark, cheesy 90's carpet, and very very stuffy. Like, the place your grandparents want to take you after church on Sunday stuffy. 2. The salmon-corn chowder. Not fresh. That's the most concise way I can describe that experience. The chowder was waayyyy too salty, the vegetables missed the train to fresh, and it tasted like it came straight from a can. I don't know if this is a straight-up rule, per say, but any restaurant that serves their soups with oyster crackers is probably not worthy of $30/plate prices. 3. The horseradish-encrusted whitefish. Just awful. It tasted burnt, but curiously did not look burnt. It was a scientific marvel - or it could just be that the lights were so dim I couldn't tell how far past "browned" the crust was. Two bites and done with that one. 4. I think our waitress was a robot. Stuffy. Every once in a while it's bound to happen - you spend a sizable amount of money on a disappointing meal. This is the first time it's happened in months, so i'm not too upset at myself. If you are younger than 35, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and don't like to feel like it, don't go unless accompanying the elderly. If you are over 35 and you feel like this review is complete balderdash, written by a young whippersnapper too big for his britches that probably wasn't even thankful for the cold pea soup his grandparent's gave him while babysitting him as a child - this is your place!
(1)Annie K.
I have been wanting to go to Leo's for years and finally got to go on my birthday. The food was great as was the service. I would definitely go again. The room is elegant yet not too stiff. People are both dressed up and casual. The servers knew their food and were able to answer questions and give recommendations. The bouillabaisse was probably the best I've ever had. Parking wasn't too bad but you will have to either park on the street or park in one of the lots. That is a bummer but that is what you expect for downtown. Enjoy!
(5)Bailey C.
Love this place. Good seafood, great customer service. A very nice anniversary and date night place to go. Will go back in the future. The parking was good too.
(5)Alan S.
Everything was delicious from appetizer to dessert. Portions are generous and presentation was appealing. The Waitstaff was knowledgable and even offered my vegan daughter several options that were not on the menu. The soup trio is a must. The restaurant is very spacious and opened.
(5)Jim A.
Next to Charlie's Crab Leo's is my favorite. Food is always exceptional, Service is first class, and the atmosphere is second to one. I love looking over the river and GR so Charlie's will always be my first love, but Leo's is the next best thing. Keep up the great tradition.
(5)Matthew M.
While I haven't been there for awhile I've known Leo for over 20 years. A perfectionist and hard worker that makes every meal and guest special. A professional and good human being.
(5)Joni S.
For the money you pay here, the service should be superior. I had the worst and weirdest service that I think I've ever experienced, especially at an upscale restaurant. The food was good, but not great. The atmosphere was a little "old fogeyish." Our waiter didn't greet us for almost ten minutes and when he did show up to pour the water, he didn't tell us who he was... We were left to wonder if he was the bus boy or the waiter... When I tried to engage him to ask about some of the dishes, he told me what his favorite dish was and then just stood there. I realized part of the way through my meal that I was having an allergic reaction to my dish, so I quit eating. When he came back later, he asked me, "Should I remove this?" Normally, if you see that someone has barely touched their meal, a waiter will ask if there was something wrong... He didn't. He obviously wasn't interested in whether I liked it or not. Won't go back. There are too many other really good choice restaurants in Grand Rapids to waste my time or money here. I should say that the food was average. The appetizer (a baked brie) was OK. It was not much different than something I've had a chain restaurant. The rest of the meal was good... nothing spectacular, but not bad either.
(2)Michelle H.
Went here for an anniversary dinner, based on positive reviews. Originally, we were sat a booth next to the bathrooms, even though there were at least 20 other tables open. The hostess was nice enough to let us pick a new table. I ordered the surf & turf - medium - & after waiting 50 minutes, my steak came out well down. We told the waiter about the steak after he asked and, in a seemingly annoyed tone, offered to have another steak made. But there's no way I was going to wait 50 more minutes to eat dinner at 10 pm. I was surprised the waiter did not take this off our bill, especially since there was plenty left on the plate. Nothing else we ordered was above average & we were not impressed with the ambience.
(2)Tracy G.
Had an amazing time here with my parents to celebrate a late birthday dinner. Even my dad, who is very hard to impress, said he loved the restaurant. Great fresh fish options and plenty of dishes to choose from. Had a great time celebrating and loved every last drop. Fantastic, personable service, as well!
(5)Gail M.
