Welcome to Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar — Royal Oak’s Neighborhood Italian Escape
By Noah James, Social Media Director — Merkel Restaurants
Published: April 2026 | littlebellasroyaloak.com
Downtown Royal Oak has always had a talent for reinvention. At the corner of South Main Street and West 11 Mile Road, one building has become the most talked-about address in Metro Detroit dining — and it just added its most exciting chapter yet. Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar officially opened on March 26, 2026, on the ground floor of 100 S. Main St., bringing brick-oven-fired Neapolitan pizza, handpicked wines, and inventive craft cocktails to the heart of downtown.[1][2]
This is not a franchise. This is not a chain. Little Bella’s is a neighborhood pizza and wine bar built with intention — a place with, as founder Adam Merkel described it, “real soul and personality.” Consider this your complete introduction to everything Little Bella’s is, what it serves, and why Royal Oak residents and Metro Detroit food lovers are already making it a regular destination.[1]
The Story
A Building With History — Now Home to an Italian Complex
The space at 100 S. Main St. has housed some of Royal Oak’s most beloved venues over the years — Bohemia, Pearl’s Deep Dive, and Pinky’s Rooftop among them. When restaurateur Adam Merkel took over the building in 2018, his vision was long-term: build something lasting at one of Royal Oak’s most visible intersections. That vision has fully materialized. Bella Limone, an Italian rooftop dining experience, opened on the building’s second floor in August 2025. Little Bella’s now anchors the ground floor, completing what Merkel himself calls “a whole Italian complex.”[1][3][4][5]
The Man Behind the Restaurant: Adam Merkel
Adam Merkel’s path to building one of Metro Detroit’s most respected restaurant groups is the kind of story people tell their kids. He started busing tables at his family’s diner on Detroit’s west side at age nine. After the 2008 recession made bank loans impossible, he cobbled together money from family and friends to acquire Diamonds Steak & Seafood in downtown Howell in 2009 — a white-linen establishment that had been operating since the mid-1980s. From that single acquisition, he built a hospitality empire that now spans multiple cities and dining concepts.[6][7]
Merkel is a 2019 DBusiness magazine 30 in Their Thirties honoree and a recognized partner of legendary restaurateur Cameron Mitchell, who has called Merkel someone who “brings authenticity, creativity, and heart to everything he does.” Today, the Adam Merkel Restaurant Group portfolio includes:[8][3][9]
- Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar — Royal Oak (100 S. Main St., Floor 1)
- Bella Limone — Royal Oak (100 S. Main St., Floor 2 + Rooftop)
- Diamonds Steak & Seafood — Royal Oak and Howell
- Cello Italian Restaurant — Howell
- The Silver Pig Bar & Oyster Room — Howell
What Little Bella’s Was Built to Be
The concept was designed to complement its upstairs sibling, Bella Limone, while standing on its own identity. Where Bella Limone leans into the warmth and elegance of an Amalfi Coast-inspired dining room, Little Bella’s is described as its “darker, late-night sister” — a subterranean escape where handmade dough, bright tomatoes, and uncompromising wine do the talking. The Metro Intelligencer described the interior as bold and eclectic, with dark blue walls adorned with gold-framed mirrors, black-and-white photography, and a wine glass chandelier as the dining room’s centerpiece.[2]
“Little Bella’s was designed to feel fun, inviting, and a little unexpected,” Merkel said. “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.”[1][10]
The Culinary Team
Executive Chef Kwontrell Stowers
