Chef Mark Ladner’s much-anticipated neo-trattoria, Bar Enza, is now open at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.

A collaboration between the Belmont native-turned-award-winning NYC chef (previously of Babbo, Lupa, Otto and Del Posto) and the Lyons Group (the peeps behind popular spots like Rochambeau, Scampo, Sonsie and Summer Shack), Bar Enza features a sophisticated and inventive menu of Italian fare. Combining well-sourced local ingredients and the best-of-the-best imported Italian goodies, Ladner and his team are already delighting Cantabrigians with antipasti like cured meats, imported cheeses, zippy salads and marinated vegetables. There’s a robust bread program, lots of salumi, responsibly-sourced meats and house-made pastas including Ladner’s famous Hundred Layer Lasagna. The classic cocktail program is complemented by an Italian-leaning wine list with plenty of by-the-glass offerings.

Joining Ladner in the kitchen as Chef de Cuisine is Vermont native (and Eataly alum) Jesse Walter. On the other side of the swinging door, industry vet Gabriela Choate has taken on the role of General Manager; and Tizzy Beck, native New Yorker and Milan-based restaurateur, is acting as Maître D’ and Service Director.

To start, Bar Enza will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00-11:00pm with lunch hours coming soon. Book a table (online here via Resy) in the dining room or out on the breezy, covered patio overlooking the hotel courtyard. Or, swing by next time you’re in the Square around supper time and see if you can snag a seat in the spacious bar and lounge.

In the meantime, you can see what this talented team is working on — follow them on Insta or check out their website.