Michael Pagliarini of Giulia to Open Benedetto in Former Rialto Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A story we heard awhile back--that the person behind a Cambridge dining spot would be opening a new place where a landmark Harvard Square restaurant had been--has been confirmed.

The Boston Globe states that chef/owner Michael Pagliarini of Giulia on Mass. Ave. is planning to open Benedetto within the Charles Hotel, taking over the former Rialto space once it has been fully renovated. This jibes with news we received from a source within the restaurant industry a few months ago, but at the time, the Rialto team was telling us that they did not have plans to close. (The restaurant ended up shutting down last month.) According to the Globe article, Benedetto will have seating for 220 and it will include an upscale dining room, a casual bar area, an "extensive" wine display, and a table where pasta is made.

Pagliarini first opened Giulia in late 2012, taking over the space where Rafiki Bistro had been. The restaurant is known in part for its house-made pastas.

Jody Adams, who first opened Rialto more than 20 years ago, is now focusing on her other restaurants--Trade on the Boston waterfront, Porto in the Back Bay, and Saloniki in the Fenway.

[Earlier Articles]
Rialto in Cambridge's Harvard Square is Closing
Jody Adams to Leave Rialto in Cambridge's Harvard Square

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Pasta Dishes from Restaurants in the Boston Area and Beyond]

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Posted in: Dining Spots