Just when you thought the North End was limited to pasta and tourists, a slew of variety has finally entered Boston’s “little Italy.” In addition to Tenoch Taqueria and the upcoming Urban Cantina restaurant, the North End will soon be home to its own Italian “speakeasy,” Parla.

Last week, the NorthEndWaterfront.com reported that the new restaurant would be taking over the former Il Villaggio space on Hanover Street. “A soft opening is expected in the coming days,” according to the website. But in the meantime, we’ve got the details on the upcoming North End restaurant.

A press release describes the new restaurant as “a curious dining experience” that believes in “bold ingredients and even bolder spirits.” Given that I’m pretty curious already, we can assume this holds true.

The restaurant’s name, Parla, also happens to be the Italian word for “speak.” Therefore, the fact that the space is referred to as a “speakeasy” happens to be a play on words. According to the release, the restaurant aspires to create a place that is “one part bootlegger warehouse, one part restaurant” with an added “pinch of the eccentric.”

Parla’s executive chef, Eric Buonagurio, is preparing a cuisine that is Italian driven but with a unique twist. The menu will focus on small plates, and dishes with a combination of Mediterranean and Italian influence. Dishes will include: Monkfish Osso Bucco, Oxtail Arancini, Flash Fried Burrata and a Squid Ink Gnocchi.

Fortunately, the drink menu is just as interesting as the food options. The all Italian wine list, curated by Beverage Director Morgan Mason, will include a list of unique wines from small Italian vineyards. Parla’s bar will also be bringing a solid craft beer menu to the North End which includes Firestone Walker, Left Hand, Lexington and Ommegang (including the Game of Thrones limited release beers).

The cocktail list also includes many twists on speakeasy classics including: The Rhuby Mule, a rhubarb and grapefruit take on a classic Moscow Mule; The Dillinger Sidecar, a whiskey and blood orange take on a classic Sidecar; The Bee-Sting Julep, a habanero and honey whiskey twist on a Mint Julep.

The opening date for Parla is expected to be announced next week. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about the North End’s newest addition.

Images via Facebook