New restaurant for Adam Merkel Restaurant Group

Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar has officially opened at 100 S. Main Street in Royal Oak. The restaurant sits just below its rooftop counterpart, Bella Limone, which debuted in August and is described on its website as “the darker, late-night sister to Bella Limone—a subterranean escape where handmade dough, bright tomatoes, and uncompromising wine do the talking...curated for the midnight crowd.” Like Bella Limone, Little Bella’s is part of the Adam Merkel Restaurant Group, known for several popular destinations including Diamonds Steak & Seafood, The Silver Pig, and Cello Italian Restaurant in Howell. “Little Bella’s was designed to feel fun, inviting, and a little unexpected,” said Merkel in a news release. “We wanted to create a space with real soul and personality — great pizza, a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail program, and an atmosphere that feels stylish, comfortable, and full of energy.” The space reflects that vision with a bold, eclectic, and slightly vintage-inspired interior. Dark blue walls are adorned with a gallery-style collection of gold-framed mirrors and black-and-white photography, while a striking wine glass chandelier serves as the dining room’s centerpiece. In the kitchen, Chef Kwontrell Stowers—formerly Chef de Cuisine at Birmingham’s acclaimed Adachi—leads the culinary program. The menu’s emphasis is brick oven pizzas alongside a selection of shareable plates and hearty entrees. Standout dishes include Handmade Tortelloni with spinach, fresh ricotta, and palomino sauce; Chicken Marsala with cremini and king trumpet mushrooms, served with EVOO-poached potatoes; and Gnocchi Genovese featuring ricotta gnocchi, braised beef shank, pecorino, and parmesan.

100 S Main St Floor 1, Royal Oak littlebellasroyaloak.com