by Marc Hurwitz
Earlier this year, we reported that a seafood restaurant in Boston's North End of Boston had closed for renovations and that it could be reopening in the spring. Now we have learned that when it does reopen, the changes to the place could include a new name.
According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, the people behind North Shore Oyster are petitioning to change the name of the restaurant to Ciao Bella. The notice gives no other information on any changes coming to the space, and it is not yet known what the change in concept--if any--might be, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.
North Square Oyster first opened in the spring of 2017, taking over the old Gennaro's Five North Square space; the dining spot--and presumably, the upcoming Ciao Bella--has a connection to a few nearby places, including Ward 8, Bodega Canal, and Tony & Elaine's.
It is not known if the upcoming Ciao Bella has any connection to the long-closed restaurant by the same name on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, though it appears at this point that it does not.
The address for North Square Oyster (and Ciao Bella) is 5 North Square, Boston, MA, 02113.
[May 3 update: Eater Boston states that Ciao Bella will be an "elevated" alternative to Tony & Elaine's, featuring house-made pastas, steaks, and chops while also having a small bar area called North Square Oyster Bar within the space, which will continue offering raw bar items along with lobster rolls and natural wines. If all goes as planned, Ciao Bella could be opening in early June.]
[June 4 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that Ciao Bella opens tonight, and that it will be open for dinner only for at least the time being.]
[Earlier Article]
North Square Oyster in Boston's North End Has Closed for Renovations
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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
