La Galleria 33 was a Boston-based Italian restaurant that appeared in Kitchen Nightmares Season 6, Episodes 1 and 2. Owned by sisters Rita and Lisa, the restaurant was struggling with management issues and subpar food quality before Chef Gordon Ramsay’s intervention.
Quick Facts About La Galleria 33
| Restaurant Name | La Galleria 33 |
|---|---|
| Owners | Rita and Lisa |
| Key Staff | Rita (Chef), Lisa (Manager) |
| Episode Air Date | October 26, 2012 |
| Address | 125 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 |
| Status in 2025 | Closed (Since 2018) |
What Happened in the Show Kitchen Nightmares?
In Season 6 of Kitchen Nightmares, Chef Gordon Ramsay visited La Galleria 33, an Italian restaurant in Boston’s North End, owned by sisters Rita and Lisa. Despite growing up in the restaurant industry, the sisters faced challenges in managing their establishment.
Key Issues Identified:
- Food Quality: Chef Ramsay criticized the dishes for being bland and overcooked. Notably, the meatballs were described as rubbery, and the seafood ravioli was deemed unappetizing.
- Kitchen Practices: During dinner service, Chef Ramsay observed disorganization and poor hygiene. In one instance, head chef Doug dropped chicken on the floor and attempted to continue cooking it, highlighting significant food safety concerns.
- Management and Staff Dynamics: The restaurant suffered from a lack of leadership. The owners often avoided addressing customer complaints, and there was evident tension among staff members, leading to conflicts during service.
Chef Ramsay’s Interventions:
- Menu Revamp: To distinguish La Galleria 33 from neighboring eateries, Chef Ramsay introduced a new menu featuring classic Italian dishes with a modern twist.
- Restaurant Makeover: The interior was redesigned to create a more inviting and romantic ambiance, aiming to enhance the overall dining experience.
- Staff Training: Emphasis was placed on improving communication and organization within the team. Chef Ramsay brought in a consultant chef to assist with implementing the new menu and refining kitchen operations.
By the conclusion of the two-part episode, La Galleria 33 showcased improvements in food quality, service, and overall atmosphere, reflecting a positive transformation under Chef Ramsay’s guidance.
What Happened to La Galleria 33 After Kitchen Nightmares?
Despite Gordon Ramsay’s efforts to revamp La Galleria 33’s menu and improve service, the restaurant continued to face challenges. The owners initially implemented Ramsay’s suggestions, leading to a brief uptick in business. However, customer reviews remained mixed, and over time, the restaurant struggled to compete in Boston’s highly competitive North End dining scene.
When Did La Galleria 33 Close?
La Galleria 33 officially closed in November 2018. The exact reasons for its closure remain unclear, but reports suggest a combination of financial difficulties and operational struggles. After closing, the space was taken over by a new restaurant called Libertine, which continues to operate at the same location.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
- Initial Success Post-Kitchen Nightmares: Many diners appreciated the improvements in food quality and service.
- Ongoing Issues: Some customers reported inconsistency in service and food preparation, leading to declining ratings on platforms like Yelp.
- Final Years: By 2017-2018, foot traffic dwindled, and the restaurant was often seen with empty tables, even during peak hours.
Where Are the Owners Now?
After La Galleria 33 shut down, Rita reportedly continued working in the restaurant industry, possibly managing another family-owned business nearby. Lisa’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
Final Thoughts on La Galleria 33’s Closure
Like many restaurants featured on Kitchen Nightmares, La Galleria 33 saw a temporary revival but ultimately succumbed to operational challenges. While Ramsay’s changes gave it a second chance, long-term success in Boston’s North End required more than just a menu overhaul.
Would La Galleria 33 have survived with better management? Let us know your thoughts!
