Brunch Gets a Mediterranean Glow-Up at Leonetta, Murray Hill’s Buzziest New Spot
Murray Hill’s dining scene has no shortage of buzzworthy openings, but Leonetta stands out with a brunch menu that captures the warmth, freshness, and soul of the Mediterranean coastline. With a culinary program led by Chef Ed Cotton and beverage program from Mark Rancourt, you’re in for a real treat. Designed with seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques, and a modern sensibility, Leonetta’s dishes feel both elevated and comforting—exactly what weekend brunch should be.
The restaurant’s new brunch lineup spans spreads, chilled bites, salads, sandwiches, and weekend-ready specialties like Steak & Eggs Kebab, Babka French Toast, and Eggs Benedict with a Mediterranean twist. We tried the $50 brunch special, which includes two spritzes, black garlic hummus for the table, and two mains. We started with our spritzes and opted for the St. Tropez Spritz, a sunshine-in-a-glass blend of chambray meyer lemon vodka, sevez honey, lavender liqueur, limoncello, and bubbles. The result was a floral, citrusy and refreshing Mediterranean garden party in a glass. The Fancy French Accent was a more luxurious, aromatic spritz combining Jean Luc Pasquet Marie-Framboise, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao Yuzu Late Harvest, Cap Corse Blue, and bubbles. This one is layered and complex, with bright fruit notes and a sophisticated finish. Both cocktails elevated the meal beautifully.
Because of allergies, our server recommended starting with the Baba Ghanoush and fresh pita, and it did not disappoint. It might’ve been our favorite dish we had! For entrées, we ordered the Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast, built on Pugliese bread and topped with feta, cucumber, radish, and pickled red onion. Fresh, balanced, and hearty without being heavy. Our secondary main was the Wild Mushroom Scramble. Farm eggs cooked soft and creamy with wild mushrooms, black truffle, and sesame crostino—earthy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Beyond brunch, Leonetta also hosts lunch and dinner and offers private dining rooms and cozy event spaces to make it an ideal venue for everything from intimate gatherings to full restaurant buyouts. Downstairs, Leo’s Famous offers an additional space with its own personality. For the holiday season, the restaurant is also presenting a three-course Thanksgiving menu for $115 from 2pm–9pm.
Leonetta has quickly become one of Murray Hill’s standout brunch destinations—not just for its food, but for the entire experience. With bold flavors, thoughtful dishes, excellent cocktails, and an ambiance that transports you straight to the Mediterranean, it’s a must-visit for your next weekend outing and we can’t wait to go back to try more!
Leonetta
181 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Lunch: 11:30am–3:45pm (7 days a week)
Dinner: 5pm–11pm (7 days a week)
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 11am–4pm
https://www.leonettanyc.com/
