About Cafe Leonelli
Welcome to Cafe Leonelli - The Bastion Collection’s Italian-inspired cafe in the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the space in natural light, Cafe Leonelli offers both an inviting indoor setting and a charming outdoor dining experience.
With convenient, attended counter service for breakfast, lunch & dinner, as well as a selection of fresh pastry & dessert offerings, Cafe Leonelli honors Italian culinary tradition while bringing something new to the table—blending authentic Italian flavors with locally sourced ingredients that reflect the community. The seasonal market-style menu features La Colombe coffee, fresh focaccia, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and delicious hot entrées, as well as pastries and desserts.
Curated by a team of Michelin-starred Chefs, Cafe Leonelli welcomes you to witness the culinary excellence of the renowned Bastion Collection in action.
Focaccia
In Italy, focaccia is often enjoyed as a quick daytime meal, with many “focaccerias” that specialize in serving the thick squares of bread with a variety of toppings. Inspired by famous destinations such as Rome’s Pizzarium Bonci, Cafe Leonelli recreates this experience, while introducing local and seasonal ingredients. The cafe offers a variety of several kinds from classic flavors such as Margherita and Pepperoni to a Gluten Free option.
Sweets
At Cafe Leonelli, the rich heritage of Italian pasticcerie shops come alive in Texas. Under the leadership of The Bastion Collection’s Executive Pastry Chef, Salvatore Martone– a Naples native and award-winning culinary talent–the cafe blends the timeless art of Italian baking with modern culinary innovation.
Join Us
At Leonelli, food is at the heart of our community. Our team, guests, suppliers, and neighbors are all part of The Bastion Collection & Leonelli family. Sharing a meal is about more than just what’s on the table—it’s about the connections we make and the memories we create. We take pride in fostering a warm, welcoming environment where every guest feels at home. As an active member of our community, we encourage our team to engage, contribute, and uphold the values of hospitality that define us.
VIEW CAREERS