An unexpected seafood jewel in downtown Grand Rapids! Nice bar area with comfortable dining tables. Great service! When I didn't care for how chunky (like salsa) the gazpacho was, my server went to the kitchen and brought back some extra broth. The steaming hot, fresh made bread was amazing!! I think it was a rosemary roll, whatever it was, it was fresh herbs! 6 doz oysters were good and flavorful. I bit small, but hey were in Michigan! grill onion and pineapple salad was delicious! Huge servings and a great experience overall !!
(5)Barry B.
Leo's is Fantastic! The food is always delicious, the presentation is superb, and then it's served excellently. Leo's staff pours an ample cocktail. Their wine list is richly filled with nice range of selections. The dining room is elegant and beautifully done. Leo's personnel are friendly and well-qualified. Highly recommended for a romantic evening, a business, or a family celebration!
(5)Monkean M.
I was really disappointed in this place. The selection of seafood was pretty cruddy (no Sea Bass...really?). Nothing was particularly interesting. The best part of my meal was the clam chowder. I was just there and literally cannot recall my entree...that's how memorable it was. Our waiter was friendly and helpful in trying to choose one of their fresh seafood options. It's a nice looking restaurant, but not worth the price. I had high expectations going in, but was pretty disappointed.
(2)Anna R.
Visited Leo's on a Monday evening for a business dinner. The service throughout the meal was great, but the entrees seemed to take quite a long time. Other than that, excellent. I chose the smoked salmon wrapped scallops and thoroughly enjoyed them. Would definitely get again. Although I had no room for dessert, but the traverse bay cherry and Oreo crust dessert that a guest at my table got looked amazing. Big enough to share, I'll have to save room for it when I return. All in all a nice, class environment with great seafood and good service.
(5)Lee C.
Had lunch here with a friend from out of town and a newcomer to the city. It was my second lunch visit. It was a perfect spot to introduce GR. My friend wanted local fare -and I was glad I chose Leo's. We all enjoyed our lunch, I had perch and veggies. We had Escargot as a shared appetizer. It was my first time trying it and it was really good. I can't forget to mention the bread/rolls brought out before lunch...no butter needed. I usually pass on bread, but this was really good. -There's I think some sort of cheese seasoning and my friend said herbs. Leo's will definitely be a place that I would return.
(4)John L.
The master restaurateur does it again. Every visit is a fantastic experience. The food and wait staff are unbelievable. For a nice casual dinner, try the bar area you'll love it. Always at the top of our list in GR!
(5)G W.
One star is for the Oysters Florentine; we started with that and it was really good, along with a fine bottle of Viognier. Next we moved on to salads. Their caprese was recommended by our server, but was obviously made hours ahead of time and placed in a really cold refrigerator. The tomatoes were so cold you couldn't taste them. I had a Caesar and it was ok but the asiago on it (not parmigiano?) seemed processed; I would expect more care from an establishment with these types of prices. Next we ordered a bouillebasse and a cajun seafood roast. The bouillebasse actually turned my stomach and made me lose my appetite (not an easy thing to do!). Everything was either very rubbery and overcooked, or extremely fishy smelling. I ate the mussels but couldn't stomach anything else. The cajun seafood roast was similarly disappointing - smelly, overcooked seafood with too much cajun seasoning. Our server came and took away our uneaten entrees and presented us with our $125 bill. We paid the bill but will never be back.
(1)D S.
We are from Illinois and our son was graduating today from GVSU. I found Leo's on the school website amongst many other restaurants. I ended up picking it because of how close it was to the arena and our son loves seafood. We were not disappointed. All three of our dishes were excellent--a pasta, scallops, and salmon. We had quite the variety. Brian, our server, was attentive and friendly. Wish we lived closer as I know we would return. A big bonus was they comped my son's dinner because of his graduation today. How many places do that? Two thumbs up for this restaurant!
(5)Tim K.
Great food and service, especially seafood. The martinis were great as well. Feels like you are at a top of the line restaurant in Chicago or New York, but not nearly as expensive. Save this place for a special occasion as it is a bit expensive.
(5)susan v.
Lovely, lovely restaurant! Elegant dining room with tables set far apart so you can get in and out easily and not have to listen to your neighbors' conversation. Patrons even seem to dress up for a night out -- not a sweatsuit in sight. EXCELLENT SERVICE. Staff works well together to see that all needs are met and are not the least bit intrusive. As a matter of fact, water glasses are refilled and empty glasses and plates disappear from the table and you don't even realize anyone was there! SUPERB FOOD. Husband had a cup of Clam Chowder followed by the Seafood Pan Roast. I had Chargrilled Sea scallops wrapped in smoked salmon. Nothing short of spectacular. Excellent value. We felt the prices are very reasonable and look forward to returning when we're in GR again.
