North End Tapas-Style Bar Sfizi to Open October 15

A tapas-inspired bar planned for the North End should open in October, with the 15th as the current target date, according to a rep for the restaurant. Frank DePasquale of DePasquale Ventures is growing his North End domain in more ways than one. Alongside an expansion planned for Trattoria Il Panino and the recent Mare move, DePasquale is in the process of developing Sfizi, an Italian-style tapas spot, featuring small plates and a wine bar.

The menu will feature more than 30 small plates inspired by Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece, and France, and prices will range from $6 to $14. Plus, there will be a large fish, red meat, and chicken entree available each night; those options will change weekly. The chef, Gianni Caruso, has worked in various other DePasquale kitchens, most recently at Bricco.

On the beverage side, there will be Mediterranean wines, sangria, and beer; the license allows for beer, wine, and cordials, not a full bar.

Sfizi is planned for 135 Richmond Street, Mare's previous location, and it will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight daily. DePasquale also oversees Bricco, Quattro, Gelateria, and more. He is opening Sfizi to challenge himself, he said via a rep, expanding the menu beyond his usual Italian stomping grounds.