Owners of two Oakland County eateries known for Italian fare are bringing the concept to a location in downtown Detroit.
Prime Concepts announced on Monday, July 20, the opening of Aurora Italiana Detroit adjacent to Grand Circus Park.
Aurora Italiana Detroit will open later this year inside the historic Michigan Oriental Theater, formerly occupied by Pao, which closed in 2025. In 2024, Pao made People Magazine and OpenTable’s list of “The 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America.”
Prime Concepts operates two Aurora Italiana locations, one in West Bloomfield and another on Union Lake in Commerce Township that was formerly It’s a Matter of Taste.
While Aurora Italiana Detroit expects to build upon Pao’s legacy, according to a news release, owners plan a restaurant and vision “rooted in authentic Italian tradition.”
Diners can expect authentic and traditional Italian trattoria-style fare and atmosphere.
“Our goal is to create an experience that honors both the incredible history of this landmark building and the timeless appeal of Italian hospitality,” said Joe Barbat, chairman and CEO of Barbat Holdings and Prime Concepts Detroit, in a news release. “From preserving the beauty of the historic Michigan Oriental Theater to introducing a warm, rustic trattoria atmosphere, Aurora Italiana Detroit will be a destination where guests can enjoy exceptional food in one of Detroit’s most remarkable spaces.”
Multi-level Aurora Italiana Detroit will accommodate about 110 guests across both floors and have an open-kitchen concept that will not use seed-based oils. Inside the restaurant, its design under the Prime Concepts Detroit team blends “contemporary Italian design with the theater’s historic details to create a one-of-a-kind dining destination.”
Showcasing authentic, traditional Italian cuisine, at Aurora Italiana Detroit, its bread, pasta and sauces will be house-made daily.
Expect Aurora Italiana Detroit to open later this year and be open daily at 4 p.m.
Also under Prime Concepts’ portfolio of restaurants is NARA Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse, Prime29 Steakhouse, Sexy Steak and Castle Hall in the Grand Army of the Republic Building, Wabeek Club and Tribu Mediterranean.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SusanMariecooks. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Aurora Italiana concept bringing traditional Italian to Detroit
Reporting by Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