Leading the kitchen at Little Bella’s is Executive Chef Kwontrell Stowers, who previously served as Chef de Cuisine at Birmingham’s acclaimed Adachi restaurant. Stowers brings precision, creativity, and a deep respect for Italian technique to every dish that leaves the brick oven and the pasta station. His menu at Little Bella’s is built on scratch-made, seasonal ingredients, and the results are the kinds of dishes that make Royal Oak diners come back twice in one week.[2][11]
Beverage Director Sean May
The cocktail and wine program at Little Bella’s is curated by Beverage Director Sean May, also an Adachi alumnus from Birmingham. May’s approach to the bar is Italian in spirit but global in its reach — showcasing house-made limoncello crafted over a two-month process alongside a wine list that pulls from Italy, France, New Zealand, Oregon, and California. His signature espresso martini program has already become one of the restaurant’s most distinctive calling cards.[1][10][12]
The Food: Brick Oven, Scratch-Made, and Uncompromising
Neapolitan Brick Oven Pizzas
The heart of Little Bella’s is its brick oven, and the pizza menu reflects a kitchen that takes the craft seriously. Sixteen distinct pizzas appear on the current menu, ranging from approachable classics to bold creative combinations:[11]
- Margherita — Blistered Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, EVOO ($17)
- Old School Pepperoni — House Cheese Blend, Pepperoni, Hungarian Peppers ($18)
- Prosciutto di Parma — Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Arugula, Roasted Tomato, Pecorino ($20)
- Tour of Italy — Mozzarella, Basil Pesto, Prosciutto, Balsamic ($20)
- Tartufo — Artisan Mushrooms, Goat Cheese, Black Pepper, Pecorino, Egg, Shaved Black Truffles ($25)
- Sicilian — Salami, Mini Meatballs, Ricotta, Red Onion, Fresh Herbs ($19)
- Four Pigs — Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Sausage, Guanciale, Pork Belly, Cilantro ($21)
- Green Pizza — Garlicky Spinach, Herbs, Pecorino Romano ($22)
- Garlic Lover’s — Garlic Cream, Garlic Confit, Garlic Butter Crust, Sicilian Oregano, Fresh Basil ($18)
- Quattro Formaggi — Fontina, Feta, Mozzarella, Parmigiano, Rosemary ($17)
Pasta & Plates
Beyond pizza, the kitchen turns out a lineup of scratch-made pastas and entrees that compete with anything in the Metro Detroit Italian dining scene:[2]
- Handmade Tortelloni — Spinach, Fresh Ricotta, Palomino Sauce ($24)
- Gnocchi Genovese — Ricotta Gnocchi, Braised Beef Shank, Pecorino, Parmesan ($26)
- Lemon Bucatini — Lemon, Butter, Pecorino Romano ($18)
- Chicken Marsala — Cremini, King Trumpet, EVOO Poached Potatoes ($24)
- Roasted Branzino — Pan Roasted, Baby Bok Choy, Citrus Butter ($34)
- Aglio e Olio — Spaghetti, Great Olive Oil, Garlic, Pecorino ($16)
Shareables Worth Ordering First
The shareable section at Little Bella’s is where the table comes alive. A few standouts:[11]
- Charcuterie Board — Focaccia, Asiago, Goat Cheese, Parmesan, Prosciutto, Salami ($18)
- Burrata — Roasted Eggplant, Pesto ($15)
- Truffle Cheese Bread — Mozzarella, Fontina, Herbs ($15)
- Melted Pecorino — Housemade Focaccia, Honey, Apple ($12)
- Fritto Misto — Crispy Calamari, Shrimp, Lemon, Mixed Veggies, Citrus Aioli ($16)
- Truffle Fries — Parmesan, Rosemary Salt, Truffle Aioli ($10)
- Brussels Sprouts — Calabrian Chili, Agave, Lime ($12)
Desserts
Chef Stowers finishes the meal as strongly as he starts it:[12]
- Olive Oil Cake — EVOO, Chantilly Cream ($11)
- Tiramisu — Espresso Soaked Lady Fingers, Mascarpone Whip, Cocoa ($12)
- Mom’s Carrot Cake — Served Warm, Frosted to Order ($12)
- Crème Brûlée of the Day — Chef’s Rotating Feature ($12)
The Bar Program: Wine, Cocktails & the Espresso Martini Capital of Royal Oak
Housemade Limoncello — A Two-Month Labor of Love
Little Bella’s makes its own limoncello in-house, slowly developed over two months using a traditional Italian method. The result is a bright, smooth finish available in both classic and creamy versions at $8 each — and it is the base for several cocktails throughout the menu, including the signature Lemonade Drop Italiano ($17).[3][12]
