Remember Balan’s in Miami Beach? A new Mediterranean restaurant is opening in its spot

Lincoln Road may be in Miami Beach, but the proprietors of the new Issabella’s want you to pretend — nay, believe — you’re in Spain, Italy or Greece.

The new Mediterranean restaurant, which opens this week in the former space of Balan’s on Lincoln Road, comes from restaurateurs Jonathan and Keva Balan of Uni Hospitality, who created Balan’s.

Issabella’s, however, is an entirely new concept, focusing on family-style dishes and tapas and showing off a new design.

“We had a great space to work with, but it was never used to its potential,” said Keva Balan in a press release. “I wanted to highlight the fabulously tall ceiling and the dramatic staircase.”

The design blends contemporary Mediterranean colors, natural marble stones and wood accents, with a few antique pieces. And the bar remains a vital part of the restaurant: “We love sitting at a fabulous bar having a great cocktail and I think we definitely achieved that,“ Keva Balan said.

The menu includes such dishes as Spanish octopus carpaccio, crispy squid, uni toast and bravas topped with caviar and uni aioli. There are also charcuterie and cheese boards as well as salads, pizzas and other entrees.

If the bar is your destination, you’ll find many imported gins, resulting in a variety of twists on the popular G&T. You can also sip apertif-style cocktails or a glass of wine.

“We wanted to create a space that is fresh and inviting, simple yet sophisticated,” explained Jonathan Balan in a press release. “Serving great food and drinks in a beautiful space with excellent service we feel is missing in Miami Beach, particularly Lincoln Road. We are both European and wanted to create a space that really embodies that European lifestyle.”

Issabella’s

Where: 1022 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

Opening: Dec. 17

Information: www.issabellas.com