BellaBrava Restaurant Is Growing

BellaBrava is expanding.

The trendy restaurant at 204 Beach Drive will pick up an additional 800 square feet when it takes over building space occupied by Salon LaRu, next door, according to a news release.

“When the landlord contacted us, we jumped at the opportunity,” said Mike Harting, manager at BellaBrava in a news release. “The demand for the additional capacity is there and, on our busiest nights, seating times will be much quicker.”

The addition will bring 50 more seats to the 230-seat downtown restaurant, which has indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant also plans to hire up to 16 more employees.

The news of BellaBrava's expansion should not surprise regulars, who are used to crowds at the restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

BellaBrava is popular for its Italian-influenced foods. A recent Facebook entry noted some menu additions:

• Six cheese sacchettini in lobster bolognese, truffled sage butter;
• Grilled grouper on summer vegetable salad with champagne vin;
• Filet tenderloin with gorgonzola crust and pomegranate sauce.

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