Levante’s Grand Opening Is Next Week in LIC

Back in the summer of 2016 we mentioned that a new restaurant called Levante would be opening up in LIC—it did indeed open, and has been serving up lunch since late summer, as well as dinner for about a week now. They occupy the entire building at 26-21 Jackson Avenue (location is a Rockrose project); this is the second restaurant project related to Stella Hospitality, the first being Luzzo’s BK in Brooklyn Heights (another restaurant in the group, LBK, will open later in Gowanus).

Next Wednesday, September 27 is Levante’s grand opening date (so, leaving behind the soft opening phase), which will commence with a private event for friends and family (the restaurant will be closed to the public from 7-10pm). We expect lunch will still be an option that day.

The restaurant will eventually be 2,000 square feet inside and 1000 square feet outside. Levante opened for business with a 900 square feet inside and a 500 square feet outside (there will be a second phase that opens up the space to accommodate more people). Along with table seating, there is a long bar that fits 16+ comfortably. Because they have the entire building, they’ve taken advantage of the opportunity of vertical space—ceilings are over three stories tall. The interior is designed by Matias Sagaria (Roman and Williams), and the facade of the building is blue and white tile.

“The partners wanted to give the community a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere and do something different, more cosmopolitan than they have at Luzzo’s BK,” says Brad Tucker, marketing staff for the restaurant. “That includes bringing in chefs who are willing to take some risks but deliver authentic Italian food.”

Since opening, Levante has been busy all the time. As is the practice in our day and age, customers have been posting photos of their meals on social media with captions like: “Finally!” “So exciting to have a great new spot in LIC.” and “What a great addition to the neighborhood.” We’ve known that folks in LIC have been hoping for the arrival of more restaurants—good restaurants—and no doubt this reaction is part of the feeling of satisfaction of getting good eats in the neighborhood.

People are particularly excited about Levante’s Neapolitan-style pizza which has gotten rave reviews from critics and regular eaters alike. They also import their prosciutto and burrata from Italy. In future weeks, look for their new bar program serving apertivos on the weekdays, and brunch on the weekends. Ad on the topic of apertivos, they will be served during happy hour and includes complementary food while you hang at the bar and have a drink—that food includes pizzas, salads, and various bites (that selection will change every day due to what’s in season). This sounds like a great deal!

Co-owner Eden Tesfamariam Gaim has this to say about Levante and its place in western Queens: “We’re excited to serve the Long Island City and Astoria communities with our contemporary, authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine. We know the people of Queens know and love their food and we’re proud to offer a new option in a sophisticated and comfortable environment that they deserves.”

So, if you haven’t been by, consider checking it out! Sounds like a really nice addition to the neighborhood.

Levante, 26-21 Jackson Avenue, LIC
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4 Comments

Katie September 27th, 2017

Hi Meg! If possible, for the pizza photo – that’s actually mine. Levante reposted my account. If I could please get credit for that, it’d be much appreciated.
My Instagram account is: @Tastesofny
Thank you!

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Meg Cotner September 28th, 2017

Thanks for letting us know, Katie – I’ve made the change. Beautiful photo! Thanks for letting us use it.

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djb September 25th, 2017

Neopolitan pizza is so good! My first taste of it was at Don Antonio’s on 50th street in Manhattan, then Tufino and Milkflower in Astoria! Tufino, my local joint, is fantastic. My favorite is the Pistachianco with ricotta, red onion, roasted pistachios… so delicious! Also their Mista salad is on point.

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nasssstee September 23rd, 2017

I like the interior and hope this place does well. I just find it so hard to believe every other restaurant in LIC that opens is Italian.
A new Italian restaurant in the Hunter’s Point South building as well.

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