It's Saturday night. And though Thursday may be the new Saturday, the weekend still reigns supreme when it comes to the hustle and bustle of the local restaurant scene. Cielo Ristorante -- note cielo translates from Italian into meaning "heaven" or as a member of the wait staff stated, "the sky," -- fits snugly into our hypothesis. The dining spot that's situated on the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Bath Avenue in Dongan Hills for the last 10 years -- on the site of the former Bocca -- is filled with diners, most of whom probably reserved their spot.

Owned by Frank Caushi, Cielo continues to serve up classic Italian fare amid a handsome interior. It boasts an extensive wine selection served by a well-versed staff. The tri-level eatery features a mahogany etched first floor dining room, a split-level dining area on the second floor replete with rich wooden flooring, a full window expanse and a row of wine refrigerators with glass panel doors.