Veteran Miami restaurateur Jorgie Ramos has opened Bar Bella, a new Spanish restaurant and bar, in South Miami. Located at 5829 SW 73rd St., Bar Bella officially opened in mid-November. The restaurant is named after Ramos’ five-year-old daughter, Annabella, adding a personal touch to the family-owned establishment.
A Fusion of Spanish Dishes and Midwestern Influences
Bar Bella’s menu combines traditional Basque and Valencian recipes with American barbecuing and smoking techniques, a tribute to Ramos’ wife’s Midwestern roots. One standout dish is the classic paella, made with a broth crafted from smoked pork bones, vegetables, and aromatics.
“Bar Bella is the perfect spot for sharing small plates, porrón pitchers, and great stories with friends and family,” said Ramos. “The atmosphere is unique, and we are proud to be part of South Miami’s vibrant restaurant scene.”
Signature Dishes and Creative Tapas
Ramos, a Miami native with Cuban and Spanish heritage, is often found in the kitchen, preparing standout dishes like caviar cannolis and tapas. One highlight is the “bikini” grilled cheese, a popular Barcelona sandwich featuring jamon serrano, havarti cheese, fig, and truffle aioli.
Other must-try items include sopa de ajo croquetas with garlic aioli and chow chow relish, as well as the pork belly jam-topped smash burger with piquillo aioli and havarti cheese. Bar Bella also offers an assortment of barbacoa, such as duck brisket, pork belly, and dino short ribs, all smoked in-house daily.
For dessert, the restaurant serves Ramos’ father’s famous bread pudding and a rich pumpkin cheesecake.
A Focus on Refreshing Drinks and Local Flavors
In addition to its food offerings, Bar Bella boasts an extensive wine list, with a strong focus on Spanish wines. The restaurant’s cocktails feature playful names inspired by local landmarks, such as the frozen drink “Banned from Bougie’s,” made with peach puree, cranberry, peach liquor, and Jägermeister. Another popular cocktail, “Meet Me at The Tree,” combines lime, mint, guarapo, cucumber, soda, and Flor de Cana Seco, referencing the former banyan tree that once marked the entrance to the Shops at Sunset Place.
Bar Bella’s Intimate Atmosphere and History
Ramos is a well-known figure in Miami’s culinary scene, also behind Cebada Rooftop, Vice City Pizza, and the former Kendall restaurant Abi Maria, which now operates as the lively back bar of Bar Bella. Here, guests can enjoy tapas, wine, and cocktails in a more intimate setting.
Bar Bella is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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