Boston Restaurant Talk

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Bambola and The Girl Next Door Open in Boston's Seaport District

Last spring, it was reported that a couple of dining and drinking spots from a local restaurant group would be coming to the Boston waterfront, and now we have learned that they are both up and running.

According to a source along with an article in The Boston Globe, Bambola and The Girl Next Door are now open in the city's Seaport District, moving into the space on Northern Avenue where Seaport Social had been. As mentioned in an earlier article here, Bambola is an upscale Italian restaurant while the The Girl Next Door is a more casual neighborhood spot with Italian comfort food and cocktails. Both places are part of the Sneaky Good Hospitality Group, which includes Flamingo in the North End, Rock & Rye in the Theatre District, Pinky's in the Back Bay, and Blondie's in Brighton.

The address for Bambola and The Girl Next Door is 225 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for Sneaky Good Hospitality Group is at https://www.sneakygoodhospitality.com/

[Earlier Article]
Bambola and The Girl Next Door Plan to Open in Boston's Seaport District

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

[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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Amar in Boston's Back Bay Is Closing

A high-end restaurant in Boston that was first opened by an acclaimed chef a few years ago is going to be closing.

According to an article from The Boston Globe, Amar in the Back Bay is shutting down on April 26, with the space (which is on the 17th floor of the Raffles Boston hotel on Trinity Place) being turned into a private event space. As mentioned in an earlier article here, George Mendes, who was opening chef at the now-closed Aldea (a Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant), is now based in Boston and he will be opening a couple of new spots this year in the South End--Agosto (a restaurant on Washington Street in the South End with a chef's counter and a tasting menu) and Baby Sister (a bakery-cafe that will be next door).

Amar, which first opened its doors back in 2023, has been known for its Portuguese and Mediterranean fare; its web page can be found at https://www.raffles.com/boston/dining/amar/

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

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

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.)

Monday, April 13, 2026

Winch & Pulley Brewing Company Opens in Framingham

Last fall, it was reported that a new taproom would be opening in the local area, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from The MetroWest Daily News, Winch & Pulley is now open in Framingham, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has taken over the space on Morton Street where Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company had been before moving to Williamsburg in 2024, and before that, Jack's Abby until it moved to its current home on Clinton Street. The brewery offers several beers on tap while also offering cider and seltzer, and it looks like a beer garden will also be coming at some point as well.

The address for Winch & Pulley is 81 Morton Street, Framingham, MA, 01702. Its website can be found at https://winchandpulley.co/

[Earlier Article]
Winch & Pulley Brewing Company Plans to Open a Taproom and Beer Garden in Framingham

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

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

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.)

Sushi Sang Lee in Gloucester Is Closing

An edomae-style omakase sushi bar on the North Shore that has a Food Network winner behind it is shutting down, though plans appear to be in the works for a new concept from the owner.

According to a source, Sushi Sang Lee is saying goodbye to its space in Gloucester, with an Instagram post from the Prospect Street spot saying the following:

After five wonderful years, Sushi Sang Lee is officially moving on from our current location, but this goodbye is only the beginning of a brand new journey that we're excited to bring to you....We pride ourselves in bringing you the best experience we can, and we're so excited to welcome you into this brand new beginning. With our new location, we plan on serving you an updated concept with the addition of an amazing a la carte menu. Stay tuned for updates of our grand reopening and new concept.

The last day of service at Sushi Sang Lee is May 24.

Sushi Sang Lee owner Sang Hyun Lee was crowned champion on the Food Network's Chopped: Sushi Showdown in 2025.

The address for Sushi Sang Lee is 76 Prospect Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930. Its website can be found at https://www.sushisanglee.com/

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

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

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.)

Restaurant News for the Week Ending April 12, 2026

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between April 6, 2026, and April 12, 2026.

Mondo to Open in the South End
A new wine bar is on its way to Boston.
Full Story

Bar 23 and Le Boulevard to Open in the Seaport District
A local restaurant group will be opening a couple of new dining spots on the Boston waterfront.
Full Story

Conrad's to Open in Canton
A local group of restaurants known in part for their steak tips will be opening another new location.
Full Story

The Peach Cobbler Factory to Expand to New England, Opening a Location in Downtown Boston
A chain of dessert shops with roots down south will be expanding to the region, opening a location in the heart of Boston.
Full Story

Villa Mexico in Downtown Boston Is Going to Remain Open
A Mexican restaurant that was facing a possible closure will continue in operation.
Full Story

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

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.)

Friday, April 10, 2026

Crossroads Cafe in Acton Is Closing

A longtime restaurant and bar northwest of Boston is getting ready to shut down.

According to a source, Crossroads Cafe in Acton is closing after being in business for more than 30 years, with a Facebook post from the Nagog Park spot saying, "The rumors are true, Crossroads official last day of business will be April 18....It was a good run." The dining and drinking spot has been known in part for it classic American fare, pub food, and Italian and Mexican dishes, with its menu including such options as calamari, burgers, wings, steaks, baked scallops, linguine in clam sauce, ribs, liver and onions, fish tacos, and chicken parmigiana.

The address for Crossroads Cafe is 405 Nagog Park, Acton, MA, 01720. Its website can be found at https://crossroadscafeacton.com/

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

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

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.)