(5)Mike S.
Some of the best food in Grand Rapids without the pretension of places like the 1913 Room (and you don't give money to the Devos' - best of all). The service leaves something to be desired, but the food makes up for it. Seafood focused, but still a great selection of non-fish options. Nice mix of French, American, and Italian dishes.
(5)Mike O.
I was unimpressed with Leo's. Everything that I ordered was mediocre and not worth the price. I started with the lobster and shrimp cake. It was decent, but the texture was unexpected. The sauce was tangy and good. I got the Seafood Newburg as and entree and it was ridiculously bland. The cream sauce was blah and the seafood was just OK. The carrot cake cheesecake for dessert was also bland. The carrot cake portion was dry and the cheesecake wasn't creamy. That is a good idea to mix the two, but the execution was poor. The wine list was excellent, our server was fantastic and the decor was good. I was really unimpressed with the food. It wasn't worth the high prices.
(2)Braden M.
My family and I cam here out of the blue one night for dinner. Yes the place is pricey, but you get what you pay for. Its not a place where you spend 30 dollars and get something the size of your dogs paw. They had very decent size servings and the presentation was beautiful. I had the lamb which was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. and was very full at the end of dinner. The atmosphere is casual and a perfect place for a date, or a romantic dinner, or a night out with family. I will definitely be going here again... many times...
(4)Noah V.
We ate at Leo's for the first time last night, and it lived up to all the positive reviews we had seen. The service was excellent; we always had what we needed, but didn't feel like anyone was hanging over us. The food was simply glorious. The seafood was very fresh, and the filet mignon melted in the mouth.
(5)Karen W.
Just went for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey was scraps on a plate, stuffing mushy and mashed potatoes pasty and gray. Needless to say our entire dinner was comped by management. Hopefully their seafood is worth having, but we won't go back to find out. Very disappointing as we drive 2 hours to stay in Grand Rapids.
(1)Michael Z.
Took our Daughter here for a college graduation dinner (12 people). As always, service & food was excellent. Although it is rather pricey, we all felt it was well worth it for the quality of the meals & "spot on" wait staff.
(5)Jodi W.
Although Leo's is a "white tablecloth" restaurant, the bar takes on a whole different flair and feeling. The tables in the bar are relaxed, open, intimate yet still upscale and nice. We went with 6 friends and sat at the "big table" in the bar and had a great evening drinking wine, eating Paella (chocked full of seafood and meats). Although seafood is their speciality, they do have a lovely rack of lamb. The owner, Leo, stopped by and talked to us for quite some time, even giving us free dessert as a "welcome to the neighborhood". I would recommend it for a romantic dinner or a casual dinner with friends - just sit in the bar to avoid the cavernous, stodginess of the main dining room. They have a great deal if you eat here more than 1/year. Pay $25 for their "loyalty" program, and you get 1/2 off dinner for your birthday, several free items throughout the year AND 1/2 off all bottles of wine mid-week. That alone would save you money even if you rarely ate here. Enjoy.
(4)Garnet S.
The pale, elegant decor and dramatically lofty ceilings were a pleasant surprise for a spontaneous lunch date on a Monday I happened to have some free time downtown. I ordered the lobster and shrimp cake, which was well seasoned with a nicely balanced remoulade. Nothing over the top, but tasty nonetheless. My date had the flash fried calamari, which I believe to have been fresh (not frozen), served with a citrus aioli. I only had one bite, but it was good and not at all greasy. I enjoyed myself substantially enough to plan a return trip to sample the dinner menu, when I have more time to enjoy a meal at leisure.
(3)Cathy C.
My husband and I has date night there last night. The service was great even though the restaurant was busy. They have an extensive wine and beer selection. The filet was awesome and hubby's mahi mahi was great too.
(5)Sarah L.
Leo's is a high-end seafood restaurant that is fairly new. We went for a romantic dinner, but we felt more like 'fish-out-of-water'(no pun intended). So, there were a couple things that bothered me about the atmosphere. The restaurant was sectioned off into three different areas where you couldn't see the other areas. The ceilings were VERY high and the tables were quite far from one another, normally that is a good thing, but then you feel like you are just out there where everyone can see you and the intimacy is lost. The place was deserted and felt a little eerie. The food was good, but not great. I've had better seafood than this. For an upscale restaurant, I was disappointed with the food! I was hoping for more! Again, there was a bit of a 'fishy' taste from the salmon I had. The desert was great but something about it ended up making me feel sick! Other than that, the service was good and the dinner ended up costing us about $120. Would I go again? I don't think so. Would I recommend? Well, it's great for a date, evening out, anniversaries and such.
