Il Massimo Is Now Open in Dedham

Il Massimo is now open at Legacy Place in Dedham. / JWessel Photography

The newest restaurant in Dedham is like an escape to a sleek Italian cityscape—though rather than lingering in the piazza afterwards, you’re likelier to browse the racks at Madewell or J. Crew. Il Massimo is now open at Legacy Place, adding an upscale trattoria vibe and modern Italian cuisine to the retail destination.

The 200-seat ristorante is the latest from Rhode Islanders Joseph and Esther DeQuattro, who also own award-winning Massimo Restaurant, and Pane e Vino sandwich shop, both in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood. Il Massimo takes over the former Met Bar & Grill space, next to Salon Capri.

Executive chef Jeff Burgess is leading the Dedham kitchen, overseeing a menu inspired by his travels around Italian and southern Europe. Some of the dishes from the acclaimed Providence spot, such as carbonara updated with guanciale and an egg yolk; porchetta and creamy polenta; and classic Point Judith calamari are here for Dedham diners, but there are a number of new items as well. Among these Boston-area exclusives are local lobster fra diavolo; and a dry-aged, 18 oz. bone-in ribeye with whipped potatoes, rainbow Swiss chard, crispy shallots, Calabrian chili, and rosemary butter.

The full bar is stocked with a range of wines from Italy to California, plus beer on tap, cocktails, and a nice selection of Italian aperitivi and digestivi. The design of the place juxtaposes light wood, white marble, and Italian tiles with modern details like electric fireplaces and eye-catching chandeliers. Il Massimo is now open daily at 3 p.m., and lunch service begins Sunday, Feb. 3. The hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

400 Legacy Place, Dedham, 781-493-8113, massimori.com.

JWessel Photography

JWessel Photography

JWessel Photography

It’s spritz o’clock at Legacy Place. / JWessel Photography