One of the most magnificent rooms in the city serves up an unforgettable dining experience and a truly unique burger. The menu blends Italian, French, and Egyptian influences, resulting in inventive dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Among them is a lamb burger that might just change the way you think about lamb (it did for me).
The Burger: Grand-mère Lucie's Burger (Tier 2). A half-pound blend of lamb and beef, garlic-chili shatta, tahina, and a pile of thinly shredded lettuce on a sesame seed bun, served with a side of spiced Egyptian fries. The burger itself is a stunner. The patty comes cooked to a juicy medium-rare, tender, and packed with bold flavor, but never gamey. The bun is textbook - soft, lightly toasted with a whisper of char, and sturdy enough to soak up every drop of juice. The lettuce is shredded razor-thin, providing just the right crisp. The shatta adds a gentle heat, while the tahina brings creaminess and a lemon-garlic brightness. Together, they cut through the richness of the meat and tie everything into balance. A true original.
Pro Tip: The burger is only available during lunch/ brunch and into apertivo hour (6pm). My only regret was coming alone…there’s so much on the menu worth trying beyond the burger. Don’t make the same mistake.
The Occasion & Vibe: Grand in every sense. Servers parade through a massive marble archway leading to the kitchen, delivering plates that match the setting. The dining room is spectacular, complete with soaring ceilings, bright white columns, shell-shaped sconces (yes, conch sconces), and large windows that flood the corner space with natural light. Set inside an 1895 Renaissance Revival style building, Leon’s feels timeless - truly one of the most beautiful rooms in the city.
The Location: Greenwich Village, East 12th Street & Broadway.
Bonus Thought: If you think you’re not a lamb person, think again. I wasn’t expecting to love it, but this burger completely changed my mind - well-balanced, with none of the gamey bite you might anticipate. And if you’re lucky enough to catch the Sungold Cherry Tomato Caprese appetizer when it’s on special, don’t miss it; it’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.