Busy restaurateur Adam Merkel has changed the concept of his rooftop space at the corner of 11 Mile and Main Street in downtown Royal Oak.
After shuttering the feminine and rosy Pinky’s Rooftop earlier this year, Bella Limone made its debut last week. Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the new concept opens just in time to soak up the milder days of late summer and early fall on the rooftop patio and breezy dining room.
“Bella Limone was created to capture the warmth and vibrancy of Italian hospitality,” Merkel said in statement shared with the media. Merkel owns several area restaurants, including Cello Italian and Silver Pig in Howell and he’s also involved in the new Big Rock Italian Chophouse in Birmingham with Cameron Mitchell. “On a recent trip to Capri and Positano, I was inspired by the beauty, flavors, and spirit of the Amalfi Coast. From our handcrafted pasta to our signature limoncello, every detail reflects that inspiration and a passion for bringing people together.”
To help welcome guests to the new restaurant, the menu at Belle Limone will be 50% off for the first hour of business each day through the end of September. There will also be select wine specials during the first hour.
The menu highlights the house-made pasta, available in two sizes, as well as a gluten-free option. There’s also house specialties such as sausage and peppers, tomato bruschetta, chicken limoncello, beef tenderloin medallions and scallops with Parmesan risotto. Merkle’s well-known carrot cake with cream cheese frosting stays on the menu.
“Adam brings authenticity, creativity and heart to everything he does,” said Cameron Mitchell, Merkel’s partner and mentor, in a statement. “Bella Limone captures that spirit beautifully and I’m excited to see it thrive.”
Next, Little Bella’s Pizza and Wine Bar will open on the ground floor area at the same address, where Pearl’s Deep Dive restaurant was. Merkle says that should be ready in October. The other space in this floorplan, where Mediterranean restaurant Bohemia used to be will be used as a banquet area and private event room.
Bella Limone, 100 S. Main in Royal Oak, is open 4-9:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 4-10:30 p.m. Fri., 3-10:30 p.m. Sat. and 3-8:30 p.m. Sun. Walk-ins are welcome, or reservations can be made through the OpenTable app or by visiting bellalimone.com.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
Dining and Cooking