3-star restaurant La Marmite closing in Williston Park

La Marmite, among the last major "le" or "la" restaurants on Long Island, will close by the end of this month after more than 40 years. It is to be succeeded by Copperhill, which will feature modern American cuisine.

The vintage continental, situated in an early 1900s Victorian on Hillside Avenue,  was acquired by the Kearns family in 2013 and earned a three-star rating in Newsday. Chef Gregory Kearns said that while it has been "an honor to be stewards" of La Marmite's legacy, this "is the time to build a restaurant that can thrive for the next 40" years.

La Marmite has been moving away from the escargots-rack of lamb-Dover sole selections, as well as the big pastry cart for several years. Kearns said the emphasis of Copperhill will be on "local, sustainable and seasonal cuisine."

The new name Copperhill refers to the marmite, or French copper pot or pan, that has been the restaurant's symbol. For decades, La Marmite was a gathering place for members of the political and legal establishment in Nassau County. It was particularly popular in the era of the long business lunch.

Kearns said that the restaurant will be shut in July and August for the extensive renovation. Among the changes will be doubling the size of the bar. He termed the expected decor  "modern farmhouse."

La Marmite, 234 Hillside Ave., Williston Park; 516-746-1243.