Thursday, February 29, 2024

Playa Bowls Opens in Wellesley

A New Jersey-based chain of dining spots has expanded further into the Greater Boston area, opening a new outlet in the western suburbs.

According to a source, Playa Bowls is now open in Wellesley, moving into a space in Linden Square, just outside of Wellesley Square. The new location of the chain offers bowls with a variety of bases along with smoothies and fresh juices, and it joins others locally in Brighton by Boston College, near Northeastern University in Boston, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Winchester, East Milton Square, Canton, Westwood, and Brockton.

The address for the new location of Playa Bowls in Wellesley is 180 Linden Street (Linden Square), Wellesley, MA, 02482. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.playabowls.com/


[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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Nusr-et Steakhouse Will Not Be Returning to Boston

Last summer, it was reported that the Boston location of a group of trendy steakhouses said goodbye to its space, though at the time, a relocation of the restaurant was being considered. Now we have learned that this won't be happening after all.

According to a press release, the Nusr-et Steakhouse brand announced "significant changes in the USA" today, officially closing its Boston restaurant rather than moving to a new space while also making plans to refurbish their restaurants in New York, Miami, and Las Vegas and continuing operations in Beverly Hills and Dallas. The release also mentions that outlets of Nusr-et will be opening globally, including in Rome, Athens, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City along with the Far East (with a particular focus on China), while locations of Saltbae Burger are in the works for airports around the world.

Nusret Gökçe (AKA Salt Bae) first opened the Boston location of Nusr-et Steakhouse in 2020, taking over the former Nahita/Liquid Art House space on Arlington Street.

[Earlier Article]
Nusr-et Steakhouse Space in Downtown Boston Is for Lease; the Restaurant May Open in a New Location


[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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Doragon Ramen in Ashland Is Becoming Doragon Eatery – Comfort Kitchen

A ramen spot in MetroWest is being reconcepted into a restaurant featuring comfort food.

A message sent to us indicates that Doragon Ramen in Ashland is closing this weekend and it plans to reopen on Tuesday, March 5 as Doragon Eatery – Comfort Kitchen. A menu for the new place shows such options as fried pickles, beef short rib poutine, lamb meatballs, wings burgers, chicken sandwiches, roasted miso salmon, macaroni and cheese, green curry prawns, vegetarian shepherd's pie, handcut fries, and coconut jasmine rice. 

Doragon Ramen first opened in the fall of 2018.

The address for Doragon Ramen (and the upcoming Doragon Eatery – Comfort Kitchen) is 1 W Union Street, Ashland, MA, 01721. The website for Doragon is at https://www.doragonramen.com/

[March 7 update: Based on social media pages, Doragon Eatery – Comfort Kitchen is now open.]


[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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Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Cook House Plans to Open in South Boston

A new dining spot from a local restaurant group may be on its way to South Boston.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Cook House is looking to open next to Lincoln Tavern on West Broadway, with the Broadway Restaurant Group (which runs the Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant and other places nearby) being behind it. The post mentions that the proposed 352-seat place would include "a series of small spaces" with an open wood-fired kitchen and a circular fireplace being part of the plans along with a bakery-cafe. These plans are in their early stages, as Cook House needs to get approval for zoning, licensing, and alcohol before the restaurant can open.

In addition to Lincoln Tavern, Broadway Restaurant Group is also behind Capo, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, Fat Baby, and Hunter's Kitchen and Bar, all of which are in Southie.


[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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Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville Is Going Up For Sale

A landmark ice cream shop on Cape Cod is on the market.

According to an article in the Cape Cod Times, Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville is for sale, with a listing within careycommercial.com showing this and saying that details are coming soon. Based on information from the article and multiple social media posts, the owners are retiring from the business and hope that any prospective buyer might keep the shop--which is being sold for $3.1 million--up and running.

Four Seas Ice Cream, which first opened in 1934, remains in operation for now.

