A new Italian restaurant is opening in Worcester’s Canal District Thursday, bringing homemade classics like chicken marsala, pasta bolognese and gnocchi to Water Street. Russo Italian Restaurant is scheduled to open at 4:30 p.m. in the space formerly occupied by the Canal Restaurant at 65 Water St. The eatery features a piazza-themed dining room with large windows and indoor flower boxes, a soccer bar and a wine cellar-like room with additional seating and a family-style table that seats 10.

“The family table is always going to be different,” owner Ed Russo said, pointing out the floral decorations and adding that the table is by reservation only. The restaurant will feature classic Italian-American cuisine based on family recipes passed down from Russo’s grandparents. Russo’s nephew, Executive Chef Tim Russo, has curated the menu.