(3)Fritz G.
Leo's is an upscale seafood restaurant on the north east corner of Louis and Ottawa. It appears a bit unusual at first, perhaps, because the rest of the building is a parking ramp. As another reviewer mentioned, the interior is very open with really tall ceilings. Cavernous you might even say. Unlike the other reviewer though, I wasn't bothered by it. The bar is a separate area and very nice, with a mix of tall tables, regular tables, one booth, and the bar. I've heard that the owner/chef is the former chef at Charley's Crab, but thats only hearsay to me. None the less, I enjoy the place very much. Convenient seafood to down. I haven't ever had anything bad, but I can't really recommend the take out service. I had a Caesar salad with crab cakes and the salad was.. lacking. The crab cakes however were fabulous. Your mileage may vary.
(4)Tara C.
Lovely seafood spot in downtown Grand Rapids! After considering a couple different seafood places near our hotel, we chose Leo's for dinner last night. It was a very nice dining experience! The place is very pretty and open, with high ceilings, large windows, and lots of wood accents. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. They have delicious bread- these super soft, sage flavored rolls that come out piping hot to your table. For my appetizer, I had to try the Lobster and Shrimp Cakes and I was not disappointed. They are loaded with lobster meat and whole bay shrimps, served on a plate drizzled with a sort of herbal, lemony mustard sauce. My entree was the Seafood Pan Roast- scallops, shrimp, and fish served in a fantastic Cajun cream sauce over Cajun rice. It also came topped with a slice of fried tomato- yummmm. The scallops in particular were incredible- perfectly cooked and tender. So if I am ever in Grand Rapids again, I will plan on making a return trip to Leo's!
(4)Jonathan M.
One of my favorites for lunch. Try the salmon burger.
(5)Palmer W.
Stopped in with my wife for our one year anniversary. Made a reservation, but didn't end up needing it as it was near empty on a Saturday night. The decor was a little bit like a chincy hotel restaurant. Since we were celebrating we decided to start with martinis and an appetizer. This was certainly the highlight of the meal. I went with a Black Cherry Amaretto martini, which was hard not to down like a shot, it was so good. She went with the Pomegranate and it was not quite as good, but very strong, so I guess it's a trade off. The appetizer was a lobster and shrimp cake, and it was amazing. But for 8.50 the portion was on the small side. For the main course I chose the rack of lamb and my wife chose the parmesan encrusted Walleye. My dinner was served with a giant baked potato and corn on the cob. I thought the corn on the cob was an odd choice due to the environment, they give you 17 utensils and then corn on the cob. I felt a bit barbaric picking it up and eating like I was at a picnic. Both entrees were a little bland and on the over done side. Definitely not worth the 60 bucks combined between the two of them. At least the portions were healthy, so bonus points there. We finished our meal with the caramel apple cheesecake, and it was easily the best cheesecake I've ever had. I'd stop in again just for the martini and the cheesecake. Service was so-so, as the waiters would take turns stopping by, one was extremely friendly, the other one wasn't having his best night. I probably would go back for a special occasion, but it won't be in a hurry.
(3)Sheesh S.
At Leo's price point, it should be a fine dining establishment--the sort of place where entrees are made to order and modifications are made graciously within the constraints of readily available ingredients. I regularly dine in large groups with one vegan. 99% of restaurants we have patronized are able to concoct a vegan pasta with marinara with no difficulty at all--frankly, this makes pasta with marinara about the least desirable vegan offering because it is so commonplace, but, at least it's dinner-- on several occasions, Leo's has never even managed that. The menu has a variety of veggies, potatoes and rice, but "dinner" for the vegan consisted of 3 mini potatoes, three asparagus spears and, maybe, 3/4 cup of mixed (frozen???) vegetables. Lame. I can only conclude that the cooks are not skilled enough, or the restaurant is not service-oriented enough to pull together from their pantry a special meal to meet the dietary needs of a patron. My large group will never again patronize Leo's and I'd recommend anyone with special dietary needs get a firm commitment to accommodate those needs ahead of time directly from the chef before giving the place a try.
(1)Heidi M.
We come when we're in town and have consistently had excellent food. Last night my husband had the best rare yellowfin tuna he's ever had. The calamari was also very fresh and delicious. Great service and wine selection. We will be back next year .
(4)john m.
Stopped in while on a business trip after reading reviews here. The service was excellent, the menu varied and the yellow fin tuna was excellent.
(5)Matthew R.
Fresh creative cuisine, especially seafood.
(5)