Dine and Discover Queens: Jonathan Cannaux, Owner of London Lennie’s

It’s “Dine and Discover Queens” time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a monthly spotlight on some of the best food and drink options from around the borough! This month, we are featuring Jonathan Cannaux, Owner of London Lennie’s, a New York seafood destination where tradition, quality, and hospitality has come together for generations. To learn more, go to https://www.londonlennies.com/.  

What inspired the creation of your restaurant? 

I have other businesses in the neighborhood and when I heard London Lennie's was going to be bought to be turned into condos I couldn’t let it happen. There is way too much history there. I was born and raised in France so culinary and hospitality are second natures to me. Now, the restaurant is undergoing renovation and the place is going to be more modern, more spacious, and more intimate. 

What makes your business unique? 

London Lennie’s is unique for its 60 years of history. And for our seafood freshness. We have a strict protocol in place to ensure freshness and quality. Nowadays restaurants increase margins by getting cheaper products. We don’t. 

Are there dishes or drinks that have become beloved by the Queens community? 

 I have been learning about what the neighborhood people are expecting to get at London Lennie's. I have been trying new things while paying attention to customers' needs and feedback. I always readjust based on their needs. Our new seared sea scallops in a beurre blanc sauce are our newest dish. They usually get caught in the sea the day before and delivered to your plate the next day. I also brought back a dish that was so successful decades ago it is called the fried seafood platter.  

Are there any memorable moments from the restaurant you can share? 

 As the owner of London Lennie’s I am always moved by people's gratitude and when they share with me how they used to come here with their grandparents or how they met their spouses there. There is a lot of history here and an even brighter future ahead.