Introduction to Zarella
RIVER NORTH — Zarella, a pizzeria from Boka Restaurant Group, opens Friday in River North and will be serving up tavern-style and artisan pizza, plus an array of Italian classics.
Location and Background
Located at 531 N. Wells St., Zarella joins a roster of more than 15 Boka Restaurant Group spots in Chicago. The new restaurant replaces Boka’s GT Fish & Oyster, which closed in late 2022 after 12 years of service.
Chefs Chris Pandel and Lee Wolen are opening Zarella in River North March 21. Credit: Nick_Podraza
Menu Overview
Chefs Chris Pandel and Lee Wolen, two Boka Group veterans, crafted the menu at Zarella, which features salads, pasta and entrees like chicken Parmesan and chicken piccata alongside Zarella’s signature pizzas.
Guests can customize a 14-inch artisan or tavern-style pizza starting at $20, or $16 for a 10-inch gluten-free pie. Specialty pizzas range from $21-$28 and include options like spicy vodka, mushroom and truffle, and carbonara.
All pizzas can be made with vegan cheese by request, according to a press release.
Inspiration Behind Zarella
“Pizza and I go way back. Ever since Balena closed after the fire, I’ve wanted to open another spot that focuses on making great pizza,” Pandel said in a statement. “Growing up in Chicagoland, Friday nights meant pizza with my family — always tavern-style, thin, crispy, and cut into squares. Now, I’m excited to create a place where people can make their own memories over great pizza, just like I did.”
Menu Highlights
Mushroom and truffle pizza at Zarella. Credit: Boka Restaurant Group
Appetizers are plentiful on the menu and include fried calamari, mozzarella sticks and fried zucchini.
The restaurant will also offer three desserts: coconut soft serve, brown butter cake and a “lazy” tiramisu.
Drinks and Ambiance
Beers on tap will include PBR and local brews Off Color Beer for Pizza and Revolution Hazy Hero. Cocktails range from $13-$18 and are listed on the menu from least to most boozy, from the Zarella Handshake, made with Cynar liqueur, lemon and PBR, to the Jet Setter, a mezcal-based cocktail.
The restaurant features two levels with tufted leather booths, fabric-clad walls and vintage-style
