Foodies take note! A new restaurant is opening its doors this summer in Stone Harbor, featuring a worldly cuisine with tapas-inspired small plates perfect for sharing. Rubia Tapas is in the works, with a soft opening set for early May, and a grand opening to the public in June. 

Owner Debra Howell is no stranger to the dining scene, owning Empanada Mamas in Cape May, and has a long history in the restaurant industry starting with the Ford family at Avalon Coffee when she was 14. In addition to the F&B industry, Debra also has been the owner of Victory Cleaning since 2012, which focuses on homes on the 7 Mile Island. Howell and partners, Chefs Wes Thompson and Peter Gingerelli, are building a menu featuring daily specials, and highlighting small plates with seafood and beef, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The venue, formally Marabella’s Restaurant, located at 9426 Third Ave., will be split into two spaces featuring a lounge theme on the left, and traditional dining on the right. Diners can BYO or enjoy a selection of Hawk Haven Vineyard wines that will be offered with the tapas-themed menu. 

What’s even more exciting besides these small-plate selections, is the additional brunch menu which will be offered once the restaurant is open full-time this summer, along with the news that Howell plans to stay open year-round, for a much-needed island dining option in the off-season.

Best of luck as these partners work to officially open for Summer 2023. Stay tuned for more information about this new dining establishment on the 7 Mile Beach, we can’t wait!