Behind the Build: Bar di Bello Nears the Finish Line at Sunset Row
The latest episode of Behind the Build with EPI Construction takes us inside Bar di Bello, a boutique restaurant nearing completion at the Sunset Row retail center in Silver Lake, California. As construction reaches the final stages, the video highlights not only the craftsmanship behind the space but also the collaboration between the construction team, ownership, and development partners who helped bring the vision to life.
Reaching the Finish Line
Inside the space, EPI Construction Superintendent Fred Hall walks through where the project stands. Bar di Bello is firmly in the finishes phase, following months of foundational work that included trenching, plumbing, and extensive back of house coordination. With the rough work complete, the space is now transitioning into its final form as materials, fixtures, and detailing come together.
Building a High-Performance Kitchen
The kitchen is a key focal point of the build. Designed to support a professional restaurant operation, the layout includes a commercial cook line, hood and exhaust systems, dish and prep areas, and walk in refrigeration. Every system has been carefully coordinated to meet city and health department requirements while supporting an efficient workflow. This behind-the-scenes infrastructure is what allows the restaurant to operate seamlessly once doors open.
Design Details That Define the Space
Moving into the front of house, the personality of Bar di Bello begins to emerge. Custom lighting fixtures, detailed wall paneling, banquettes, and standout red travertine finishes set the tone for an intimate and elevated dining experience. At this stage of construction, the design vision becomes tangible, transforming the space from a shell into a destination with warmth, character, and identity.
Managing a Complex Restaurant Build
Project Manager Jaime Peña shares insight into the coordination required to deliver a restaurant project of this caliber. From permitting and inspections to scheduling and trade management, restaurant buildouts demand precision and constant communication. Watching the project evolve from early drawings to a finished space reflects the full scope of what makes this type of work both challenging and rewarding.
Sunset Row and Long-Term Partnership
The episode also features Pietro Rovelli of RYDA Ventures, the ownership and management team behind Sunset Row. Pietro discusses the transformation of the property, which began as an auto body building and has since become a thoughtfully curated retail destination aligned with the creative spirit of Silver Lake. EPI Construction played a key role in the original restoration of Sunset Row and continues to be a trusted partner on tenant buildouts throughout the center.
A Thoughtful Addition to the Community
Bar di Bello represents a natural fit for Sunset Row. With an ownership team rooted in the restaurant and wine world, the space has been designed to feel intimate, refined, and timeless. The goal for Sunset Row has always been to curate tenants that contribute to a sense of place and community, offering experiences rather than just storefronts. Bar di Bello embodies that vision.
Collaboration That Brings Vision to Life
As final finishes are installed and the project approaches completion, Bar di Bello stands as a clear example of what thoughtful collaboration between builder, developer, and tenant can achieve. This Behind the Build episode captures the moment just before opening, when months of planning, craftsmanship, and teamwork culminate in a space ready to welcome the Silver Lake community.
To see the project come together on site and hear directly from the team, watch the full Behind the Build video here: Watch Now