The Espresso Martini Program
Adam Merkel identified the espresso martini section as one of the restaurant’s defining differentiators at opening: “One thing that really sets us apart is our espresso martini section, with three different versions on the cocktail menu, each with its own personality and all of them exceptional.” The three expressions are:[1][12]
- Espresso Martini — Espresso, Vodka, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur ($17)
- Espresso Martini Soufflé — Fresh Espresso, Vodka, Kahlua Especial, Espresso Foam ($19)
- Tiramisu Martini — Fresh Espresso, Hamilton Breezeway Blend Rum, Borghetti, Bumbu Creme ($18)
“Combined with the food, I believe Little Bella’s will quickly become known across Metro Detroit for its espresso martinis,” Merkel added at launch.[1]
Originale Cocktails & Little Tini’s
Beverage Director Sean May’s full cocktail menu spans two tiers:[12]
Originale Cocktails ($15–$17)
- Sporco — Olive Oil Washed Weiss Distilling Straightjacket Gin or Vanishing Vodka, Olive Brine, Martini Bianco
- Lemonade Drop Italiano — Vodka, House Made Limoncello, Aperol, Lemon
- Bella Ragazza — Pear Ginger Vodka, Pama, Pineapple, Lemon, Swedish Fish
- Fiore Cosmopolitan — Ketel One Vodka, Orange Liqueur, Elderflower Liqueur, Lemon
- Francesco’s Old Fashioned — Elijah Craig Rye, Amaro Averna, Demerara, Angostura
- White Rabbit — Vodka, Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Lemon, Mint
- Royal Banana-Colada — Weiss Royal Rum, Banana Liqueur, Coconut Milk, Lime, Hamilton’s Pimento Dram
Little Tini’s — Approachable Sips ($9)
- Lil’ Lemon Drop, Lil’ Dirty, Lil’ Ragazza
Negronis, Spritzes & Spiritless Options
The Negroni section features three builds — Classico, Aranciata, and Fragola — each reflecting May’s artisanal approach to Italian aperitivo culture. Spritz options range from the classic Veneziano (Aperol, Prosecco, Soda — $12) to the Hugo (Elderflower Liqueur, Prosecco, Soda, Mint — $12). Spiritless guests are also thoughtfully served with three zero-proof options, including the Strawberry Faux-Jito and a Spirit-Free G&T using Little Saints St. Juniper.[12]
Wine — Italian Roots, Global Range
The wine list at Little Bella’s is curated with the same intentionality as the food menu. Highlights include:[12]
| Category | Selection | Price (4oz/7oz/Bottle) |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling | Ruggeri Prosecco Brut, Veneto | $8 / — / $44 |
| White | Pinot Grigio, Vigenti Del Sole, Veneto | $8 / $13 / $44 |
| White | Sauvignon Blanc, Frenzy, Marlborough NZ | $9 / $15 / $52 |
| White | Chardonnay, Willamette Valley Vineyards | $11 / $18 / $60 |
| Red | Chianti Classico, Castello di Querceto, Tuscany | $9 / $15 / $52 |
| Red | Barbera d’Alba, Ercole, Piedmont | $8 / $13 / $44 |
| Red | Cabernet Sauvignon, The Critic, Napa Valley | $11 / $18 / $60 |
| Champagne | Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut | Split $20 / Full $140 |
| Champagne | Dom Pérignon, FR, 2015 | $350 |
Happy Hour, Events & Private Dining
Daily Happy Hour — 4:00–5:30 PM
Little Bella’s offers Happy Hour every day of the week from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Deals include:[13][12]
- $8 Spritz Cocktails
- $8 Select Glasses of Wine
- $5 off all Shareables and Brick Oven Pizzas
A “Golden Hours” promotion on Wednesdays from 3:00–6:00 PM features half-price house wine by the glass.[14]
Private Events & Custom Catering
Little Bella’s can accommodate groups of 20 to 200 guests in a dedicated event space located on the lower level of the building, adjacent to the restaurant. The team handles everything from corporate functions to birthdays, anniversary dinners, rehearsal dinners, and custom catering packages. For inquiries: (248) 938-0444.[12]
