Located on the southwest corner of Northeast First Avenue and Norteast Third Street in Downtown Miami, the Miami Sun Hotel appears to be the future home of a new Italian restaurant. Plan review paperwork was submitted by Itafood LLC for a restaurant called Ballaro opening at 228 NE First Avenue.
One of the co-owners behind the restaurant is Stefano Versace. What Now readers may already be familiar with Versace from coverage published a few years back on the expansion of Konos Gelato, of which Versace is the founder.
“We are the professionals of gelato,” Versace said at the time about the brand’s popular frozen goodness. Now he looks to be bringing that professionalism to bear on an Italian restaurant concept.
What Now reached out to Versace on Thursday to inquire about plans for Ballaro. Versace was not immediately available for comment.
That leaves us waiting for more details about the upcoming restaurant. But the name, at least, may contain a clue: as it happens, Ballarò is the name of a famous street market in Palermo, Sicily.
The space at 228 NE First Avenue has served as the home of Smoothie Spot Downtown, which is currently closed.
What Now is awaiting more information on Ballaro.