The address for Four Seas Ice Cream is 360 S Main Street, Centerville, MA, 02632. Its website can be found at https://www.fourseasicecream.com/


[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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Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The Scotty Dog in Beverly Has Closed

A popular North Shore spot known for its Chicago-style hot dogs has shut down.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), The Scotty Dog in Beverly is no longer in business, with owner Stephen Scott posting the following within the North Shore Eats Facebook group page:

It is with a heavy heart that I'm announcing that I sold The Scotty Dog. It's been a great run and my plans were to continue for at least 4 more years but a group came in and offered me something I couldn't refuse. I have been blessed to have a committed, hardworking & friendly staff over the years & you are all great!!!! Thank you to all the customer over the past 12 yr. It's been a real pleasure serving you & your business is what made The Scotty Dog so successful.

The Scotty Dog offered a variety of hot dog options, including a Chicago dog with mustard, onion, relish, tomatoes, peppers, pickle spears, and celery salt, along with chili and cheese dogs, reuben dogs, Sonoran dogs, BLT dogs, and more. (The menu also included burgers, sausage, and Italian beef sandwiches.)

The address for The Scotty Dog was 437 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.


[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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Wa Shin Opens in Boston's Bay Village Area

A brand new omakase-style sushi spot has come to Boston.

According to a post from @streetsofboston, Wa Shin is now open in the Bay Village section of the city, moving into a space on Stuart Street near Park Plaza. The website indicates that the new restaurant will offer an omakase menu in two sections of the dining spot--the Hinoki Counter Experience which is an "intimate and immersive setting" and the Dining Experience which is "a comfortable table arrangement"--with both offering what will be an approximately 18-course meal (the website says the Dining Experience setting will be coming soon).

The address for Wa Shin is 222 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116 Its website can be found at https://washinboston.com/


[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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Monday, February 26, 2024

Heritage of Sherborn Has Been Sold, Is Being Replaced by Fireside Tavern Sherborn and Fireside Cafe

A suburban restaurant in an historic space is closing, and a new spot is moving in.

According to an article from The Swellesley Report, Josh and Jennifer Ziskin (who also run La Morra and Punch Bowl in Brookline) have sold Heritage of Sherborn to Laura Robbins and Mark Williams who will be replacing it with Fireside Tavern Sherborn. The post mentions that the Heritage Wine & Provisions Shop, which was also located on the premises, will be replaced by the Fireside Cafe which will offer breakfast and lunch along with coffee and frozen to-go meals, with the cafe slated to open in March and the tavern planning to open in April.

Heritage of Sherborn first opened in 2015, taking over the space where The Sherborn Inn had once been; the structure itself dates back to the mid-1700s.

The address for Fireside Tavern Sherborn and Fireside Cafe is 33 North Main Street, Sherborn, MA, 01770. Its website can be found at https://www.firesidetavernsherborn.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/firesidesherborn/

[May 30 update: According to its Instagram page, Fireside Tavern Sherborn and Fireside Cafe are now open.]


[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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El Jalisco Mexican Grill in Beverly to Open New Location in the Former Fasika Space in East Somerville

A Mexican restaurant on the North Shore is looking to open closer to Boston.

According to a source, El Jalisco Mexican Grill in Beverly is planning to open in East Somerville, moving into space on Broadway where Fasika had been until closing last fall. (Another location of Fasika remains open in Roxbury.) Plans for El Jalisco have been confirmed in a Somerville Times page which mentions that a public hearing took place last week on the proposal, and while our source believes that it will be a second location rather than a move, we are still trying to confirm this, so stay tuned for updates.

The Beverly location of El Jalisco Mexican Grill offers such items as pupusas, nachos, tacos, chile colorado, carne asada, fajitas, enchiladas, grilled shrimp, burritos, flan, and churros.

