Rosebud Announces New Italian Restaurant Replacing Joe Fish in River North

Five months after Rosebud Restaurants closed Joe Fish in River North, the restaurant group announced that they’re bringing more rustic Italian comfort food to the space. The replacement will be called Mama’s Boy, and it should open by the end of the month at 445 N. Dearborn St., according to a news release.

Rosebud’s mantra for Mama’s Boy is that they want to modernize Italian peasant food. They’re promising robust portions, true to the Rosebud pedigree they’ve held for 39 years when they opened their original restaurant on Taylor Street. They’ve brought in Fabio Capparelli as chef. His resume includes working in New York at Castle on the Hudson, and his signature items include grilled octopus and beef short rib. The menu will include osso buco, house-made pastas, fresh shellfish and Sicilian meatballs in house-made gravies. The cocktails will include a Cucumbertini, a special Manhattan and a pomegranate margarita.

The 120-seat dining room will be complemented by an open kitchen and a 10-seat chef’s table. There’s also a "semi-private" dining room for up to 20. A lounge and bar will stay open until 2 a.m. and they’ll eventually add lunch service in November.

Joe Fish lasted two years, so the space could use stability. Check back later for more on Rosebud’s new project.