Vegan Pizza Delight!
What comes to mind when you think of Pizza? Warm, crispy crust, savory tomato sauce, a variety of toppings and last but not the least soft, creamy cheese! Mozzarella, Gouda, Ricotta, Parmesan…the list is endless. But that’s the joy and simplicity of Pizza, you can mix and match the ingredients as per your taste and get the stuff of dreams!
Pizza is my go-to comfort food. It makes for the ideal Saturday night dinner, when I just want to munch away on my Margherita (yes, I’m old-school) and binge watch a TV-show on Netflix. It’s a great meal to share and enjoy with family and friends, making a get-together that much more satisfying. After all, I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like Pizza!
Being an avid pizza enthusiast, I was intrigued when I stumbled upon ‘Leonardo Verde’ an Italian vegan eatery. I’m not vegan but nevertheless was curious to see how this restaurant had taken one of my most favorite food items and transformed it into a healthy, guilt-free meal, without compromising on flavor.
Located in the heart of Warsaw, Leonardo Verde has a warm and rustic ambience, with wooden tables and red brick walls. The menu is 100% plant based, sugar free and also offers numerous gluten-free options together with a breakfast and seasonal menu. I was baffled with the variety, having undoubtedly underestimated vegan cuisine and its scope.
We started with Pizza and ordered “Wloskie Szalenstwo” which literally translates into Italian Madness, made of tomato sauce, ‘cheese’ (100% plant based), cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, pesto and oregano. Whatever reservations I had instantly vanished as we consumed it with lip smacking enjoyment. It was perfectly baked, well seasoned, the toppings balanced and in the right proportion. I didn’t miss the presence of regular cheese, which says a lot coming from someone like me. The flavors were rich and wholesome, the plant-based cheese imparting the right texture and creaminess to the dish.
We decided to go out on a limb and ordered “Lasagne con Bolognese” made of white sauce, spinach, tomato and red lentil sauce, garnished with cashew nut and sunflower parmesan. And my, what a delectable combination! The food connoisseur in me was in seventh heaven as I gorged with unabashed enthusiasm. The meal was light and nutritious and did not leave me with any heavy, bloated feeling that is often associated with cheesy goodness.
Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and was happy to have tried something new. Leonardo Verde offers a great get-away for people who want to enjoy a good pizza without the guilt trip that often accompanies it. The menu has a large variety of options, so just be open and ready to be surprised!
