Aqua Pazza Opens in the North End Next Week

Even more Italian food arrives in Boston’s North End next week, courtesy of a redesigned and reconcepted member of a neighborhood restaurant group. Aqua Pazza opens at 135 Richmond St. on Thursday, May 4 in the former Sfizi space, bringing traditional Italian seafood dishes to the area and joining the family of DePasquale Ventures restaurants.

Executive chef Matthew Jackson comes to the restaurant from Il Casale and Dante and oversees the menu of small plates and full entrees that put seafood front and center. The menu is broken down into five sections and designed for sharing. There are sfizi (or “small tastes”), plus standard antipasti and salads, raw bar items, primi, and secondi, along with a rotating selection of oysters and daily specials.

Dishes feature pasta made in-house, crudo, ceviche, and a daily whole fish served grilled and stuffed or salt-baked. Other dishes include lobster served with charred vegetables and broth, a ribeye stuffed with wild mushrooms and served with potato and cardone gratin, and goat cheese-stuffed zucchini blossoms.

Co-owner Mike Paquette developed the restaurant’s beverage program, which includes both Italian and domestic wines, beer, cordials, and spirits. Aqua Pazza will operate seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

• Sfizi Will Soon Reopen as Aqua Pazza [EBOS]