Il Casale, the latest venture from Restaurant Dante chef/owner Dante de Magistris, opened in April in Belmont. A 15-minute drive from Boston , the 5,000-square-foot restaurant offers private and semiprivate space for as many as 200.
In an historic former firehouse, Il Casale aims for a rustic Italian cucina feel, with exposed brick walls, wrought-iron chandeliers, hand-blown Venetian glass lanterns, exposed beams, reclaimed barn-wood columns and tables, and an 18-seat white Carrera marble bar. Rich green and purple drapes warm the space, while a fire pole, in its original location at the front of the old firehouse, lends an air of playfulness.
Giant glass doors open onto a 600-square-foot brick patio that seats 32. The bar area accommodates 50 with high-top tables and bar seats, and a 14-seat communal table overlooks the open kitchen. Sound and lighting equipment can be rented for private events as needed.
Il Casale’s menu focuses on homestyle Italian cuisine, serving classic de Magistris family recipes like sweet-and-sour-pepper bruschetta, Barolo-braised wild boar, wood-grilled trout, Sicilian roasted chicken, and ravioli with squash, sage, and brown butter.
