BOSA Brings Coastal Italian Flair To The Banks Of MA's Merrimack River: Cheap Eats

HAVERHILL, MA — When the City of Haverhill began a redevelopment plan for the Merrimack Street area it may have been slightly too optimistic to pitch the Italian coast as an inspiration.

However, with one new restaurant, Merrimack Street's redevelopment plan just got a little coastal flair along the banks of the Merrimack River.

BOSA, the latest restaurant from Lupoli Companies, has opened on the first floor of The Heights building.

The 4,900 square foot first-floor restaurant and patio features 76 seats inside and another 54 outside with views of the river to accompany the Italian menu.

“The city of Haverhill is truly undergoing a transformation when it comes to dining and retail, and I couldn’t be prouder that BOSA will be a beacon for this dining renaissance," said Lupoli Companies CEO and President Sal Lupoli.

"As the downtown experience continues to evolve, I’ve created an authentic Northern Italian restaurant that pays homage to my family and our ancestors while also tapping into nature with our location on the Merrimack River. Our rooftop bar will have the best views of the river and Merrimack Valley, along with signature elements when it comes to our interior, exterior and decor."

Veteran Chef Jimi Gallant of Salvatore’s and 34 Park will lead the kitchen at BOSA, whose menu will feature signature seafood dishes like Sardinian paella, seared tuna and blackened salmon on the plancha.

BOSA will also offer a curated cocktail menu, Lupoli's signature pizza cooked in an authentic Marra Forni pizza oven and daily fresh pasha.

Then there's the rooftop bar.

The open-air bar can be found on the 10th floor overlooking the river and holds 185 guests. The indoor and outdoor space will offer small plates, pizzas and cocktails from a separate menu.

But part of the BOSA experience, restaurant leadership said, is also the environment, not just the food.

The floor-to-ceiling windows stand out, offering views of the river for diners both inside and out. Then there's the curated collection of art and greenery, which hopes to bring a small piece of the Italian coast back home to Massachusetts.