Business & Tech

Rialto Italian Restaurant Opens in Georgetown Thursday

The restaurant's official grand opening is Thursday, Sept. 26.

Rialto, a new Italian restaurant, will open in the former Guards space at 2915 M St. NW in Georgetown Thursday. The Guards closed in 2012 after some 62 years in business in Georgetown. 

“It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that we bring Rialto to Georgetown, a place where the residents celebrate the history of their surroundings, and we look forward to becoming a part of that history,” co-owner and entrepreneur, Ben Kirane, said in a press release.

Rialto comes to Georgetown courtesy of Kirane and his co-owners Moe and Joe Idrissi, who also own Thunder Burger & Bar, and Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge.

A nod to the history of the place, the owners are auctioning off the iconic sign of the British Foot Guard from the Guards restaurant on eBay

The new decor aspires to bring a piece of Venice to Georgetown, according to a press release. Even the restaurant's name, Rialto, to “rise to ascent” in Italian, is the name of a popular area in Venice. 

"We are excited about our new menu, which blends Old World Italian cuisine with contemporary ideals,” Ryan Fichter, executive chef of Rialto, said in a press release.

Rialto will feature a menu of fresh-made pasta, imported specialty ingredients, and fresh seafood, and will offer a cheese counter. They will also offer authentic Italian desserts like tiramisu and gelato. 

Initially they will be serving a dinner only, but will later expand to lunch and brunch. 

Restaurant hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. weekdays, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.


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