A new Italian eatery from seasoned restaurateurs is set to debut soon.
Frank and Karen Pellino, the duo behind Casarecce and the now-shuttered Pellino’s, are preparing to unveil their latest venture, Pappare Ristorante, at 358-364 Hanover St in Boston’s North End.
Frank told What Now Boston that Pappare will offer a fresh take on regional Italian cuisine, highlighting house-made pasta—a Pellino hallmark since their first restaurant opened in 1992. Alongside the traditional offerings, the menu will feature playful bar bites like shrimp scampi spring rolls.
Occupying two combined units, the space includes two ground-floor dining areas, a 12-seat bar, and a cozy lower level designed for private events, with a total capacity of 85-90 guests. “This is my dream restaurant,” Frank said. “I’ve always wanted a restaurant-bar with an 80-seater.”
Beyond dining, Pappare may also host cooking classes and wine dinners, reviving cherished traditions from Frank’s earlier years in the industry. “Locals loved the classes,” he noted. “We might bring back some of those old traditions… to get to know the customer base.”
The Pellinos also own the building housing Pappare, a property that includes residential units. The commercial spaces were previously home to a doctor’s office and Maurizio’s restaurant, which closed in 2017. “This space has been dark and gloomy for years,” Frank explained.
Pappare Ristorante is currently hiring experienced cooks for its fast-paced kitchen. The Pellinos hope to open the doors to their dream restaurant by mid-January 2025, pending final inspections.
