‘Chef-driven’ restaurant opens soon where ex-Village at Meridian anchor closed

A casual Italian dining concept with Arizona roots will debut in a high-profile Village at Meridian spot soon.

North Italia plans to open Wednesday, May 28, at 3690 E. Monarch Sky Lane — where Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar operated for more than a decade. A small, regional chain, Twigs closed last year after its lease wasn’t renewed.

Founded in Scottsdale in 2002, North Italia is a “modern Italian concept beloved for its scratch-made cuisine, hand-tossed pizzas, and stunning craft cocktails,” a press release says. The brand, owned by The Cheesecake Factory LLC, has more than 45 locations in the United States.

“Marking the Arizona-born restaurant group’s first outpost in the Gem State, North Italia looks forward to introducing its chef-driven Italian favorites with local flair to Idaho’s growing culinary scene,” according to the release.

Restaurant, bar, wraparound patio

North Italia will bring “energy and excitement,” Village at Meridian General Manager Hugh Crawford previously told the Statesman.

The plan? This restaurant “will quickly enhance the property’s work, dine, stay and play lifestyle concept,” the press release says. “Situated within the Fountain Square next to the Village Cinema, North Italia Meridian provides a prime gathering space for weekend brunches, everyday lunches, after work happy hours and dinner with friends and family.

“Occupying over 8,000 square feet on the ground floor, the intimate dining space and bar comfortably seats parties of all sizes, as well as an expansive 1,400-plus-square-foot wraparound patio perfect for enjoying the Idaho sun. The walls are accented with locally commissioned artwork from muralist Sector Seventeen that captures iconic Boise landmarks while also celebrating North Italia’s Italian heritage.”

Italian menu at Village at Meridian

“Guests will be able to enjoy lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch service,” the release promises, “plus takeout, online ordering and delivery via DoorDash.”

Flecked with seasonal changes, North Italia’s menu features a mouthwatering variety of choices. (But don’t worry — nowhere near as much variety as a Cheesecake Factory.)

Here are some sample dishes, with menu prices pulled from the Scottsdale location:

▪ Chef’s Board ($22): prosciutto di parma, speck, whipped ricotta and eggplant caponata, pecorino stagionato, house giardiniera, castelvetrano olive, marcona almond, orange fennel mostarda and hearth bread.

▪ White Truffle Garlic Bread ($16.50) with housemade ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano and herbs.

▪ Seared Sea Scallops ($35) with asparagus, pancetta, crispy shallot, sweet corn risotto and calabrian vinaigrette.

▪ Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto Pizza ($22) with scamorza, speck, calabrian honey, arugula and pecorino toscano.

▪ Bolognese (House Specialty, $24) with traditional meat sauce, pappardelle, grana padano, wild oregano and extra virgin olive oil.

▪ Pork Milanese ($26) with smoked prosciutto, pepperoncini, red onion, bagna cauda aioli, arugula and fresh lemon.

Among several desserts at North Italia? A Brookie Sundae ($13) or Tiramisu ($12.50).

“Not to be missed,” the press release adds, “are North Italia’s craft cocktails and extensive wine list featuring familiar favorites and wines brought in from around the world.” A sample cocktail? The Sicilian Margarita ($16 in Scottsdale): El Mayor reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, Montenegro and fresh citrus.

Hiring employees

North Italia is “looking to hire over 180 new staff members,” it says, “and invites seasoned hospitality professionals and lovers of Italian cuisine and culture to join their team.” Interested parties can apply at northitaliacareers.com. Afterward, the restaurant invites them to visit a job fair running now through May 11 at 3540 E. Longwing Lane, Suite 250, in a second-floor space between Francesca’s and Brighton. The fair’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

This story was originally published April 24, 2025 at 3:51 PM.

Michael Deeds

Idaho Statesman

208-377-6407

Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane.