Leonardo’s Italian Bakery

Normally, I don’t post on Unilocal especially negative reviews, but this is warranted. My family purchased a birthday cake and some cannolis. While the cannolis were decent, the cake was inedible. I’m talking pretty darn disgusting. We went to get our money back and after a brief discussion with the owner she handed us back $ 15. We were originally charged $ 20. Not sure if the owner and clerk were confused with the prices, or they were trying to scam us, but either way we will not be returning.

When I first walked into Leonard’s l knew I would find something to delight me. The nice, crusty, fresh baked bread first caught my eye. The rolls, I purchased were crusty and dense and we loved them. I next took aim at the pastry counter and I got a few of the mascarpone and a few of the ricotta cannoli. They were both very good and I think the best I have had in the northeast Philly/​Bucks County area. The cannoli from my old hood of South Philly are still the best to us, but Leonard’s will more than suffice the craving. I was thrilled to see that I had not one, but three options for Parma Prosciutto, aged 12, 18 and 24 months. I got the 24 as I thought that might be closest to the rotondo dolce that I love. It was very good, but a bit too salty which surprised me for a Parma aged 24 months. I also thought the slices were a bit too thick. Next time, I will ask for them to slice paper thin and try the 18 month. The texture however was sublime with just enough of that wonderful raw flavor. Leonard’s is definitely a great shop with a good variety of Italian specialties. It has joined the list as one of my go to places for good foods.

After the owner of our usual Italian bakery was charged with and convicted of indecent assault for allegedly groping women and placed on the Pennsylvania Registered Sex Offender List (the right result for all serial gropers), we have casted about for a new Italian bakery. Our fellow Unilocalers led us to Leonardo’s.
First, Leonardo’s does not face Bustleton, even though it has a Bustleton address. It is located on a little street that intersects Bustleton and is very easy to miss.
Second, the shop is owned and run by a lovely woman, whose Italian-​inflected English is enchanting. She has been in business for more than three decades.
Third, the offerings include the most beautiful crusty breads and rolls (one could satisfy all of his or her bread needs right here) to a complete array of Italian cookies and pastry to deli meats. We have only partially eaten our way through the pastry counter: The cannoli are best in class (especially when consumed soon after they are filled). Of the six fillings, the ricotta and ricotta with chocolate chips are superior. As others have noted, the biscotti are perfect — very crisp and flavorful. I like the merengue based cookies (any flavor) and the mini Sfogliatelle are beautiful and absolutely primo.
If you find yourself in Lower Bucks, you owe it to your palate to seek out Leonardo’s. Buoun appetito.

Full disclosure, I haven’t had their pizza. But their biscotti is the BEST I’ve ever had. They have an array of fresh flavors and sizes. And the potato pie is so yummy. I think that’s why I’ve never had the pizza, I can’t stray from a warm slice of their potato pie (on the bakery side).

Bread! Fresh baked bread! Fresh baked crusty bread! Fresh baked crusty cheap bread! Fresh baked crusty cheap delicious bread!
Olives, aged pecorino, prepared foods, salamis, pastries, cookies…
FRESH PASTA!
FROZEN PASTA!
I prefer Don Giovanni’s tomato pie, but not by much! Leonardo’s has a better crust, but DG’s has better sauce. But Leonardo’s has real bread!