Phase 3 is bringing a much-needed boost for restaurants that could not offer outdoor dining during phase two.

Franco Zitoli has been serving up Italian specialties at Franina, his family-run restaurant in Syosset, for 40 years. Zitoli says because the restaurant did not have outdoor seating, the state of phrase three Wednesday was a very big day.

Patrons say they are happy Franina opened its doors after 3 1/2 months.

Otto's Sea Grill along the Nautical Mile in Freeport has also reopened for indoor dining. Since 1929, Otto's has weathered a lot of storms, including Superstorm Sandy, but workers say they will not let the coronavirus take them down.

While restaurants are celebrating getting back to business, doctors on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic say social distancing guidelines cannot go out the window.

Restaurants that offer indoor dining can only open at 50% capacity.

Restaurant owners will also be asking diners to leave contact information to ensure proper contact tracing in the event of a positive COVID-19 case after reopening.