Lele's Roman to open in Boerum Hill

Ace Hotel gets a new restaurant from LDV Hospitality

Ace Hotel Brooklyn has had a hard time keeping a full-time restaurant in business. What started with As You Are closed in January after a rotating cast of chefs that included Ryan Jordan, Michael King, and most recently included Top Chef alum Camille Becerra. I’m surprised at the turnover – the space is gorgeous, the lobby bar is a dream, and it seems to always be full, but hotel restaurants can be challenging if the neighborhood doesn’t buy into the concept.

The new owners are hoping that they’ve hit on a formula that will do just that. At the end of the month LDV Hospitality — the team behind Scarpetta, American Cut, Barlume and LDV at The Maidstone — will turn it into Lele’s Roman.

Lele’s Roman is LDV’s first-ever Brooklyn property and it’s framed as an ode to the Trastevere, featuring authentic Roman fare from Chef Francesco Battisti. To appeal to the neighborhood, the menu is not messing around with anything too wacky, but staying a true and classic course with a roster of solid Roman classics – buttery maritozzi at breakfast, shareable pinsas, and classics like Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, Puntarelle, and Carciofi alla Romana at dinner.

The beverage program, curated by Alessio de Sensi, Wine Director for LDV Hospitality, highlights a robust selection of amari and regional Italian wines, with special attention to producers from Lazio. Nice.

The space, designed by Whitley Esteban and Ernesto Gloria of Studio Tre, is meant to channel a “Roman diner” vibe with a sweeping modern, cinematic design centered on a striking cocktail bar crafted from dark green Breccia d’Egitto stone with white oak tambour. Seating is ochre and sage leather banquettes, there are ribbed glass and steel screens, and sweet lace café curtains by Larsen. Handmade Italian ceramics, vintage film stills, and curated art complete the scene—equal parts Rome and Brooklyn. Here’s hoping this concept sticks the landing.

Lele’s Roman will open May 23rd; it is located on the ground floor of ACE Hotel, at 252 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY and will be open for dinner Sunday through Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 9 PM and Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM. Breakfast, brunch, and lunch will debut shortly after and be served daily from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, please visit www.lelesroman.com or @lelesroman.