Mario Batali Could Open a Third Boston Restaurant

Mario Batali. / Photo by Ken Goodman

Mario Batali seems to like it here. The celebrity chef is likely riding high on the debut of Eataly Boston just days ago, he already boasts Babbo Pizzeria in the Seaport, and he recently toured the town to tout his newest cookbook. Now, it looks like those notorious orange Crocs could walk the floor of a third Boston restaurant.

In an interview with the Boston Herald, Batali stoked the idea of debuting a “ceviche and raw bar with a great beer program” somewhere along the Boston waterfront. A representative for the chef would not confirm exactly where (Long Wharf? the North End? South Boston?) the chef is prowling for real estate.

While dishing on Eataly’s launch, Batali told the Herald he thinks the city is packed with “smart and sophisticated crowds,” so it would make sense for him to want more excuses to visit. And given that our city’s Italian emporium is seafood-driven—each worldwide location has its own theme—the chef is obviously charmed by our coastal fare. Why not focus a new concept on it?

The Seaport would be a great hub for his next venture, as Eater Boston pointed out. Not only would a new restaurant be near his pizzeria, but it would also join the budding district next to the likes of Yo! Sushi, Shake Shack, La Casa de Pedro, a forthcoming Hopsters taproom, and so much more. Before long, the area may become the newest Batali restaurant empire, but we’ll just have to wait and see.