0 Followers
Levante
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Levante
8.2
A pizza-forward Italian spot with big ceilings, a full bar, and a backyard that makes it feel like a neighborhood hangout with room to breathe. The move is to treat it as a pizza-and-a-few-plates night, leaning into the pies and letting the bar carry the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Neapolitan-style pizza, Pesto pasta, Panna cotta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Pizza-first Italian with a big bar and a standout backyard space.
Who should go: Groups and couples who want pizza with cocktails
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or a warm weekend night
What to order: Neapolitan pizza, pesto pasta, panna cotta
Insider tip: Aim for the backyard when the weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 7pm. Garages available near Court Square for a paid backup.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many people dress it up a bit for night drinks.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy conversation at the table, louder near the bar and during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you’re flexible on seating or grab the bar.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie pizzas, pastas, and small plates make this easy.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — veggie-forward pizzas and salads can be modified; confirm cheese swaps when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free dishes, but pizza and pasta are not GF-focused.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the pizza-and-cocktails format keeps things low-pressure, and the space feels lively without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends, expect a wait or try grabbing seats at the bar while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes — pizza is an easy win for kids. Later at night it shifts more toward a bar-forward, adult crowd.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangs, pizza-first dinners, and nights that start with food and naturally turn into drinks.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, romantic Italian meal or a traditional multi-course pasta-and-entrées experience.
Levante
8.5
A wood-fired, Neapolitan-leaning pizzeria where blistered crust and a clean ferment read loudest when you keep the toppings focused. It’s best as a shared-table pizza night: one classic pie, one seasonal/veg pie, and a crisp salad so the meal stays light and paced.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola (spicy salami) pie, Seasonal vegetable pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wood-fired pies with strong dough structure and balanced toppings.
Who should go: Pizza-first groups and date nights
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier seating
What to order: Margherita, diavola, seasonal veg pie
Insider tip: Order one classic pie first, then add a second based on hunger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hunters Point can be tight at night; allow extra time or plan for a short walk. Metered spots are easier earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room leans polished—date-night outfits won’t feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to talk across the table without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veg-forward pies and salads that feel intentional, not afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited – can do a red-sauce pie with vegetables if you customize.
Gluten-free options: Limited – gluten-free crust availability varies; best to ask before committing.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The vibe is warm and modern, the food is shareable without being messy, and the pacing makes conversation easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights, often yes with a short wait. On weekends, expect to wait or try an early arrival to increase your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pizza and sitting through a full meal; it’s less ideal for toddlers during busy dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Neapolitan-style pies with restraint—clean toppings, strong fermentation, and a more date-forward dining room than casual slice shops.
Skip if: You want heavy toppings, oversized pies, or a quick in-and-out slice experience instead of a paced sit-down meal.
Levante
8.3
A pizza-centric Italian room with high ceilings, a real bar, and a backyard that plays especially well when you time it for happy hour. Best when you build a light spread—one pasta or pie plus a couple bar-friendly starters—rather than over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti cacio e pepe, Burrata, Margherita pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Italian comfort with a bar-first setup and a strong backyard vibe.
Who should go: Couples or small groups starting the night
When to visit: Happy hour into early dinner
What to order: Burrata, cacio e pepe, a pizza to share
Insider tip: Grab backyard seats if the weather’s decent—same food, better mood.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots around Court Square are manageable before 6pm but tighten quickly after. Nearby garages are an option if you’re staying late.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish—jeans are fine, but polished tops, clean sneakers, or dressy flats fit the room’s vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy near the bar and backyard, but still comfortable for conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially if the backyard is open.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; seating is usually easy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pastas, pizzas, and starters can be ordered vegetarian without compromise.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-forward dishes can be adapted, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited—salads and select mains work, but pizza and pasta are not gluten-free focused.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially during happy hour. The space feels polished but relaxed, giving you atmosphere without pressure, and shared plates make ordering easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during happy hour or early evenings. Later weekend dinners are tougher, but the bar and backyard are good fallback options.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes—pizza and pastas work well for kids. It skews more adult and social later at night.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour that actually feels like a destination—stronger bar energy and outdoor seating than many Italian spots in the area.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, traditional Italian dinner or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Levante
8.1
A high-ceiling, bar-driven Italian room where the move is pizza and pastas with a little occasion energy. Gluten-free diners can get a satisfying meal by leaning on gluten-free pizza crust and steering toward simply dressed mains while verifying sauces and shared prep.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-free Margherita pizza, Rigatoni ragu, Burrata pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Gluten-free pizza option in a full Italian bar-and-dinner setting.