The address for the proposed location of El Jalisco Mexican Grill in East Somerville is 145 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02145. The website for the Beverly location can be found at https://eljaliscobeverly.com/


[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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A La Esh Is Returning to Sharon

A suburban dining spot that focused on BBQ items with influences ranging from Israel to the American South is being reborn.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, A La Esh is returning to its former home in Sharon, which had been home to a location of Hummus v'Hummus once A La Esh said farewell in the fall of 2022. A Facebook post from the business says "Stay tuned" while showing a new menu that includes such items as lamb chili, brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, kebabs, smash burgers, smoked salmon, tacos, smoked hummus, macaroni and cheese, and more.

The first incarnation of A La Esh opened next to Simcha in the Sharon Heights Shopping Plaza on South Main Street in the fall of 2020, with Avi Shemtov being behind both places along with Hummus v'Hummus (which now focuses on catering) and The Chubby Chickpea, a food truck and catering operation that was established in Canton in 2010.

The address for A La Esh is 370 South Main Street, Sharon, MA, 02067. Its website is at https://www.alaesh.com/


[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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Sunday, February 25, 2024

Restaurant News for the Week Ending February 25

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between February 19 and February 25.


SJ's Plans to Open in Boston's Leather District; Sarah Hutson (Stillwater, Sloane's) Apparently Behind It
A new dining and drinking spot may be on its way to a space near South Station in Boston, and a well-known local chef and restaurateur appears to be involved.
Full Story

H Mart in Quincy to Open a Food Hall
An Asian supermarket chain will be adding a new food hall to one of its Boston-area locations.
Full Story

Chris Coombs to Open Four Dining Spots at a New Pickleball Facility in Natick
A well-known local chef and restaurateur is planning to open multiple options for dining at an upcoming pickleball venue west of Boston.
Full Story

Hummus v'Hummus at The Street Chestnut Hill Has Closed
A fast-casual spot a few miles west of Boston that offered salad, rice, and hummus bowls has shut down, though the business itself will continue on.
Full Story

Floramo's in Wakefield Has Been Replaced by Main St Grille and Taphouse; Malden Location of Floramo's Remains in Operation
One of two locations of a legendary place for steak tips has shut down and has been replaced by a new spot.
Full Story


[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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Friday, February 23, 2024

ToppSalad in Beverly Has Closed

A North Shore dining spot that focused on salads, bowls, and wraps has shut down.

According to a source, ToppSalad in Beverly has closed, with a Facebook post from the Rantoul Street place saying the following:

To our wonderful customers: We regret to inform you that ToppSalad's last day will be this Friday, February 23d [from 11-3]. We wish the best of luck to everyone we've had the pleasure to serve! Thank you so much for your patronage over the time we've been in Beverly.

ToppSalad first started out in Danvers in 2015, moving to its home in downtown Beverly in 2021.

The address for the now-closed ToppSalad was 211 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.


[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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SJ's Plans to Open in Boston's Leather District; Sarah Hutson (Stillwater, Sloane's) Apparently Behind It

A new dining and drinking spot may be on its way to a space near South Station in Boston, and a well-known local chef and restaurateur appears to be involved.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, a restaurant tentatively called SJ's is looking to open on Atlantic Avenue, with the address indicating that it would be moving into a building in the Leather District. The notice says that the place would have various dining areas and a bar in one large room and it would also have a seasonal patio, and the manager listed is Sarah Hutson of Stillwater in downtown Boston and Sloane's in Allston. Little other information on the place has been given, but expect more to come out about the spot late next week once the meeting takes place.

The address for SJ's would be 745 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111.


[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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Thursday, February 22, 2024

H Mart in Quincy Is Debuting a Food Hall

An Asian supermarket chain is adding a new food hall to one of its Boston-area locations.

A check on the place indicates that H Mart in Quincy is going to be building a new section within its store that includes several options for dining/food, including Tous Les Jours, Oh K-Dog, Boon Mukshidonna, Paik's Noodle, bb.q Chicken, Umai Katsu, Hanchon, and Gong Cha. Currently, two other local outlets have food halls/food courts as well--Burlington and Cambridge--while another location of the market can be found in Brookline.

