Peaks Island Pop-Up Pizzeria in Portland, Maine, Won’t Open For 2026

For many visitors to Portland, Maine, a boat trip to explore Peaks Island is on their list of 'must-do' activities.

The island remains a huge draw, especially in the summertime. It's a place to explore the historic Battery Steele, relax on a beach, visit some of the shops or grab some lunch at one of the various dining locations.

Over the past couple of years, one of those dining locations has been the Lions Club on Peaks Island. Never intended to be a dining destination, the Lions Club has hosted a pop-up pizzaeria called Il Leone to rave reviews.

Unfortunately, it won't be coming back this summer.

Il Leone Announces The Pizzeria Won't Return to Peaks Island For 2026 Season

According to Portland Food Map, Il Leone took to social media to announce that the hugely popular pizzeria would not be returning to Peaks Island for the summer of 2026.

Il Leone first launched in the summer of 2021 on Peaks Island at the Lions Club. Guests were amazed by Il Leone's portable pizza oven from Italy that churned out pies in under two minutes.

The pop-up pizzeria quickly became a hit and over the last couple of summers, became a destination restaurant from the mainland.

Il Leone Says It Will Look For a New Summer Home in Maine

It appears through the statements of both Il Leone and the Peaks Island Lions Club that some sort of leasing agreement couldn't be reached.

Il Leone still hopes to spend summers operating in Maine and is currently looking for another location to hold their pop-up pizzeria.

Il Leone currently operates a location in Brooklyn, New York.