April 11, 2016 By Michael Florio
An expansive new Italian restaurant and lounge will open in Long Island City later this month.
Oro Italian Restaurant and Lounge will open on April 25 at 41-17 Crescent St., according to owner Michael Celic.
The restaurant will offer Italian cuisine with a modern touch, Celic said. However, he is keeping the menu under wraps for the time being. He is also not revealing the drink menu at this time, but said that the bar will offer wine, beer and liquor.
The 6,000-square-foot restaurant will be able to seat 160 people, with an additional 25 seats at the bar, according to Celic.
He plans to have the dining and lounge areas located side by side, without dividing lines.
“On the weekends the lounge feel of the space will take center stage,” Celic said. “The food and dining experience will always come first but we want it to be a fun environment.”
Celic chose to open in Long Island City because the community intrigued him.
“We picked LIC because it’s contemporary, up and coming, but doesn’t forget its roots. That’s how I would describe the soul of this restaurant.”
This is Michael Celtic’s first restaurant.
“His [father’s] restaurants were more traditional Italian cuisine,” Celic said. “This will be more American style.”
