Locimo
Restaurant Leo
About Restaurant Leo
In 2019, Federico Zanellato and Karl Firla, two visionary chefs and friends, came together with a shared passion for creating an innovative, sustainable, and uncompromising dining experience. By February 2020, the chefs behind LuMi Dining and Oscillate Wildly combined their expertise to establish Restaurant Leo and its accompanying espresso bar, Picco Leo, nestled in Sydney’s vibrant Angel Place and Ash Street laneway dining precinct.
With Two Hats from the SMH Good Food Guide and regular appearances in Australia’s Top 100 restaurants, Leo is a testament to excellence in fine dining. Focused on traditional Italian cuisine, Leo delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors crafted from seasonal, high-quality produce, complemented by a thoughtfully curated cocktail and wine list.
The journey continues at Picco Leo, where freshly baked croissants, bomboloni, and pizza farcita pair perfectly with single-origin coffee. For those seeking a lively aperitivo, Aperi Leo offers signature cocktails and chef-prepared small bites, creating the perfect blend of Italian hospitality and innovation.
Meet the Chef
With years of experience in Sydney’s top kitchens, Karl worked alongside industry legends such as Mark Best at Marque and Peter Doyle at Merivale’s Est. He later made his mark as Chef/Owner of Oscillate Wildly, a renowned Newtown establishment where he showcased his passion for contemporary cuisine for over a decade. Now, Karl has joined forces with Federico Zanellato to create Leo, a collaboration built on shared vision and culinary excellence.
