Avoid the hustle-and-bustle of commuting two hours and get the mouthwatering taste of New York City cuisine all from the comfort of Newtown.

Lions Bleecker Street Pizza opened in Newtown more than four years ago and quickly became a customer favorite in the area.

“I like the people around here. It is a friendly family town,” owner Denis Demiri said about choosing to open in Newtown.

The community has embraced the restaurant with open arms and an insatiable appetite, helping it earn the coveted “Most Delicious Pizza” category for its Grandma Pizza at the Fourth Annual Destination Newtown in 2017.

In 2018, Lions Bleecker Street Pizza also flexed its pizza-making skills by winning the Pizza Challenge led by the organization Families United in Newtown (FUN), a recreational foundation in memory of local resident Tyler Jones.

“Everything is freshly made from scratch,” Mr Demiri said about the quality of the food he serves.

The restaurant is known for its pizza, but it also has a full menu of Italian dishes, with lunch and dinner options. It is a BYOB (bring your own beverage) site.

For dining in, Lions Bleecker Street Pizza can now seat 55 people throughout its comfortable booth, bar, and table seating, as well as its outdoor picnic tables with overhead umbrellas, after undergoing renovations in late 2018 and early 2019.

A keen attention to detail was given to the décor of the restaurant, much of which was customized and installed specifically to achieve the vision of a city environment.

“It’s a New York feel with an industrial look,” Mr Demiri said.

There is newspaper style wallpaper between the large windows, an elevated door frame and balcony, and a wall painting depicting the city at night that brings the whole look together.

Those looking for take-out can call 203-491-2494 or place their order through the Lions Bleecker Street Pizza of Newtown website. Deliveries are for orders of $20 or more.

The restaurant also offers catering options of pick-up or delivery for parties of any size or occasion.

A Sample of the Menu

Appetizer: Lions Bleecker Street Pizza of Newtown has half a dozen appetizers on the menu, including the Fried Calamari, which is always made fresh, never frozen.

Salads: Customers love the wide selection of salads, especially the restaurant’s signature Lion’s Salad. It consists of mixed greens with walnuts, marinated grilled mango and pears, goat cheese, and house dressing. Chicken, shrimp, or steak are available to be added to any salad option.

Burgers: All the burgers are made from 100 percent beef and come with a side of French fries. The Lion’s Burger has mushrooms, onions, bacon, and cheese for $9.95.

Wraps: Each are offered on regular or whole wheat wraps and are served with potato chips. The Grilled Veggie Wrap comes with roasted red peppers, seasoned and grilled zucchini, portabella mushrooms, tomatoes, and creamy Caesar dressing for $8.75.

Paninis: Among the different panini options are the Meatball Parm Panini, made with homemade marinara sauce and mozzarella; and the Chicken Parm Panini, made with Panko breaded chicken, homemade marina sauce, and mozzarella, both priced at $9.75.

Entrees: The Chicken Francese has boneless chicken sautéed in a lemon white wine sauce and is served with spaghetti.

Pizza: Lions Bleecker Street Pizza is known for its award-winning pizza. The Margherita Pizza is a classic staple that has fresh mozzarella and basil, homemade marinara sauce, and olive oil. The Grandma Pizza is another bestseller, with its Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, homemade marinara sauce, mozzarella, olive oil, and fresh basil on a thick old-world crust.

Calzones: All the calzones are made fresh and served with a side of marinara sauce.

Risotto: The Mushroom Risotto has both portabella and shiitake mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, and Gorgonzola cheese that is topped with a drizzle of truffle oil, all for $12.50.

Dessert: All ages can enjoy the ice cream selections that comes in kid size (one scoop), small (two scoops), and large (three scoops) cups. Any flavor of ice cream that is available can also be made into a large milkshake. The restaurant has also added a variety of cupcakes and cake pops.

Beverages: Coffee enthusiasts can rejoice and have anything from cappuccinos to lattes to espressos. There are also hot chocolate and teas available, in addition to the fully stocked refrigerator of bottled drinks.

Lions Bleecker Street Pizza of Newtown, 123 South Main Street, is open Sunday through Wednesday, from 11 am to 9 pm; and Thursday through Saturday, from 11 am to 10 pm. Take-out, catering, and delivery are accepted by calling 203-491-2494. For more information, visit lionsbleecker.com or facebook.com/lionsbleeckerstreetpizza.