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L’Etoile held its soft opening this April and welcomes guests
seeking fine French cuisine and an extensive wine list.
For the first time since 2010, the historic Snouder Building in Oyster Bay re-opened this spring.
The original 1889 fountain sodas from the iconic corner drug store gave way to what the new proprietors say is the best French wine you can find on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
L’Etoile, a French fine dining restaurant in the heart of Oyster Bay, held its soft opening in April 2025. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of the centuries-old building is planned for the summer.
In the meantime, Stellina Hospitality Group has perfected L’Etoile’s menu and wine list to welcome guests.
How it happened
Stellina Hospitality Group owner Tom Milana, who also runs Stellina Ristorante, Stellina Bakery and The Audrey in Oyster Bay, along with Casa Stellina in Farmingdale, didn’t intend to open a French restaurant — or any new restaurant for that matter.
“I had zero interest in opening another restaurant, but I was convinced to go see the space,” he said.
When he got a peek at the historic building under renovation, he saw the vast potential.
“I couldn’t say no. If I didn’t do it, someone else was going to do it. It’s the best piece of real estate in Oyster Bay,” Milana said. “Location is everything, and this just happens to be — in my opinion — the best location in Oyster Bay.”
The owner who renovated the building had envisioned a French restaurant reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, which is a departure from Stellina’s other brands, which focus on Italian cuisine.
But with top talent in the kitchen, the vision quickly became a reality.
“Within 24 hours of telling our Casa Stellina executive chef, Fabrizio Facchini, he had a full French menu ready to go for us,” Milana said.
Executive chef Bryan Dedcovich was brought on to refine and execute Facchini’s vision, creating a menu that is both upscale and accessible.
“The most important thing to me when designing this restaurant was that we maintained an upscale level of service while making it comfortable for people from all walks to come to the restaurant. The service is excellent. It’s also comfortable, warm and family friendly. I can’t believe the amount of kids coming to dinner with their parents,” said L’Etoile director of operations Sabrina Milana.
If you go
Sabrina Milana listed the French onion soup as one of the most popular menu items.
“The puff pastry on top is absolutely exquisite,” she said. “It’s so different from any French onion soup you would find in another French restaurant.”
Yet, as a familiar food, it will bring guests in the door.
“That will encourage them to try everything else, which is excellent,” she said.
The food and ambiance aren’t the only attractions at what is certain to become a top Oyster Bay dining destination.
“We spent a lot of time and money curating what will probably be the best French wine list on Long Island,” Tom Milana added. “It’s not just about the food. It’s about the experience. And I think we’ve delivered that.”
L’Etoile is open Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
It shares the building with Provisions Market, which also opened earlier this month.
Related coverage
Photos come courtesy of the L’Etoile website gallery.
