Review: Leonardo’s La Piazza, Salisbury, well worth a visit

In the middle of an ancient town, that has developed as a mecca for good food, wine, and conviviality.

All emanating from from a variety of Restaurants, that surrounds the Square. It is quite a few years ago that just such a situation began to develop in the City of Salisbury.

A city largely because of its age, its Charter dating from the 13th century, rather than its size.

The Market and Guild Hall Squares are now the place to find some great restaurants, some part of ‘chains’ many individually owned and managed. In fine weather and otherwise they spill out into the square.

Just such one is Leonardo’s La Plazza, a vibrant Italian restaurant, who’s extensive menu is available from 10 in the morning to after lunch, then open again in the evening.

I visited it with Di on a Wednesday evening in November. I had noticed that it had been quite busy during the day. We had a table on the first floor overlooking the activity of the Square.

Robert from Romania made us very welcome and served us attentively but not in an overwhelming way. He knew the menu and was charmingly helpful. 

We decided to have a simple meal of 3 courses. There were some good, fixed price options on offer as well as between Monday and Thursday, two main courses could be had for the price of one. 

In addition, they had a full selection of Pizza’s. A brilliant menu offering a variety of options.

Dinner

Pan fried goats cheese (Image: Peter Hime)

We chose as Starters, Breaded Mozzerella Wrapped in Pancetta, fried with a Napolitano sauce and Formagio e Barbabietole. Pan-fried Goats Cheese with beetroot and spinach, both £8.95  They were delicious, but be warned all  the portions in La Piazza are very large! [Score 7.5]

Angello Rosemarino Chargrilled Lamb Rump in Port and Rosmary sauce on a bed of sauteed spinach (Image: Peter Hime)

Our main courses were a classic Vitello Milanese, Veal with a Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce. £22.95 Angello Rosemarino Chargrilled Lamb Rump in Port and Rosmary sauce on a bed of sauteed spinach. Di,  ordered a side Salad which was huge.

They were lovely dishes, but we both thought that these were slightly overcooked and would have benefited from a little more seasoning. [Score 7]

For Dessert we ordered Pana Cotta and Tiramisu both priced at £6.95 All desserts are home made. 

Wine List

There is a small wine list.  Five white wines from £17.95p a bottle to £44.95 l 2 Rose £17.95 to $21.95 and 6 Red from £17.95 a bottle to £44.95 for an Amarone. A small but a good selection.

Leonardo’s is well worth a visit and on a fine day, enjoy eating outside. Overall Score 7. Higher but missing out just for a little better seasoning!   

Peter’s Challenge and Win a Bottle of Wine!        

For the last few weeks, I have been trying to encourage the readers of the Salisbury Journal to let me have your recommendation for the best wine to be found in Salisbury for £10 or under. So come on ‘ Salisbryites,’ a bottle of wine to the best recommendation.

The same offer goes for the suggested, Special Dish of the Day, I cannot believe that there are no family dishes that are not worth celebrating.