Hours, Location & Reservations
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday–Thursday | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday–Saturday | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Monday | CLOSED |
Address: 100 S. Main St., Floor 1, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 385-3611
Reservations: Available via OpenTable
Website: littlebellasroyaloak.com
Little Bella’s carries a current OpenTable rating of 4.4 stars across food, service, and value, with a 4.8 for ambience — a strong early signal for a restaurant that opened its doors just weeks ago.[13]
Part of Something Bigger: The Italian Complex at 100 S. Main
Little Bella’s sits directly beneath Bella Limone, the rooftop Italian dining destination that opened in August 2025 and helped put 100 S. Main St. back on Metro Detroit’s dining map. Together, the two restaurants form what Merkel envisions as a complete Italian destination in the heart of downtown Royal Oak — a ground-floor pizza and wine bar feeding the energy of the neighborhood, and a rooftop dining room offering something elevated above it.[1][2][3][4]
The Detroit Free Press covered the opening, describing it as an Italian-inspired spot that pairs pizza with wine and cocktails in a space that was born from years of careful building and brand evolution. The Metro Times noted the restaurant opened in “the former Pinky’s Rooftop space,” anchoring it firmly in the lineage of Royal Oak’s most storied venue history. The Metro Intelligencer called the kitchen’s standout dishes — the Tortelloni, the Gnocchi Genovese, and the Chicken Marsala — representative of a culinary program with serious ambition.[2][10][1]
Why Little Bella Belongs on Your Royal Oak Restaurant List
Royal Oak has no shortage of dining options — but very few restaurants arrive with the infrastructure, culinary talent, and operational experience that Little Bella’s brings to the table. Executive Chef Kwontrell Stowers brings fine-dining precision from one of Birmingham’s best restaurants. Beverage Director Sean May brings a cocktail philosophy grounded in quality, creativity, and balance. And Adam Merkel brings fifteen-plus years of building dining destinations that last.[1][2][6]
Whether the visit is a Tuesday night happy hour with $8 spritzes, a Friday date night over Tartufo pizza and a bottle of Barolo, or a Sunday afternoon with the family sharing Truffle Fries and Mom’s Carrot Cake — Little Bella’s is built to hold every version of a Royal Oak evening. That is what a neighborhood restaurant is supposed to do.
Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar is located at 100 S. Main St., Floor 1, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Open Tuesday–Thursday 4–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 12–11 PM, Sunday 12–9 PM. Closed Monday. Reservations via OpenTable. Events: (248) 938-0444. Follow @littlebellaspizza on Instagram.[13][17]
Sources
- Detroit Metro Times – “Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar opens in Royal Oak.”
- Metro Intelligencer – “New restaurant for Adam Merkel Restaurant Group.”
- Detroit Free Press – “New pizza and wine bar opens Thursday in downtown Royal Oak.”
- Used for: confirmation of Italian-inspired concept, pizza + wine/cocktail focus, opening timing.
- DBusiness Magazine – “Bella Limone Opens in Downtown Royal Oak, Little Bella’s Pizza …” and Adam Merkel profile pieces
- Livingston Post / Merkel history articles – “Merkel puts all his eggs in Howell’s basket.”
- Merkel Restaurants official site – “Our Restaurants” and related posts
- OpenTable listing – “Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar – Royal Oak, MI.”
- AAA Trip Canvas / other listing sites – “Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar – Royal Oak, MI.”
- Bella Limone coverage – Yahoo / local press
- Instagram – @littlebellaspizza