The address for H Mart in Quincy is 101 Falls Boulevard, Quincy, MA, 02169. The website for the company is at https://www.hmart.com/

[September 19 update: According to a post from the company, H Mart has opened its food court in the Quincy location.]


[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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Canton Liyin Rice Roll Master Is Opening in the Former Hing Shing Pastry Space in Boston's Chinatown

A chain based in China that features a food item typically served as a snack or as a dim sum item is on its way to downtown Boston, moving into a space where a longtime bakery had been.

According to a poster (Geoff Wong) within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Canton Liyin Rice Roll Master is getting ready to open on Beach Street in Chinatown, taking over the former Hing Shing Pastry space. The upcoming location of the chain, which got its start in Guangzhou in 2019, will be featuring rice noodle rolls, a Cantonese item that is commonly stuffed with meat, seafood, and/or vegetables and then steamed.

Hing Shing Pastry, which closed in September of 2023, was known for such items as almond cookies, moon cakes, cream sponge cake, egg custard buns, sesame balls, and coconut snowballs.

The address for Canton Liyin Rice Roll Master in Chinatown is 67 Beach Street, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for the chain is at https://www.liyinusa.com/

[Earlier Article]
Hing Shing Pastry in Chinatown Is Closing


[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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Chris Coombs to Open Four Dining Spots at a New Pickleball Facility in Natick

A well-known local chef and restaurateur is planning to open multiple options for dining at an upcoming pickleball venue west of Boston.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Chris Coombs is partnering with former tennis pro D.J. Bosse, with Coombs looking to open four restaurants at Bosse, which will be located within the Natick Mall and will include 21 pickleball courts. Exact details on the dining options are still in the works, though the article mentions that Coombs appears to be opening "a restaurant focused on rustic Italian dishes; an all-day cafe with coffee, smoothies, and baked goods; a 'courtside culinary experience'; and a sports bar and lounge with New American fare." If all goes well, both Bosse and the dining spots will open this fall.

Chris Coombs is co-founder of Deuxave in the Back Bay and Boston Chops in the South End and Downtown Crossing, and he has also been involved with Dbar in Dorchester .

(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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Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Hummus v'Hummus at The Street Chestnut Hill Has Closed

A fast-casual spot a few miles west of Boston that offered salad, rice, and hummus bowls has shut down, though the business itself will continue on.

According to a source, Hummus v'Hummus at The Street Chestnut is no longer in business, with an Instagram post from the place over the weekend saying that the "Chestnut Hill location...had its last service yesterday. Thank you so much for all the love Chestnut Hill and thank you for the opportunity and support." We have been told that Hummus v'Hummus will continue catering and will also do delivery, and while its Brighton and Sharon locations are no longer in operation, something will apparently be coming to the Sharon location.

Avi Shemtov, who is behind Hummus v'Hummus, is also behind Simcha restaurant in Sharon and The Chubby Chickpea, a food truck and catering operation that was established in Canton in 2010.


[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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Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Art's Creamery Opens in Belmont

A new ice cream shop has debuted in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Art's Creamery is now open in Belmont, moving into the space on Trapelo Road where Spoodles Soup Factory had been, An earlier Belmont Media Center article mentioned that the new store has an ownership connection to Art's Specialties, a group of gourmet food shops in Belmont, Lexington, Carlisle, Maynard, and Sherborn.

The address for Art's Creamery is 374 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA, 02478.


[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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The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant Is Opening in Newton's Nonantum Neighborhood

A new Irish pub is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston, and it will be moving into the space where another dining and drinking spot had been until closing at the start of this year.

According to a source, The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant is planning to open in the Nonantum section of Newton, taking over the former Cafe Martin West Street space. An Instagram page for the upcoming place says it will be a "traditional Irish pub nestled in the heart of Nonantum" and that it hopes to open in March, while a post from the place within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page indicates that the owner comes from Doolin (which sits on the west coast of Ireland and is known in part for a famous pub called Gus O'Connor's) and it will have traditional shepherd's pie with lamb and will feature live Irish music pending licensing/permitting.

