New Italian restaurant opening in downtown Conway. It will offer homemade pasta, dishes

It’s only been a few months since Jim Leone opened his Italian deli in Conway, but he’s already expanding.

Leone had plans to eventually offer an Italian dinner experience at Leone’s Italian Deli, 337 Main St., where people could get such things as homemade Alfredo and pasta which would be different from the made-to-order sandwiches offered on the deli’s extensive menu.

But after looking across the street from the deli, Leone had a different idea.

“I was staring at that building, and I had a vision of an Italian restaurant,” Leone said.

He found out that the Filipino restaurant, Kainan Filipino Eatery, that was currently in the space was not planning to renew its lease. The restaurant at 330 Main St. closed its doors on Nov. 23.

So Leone took the opportunity to move into the location and open Leone’s Italian Restaurante’. It is expected to open on Dec. 16, Leone said.

“Customers are just enjoying our food so much,” Leone said as to why he decided to open another restaurant. He said when customers found out about the new location, they started “dancing, clapping, doing the funky chicken, it was insane.”

The restaurant will be operated by Leone and partners Justin Falcone and Stephen Leone.

Diners can expect a full Italian menu, including fried calamari, clams oreganata, chicken dishes, veal, Carbonara, Alfredo and ribeye steak. There will also be desserts and espresso and cappuccino.

The restaurant will be more upscale than the deli, offering a more intimate dining experience with linen table cloths and table service.

Everything will be homemade, Leone said, including the pasta.