Il Leone, a pizza restaurant based in Peaks Island, Maine, is slated to open a Brooklyn location this year, marking its first expansion. It will open in the former Bar Vinazo’s space at 158 Seventh Ave. in Park Slope.
Founder and chef Ben Wexler-Waite confirmed the forthcoming location, which is expected to open later this year, in a phone call with What Now New York.
The spot has been operating seasonally on Peaks Island and ended its season there on Aug. 25. The brand first teased the forthcoming Brooklyn location in a post in late August.
It will offer the same naturally leavened, wood-fired pizzas that have gained popularity over the past five seasons on Peaks Island. The space will feature an open kitchen, a bar and a large backyard space.
The menu features pizzas with ingredients sourced from small farms and farmers markets. Menu items include classic offerings like margherita pizza and pizza bianca, alongside specialty standouts like the Isola, which features wood-fired lobster sourced from Maine, San Marzano tomato sauce, organic basil, garlic, chili flakes, Italian rosé and Sicilian extra virgin olive oil.
The beverage program will feature natural and low-intervention Italian wines, Italian cocktails, spritzes and beers.
Il Leone began hiring for positions at the Brooklyn location earlier this fall.
