Leo’s Fine Food & Wine

After doing a Supermarket Free Month (April 2014) where I didn’t shop at the Big 3 I decided to make Leo’s my regular fortnightly alternative «supermarket». It’s a lot more calming here than the Big 3. I’m not sure if the owners are italian inspired but there always been some italian music playing over the PA when I’ve visited. This is nice. You’ll find everything you’re looking for here and more. I mean, EVERYTHING. Even if you’re looking for organic, eco-​friendly stuff. There’s a large range of food from the USA and Europe that you won’t find at your Big 3! Chocolate lovers will go crazy too. They’re open early to late so do yourself a favour and try it once.

Well I’m not happy. I decided to go to Leo’s from Northcote, even tho Coles is 3 mins away. I bought Chinese Peking Duck Pancake Pack it cost $ 21.50 I noticed on Leo’s receipt they state as follows «Out grocery shelf prices are equal to or lower than the national chain stores» Well I went to Coles to get another pack as visitors stayed on for dinner. Coles price was $ 15.70. I still have both receipts to prove. I rang Leo’s spoke to 3 people in the end Manager was to call me back. Guess what, no call back. So back to Coles. Even tho they rip of our farmers.

Much like Carissa and Joanne, I really have come to like Leo’s. They do have everything, and then more. You will find the usual suspects found in most supermarkets, but then nestled in and among them regular products, are the rarer, imported and highly sought after brands and makes. For me, the highlights are definitely the fresh food and deli sections, as well as the sauces and jams.
Be sure to peruse each and every aisle, you’ll definitely discover new items even amongst the most mundane of product categories. The selection is simply amazing. There’s nothing I thought was naff at all. Certainly the buyers for Leo’s know their stuff and what their cleintele wants.
I reckon Leo’s excels in bringing us a lot of organic, imported and local gourmet foods whilst still serving our needs of regular products.
Be sure to read my tips on Leo’s. Worth a trip northside.

This gourmet supermarket is a serious foodie heaven. It starts as you walk in, or run in if your that excited, I won’t judge… or will I? Straight away your hit with the smell of freshly squeezed orange juice and to your left a cooler with dips and yoghurt’s, freshly made sushi, pasta and pizza to entice you.
Next up your in the fruit and veg section where you will find everything that is in season and moving on to the meat section where everything is represented, rabbit? Yes. Duck? Sure. And then your headed past the bread (Philippa’s bread for me please) and your almost at the deli. The deli is where the magic happens. A cheese section that would sate a field of mice and most cheese gourmets. The freshly cut meats, salads, quiches and antipasto would be a welcomed addition to your Spring racing picnic. The range here is fabulous, and the staff helpful. The deli is all kinds of right.
Then there’s the cake and pastry cabinet at the back of the store next to the milk and the baked goods, fresh bread, rolls, danish and muffins. The health food aisle down the center of the store divides the fresh section to the grocery section, where usual supermarket brands are dispersed with gourmet variations. Head towards the checkouts and you will find chocolates, magazines and flowers rounding out your trip. There is usually not enough checkouts open, but its worth the wait for foodie inspiration.
The Liquor store is as varied and well stocked as the supermarket.
More expensive then your average chain supermarket but you pay for what you get, and what you find at Leo’s is a great range of high quality produce. If your a foodie, looking for something special or just want to grocery shop to the sound of popular jazz or world music then Leo’s Fine food & wine is for you.