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Levante
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Long Island City
Best Pizza in Long Island City
Best Happy Hour in Long Island City
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Long Island City
Best Family Friendly Italian in Long Island City
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Long Island City
Best Date Night Italian in Long Island City
Master Critic Review
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.