Syosset's Celebrity Diner is reborn as Neptune Diner

Queens’ Neptune Diner had been under family ownership for 40 years when its lease ended in July, around the time Syosset’s Celebrity Diner was looking for a new owner. After a full renovation, the new Neptune Diner in Syosset is open with a glossy, updated look.

A family affair, the Neptune Diner was launched back in the '80s by Peter Katishtis and his brother George. Peter's son Sarando, with his brother-in-law, Konstantinos Doukas, and cousin John Kaitsas, are the trio bringing the eatery to Long Island. There are two other outposts, in Crown Heights in Brooklyn and Bayside in Queens.

"We always wanted to do something on Long Island," Katsihtis said. "Celebrity has been around for a long time, so when a mutual friend between the prior owner and us put us together, it seemed like an obvious fit."

Like most Long Island diners, standard fare includes three-egg omelets (from $10.75), pancakes, club sandwiches and handhelds, oversize salads, wraps, burgers, and larger format plates including pasta specials, Greek specials such as moussaka ($22.95) and gyros (from $13.50), and Italian specialities such as chicken, veal ($31.50), shrimp and meatball Parms, all served with soup or salad.

Sold on the "proven" location, Katsihtis said the new owners knew the space "was tired, and needed some TLC." The renovated dining room is anchored by a semicircle bar, with new tables, booths, windows and light fixtures. Sleek and modern, the new space is light, bright and buzzy — a complete renovation.

But the tradition of Celebrity remains. Katsihtis said the new owners "are not trying to reinvent the wheel. We have customers who have been coming here for a long time, many looking for their favorites. In return, we are just trying to make it a happy place where you can bring your family."

Neptune Diner, 312 Jericho Tpke., Syosset, 516-364-1970, Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.