Italian Restaurant Takes Over Chef Allen's

In 'Just What We Need' news, the space formerly known as Chef Allen's, a restaurant that put Miami on the culinary map many moons ago, will soon will be home to Luca Bella, a family-style Italian restaurant, slated to open in September. Mickey Maltese, former owner of Matteo’s Italian Restaurant in Hallandale Beach, is taking over the space.

Maltese says he likes to create Italian comfort food in family-style portions and plans to showcase what he calls a “modern twist to an authentic Italian eatery." The menu will include little neck baked clams or clams casino, pan fried veal chops layered with prosciutto and mozzarella topped with a marsala mushroom sauce.

The 4,000 square foot restaurant will be able to seat 200. It also has an outside patio, a private party room, a 20-person bar and several large flat screen televisions. Dishes will run from $11.95-42.95. ---Lily Rano [EaterWire]