Papa Razzi @ Cambridgeside Galleria?

[Sal Monella]

Noticed they closed down recently. Anybody know what happened? Any rumors of who may be moving in now?

[esnaguy]

It's a tough location, given no mall access. So you either walk outside the mall, or walk outside from the two local hotels. I think a lot of folks just didn't know it was there. (Anyone else remember the Uno's in the outdoor Cambridgeside courtyard that no one ever went to either??)

[jgg13]

That's a big part of it, IMO. I used to work over there several years ago, and we'd often go to PR for lunch - but most folks never seemed to realize it was back there when I'd talk to them ('folks' being non-coworkers)

[joestrummer]

Not the best place to walk either, except on the nicest of days. Windy, shaded and lots of traffic. I'm in the area a lot and would love for someplace decent to open there. Right now I only really eat at the Indian place in the food court.

Where was the Uno's, by the canal?

[esnaguy]

If you walk out of the mall to the canal it was on the right on the far side. It faced the 'lagoon' and went around the corner to the canal side (kitchen was on the canal side). So you had a nice view of the lagoon, and outdoor seating. The space is now offices. The food court probably killed it - and ironically the food court has since installed outdoor seating as well. :)

[joestrummer]

I was just at the mall and the Sonesta last night. I asked at the customer service and concierge desks but there was no info to be had.

[italyinmind]

Thought I'd bring this to the top again. The former Paparazzi space at the Galleria is still vacant...any word on what/when something might go there?

[tamerlanenj]

I do know that the Back Bay Papa Razzi is moving to the former TGI Fridays space on Newbury St. What a disappointment. Friday's really screwed over the neighborhood by selling the liquor license. jerks

[Joanie]

Who did they sell it to? Is that space bigger than the present Paparazzi? It never seems to be crowded at Pap, but I've had pretty good luck in two brunches and one pasta dinner.

[tamerlanenj]

The new space will be bigger, 255 seats total, and they are turning the hideous greenhouse into a streetlevel dining area with a retractable roof (!). I've got the Full story in Friday's Back Bay Sun! Residents, of course, aren't happy about the garbage/delivery issues.

[italyinmind]

I was surprised to see them close. The food was definitely not award winning, but it was passable. I work in the area and often ended up there by default. I think they always did a decent business for weekday lunches, and I would go there over the Cheesecake Factory anyday.

[Bob MacAdoo]

PR was always dead at night and on weekends for brunch. Not sure why. For the area - and considering the nature of the mall competition (CPK, CF), they stood out for delivering consistent food and reasonable prices in a nice space.

Bambara and Dante's should reap the benefits of this closing.

[Bob MacAdoo]

Closed down more than a month ago. According to the concierge at the Sonesta, they balked at the proposed rent. Word was that Legal's was scoping the site.

[Sal Monella]

That's all that's needed...yet another LSF...not that PapaRazzi is/was that much better but LSF is becoming ubiquitous...not necessarily a positive IMHO.

[Joanie]

Wow, I went by and thought it was closed but I think it was on a Sun. so assumed that was the reason. Did they do good business or does anyone default to the Cheesecake Factory? You'd think they'd want to cater to a good tenant but if Legal is willing to pay a stupid amount of rent...

[pamalamb]

No kidding, especially with another LSF about 4 blocks away!