TLDR
A Maine-born Neapolitan pizzeria famous for its decadent lobster-topped pies, featuring naturally fermented sourdough crusts and an inviting backyard.
Resy spotlights Il Leone, a new Park Slope addition serving high-quality Neapolitan-style pies and elevated seasonal small plates.
Il Leone joins the local pizza scene with Neapolitan-style pies that are simple in presentation but complex in flavor.
Will Hartman reviews Il Leone in Park Slope, a cozy spot serving high-quality Neapolitan-style pizzas, including a standout lobster pie, in a cheerful, wine-friendly atmosphere.
Chef Ben Wexler-Waite brings his unique take on naturally fermented sourdough pizza from Peaks Island, Maine, to Park Slope, Brooklyn. This review highlights his successful adaptation to the New York market, with special praise for his inventive lobster pizza and flavorful meatballs.
Details
Originating as a seasonal pop-up in Maine, this Park Slope destination specializes in naturally leavened Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in an electric oven [5]. The menu emphasizes high-quality ingredients, from hand-foraged mushrooms to bright, tangy cherry tomato sauces, served in a warm, inviting atmosphere [3][5]. It has quickly become a local favorite, known for unique offerings like its signature lobster-topped Isola pie [5][10].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on naturally leavened Neapolitan pizza and elevated small plates, with the 'Isola' pie featuring lobster meat and chile-flecked tomato sauce standing out as a must-try [5][10]. Other highly recommended items include tender, juicy polpette, pan-fried baby artichokes, and seasonal white pies featuring locally foraged mushrooms [5][10].
Caveats
The signature lobster pizza is a premium, higher-priced item, and because it lacks cheese, the generous lobster topping can occasionally slide off the slice [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About IL LEONE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Neapolitan Pizza Places Apart From Una Pizza
"This user listed Il leone as one of their next choices for Neapolitan pizza, alongside pizzeria fantastica, ribalta, song e napule and salsa pizzeria."
PositiveFrom post: Question Wheres The Best Neapolitanstyle Pizza
"This user stated Il Leone is the best."
PositiveFrom post: Question Wheres The Best Neapolitanstyle Pizza
"This user stated they visited Il Leone recently and it was great."
Positive