Dim lights, soft music and chatting set the scene at Filo Spinatos.

The new Italian restaurant held an invitation-only event Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m.

“It was an introduction for the people who made this event possible,” said owner Mel Witmer.

A variety of foods and desserts were offered to guests throughout the evening, with bartenders on hand.

The restaurant, located on 241 E. Lincoln Highway, opens to the public Wednesday. Mock services are being held Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The menu is described as modern Italian cuisine. Dinner choices range from salad, pizza, pasta, chicken, seafood, steaks, chops and veal, all in a price range of $7 to $22. The menu includes antipasti, sides, and desserts and a wide selection of beer and wine.

“I was really impressed,” said DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer. “It’s surely a very different restaurant-bar. Very different from anything we’ve had in DeKalb so far.”

Van Buer was also impressed with the improvements made to the front of the building.

“It’s like going through the door into another world,” Van Buer said.

Others were also enthusiastic with the outcome of the restaurant.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the interior and exterior,” said Jennifer Gross, executive director of ReNew DeKalb. “They are a great edition to our downtown.”

“I feel I’ve just stepped into Chicago or Naperville,” said DeKalb Alderman David Baker. “This is definitely the future of DeKalb.”

Deputy Liquor Commissioner Cory Warren was also pleased with the restaurant’s outcome and described the food as “very good.”

“I think this is going to draw people throughout the area,” Warren said. “It’s incredible.”

“I think this is much needed in the DeKalb area,” said Justin Carlson, a DeKalb resident and friend of the owners.

Carlson said he really enjoyed the food and ambience of the restaurant.

“I think [the owners] are trying to change DeKalb one step at a time,” Carlson said.

“The response is absolutely fabulous,” said Witmer. “We brought a little bit of the Windy City for DeKalb.”

Filo Spinatos, Italian for “Barbed Wire,” will open to the public Wednesday.

Where: 241 E. Lincoln Hwy.

Hours: 4 to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

4 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

The bar will open at 5 p.m.