Leo’s Cuban Kitchen

I wouldn’t consider this Authentic, but if you didn’t know better I guess you can’t complain as the food was good quality, just not the flavors and such I was expecting
The bread and sauce was very heavy garlic and not what I expected, the plantains were very thick, oily and sadly bland.
The dishes are prepared fresh so be prepared to wait a little for your food which doesn’t bother me in the least.
I was hoping for a more authentic Cuban cuisine experience but not quite there. The service was excellent and the atmosphere very light and inviting. I can’t say I won’t go back but it did t make my Top Ten for sure

Great dine in atmosphere (quiet), just a touch upscale, a nice business lunch feel. I lunched with my 3 year old and he loves their frijoles negros (black beans). I had the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef and rice). Some say the food doesn’t taste ‘authentic’. The owners/​operators are Cuban, and the food doesn’t seem different than Puerto Sagua in Miami (one of Miami’s favorites), the interior of Leo’s is just nicer. The fried sweet platanos (plaintain) were delectable. If you’ve never had Cuban but you like down home style food, you’ll love this place. Definitely try it.

NOT very satisfying Cuban food. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, as almost every «ethnic» restaurant I’ve tried in MS has dropped the ball. As I’ve said in other reviews of ethnic restaurants here: if you don’t know what good Cuban food tastes like, u wouldn’t know that this place is not good. They get two stars for the friendly service and the nice restaurant and music. The croquetas were literally tasting like fried canned tuna/​mayo mixture, which isn’t what a croqueta is (was supposed to be ham), and for $ 6?! The empanadas and plantains lacked flavor/​were very bland (similar to what some other reviewers have said) and didn’t need to be as heavy as they were. Finally, the mayo dip, they should offer a cream, which is often used as a dip/​sauce for Latin fare. I guess mayo seems like a cheap «easy» way for them to whip up a Cuban dip for Americans who would gorge their faces in it anyways. I won’t be back, as it was a bit pricey for the disappointing food. Über sad.

Leo, I am a fan. First and foremost. I’m also a local chef and spend all of my time in kitchens and restaurants, and want to say thank you for what you and your team is doing. I am glad y’all are here. I know Unilocal reviews can help and hurt a restaurant. (Trust me, I want to pull my hair out and scream at people who just don’t understand. I also know, if you’re anything like me, checking in on Unilocal and online reviews quite often.)
Our first trip to your restaurant was great. It was busy, and the food did take some time, but it was really good. Everything was really tasty. The drinks were refreshing.
Our second time, we ordered paella, which rightfully so was a pricey dish. (Which I have no problem paying.) It seems like the shellfish weren’t washed properly, and every bite was a bit gritty, and it was quite salty. It had great flavor, don’t get me wrong, we were restaurant people and didn’t complain, but Southerners are sometimes really awful when it comes to different cuisines. So maybe just be on the look out for the cooks rinsing the seafood properly, and tasting before it gets sent out.
We want you to thrive here, because your food is tasty! Another thing that might not translate super great is chatting politics and such with customers. Generally, people just want to come in and eat and leave, and not have to worry about a conversation. Not everyone is comfortable with having to force conversation, or having to post their evening on social media. This isn’t a personal jab by any means, because I want your customers to come in ALL THE TIME… I just know from experience, it makes a lot of people uncomfortable, and culturally, most southerners are very quiet about matters, especially while eating. Your food and story speaks for itself, and people will see that.
I hope you won’t read any of this as negative. As a cook, I know how hard you and your team work… and I’m only relaying what I’ve learned by cooking in this city. You can also ignore all of this — I would totally understand. If the food and drink is good and consistent, the people will come back.
Anyhow, thank you for being here. The cubano is amazing… and your food is tasty and I’m happy we have another place to eat.
Cheers!

So, authentic Cuban food is very bland? I don’t get it. The whole menu was full of heavy food; bread, meat, rice and beans and more bread. Just not for me.

I was overly impressed with this place and honestly can’t wait to go back! Every table gets Cuban bread and herbed butter, delicious. We ordered beef empanadas and they were amazing. Also, I had a pork sandwhich and it was delicious! Plantain chips were perfect. I can’t wait to try something different. My only complaint is i ordered a margarita and it was $ 7 and tiny! I felt that was a bit much for such a small drink. Otherwise I’ll be back to divulge myself in this delicious place. I would have given 5 stars if it wasn’t for the tiny margarita. Go check this place out, you won’t regret! Service is great too.

Won’t be back. All the meats, though seasoned well, are way over cooked and dry, dry, dry. My husband and I have been here twice for dinner. We have tried all the different meats. We do love the black beans and the fried plantains. So if your hungry for a snack, ok, otherwise a disappointment.

I seldom get the urge for Cuban food two days in a row. Today was and exception. Yesterday I had driven to Slidell and ate at Que Rico Cuban Café. By far it is the best in the southeast. Today we decided to try Leo’s for the first time. The service started out ok. After placing our order we noticed our waitress was at the adjacent table for a «long long» time. Apparently in this 30 minute explanation of what Cuban food was, our food was getting cold and that’s how it arrived. We both got sandwiches with very little meat and no condiments whatsoever. Unusual for a Cuban sandwich to be so bland and dry. The fried plantain chips, also cold, had no flavor whatsoever. We ordered a grilled cheese for the tot that the cheese was not even melted. All in all I would say the lukewarm French fries were the star of the meal. All of this and one glass of tea hit nearly $ 40 for lunch. I would highly recommend that you pass this place by and find some real food. Slidell is about an hour drive and well worth it for excellent Cuban cuisine.

First time in and I’m thoroughly impressed. We had the paella which is worth the wait: Full of seafood and more than enough for two people. We ordered the combo for an appetizer which was a great way to sample a few different appetizers.
I noticed they have a patio area, so I’m crossing my fingers this summer they’ll have some sort of happy hour with ceviche… Pretty please?
They’re off to an excellent start, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store!