Leo's Caffé Italia — Restaurant in Franklin

Okay, so this may be a good place when events are not going on, but after my experience I don't care to find out. So there was a karaoke event going on, which is the main reason I went, but I'm not going to show up, take up space, and not spend some money (over $40) It's common courtesy when they host events (in my opinion). Anthony (I believe is his name/was the name on the ticket) took our order and was very nice and helpful, he suggested we get it to go so it would be easier to stand and eat, because the lady waiting on everyone else outside (except us) told me they had no more tables when I asked, and said just stand over the rail and eat like I do. We get our tea's and go outside and find a place to stand at the rail while waiting for our food, and to sing. While waiting they bring out two tables for these other people that came after we did and set them up on one side of us. Okay, I let that go. I went back in to get a refill on my tea, (after being there about 50 minutes) and the poor guy up front that took our order was getting fussed at relentlessly, by the lady that continued to ignore us, because he made a mistake. While he's getting fussed at no one even acknowledged I was standing there patiently waiting, while two other guys jump right in front of me like I'm not even there, but they get acknowledged immediately. Finally, I pushed my way to the front and hold my cup up and the nice guy asked if I needed a refill, I replied, "yes, I needed one before the other two guys pushed their way in front of me, but I guess they are more important or whatever." He apologized, and I told him it wasn't him at all it was the other guy (owner I think) and the lady that ignored me. He hands me my tea and I then asked him if our food was ready and it had been ready quite some time, sitting on a table, because it was to go. Well we obviously didn't know that. He apologized for that as well and, I told him that was not a problem he was doing the best he could. I get back outside to where I'd been standing and now it was overtaken by an older couple, so I gathered my belongings. They said they'd move but I told them they were fine. They were bringing them a table out, and I waited thinking they'd put it where there stuff was but, no. So, at this point there was no where else for my son and I to stand. The look on my face said it all, so, then the manager at this point, asks if I need something, I said no and, just left, because I was beyond done at that point. As for the food, the pizza was good, but the Calabrese Antipasto was not what we expected (that's on me for not asking for a menu that explained what it was instead of being told wrong). I would've give this place another chance if just the food was the issue, but the way we were treated is why we will not return, as well as the low...

Today is our Anniversary. Not many places are open for lunch or dinner on Mondays in Franklin. However, we were lucky to find Leo's Caffe Italia was open and we gladly celebrated there.

We opted for an indoor table. This gave us a front row view of all the happenings and an up close peek at the food coming out. There is outdoor seating and plenty of parking.

The caffe isn’t large, but the food they put out has huge flavors. All dishes and treats are made in-house. Pasta, pizza, gelato and pastries… a visual jackpot as you look around this adorable caffe.

The staff is kind, personable and helpful. You order and pick up at the counter. Food is served in plastic takeaway containers. This is nice if you choose to eat on the patio or take away for a picnic.

We started with their CALABRESE ANTIPASTO. It was loaded with high quality Italian meats atop a bed of very fresh arugula. Aged parmesan dotted the dish along with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and onion jam. It was served with a nice Italian roll. Yum! This was a great starter.

We shared a MARGHERITA PIZZA. This is a lightly sauced pie with fresh ingredients. The house made mozzarella was to die for. The thin crust had a good chew and the browned edges from a brick oven, added to this yeasty crust. Well done chef!

My husband ordered the IL CAPO. The bread was very good. It was the perfect surround for the meats, cheese and fresh veggies. Prosciutto, Italian pepperoni, capicola, provola, arugula, tomato and onions. It’s served with a side of tasty roasted, Italian cheesy potatoes that complimented this sandwich. It was an unexpected upgrade from the normal chips or fries you get at other restaurants. This is a solid sandwich combo.

We ate only half of our dishes to save room for the desserts that tempted us as we entered Leo’s. So many choices were available. However, we opted for cherry gelato and a chocolate cannoli.

The chocolate cannoli was impressive. The shell was hand dipped and you could taste a bit of cinnamon. The creamy mascarpone filling was not overly sweet but perfect mate for the sweet chocolate shell. Chopped pistachios garnished the ends and the contrasting textures awaken the tastebuds.

The cherry gelato had thick swirls of cherry purée and whole dark cherries, not dyed red cherries many put in their ice cream. This was quite possibly some of the best cherry gelato/ice cream I’ve ever tasted. Creamy on the tongue and so very smooth. This gelato will make you giddy! This is what gelato should be. I will dream about this gelato and it will call me back there time and time again.

We were thrilled to have finally tried Leo’s and celebrate our special day at new place in town.

You must go and try this food. You will not be...

For a late lunch I met my son and girlfriend here as the restaurant is about halfway between Swannanoa and Atlanta.

I knew as we rounded the parking lot and I saw that big fig bush that this indeed might be a real Italian restaurant.

Let’s just say, halfway through the meal, I was plotting how feasible it would be to come back and have a slice and the gelato some afternoon😆

We didn’t have room for dessert. Very laid-back very comfortable environment. Friendly staff and owner.

Quality ingredients. It is not American pizza. If you like Domino’s🤷‍♀️ you don’t belong here.

We absolutely adored the deep dish with a shave of salami. The salad with house dressing was equally fresh and delicious. I don’t think those greens came out of a plastic box. The fresh garlic panini that came with the salad was also too tasty to leave on the plate.

The pizza dough - I haven’t had a dough like that in decades.

I did read some of the reviews that mentioned skimpy ingredients. I agree, I would’ve liked a bit more sauce… when I come again, I’m gonna ask for a small side of sauce for dipping.

But this is not a criticism. And to me, the prices are well worth what you are getting. I bet the specials are divine (we didn’t notice the sign on the porch for a special of chicken Parmesan.)

Maybe I’ll combine a trip up the BRP with a stop here.

I bet an early evening on that porch would...