Manhattan’s famed Aunt Jake’s set to bring its handmade pasta and creative energy to town
Beloved local favorite Leilu may have closed its doors last year, but Huntington’s culinary scene continues to thrive — with Manhattan’s famed Aunt Jake’s set to bring its handmade pasta and creative energy to town. When Leilu closed its doors in August 2024, Huntington lost not just a restaurant, but a piece of its heart. Founded by James and Meghan LaCourte, Leilu was a true labor of love — both for the couple and for the community they built around it. The name itself was a tribute to their two daughters, Leila and Lucie, and their journey to ownership began years earlier while working together at another local favorite, Joanina.
From the day Leilu opened in August 2019, it became a cherished gathering spot known for its warm hospitality and inventive, heartfelt dishes. But just months after opening, the pandemic struck, and like so many small businesses, Leilu faced unimaginable challenges. James and Meghan did everything they could to adapt — feeding the community, supporting local efforts, and finding creative ways to keep the doors open.
Despite their resilience and the loyalty of their patrons, rising food costs and economic pressures eventually made it impossible to sustain operations. After five years of pouring their hearts into the restaurant, the LaCourtes made the difficult decision to close. For many in Huntington, it marked the end of an era — but also left one lingering question: What would take Leilu’s place?
Aunt Jake’s Arrives on Long Island
Now, there’s an answer. According to Erica Marcus of Newsday, Aunt Jake’s, the celebrated New York City pasta restaurant, will be expanding into Huntington, taking over the former Leilu space on New Street, with an estimated opening date in 2026.
Founded in 2015 by Nick Boccio and The Project Group, Aunt Jake’s has redefined Italian dining for the next generation. Known for its handmade pasta, customizable dishes, and pasta-making classes, the restaurant has earned a devoted following at its Manhattan locations — including its Upper East Side outpost at 1555 2nd Avenue.
At Aunt Jake’s, guests are encouraged to be part of the creative process, choosing their pasta shape and pairing it with their sauce of choice — from traditional marinara to truffle cream. The experience is both playful and authentic, blending old-world techniques with modern sensibilities. The brand’s namesake, “Aunt Jake,” is intentionally gender-neutral — a nod to the idea that everyone has that one family member who brings people together around food.
The Rise of Fresh Pasta in Huntington
With the recent opening of Pasta Joint, another restaurant devoted to house-made pasta, Huntington is fast becoming Long Island’s new hub for Italian cuisine. The addition of Aunt Jake’s further cements the village as a destination for pasta lovers — where tradition, creativity, and community converge.
Residents can look forward to the unmistakable aroma of freshly rolled dough, the clinking of wine glasses, and the comforting joy of a meal made by hand. Aunt Jake’s promises not just great food, but an interactive, family-style dining experience that will fit seamlessly into Huntington’s vibrant downtown atmosphere.
Stay Tuned for the Opening of Aunt Jake’s
While Leilu’s absence is still deeply felt, the arrival of Aunt Jake’s offers a new opportunity to celebrate what makes Huntington’s restaurant scene so special: passion, creativity, and a sense of togetherness. As one chapter closes and another begins, locals can take comfort in knowing that the space that once housed so many cherished memories will soon be filled again — with the laughter, warmth, and aroma of fresh pasta.
Stay tuned — Aunt Jake’s Huntington is set to open in 2026, and it’s already shaping up to be one of Long Island’s most anticipated restaurant debuts.
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Photos sourced from Aunt Jake’s Instagram. Follow them HERE!