Cafe Martin first opened in early 2022, with the space previously being home to West Street Tavern & Restaurant.

The address for The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant in Nonantum is 7 West Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/thedooliner/

[March 15 update: All Over Newton mentions that The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant is slated to open today.]

[Earlier Article]
Cafe Martin West Street in Newton's Nonantum Is Closing


[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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Monday, February 19, 2024

Floramo's in Wakefield Has Been Replaced by Main St Grille and Taphouse; Malden Location of Floramo's Remains in Operation

One of two locations of a legendary place for steak tips has shut down and has been replaced by a new spot.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Floramo's Restaurant in Wakefield is no longer in operation, with the post saying that "Floramo's Malden & Wakefield have combined" while referring customers to the Centre Street location in Malden. The thread also indicates that Floramo's does eventually plan to open back up in Chelsea, as was hinted at when its original location there closed in 2022, a few months after the Wakefield outlet debuted and just before the Malden location opened.

We have been told that the new spot replacing the Wakefield location of Floramo's is called Main St Grille and Taphouse, and it offers such options as BBQ, American fare, and pizza.

The address for the now-closed location of Floramo's in Wakefield (and the new Main St Grille and Taphouse) is 1099 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. The website for Floramo's is at http://floramos.net/ while the website for Main St Grille and Taphouse is at https://www.mainstgrilletaphouse.com/


[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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Sunday, February 18, 2024

Restaurant News for the Week Ending February 18

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between February 12 and February 18.


OTTO Pizza Plans to Open in the Former Donut Villa Space in Newtonville
It looks like a group of pizzerias with roots up north will be expanding further into the Greater Boston area.
Full Story

Yume Ga Arukara Opens in Boston's Seaport District February 19
An udon shop in Cambridge that once had a connection to a nearby ramen shop is readying a second outlet on the Boston waterfront.
Full Story

Papagayo at Assembly Row in Somerville Is Apparently Becoming Toca Chida
The sole remaining location of what had once been a group of upscale Mexican restaurants appears to be shuttered, and the restaurant group behind it will be replacing it with a new spot.
Full Story

Sofia Italian Steakhouse in West Roxbury Is Closing
An upscale West Roxbury restaurant is shutting down early next month, though it appears that a new dining spot will be replacing it.
Full Story

Vincent's in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing
A restaurant and wine bar in Cambridge is closing down, though the group behind it apparently has something in the works for the space.
Full Story


[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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Friday, February 16, 2024

OTTO Pizza Plans Is Opening in the Former Donut Villa Space in Newtonville

It looks like a group of pizzerias with roots up north is expanding further into the Greater Boston area, with its newest location coming to a space west of Boston that had been home to an outlet of a group of dining spots known in part for its donuts.

According to a source (via an Instagram post from All Over Newton), OTTO Pizza is opening in Newtonville, moving into the former Donut Villa space on Walnut Street. Once it opens, the new outlet of the pizza spot will join others in Andover, Arlington, Beverly, Boston's South End, the Boston/Brookline line (by BU), Brookline's Coolidge Corner, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Lynnfield, Newburyport, South Boston, and Weymouth, along with other locations in New Hampshire and Maine (where it was first established).

The Newtonville location of Donut Villa closed sometime around the start of this year, though outlets in Malden, Cambridge, and Arlington remain in operation.

The address for OTTO Pizza in Newtonville is 344 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460. The website for all locations is at https://www.ottoportland.com/

[May 1 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (and confirmed by the locations section of the OTTO website), the Newtonville location of OTTO is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Donut Villa in Newtonville Has Closed


[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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Giana Restaurant + Bar Opens in South Easton

A new upscale restaurant that features American fare with global influences has come to the southern suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Giana Restaurant + Bar is now open in South Easton, moving into a space on Roosevelt Circle just north of where Route 138 and Route 123 east meet. An Enterprise News article says that the new spot offers American dishes with Italian and Asian influences including pasta, pizza, sushi, steaks, burgers, and wings, and it includes an open kitchen, a 44-seat bar, and a 40-seat patio.

