Sage — for years one of Boston’s best-loved North End, and later South End, Italian restaurants — is back.
Chef Tony Susi will reopen the restaurant as Little Sage, with 50 seats and a 10-seat bar that serves beer, wine, and cordials. It launches on Tuesday, March 11 (352 Hanover St.). He’ll partner with Sage’s original owner, Jen Matarazzo (he bought the business from her in 1999). Susi grew up in the North End, bussing tables at now-closed Felicia’s.
Susi got his start under Todd English at Olives; he went on to Capo and Wink & Nod. He was at Bar Enza in Harvard Square until recently. (Lydia Shire took over last week.) The original Sage was on Prince Street for many years before relocating to the South End; it closed in 2009.
Chef Tony Susi.handout
Several Sage classics reappear on this menu — Susi is known for his light, handmade pastas — alongside new dishes: clams in garlic butter, shrimp with roasted leeks and capers, and a small plates menu at the bar. The restaurant replaces Matarazzo’s Locale, though it will continue to serve their pizzas and offer a “Locale to Go” menu.
Visit for dinner nightly and for lunch on Friday through Sunday.
Kara Baskin can be reached at kara.baskin@globe.com. Follow her @kcbaskin.