Posted in West Virginia February 20, 2019 by

West Virginia’s Very First Italian Restaurant Has Literally Been Around Forever

Generations of families in the Mountain State have been devouring the flavorful goodness from Leonoro’s Spaghetti House in Charleston. This year marks their 104th year of serving up fresh sauce and meatballs atop a pile of piping hot noodles. As the oldest Italian restaurant in West Virginia, it just doesn’t get any better than Leonoro’s.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Located on Washington Street E within walking distance of the Capitol and the West Virginia State Museum, Leonoro's is a destination surrounded by a variety of other adventures to add to this foodie road trip.
TripAdvisor/James U
Five generations of Leonoros have been making fresh pasta sauce and meatballs daily — using family recipes so secret they don't ever get written down.
YouTube/TheCharlestonGazette
The delectable sauce is among the most raved about parts of the spaghetti from Leonoro's. The family makes a fresh 15 gallons of sauce every single day and lets it cook for a full eight hours before it reaches your table.
Google Maps/Susan Crawford
The result is a delicious Old World experience the likes of which you'll only find here, at the oldest Italian, family-owned, restaurant in the Mountain State.
Google Maps/Chelsea G. Simmons
In addition to the sauce, each day pounds and pounds of fresh meatballs are hand rolled and cooked to perfection. You've never had fresh spaghetti and meatballs quite like that which is found at this unassuming eatery.
YouTube/TheCharlestonGazette
Perhaps that's why Leonoro's celebrated 100 years in business in 2015! (We suspect the friendly staff also have much to do with the longevity of the restaurant!)
Google Maps/Lewis Lively
For a peek at the magic behind this flavorful goodness, check out the youtube video below from TheCharlestonGazette:
Have you ever been to Leonoro's?
Google Maps
It's very easy to get to, and ample parking is available in the rear of the restaurant.
Google Maps

Leonoro’s Spaghetti House is located at 1507 Washington St. E, Charleston, WV 25311. It’s open six days a week. The hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Learn more on their official website!