Dante Boccuzzi Launches Casa Nostra, Downtown’s New Italian Spot

Downtown Cleveland welcomes Casa Nostra, Dante Boccuzzi’s fresh Italian redo replacing Goma. House-made pasta, classic red sauce vibes, and no sushi in sight.

Cleveland’s own Dante Boccuzzi is flipping the script on East 4th Street, trading sushi rolls for red sauce with his newest Italian concept, Casa Nostra. As Goma’s sushi bar closes, Boccuzzi leans into his roots, bringing approachable Italian eats to downtown.

Dante Ditches Sushi for Italian Comfort

Boccuzzi’s decision to close Goma wasn’t just a whim. With more sushi joints popping up than potholes in April, and staffing as fickle as Lake Erie weather, he’s opted for a menu that speaks to the soul (and survives the current labor crunch). “More red sauce, less fine dining,” he says. In short: he wants this place to be your go-to for pasta, not your once-a-year splurge.

What to Expect on the Menu

Get ready, carb lovers, because Casa Nostra is putting house-made pasta in the spotlight. Think hand-rolled and extruded favorites:

Tortellini, pappardelle, bucatini, cavatelli—all prepped daily
Signature polpette (meatballs) in beef, pork, lamb, turkey, or ricotta
Appetizers like arancini, Tuscan bean soup, polenta, and steamed mussels
Hearty entrees including chicken parm, fresh fish, and steaks

If you ever visited D.C. Pasta Co. in Strongsville, you’ll notice the nods. But this menu is all about classic, crowd-pleasing Italian—no molecular gastronomy, no tiny portions.

Where to Find Casa Nostra

You’ll spot Casa Nostra in the same bustling space Goma called home, right on East 4th Street—smack in the heart of downtown. Boccuzzi isn’t bulldozing the place but look for some makeover magic:

Sushi bar transforms into a cocktail and dessert station
Warm, cozy decor to evoke that Italian family table energy
Slightly closed kitchen for a softer vibe

Expect the crowd to be as diverse as a Cavs playoff game night—business folks, concert goers, and plenty of pasta fans.

The Dante Formula: High Quality, Less Fuss

This isn’t Boccuzzi’s first Italian rodeo. D.C. Pasta Co. built a loyal fanbase with from-scratch pasta before the pandemic hit. With Casa Nostra, he’s reviving that spirit: big flavors, reasonable checks, and all the nostalgia. Plus, Italian comfort food offers a resilience sushi simply can’t match—especially with food costs on the rise.

When to Circle Your Calendar

Dante says winter is the likely launch, right in time for Cleveland’s annual quest for extra carbs. Watch for opening updates—because as soon as those doors swing wide, this one’s bound to fill up fast, especially before a night at the theater or a Guardians game.

Get your stretchy pants ready—Casa Nostra promises legit Italian downtown, with the Boccuzzi touch Cleveland knows and trusts. Keep your eye on East 4th—your new favorite red sauce haunt is nearly here.