New York eatery designed as a captivating remnant of beauty
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Leon's, an all-day Italian restaurant situated near Union Square, New York, is a culinary and visual delight that transports diners to the coast of Italy while subtly evoking the story of its owners.
David Bucovy, a renowned architect known for his work on Casa Lever inside Gordon Bunshaft's midcentury icon, Lever House, was approached by husband-and-wife restaurateurs Natalie Johnson and Nick Anderer to design their latest project.
The design of Leon's reflects a fusion of Italian influences, with elements like curved banquettes and a central bar made from American White Oak, grounding the space. However, it also subtly hints at Egyptian accents, a nod to Johnson's great-grandfather, Leon Hakim, who was born in Alexandria, Egypt and later emigrated to France.
The interior design of Leon's is a testament to Bucovy's emphasis on creating an experiential atmosphere that highlights materials and historical details. The cove plaster ceiling, for instance, obscures electrical elements, provides an acoustic buffer, and references the Renaissance development of perspective.
Custom shell-shaped nickel drawer pulls, designed by Naples-based artisan Vincenzo Oste, adorn the casegoods at Leon's. Oste also created custom sconces for the restaurant, with shells as their diffusers.
The large-faced clock embedded into the bar's pediment at Leon's is inspired by a famous one in the 18th-century Caffe Gilli in Florence. The time on the clock at Leon's is purposely calibrated to run six hours ahead, reminding diners that they're always elsewhere.
The location of Leon's, an airy 5,500 sq ft ground-floor storefront in an 1895 office building, kitty-corner from the Strand bookstore, was further appealing due to the two original Corinthian columns.
The food at Leon's celebrates cooking from central and southern Italy, with dishes like a butterflied branzino for two on the menu. A fragrant rice dish spiced with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, known as pilaf al Hakim, is also a highlight.
Leon's is more than just a restaurant; it's a beautiful ruin that evokes a sense of transformation and materiality, inspired by travel. Grand-mère Lucie's hand-written recipes are used in the food at Leon's and are also replicated on the walls, en route to the private dining room or marble-lined bathrooms.
Leon's is located at 817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States, and can be found online at leonsnyc.com. Whether you're seeking a unique dining experience or a glimpse into the fusion of Italian and Egyptian influences, Leon's is a must-visit destination in the heart of New York City.
- The fusion of Italian and Egyptian influences in the design of Leon's, as seen in the custom shell-shaped nickel drawer pulls and the custom sconces, gives a unique touch to the fashion-and-beauty aspect of the restaurant.
- The food and drink offered at Leon's, such as the butterflied branzino and the fragrant pilaf al Hakim, showcase the culinary delights of global cuisines, adding a special flavor to the dining experience for food enthusiasts.
- The home-and-garden elements, like the cove plaster ceiling and the Corinthian columns, contribute to the aesthetic appeal of Leon's, transforming it into a lifestyle destination that offers more than just a dining experience.
