An Italian restaurant that focuses heavily on pizza opened its doors yesterday in the Court Square section of Long Island City. Levante, located at 26-21 Jackson Avenue, serves pizza cooked at high temperatures in a wood burning oven as well as pasta and typical Italian fare.

The restaurant is located inside an old brick building–owned by Rockrose–and comes with a 1,000 square foot dining room, a 16-seat bar, a 1,000 square foot backyard and a 350 square foot private dining room. Co-owner Eden Tesfamariam Gaim said Levante is currently open from 12 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and is offering diners a limited menu for the next few weeks until it gets its liquor license. These items include salads and paninis.