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Read the press release here.

Italian Restaurant Specializing In Meatballs Slated For Clark Street

By Josh McGhee | September 20, 2016 8:16am
 Bar Roma, an Italian restaurant and bar is planned for the former Tapas Las Ramblas space at 5101 N. Clark St.
Bar Roma, an Italian restaurant and bar is planned for the former Tapas Las Ramblas space at 5101 N. Clark St.
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DNAinfo/Josh McGhee and Bar Roma

UPTOWN — There are finally some answers about what will become of the old Tapas Las Ramblas location.

Bar Roma, an Italian restaurant featuring Roman cuisine and meatballs, will move into 5101 N. Clark St. this fall, according to a news release from the restaurant.

"It takes more than exquisite cooking to make a memorable meal. We at Bar Roma believe an intimate atmosphere in the right location, personal and attentive service and great company are what separates a delicious dinner from an unforgettable experience," according to the website for Bar Roma.

The new restaurant is inspired by The Meatball Shop in New York City and "the neighborhood restaurants of Rome, Italy." It will serve dinner seven nights a week and plans to eventually add weekend brunch, the release said.

The menu for Bar Roma is available here.

Julia Zhu, of Oysy Sushi, will be the proprietor of the space. Zhu immigrated to Chicago in 1983 as a foreign exchange student and fell in love with the city's restaurant scene. Fred Ramos, formerly of Gioco and Angelina Ristorante, will serve as executive chef, the release said.

"Ramos brings extensive knowledge of Italian cuisine and will present classic Roman dishes," the release said. "Bar Roma's open kitchen with cured meat and cheese slicing station will set the stage for an entertaining and lively dining experience."

Bob Bansberg, who was named "Best Sommelier" by Chicago Magazine, will serve as beverage consultant and help build a pan-Italian wine list showcasing 50 regional selections and a reserve list. The beverage list will include craft cocktails featuring Italian bitters, amaros and digestivos, and beers from Italy and Chicago breweries.

Bar Roma will have seating for 120.

The Spanish tapas joint Tapas Las Ramblas closed in early 2013 without many details from co-owner Michael Moore and has remained vacant ever since.

In May, the new owners of the 3,100-square-foot condo and restaurant building announced they "have a concept in the works, slated to open later this year," according to a news release for Kudan Group.

Officials have declined to release further details on the project.

Before becoming Tapas Las Ramblas, the restaurant was Il Fiasco, an Italian restaurant also owned by Moore. It became Tapas Las Ramblas in 2008.

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