Leon's at Lake Ella — Restaurant in Tallahassee

This was a weird mix, so I’m going to start with the good.

[edit] between the wayy too-bready fgt sandwich that didn't get even half eaten and trying a couple of other wings just to make sure that the were all as bad and then throwing them away, I am changing this to one star. I don't think that we have ever thrown out even the lousiest fast food wings, but those were not just not good, but inedible. With two out of three dishes being mostly or all in the trash, even with how amazing I thought that burger was, and the great staff, there is no way I'm going back.

I had a great time with my wife. My burger was excellent and it was one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten with to-me-perfect ingredient and flavor ratios and the smashed patties with a great crust and a perfect medium rare interior. I loved getting zingy bites and the sauce that came with it was something like aioli and chimichurri had a very tasty baby. The seasoned fries were also great as in seasoned and cooked perfectly and the maduros also as far as ripeness and cook. I don’t think that I’ve ever said this before, but at $16, the burger and fries were underpriced considering the flavor, quality, and quantity and I'd easily pay $20. Atmosphere was kinda like hanging out in someone’s converted living room near their kitchen in a very good and comfortable way, with the tables set up with just enough walking space so that it didn’t feel at all cramped and I loved the cookbook shelves. The young woman at the front was very efficient, knowledgeable, and personable.

I’d looked at the menu ahead of time and my top three choices, plus other items, were all sold out. I realize that they have an odd schedule and that it must be difficult to keep stuff in stock but as a customer that sucked and I hope they figure out a menu more in keeping with their almost pop-up schedule. The menu was oddly incomplete, like not mentioning that the wings were smoked and not even having the shrimp and grits on it. My wife enjoyed her fried green tomato sandwich although said it had too much bread. I tried two bites and to me it was grossly cinnamony sweet and I’m very glad I didn’t get that. We got the smoked wings for our son that sounded like smoky garlic citrus awesomeness but, while the flavor of the meat itself was good, they were not very tender and not at all juicy and there was an acrid, maybe burnt/old oil, flavor to them. It was also difficult to find a current menu, or to be sure of their hours without calling, and I wish they would do a better job with keeping their online information up to date.

I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with my wife there but would have given this two stars and never gone back for the food if I’d only tried the tomato sandwich and wings. Definitely going back for that burger though and am curious about what else they have that might be as good, although I might have to smuggle in dill pickles for the Cuban to sub for the bread n butter ones cuz that's a crime...

First of all, let me say WOW! Wait, let me say that backward ...WOW! We recently celebrated our son's college graduation and wanted to make the post-graduation dinner a unique and memorable experience. Leon's at Lake Ella provided the perfect venue. Chef Leon and his team delivered 1000 percent!

Let's talk about food. It was nothing short of spectacular! The appetizers were Shrimp & Grits and She Crab Soup (of course 😊). The entree choices were Crispy Skin Red Snapper with Caramelized Leek Potatoes Au Gratin and Japanese Curry Short Rib with Mango Sticky Rice - both were served with Collard Greens. Our bread course was a Hokkaido Milk Bread served with Honey Butter. Desserts featured were Coconut Cassava Cake and a Pandan Crème Brûlée with Peanut Brittle Ash. I could go on with another two pages of commentary about the taste of each course. I will simplify it all and say that EVERYTHING WAS FRIGGIN DELICIOUS! (Insert your favorite way to describe fabulous food here, and it will apply 🤭). This is one week later as I write this review, and our guests are still raving about the food. I mean, the She Crab Soup, alone, could bring about world peace 😂.

Let's talk service. Noah, our server was terrific! He did not miss a single beat with our party of 12. He was attentive, personable, and an all-around total rock star!

Now, let's talk about Chef Leon. Goodness gracious! We could not have picked a better and more talented chef in the entire state of Florida. His attention to detail, creativity, and expertise in customizing a menu to fit our needs were impeccable! He educated us on each course served, and his passion for his craft was fully displayed throughout the evening. On top of that, he was so down to earth, making us all feel welcomed and right at home.

I highly recommend Leon's at Lake Ella without hesitation. Again, Chef Leon, thanks from all of us for providing such a superb...

Last week, our peer advisory group gathered for a holiday dinner at Leon’s at Lake Ella, and it was absolutely magical! Chef Leon Brunson and his team went above and beyond to create a truly unforgettable evening. From planning the menu to executing every dish with perfection, they made the experience seamless and delightful.

We started with an appetizer that set the tone for the evening: squash quesadillas paired with a dreamy avocado cream. They were so flavorful and unique that even the extra portions disappeared! Then came the salad, and let me tell you—it was a showstopper. The warm butter pecan dressing was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Made with warm butter instead of oil, it was rich, comforting, and absolutely amazing.

For the entrée, we were treated to braised short ribs that melted in your mouth. Every bite was a reminder of how talented Chef Leon truly is. And because Leon and his team think of everything, they even prepared a special pasta dish for the vegetarian in our group. The care and creativity that went into their dish made it just as delicious as the rest of the meal.

Then there was dessert… a decadent bread pudding topped with whiskey caramel and whipped cream. It was the perfect sweet ending to an already incredible meal.

The best part? Sharing this delicious experience with such a great group and watching everyone enjoy the amazing food as much as the company.

Having the chance to work with Chef Leon Brunson was such a joy. His passion for food and hospitality shone through in every dish, and he made the evening fun and engaging for all of us. I can’t recommend Leon’s at Lake Ella highly enough - whether it’s for casual lunch or a special occasion, group dinner and his private dining room or in...