Chef Michael Lombardi, known for his success at SRV, introduces his solo venture, Si Cara, bringing innovative canotto-style pizza to Central Square.
By Andrea Timpano
Si Cara’s inviting dining space in Cambridge, designed for a relaxed and enjoyable pizza experience.
For those in the know about Boston’s vibrant food scene, the name Michael Lombardi rings a bell. A key figure behind the beloved Venetian bacaro, SRV, Lombardi is no stranger to creating restaurant buzz. Now, he’s embarking on a new chapter with Si Cara, a restaurant poised to become a Cambridge hotspot, officially opening its doors on August 22nd. This marks a significant milestone for Lombardi – his first solo restaurant venture. “I always envisioned opening my own place as the next step in my career, and I’m thrilled to see it happening,” Lombardi shares.
Si Cara, meaning “yes dear” in Italian, is strategically located on Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Central Square. The restaurant’s culinary focus is canotto-style pizza, a modern take on Neapolitan pizza distinguished by its exceptionally puffy and airy crust. Lombardi describes it as a “new-age Neapolitan pie with a big, puffy crust,” achieved through a naturally leavened dough enriched with extra yeast and water. This is the kind of pizza Lombardi enjoys making at home, and now he’s bringing his passion to Cambridge. Si Cara’s menu features a diverse range of canotto pizzas, from a flavorful shrimp and zucchini combination with Meyer lemon and salsa verde, to a decadent prosciutto cotto pizza topped with potato and black truffle. Catering to various dining preferences, Si Cara offers both dine-in and takeout services for lunch and dinner, and also features pan pizza available by the slice. “Pizza is a craft that demands more attention than many realize. Exploring its intricacies has been a fascinating journey for me,” Lombardi explains, referencing his New Haven-style pizza upbringing. “I naturally gravitated towards the canotto style, which I find incredibly satisfying.”
Beyond pizza, Si Cara promises a well-rounded dining experience. The bar program will highlight a curated selection of natural wines, perfectly complementing the food menu. Lombardi emphasizes a focus on fresh, vegetable-forward side dishes, such as a refreshing bitter melon panzanella salad, to balance the richness of the pizzas. A selection of tempting bar snacks, including arancini, will also be available. “The menu reflects my personal eating preferences, leaning towards plenty of vegetables and salads,” Lombardi notes. “I appreciate the balance of enjoying a slice of pizza followed by a light and bright salad, and that’s the harmony I aimed to create at Si Cara.”
The ambiance of Si Cara is designed to be intimate and understated, allowing Lombardi’s culinary creations to take center stage. The 1,500-square-foot space, situated in a newly constructed building, exudes a “rustic” charm, as Lombardi describes it. Exposed, painted pipes and a deliberately unfinished ceiling contribute to the casual atmosphere. The ground-level dining area accommodates 55 guests with cozy tables and an 8-person bar, while an additional 30 seats are available on Si Cara’s inviting street-side patio. Diners indoors can enjoy a view of the pizza oven in action, but the restaurant’s design intentionally avoids excessive ornamentation. “The real essence of the space comes from the people who are in it – that’s what makes it special,” Lombardi believes. “We invested thought into the design, but we also wanted to maintain a casual and enjoyable environment.”
Lombardi characterizes the opening of Si Cara as a “passion project,” reflecting his personal investment and vision. “The restaurant’s smaller scale is intentional, and I’m excited about all the opportunities that come with that,” Lombardi states. “One of our guiding principles is ‘simple things done well.’ The core concept of Si Cara is to be approachable and straightforward. We want guests to walk in and immediately understand what we’re all about: delicious canotto pizza and a welcoming atmosphere.”
Visit Si Cara at 425 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, or explore their website at sicarapizza.com.
A closer view of Si Cara’s dining area, highlighting the comfortable seating and relaxed setting perfect for enjoying canotto pizza in Cambridge.
The heart of Si Cara: the pizza oven, where canotto-style pizzas are expertly crafted, visible to diners.
An enticing example of Si Cara’s canotto-style pizza, showcasing the puffy crust and fresh toppings.
