Food & Drink

New Chef and Team Join Ray Bourque at North End’s Tresca

Tresca Restaurant and Bar in Boston’s North End is still the place where Bruins legend Ray Bourque hangs out. In 2017, the Hanover Street standard starts a new chapter with Executive Chef, Rich Ansara, along with new owners and management. We stopped in recently to catch up with the changes as the Italian restaurant enters its 10th year in the neighborhood.

The updated Tresca menu features Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Taking the reigns in the kitchen, Chef Rich Ansara comes with culinary experience at Meadhall, Amrheins, the Palm and Appetito. “I want to bring my authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine to the best restaurant street in Boston,” said Ansara.

The new menu includes small plates and updated entrees with a revised wine list. Don’t fret, however, Anna Maria’s famous stuffed meatballs still lead off the menu along with gourmet pizza, pasta and entrees. Veal Chop Toscano and Salmone Grigliata were a couple of the staff favorites when we stopped in recently.

Behind the scenes there are two new owners, Bill Galatis and Peter Weber, that have made some renovations and improvements to the bar area and upstairs “Toscano” dining room. In front, long time Tresca employee Jennifer Bacon takes over as General Manager with Chris Rakes back in charge at the bar.

The new team is emphasizing Ospitalita, a warm welcome and friendliness, reminding us that food is a social experience to bring people together. Once the weather warms up, the new team at Tresca will re-open famous Table 77, the second floor private balcony for two, overlooking Hanover Street. Until then, Tresca is open for dinner until 12:30 a.m., 7 days a week.