Women's Activism NYC

Luisa Leone

1870 - 1940

Date Added:

Luisa Leone introduced Southern Italian cuisine to New York after opening Leone’s in her home on West 34th Street in 1906. This idea was inspired by the Italian singer Enrico Caruso who said Luisa’s cooking deserved more attention. The restaurant was a success, and over time expanded to eleven dining rooms at 35,000 square feet. In 1959 Restaurant Associates bought Leone’s, renamed to Mamma Leone, and continued to bring in $4 million in profits.

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