Another Italian restaurant has opened in Miami, but this one is different, and different in a very good way.
Celebrity Israeli chef Eyal Shani, one of the most influential figures in Israel’s culinary scene and the force behind restaurants in some of the world’s most glamorous destinations, has opened his first Italian concept restaurant, Bella, located at 236 21st Street in South Beach, within the Liberty Park Hotel.
Bella is not a real person, but rather a fictional Italian mamma who virtually lives in the kitchen, and her spirit is felt throughout the restaurant. This is one of the most beautifully staged dining rooms to open in Miami this year. Designed by Veronica Mishaan, you would swear you were dining in an Italian piazza. The restaurant is set in a courtyard centered around an artichoke-shaped fountain, with terracotta floors, wrought iron details, lush greenery, flowering trellises, hand-blown glass lamps, and natural fabrics with subtle striped upholstery. It is undeniably romantic, and you quickly forget that you are in Miami.
You can dine indoors, anchored by a striking green onyx bar, but the place to be is outdoors, dining under a star-lit sky. Trust me.
The food is inspired by Chef Shani’s vision and executed under the capable leadership of young and talented Chef Neil Strauber. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by an abundant antipasti table, inviting you to load your plate with roasted peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, artichokes, whole roasted garlic, olives, and labneh. My advice is to show some restraint and save room for what follows.
The Bella primi offerings present a thoughtful blend of Italian, Mediterranean, and Israeli influences. Fresh-baked focaccia, and dishes like farto on a bed of yogurt. The standout for me was the melting spinach, the best spinach dish I have ever had, finished generously with olive oil, butter, and plenty of 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
All of the pasta is made in-house and can be seen being prepared in a glass-enclosed exhibition kitchen. We tried the lamb ragù, although there are several appealing options, including artichoke pasta, black pepper tagliatelle, and a tomato-based pasta.
From the secondi, the eggplant melanzana was good, though not a traditional version. The “Truly Giant Schnitzel” lives up to its name and was both impressive in size and excellent in execution. Another standout was the branzino, roasted with tomatoes and fennel. The menu boldly claims it is the best they have ever eaten, and they may be right. Prime rib and a Florentine steak complete the main course offerings.
The wine list is Italian-focused, though I would love to see a few more options by the glass. We opted for cocktails instead, which were creative, balanced, and well executed. A small suggestion would be to add more mocktails, as there was only one available.
Dessert offerings include four choices: a Bella dolce, a tatami that evokes tiramisu without being one, an apple crumble, and a rich, decadent Valrhona chocolate mousse.
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, and Bella stands out as one of the stronger new restaurant openings in Miami this year. A couple of minor pet peeves include paper napkins instead of cloth, which would feel more appropriate for a restaurant of this caliber, and the lack of valet parking, as parking in South Beach can be challenging. Ride share may be the easiest option.
What truly impressed me was the à la minute cooking. Everything was freshly prepared, and plates were changed after every course. The food beautifully embodied the cuisine of southern Italy while reflecting the spirit of the Mediterranean.
Well done.
Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
02/13/2026
