Worcester Italian Restaurant Announces Permanent Closure

WORCESTER, MA — Russo's Italian Restaurant announced it will be closing its doors permanently.

The 65 Water St. establishment will close Oct. 26.

The restaurant opened in 2019. The space is across the street from Lock 50, a restaurant that was sold in October 2023 and closed four months later.

A common victualer license for a restaurant at that site was approved by the License Commission, according to The Worcester Telegram. The new establishment is set to be called Sham Restaurant.

Russo's Italian Restaurant posted the following on Facebook regarding the closure:

It is with humble gratitude we announce that Russo Italian Restaurant will not be renewing our lease, and we will be closing the restaurant on October 26th after dinner service.

It’s a difficult and emotional decision to say goodbye, one that was not made easily. The restaurant was near and dear to my heart, proudly paying homage to the many generations of my family who lovingly enjoyed food, drink, family and tradition.

The recipes we used at Russo were passed down from my grandparents, and I was blessed and honored to share them with our guests.

Thanks to everyone who dined with us. I am incredibly grateful for your support and loyalty throughout the years. Thanks for trusting us with your celebrations, birthday parties, date nights, marriage proposals, engagement parties, celebrations of life, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, Sunday family dinners and more.

Thanks to our staff, past and present, for helping us to provide so many wonderful experiences to our countless guests over the years. Your loyalty and service will never be forgotten.

Grazie (Thank you)...Arrivederci (Goodbye)...and Amore a Tutti (Love to All)!