Casa Tua Cucina, Estiatorio Milos Among the New Businesses Coming to the Neiman Marcus Space at Copley Place in Boston

The Boston location of a chain of upscale department stores is closing, and now we have learned that a couple of options for food will be among the new places coming to the space.

According to an article within the boston.com website, Casa Tua Cucina and Estiatorio Milos are planning to open within the Neiman Marcus space at Copley Place in the Back Bay, with the former being a location of a group of high-end Italian marketplaces that was first established in Miami in 2001, while the latter will be a location of a group of Greek seafood restaurants that got its start in Montreal in 1979. It appears that construction on the space (which will also include multiple luxury boutiques) will start later this year, with phased openings taking place in 2028.

The Copley Place location of Neiman Marcus first opened in 1984; its parent company (Saks Global) filed for bankruptcy last month.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Monarca Taqueria Opens in Waltham

Last summer, it was reported that a Mexican restaurant southwest of Boston would be expanding to another location much closer to the city, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a Facebook post from The Waltham Channel, the people behind Monarca Taqueria in Milford have opened a new location in Waltham, moving into the space on Main Street that had once been home to Gustazo before it moved to its current home on Moody Street in 2020. The new outlet of the dining spot is open for lunch and dinner and offers such options as traditional Mexican soups, quesadillas, burritos, bowls, and seafood options including ceviche along with margaritas and other beverages.

The address for Monarca Taqueria in Waltham is 663 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451. The website for Monarca can be found at https://themonarcataqueria.com/

[Earlier Article]
Monarca Taqueria Plans to Open in Waltham

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Barrel House Z in Weymouth Has Closed

A local brewery that resided on the South Shore for approximately ten years has very quietly shut down.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Barrel House Z in Weymouth is no longer in business, having closed its doors permanently on February 7. The post says the following about the closure:

And…that's a wrap.  For multiple reasons, Barrel House Z has closed its doors....The market has changed dramatically over the last 2-3 years. Demand for alcoholic beverages have declined generally, and demand for craft beer has declined specifically.  People are not going out as much for food and beverage. We attempted to pivot in the direction of the "experience" business, offering food and events/entertainment but found ourselves now not only competing with other breweries and tap rooms, but hospitality providers generally. In summary, we struggled mightily in the face of a shrinking market, rising costs to operate, and a substantial debt service that was taken on in the aftermath of Covid.  Less cash income + rising expenses do not make for a solid business, and we found ourselves in an untenable cash flow situation. 

Barrel House Z first opened on Woodrock Road in September of 2016, though its founder--Russ Heissner--has been in the business for a long time, being Harpoon's first brewer back in 1986.

The address for the now-closed Barrel House Z was 95 Woodrock Road, Weymouth, MA, 02189.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Nohri Opens in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

A new fusion restaurant has debuted in downtown Boston.

According to an article in boston.com as well as a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nohri is now open in Chinatown, moving into a space on Tyler Street a short distance south of where it meets Beach Street. The post says that the new spot features "the marriage of Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients" focusing mostly on handrolls while also having tasting menus and ceviche.

The address for Nohri is 5 Tyler Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website is at https://www.nohriboston.com/ while its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/nohriboston

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Willie's to Open in Boston's Beacon Hill

A local restaurant group will be opening another dining spot, with this one focusing in part on pizza.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Willie's is going to be opening in the Beacon Hill section of Boston, moving into a space between Chestnut Street and Beacon Street. The article mentions that BCB3 Hospitality (Zurito, Somaek, Sushi @ Temple Records) is behind the upcoming spot, which will be a "neighborhood pizza joint" that be a dine-in place with takeout and delivery options, and in addition to pizza, it will also offer pasta dishes, small plates, beer, soju, and more.

If all goes as planned, Willie's will open in the early spring (and based on the address, it will be next to Zurito).

The address for Willie's in Beacon Hill is 20 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/williesboston/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Update: Little Black Dress Restaurant Plans to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing

[Ed note: This article has been updated to reflect a different address for the place.]

It looks like a new dining spot could be moving into the heart of Boston, and it would get its license from a now-closed North End spot known in part for its seafood.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Little Black Dress Restaurant is looking to open on West Street in Downtown Crossing, and it is seeking the license of Rabia's Dolce Fumo which was on Salem Street until closing last June. The notice states that the proposed spot would have a lounge and cafe area on the ground floor in the front, a dining area at the mezzanine level, and a large open dining area on the second floor while the plan is to have a beer, wine, and liqueurs license. No other information has been given about Little Black Dress other than the manager listed being Obi Anosike, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the proposed Little Black Dress Restaurant is 13-15 West Street, Boston, MA 02111.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)