Considering the economic downturn, now may seem like a strange time to be opening a new restaurant.

But for Eastside restaurateurs Bradley Dickinson and Mikel Rogers, the success they’ve seen in the three years since opening Pearl Bar & Dining is the motivation behind their newest eatery – KORAL.

KORAL will open in the Hyatt Regency hotel in February, taking over the former, 7,800-square-foot Twisted Cork space. The restaurant will be open seven days a week, and include a weekend brunch.

“Our goal with KORAL is to introduce a comfortable and inviting concept to the downtown Bellevue dining scene; a new American tavern,” Rogers said. “Where Pearl is sleek, sexy and sophisticated, KORAL is the contemporary, warm counterpart.”

With the design and ambiance, the co-owners are going for an environment that will welcome everyone – from suit-clad professional, to people who’ve come straight from the gym.

The menu will include small plates: house-made pickles and garnishes ($12), Half-Shell Oyster Shooters with pepper vodka and optional horseradish ($2 each) and little gem lettuces with Dungeness crab and green goddess ($12) and entrees: Gnocchi with braised oxtail and beef jus ($18), the KitchenBurger served with rosemary sea salt fries ($12) and Triple Glaze Roasted Pork Shank with savoy cabbage and black garlic sauce ($17).

KORAL will be located at 900 Bellevue Way NE, suite 100, Bellevue. The website is not yet available.