Long a neighborhood favorite in the Energy Corridor, venerable Carmelo’s Cucina Italiana is enjoying a transformation that already has Inner Loopers thinking, in Michelin star lingo, “It’s worth the drive.” Since saving the 37-year-old restaurant from closing for good in December, restaurateur extraordinaire Benjamin Berg and his brother, chef Daniel Berg, have been upping the game when it comes to pastas, sauces and classic Italian fare.

Not much had changed in the Italian restaurant since Carmelo Mauro opened it in 1981. The kitschy decor including shiny yellow banquettes, the leaning tower of Pisa replica and mammoth antique sideboard with flowers kept regulars comfortable with the familiar surroundings. But changes are inevitable when new owners take the helm.