With the economy in tatters, it would seem that about the only changes within the Boston restaurant scene would be closings of dining spots, but this is not quite the case. Indeed, a number of highly-anticipated restaurant openings are on the horizon, including several that we mention below. (Thanks to Zagat Buzz, Wicked Local, the Boston Herald, and Chowhound for helping us learn more about a few of these.)
Famous Deli, North End.
This looks to be a sandwich spot on Cross Street near Hanover and Salem Streets at the beginning of the North End (where the Central Artery used to be). The owner of Strega, a popular Italian eatery in the North End, will also be heading up this spot, which should be open in May.
Il Casale, Belmont.
The owner of Dante in Cambridge will be opening another Italian restaurant, this one on Leonard Street in Belmont. Il Casale will likely lean toward upscale Italian cuisine, and it will reside in a renovated firehouse in the center of town. The exact opening date is unknown, but it looks as if it will definitely be open sometime this spring.
Tupelo, Cambridge.
Described on their Twitter page as "comfort food with a Southern flair," Tupelo will be opening on Cambridge Street in Inman Square, perhaps as early as April, in the spot where Magnolia's Southern Cuisine used to be.
Friendly Toast, Cambridge.
A restaurant in Portsmouth, NH, that features unique homemade breakfasts, Friendly Toast will be opening a new location in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge. The last we heard, they are hoping to open sometime in April at 1 Kendall Square.
Trina's Starlight Lounge, Cambridge.
Yet another new restaurant coming to Cambridge, Trina's Starlight Lounge promises to also be another Southern-style dining spot in the Inman Square section of the city. It will be housed in the old Abbey Lounge Spot on Beacon Street near the Somerville border. Trina's probably won't be open until sometime in the summer.
