New Italian Restaurant, Wine Bar Pays Homage To Mid-Century NYC

AURORA, IL — Aurorans craving a visit to the Big Apple can satisfy the urge by patronizing a local restaurant paying homage to the Italian-American restaurants of mid-20th century New York City.

Amore Mio officially opened its doors at 33 W. New York St. on Nov. 17. The eatery, meaning "my love" in Italian, is co-owned by Robert Avila and his wife Erika Villanueva.

The restaurant's New York City experience is connected to the location on New York Street, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune.

"We have put our own spin on this," Avila told the Tribune. "I've eaten in New York restaurants, and I think people will feel the same kind of vibe here. We have brick walls and lots of red and white and our piano bar downstairs. I've seen a lot of Italian restaurants with piano bars and Aurora needs that kind of stuff. People are going to love it."

Amore Mio took over the space formerly occupied by Gillerson's Grubbery.

The menu spans the gamut of classic Italian dishes, with multiple offerings of appetizers, salads, pasta, large plates and sides. Large plates range in price from $28-$50, while pasta costs between $20-$28.

After a filling meal, restaurant-goers are encouraged to "dine then wine with us." Tucked underneath the dining room is a piano bar with live music starting at 6 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday.

Amore Mio is the fourth addition to the husband-and-wife restauranteurs' portfolio, which also includes Altiro Latin Fusion, with locations in Aurora, Wheaton and Geneva.