Bywater Italian Darling Mariza To Close Later this Month

Mariza, the casual-yet-upscale Italian restaurant at 2900 Chartres Street in Bywater, will see its last day of service later this month — on December 31, reports Ian McNulty at The Advocate.

Mariza was opened back in 2013 by life and business partners Laurie Casebonne and Chef Ian Schnoebelen. Casebonne and Schnoebelen were already two busy NOLA restaurateurs when their new spot opened up — they had previously opened their restaurant Iris in Uptown in 2006, moving it to the French Quarter a few year later. Iris closed in 2014 to allow the two to focus on Mariza. Before Iris, the pair both worked at Lilette.

The Italian-flavored Mariza quickly became a fast favorite with the critics, garnering breathless reviews from Brett Anderson and positive words from McNulty, who praised its “sashimi-like” crudo.

Casebonne told The Advocate that the decision to close was not an economic one — Mariza was doing fine — but a personal one: the duo are ready for a (major) lifestyle change. The location in the Rice Mill Lofts already has a new buyer and a new concept slated to open in 2018, though neither have yet been revealed.

Those looking to savor Mariza’s last days take heed: Mariza’s regular menu is on through December (though the restaurant is taking a Christmas break from December 24 until the 27th.) December 31st — the restaurant’s last service — will have a prix fixe, three-course menu.