Who should go: Date nights needing gluten-free pizza.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating.
What to order: GF Margherita, burrata pizza, rigatoni ragu.
Insider tip: Ask how they handle cross-contact for the GF crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Court Square is limited; paid garages nearby are the safest bet in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but this is a heels-and-blazer kind of room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas, pastas, and starters work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—can be done with modifications, but not the menu’s strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza crust available; kitchen is shared, so confirm cross-contact handling when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished but not stiff, with enough energy to feel special without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings; weekends are much easier with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—better suited to adults, date nights, and group dinners than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free pizza in a stylish, full-service Italian setting with a strong bar scene.
Skip if: You need strict gluten-free protocols or want a quiet, low-key neighborhood dinner.
Levante
8.4
Levante pairs traditional Italian fare with a casual, lively atmosphere that suits family nights out and group gatherings. While reviews note variability, its substantial review count underpins broad local appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood‑Fired Pizza, Pappardelle Bolognese, Gelato
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Broad Italian menu with family appeal
Who should go: Families and larger groups alike
When to visit: Weekend dinners for lively vibe
What to order: Pizza, Pappardelle Bolognese, Gelato
Insider tip: Outdoor seating when weather allows
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but limited, valet service for $10 on weekends.
Dress code: Casual, comfortable attire is fine, but smart-casual dress adds to the atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but the lively environment adds to the vibe.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, but reservations are recommended.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially for early lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there is a dedicated vegetarian menu section with several options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options available, mostly pasta and salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area and gluten-free pasta options are available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the casual yet lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for a first date. It’s not too quiet, which helps avoid awkward silences, but still feels intimate enough.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible to get a table without a reservation, especially during weekday lunch, but expect a wait during busy weekend evenings. A reservation is advised for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, the family-friendly menu and casual setting make it perfect for kids. High chairs are available, and the open space is conducive to families with children.
Best For
Better for: Levante excels in providing a vibrant, family-oriented dining experience with a solid Italian menu. It's better for groups and casual family dinners compared to more formal or quiet Italian spots.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more intimate, quiet dining experience or a high-end, fine dining Italian experience, you may prefer alternatives like Il Mulino or L'Artusi.
Levante
8.4
Levante blends traditional Italian fare with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. It's a go-to for larger groups, especially for its wide pizza selection and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza, Pappardelle Bolognese, Gelato
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Lively atmosphere with a broad pizza menu for families.
Who should go: Families and larger groups looking for variety.
When to visit: Weekend dinners for a lively, fun vibe.
What to order: Pizza, Pappardelle Bolognese, Gelato.
Insider tip: Outdoor seating when weather allows.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be limited on weekends; Valet available for $10 during busy hours.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate - lively atmosphere, but still easy to carry on a conversation.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section for vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options, including pasta and pizza choices.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the casual yet lively atmosphere makes it a fun first date spot. The variety of pizza and pasta options can also be a great conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It can be tricky on weekends, especially for larger groups. It's recommended to make a reservation, but you may get lucky with a table if you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely! The lively atmosphere and family-friendly menu make it perfect for kids. There's also a kids' menu with simpler options like cheese pizza.
Best For
Better for: Great for larger groups or families looking for variety. The generous portions and outdoor seating make it an ideal spot for gatherings.
Skip if: If you're looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience or a place with a more refined menu.
Levante
8.5
Levante offers a lively family-style Italian experience, great for group date nights and socializing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Pizza, Gelato
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A lively atmosphere with a broad Italian menu for group dining.
Who should go: Groups and couples looking for a fun dining experience.
When to visit: Weekends for a lively, festive vibe.
What to order: Pizza, Pappardelle Bolognese, Gelato.
Insider tip: Outdoor seating is perfect during the warmer months.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; paid garages nearby. Expect to circle during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a polished top or dressier look fits the vibe.
Noise level: Lively to loud — conversation is possible, but expect energetic background noise during peak times.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta and vegetable-based options can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a fun, social energy. It’s better for relaxed conversation and shared plates than quiet, intimate dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome, though evenings skew louder and more adult-oriented than lunchtime.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly date nights, shareable Italian comfort food, and a lively social atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate date or a refined, fine-dining Italian experience.