“I’m in love! This place is a great find. The friendliest staff!” I texted my dining partner when I arrived at Joseph Leonard in the West Village. Each staff member greeted and welcomed me warmly to the restaurant.

“That’s the best table,” Daly commented as he seated me window side on the upper bar level. He then proceeded to describe the menu items in mouthwatering terms. I couldn’t wait.

While waiting, I sipped their nectarous JL Old Fashioned ($19), a blend of rye, bourbon and—for the sweetness—amaro.  My dining partner started with a glass of rosé, the Famille Coulon ‘Le Petit Renard’ ($16), Rhône Valley, France 2024, grenache.


Following Daly’s recommendation, we ordered the white bean toast drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary ($15) and the cauliflower with tahini and harissa. Both winners. Not so with the mushroom salad ($23), as he had emphasized the fungi, which were overshadowed by the pile of frisée they topped ($23).

We had ordered too many starters to finish the plump mussels in a delicious white wine sauce or even consider dessert. By then, the cozy little corner restaurant had become so noisy that we could hardly hear each other.

If noise is a concern for you, consider visiting for lunch, arriving early or dining alfresco, as they have a couple of outside tables. The food is good; noise a bit much for the older crowd.

Joseph Leonard,
West Village
(corner of Waverly Place and Grove Street)
170 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10014
josephleonard.com/