Le Cordon Bleu-certified Chef Part of New Bell Bistro in Downtown Birmingham
Bell Bistro, a new restaurant in downtown Birmingham that specializes in American-style dishes, has opened at 185 N. Old Woodward Ave. It occupies the former Mad Hatter space, which is located across the avenue from the Emagine Palladium.
The latest concept from Bloomfield Hills-based Cicero Hospitality Group pays homage to the original building owner, Samuel Oliver Wylie Bell.
The menu, which was created by executive chef Gabriel Botezan, a Le Cordon Bleu-certified chef who has been a prominent figure in the metro Detroit dining scene for years, is complemented by a curated selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Designed in partnership with Ann Arbor-based Bowers + Associates, the 3,000-square-foot space offers a “modern bistro environment” that includes neutral wood finishes, subtle botanical touches, and graceful arches.
Bell Bistro’s menu includes a Wagyu Meatball starter, Rigatoni Alla Gricia, Langos, Steak Frites, Bell Smash Burger, and more.
Botezan also can be found at Adelina in downtown Detroit, where he works alongside chef Marco Dalla Fontana (both serving as co-executive chefs).
Adelina’s pastry chef, Gabriela Botezan, who is married to Gabriel, oversees Bell Bistro’s dessert menu, which features Papanași, Parliament Walnut Cake, Olive Oil Cake Bar, and a Raspberry Chocolate Tart.
“At Bell Bistro, we offer a unique blend of ingenuity and quality, making it perfect for a quick mid-week dinner or formal, private events,” says Randy Dickow, managing partner and food and beverage director for Cicero Hospitality Group. “We’ve designed this space to feel comfortable, yet elegant, ensuring that every guest feels welcome.”
At the bar, patrons will find a curated selection of craft cocktails, mocktails, local beers, and fine wines, with featured cocktails including The Bellerina, The Belfry, Verdita, and the Mulled Over.
“Bell Bistro reflects our team’s vision to bring another unique dining experience to metro Detroit,” says Martin Pakideh, principal of Cicero Hospitality Group. “Downtown Birmingham has always been a top dining destination, and we are proud to be part of this vibrant community.”
The main dining room offers 36 seats, complemented by a 12-seat bar. There’s another 30 seats in the lower level. The restaurant can accommodate private dining of up to 30 people.
Shawn Namou, managing partner of Namou Hotel Group in Madison Heights and a Bell Bistro partner, adds, “Bell Bistro is a celebration of exceptional service and hospitality, and our goal is to give each guest an experience that is as inviting and memorable as the food itself.”
Bell Bistro is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m. (bar open until midnight), and on Sunday from 4-10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
For more information on Bell Bistro or to make a reservation, visit bellbirmingham.com.
Founded in 2011, Cicero Hospitality Group oversees full-service hotels, restaurants, and commercial real estate in Michigan, Florida, and Illinois. For more information, visit cicerohg.com/.