Beloved Portland, Maine, Pizza Joint Will Not Reopen on Peaks Island for Summer Season

More heartbreak is coming to Portland, as one of Maine's best hidden gems is closing its doors.

In some shocking news, Il Leone—the hugely popular summer pizza joint on Peaks Island—will not be opening for the 2026 season. Here’s what the pizza spot posted on social media about the situation:

We are saddened to share that we will no longer be operating our seasonal summer pop-up at our original Peaks Island location in Maine due to unforeseen circumstances with the site beyond the control of both us and our Landlord the Lions Club.

Il Leone Closing its Peaks Island, Maine Location

Well, that is tragically sad. I mean, what on Earth is going on here? If it’s out of the Lions Club’s control too, are we talking about some type of bureaucratic issue?

This simply stinks. Il Leone has been a wonderful part of the Portland community since opening in 2021. Wait times could be incredible, but it was for good reason. They truly cared about every single Neapolitan pie that went into the oven.

Il Leone’s pizzas were not just delicious, but perfectly crafted. The dough was naturally leavened using a sourdough starter—no commercial yeast in those bad boys. And that went for all of their ingredients. Il Leone sourced natural ingredients from Maine organic farms, as well as from Italy. Only the finest for those who made the ferry trip out to enjoy these incredible pies.

And now, those ferry rides may dry up due to these unforeseen circumstances—ones that are truly a detriment to just about everyone.

Could Il Leone Open at a New Maine Location?

As sad as this news is, it may have a happy ending. According to Portland Food Map, Il Leone’s owner, Ben Wexler-Waite, is searching for a new location in Maine, which would be a huge positive for all the pizza enthusiasts out there. Believe me when I say Maine is a better place with Il Leone.

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The other good news is that you can still enjoy Il Leone’s delicious pizza in Brooklyn, New York. So even if they never reopen in Maine, at least they’re still going strong in the heart of pizza country.