The Prime Concepts Detroit restaurant group announced it is planning to open a new Italian restaurant — Aurora Italiana — in West Bloomfield Township this summer featuring the flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
The new eatery will be located at 6199 Orchard Lake Road, an address that has been home to Big Daddy’s Parthanon, Sea Grille, and Ciao Italian Bistro and Wine bar.
Barbat Holdings, parent company behind the Prime Concepts Detroit brands, purchased the property and is embarking on a complete renovation of the 8,500-square-foot space that will incorporate custom murals and commissioned artwork with a modern design.
Art Harrison Interiors, the Royal Oak-based design team behind Prime Concepts’ other restaurants, will oversee Aurora Italiana’s interior design.
“We’re very excited to bring Aurora Italiana to the metro Detroit dining scene,” says Joe Barbat, chairman and CEO of Barbat Holdings. “Our guests are going to be amazed by this upscale dining experience, paired with stunning and unique décor, exceptional entertainment, and, of course, our shareable moments.”
The menu at Aurora Italiana will feature dishes inspired by the island of Capri, including burrata caprese, cacio e pepe, veal ossobuco, and fresh whole-fish offerings flown in daily from the Mediterranean.
Stolion Liti, managing partner and director of operations at Prime Concepts Detroit, will oversee the restaurant’s operations.
“Aurora’s menu has traditional Italian roots, featuring imported cheeses and cured meats, frittura mista, and margherita pizza, all of which are complemented by wonderful pasta dishes like our fresh tonnarelli allo scoglio (seafood pasta) and linguine al’aragosta (lobster pasta),” Liti says. “Our daily features will focus on fresh Mediterranean fish like branzino, orata, turbot, Dover sole, and many more exotic whole fish options.”
Aurora Italiana also will feature a private banquet facility for up to 350 guests. The event space will feature a private bar, lounge seating, a flexible floorplan, private valet, full A/V capabilities, private restrooms, and custom menus.
“Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a family gathering, we promise to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience,” Liti says. “It is our mission to share the warmth and hospitality of Italian culture, one plate at a time.”
Prime Concepts Detroit, which is headquartered in West Bloomfield, is the group behind Prime29 Steakhouse and NARA Sushi & Hibachi Lounge in West Bloomfield, PAO in downtown Detroit, and Tribu Mediterranean and Wabeek Club in Bloomfield Hills.
Barbat Holdings recently completed the acquisition of Detroit’s Grand Army of the Republic, or GAR, building in February and will be announcing a new restaurant concept to occupy the first and second floors later this spring.
For more information on Aurora Italiana, visit auroraitaliana.com.