The address for Giana Restaurant + Bar is 3 Roosevelt Circle, South Easton, MA, 02375. Its website can be found at https://www.gianaeaston.com/


[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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Thursday, February 15, 2024

Dave's Hot Chicken Opens in Boston's Theatre District

A California-based chain of dining spots focusing on Nashville hot chicken has opened yet another outlet in the local area, and this is its second within Boston itself.

According to a poster (Geoff Wong) within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Dave's Hot Chicken has opened in the Theatre District, moving into the space on Stuart Street where a location of Blaze Pizza had been until closing last spring. The new location joins another Boston outlet in Dorchester's South Bay as well as Braintree, Chelmsford, Dorchester, Framingham, Newton, Saugus, and Woburn, and like the others, it offers tenders and sliders with heat levels ranging from "no spice" to "reaper."

The address for the new location of Dave's Hot Chicken in the Theatre District is 123 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.daveshotchicken.com/


[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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Yume Ga Arukara Opens in Boston's Seaport District February 19

A couple of years ago, it was reported that an udon shop in Cambridge that once had a connection to a nearby ramen shop would be expanding to the Boston waterfront, and now we have learned that it is finally on the verge of opening.

According to a press release and email message, Yume Ga Arukara is slated to open at The Superette in the Seaport District on February 19, joining the original location in the Porter Square section of Cambridge. As mentioned in an earlier article, one of the founders of Yume Ga Arukara was also behind Yume Wo Katare in Porter Square.

Yume Ga Arukara first opened in Cambridge in 2017.

The address for the Seaport District location of Yume Ga Arukara is 70 Pier 4 Boulevard (Suite 260), Boston, MA, 02210. The website for both locations is at https://www.yumegaarukara.com/

[Earlier Article]
Yume Ga Arukara in Cambridge's Porter Exchange Building to Expand to Boston's Seaport District


[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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Papagayo at Assembly Row in Somerville Is Becoming Toca Chida

The sole remaining location of what had once been a group of upscale Mexican restaurants is shuttered, and it looks like the restaurant group behind it will be replacing it with a new spot.

According to its website, Papagayo at Assembly Row in Somerville is no longer in operation, with the note saying that "We're excited to announce the launch of our newest concept from Legendary Restaurant Group coming Spring 2024." The Facebook page for Papagayo now goes to a new page for a restaurant called Toca Chida, though no details have been given as of yet (stay tuned for updates as they come in).

Papagayo first opened at Assembly Row in 2014, joining another location at the time in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood; other outlets had also been in Downtown Crossing and Saugus as well but all are now closed. Its website (which shows the note for the new concept) can be found at https://www.papagayorestaurants.com/ while the website for Toca Chida is at https://www.tocachida.com/

[May 10 update: According to a press release, Toca Chida is now open, and it focuses on Caribbean and Latin American fare.]


[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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Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The Falconer Taproom & Kitchen in Beverly Has Closed

A European-style pub on the North Shore that was under the same ownership as a brewery north of Boston has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Falconer Taproom & Kitchen in Beverly is now closed, with an Instagram post from the Cabot Street spot saying the following:

To our friends and supporters - this has been a tough day as we regretfully made the decision to close The Falconer. Our team has been working hard over the last few months to find a way to continue, but with a lease that is expiring and continued financial losses we could not find a sustainable path forward. We have been working with our employees today and we are happy to announce that we have found roles for many of them at our Newburyport location, so you can still see some of your favorite faces!....It is unfortunate that we weren't able to address this publicly in our planned time frame, but we were focused on communicating with our staff prior to releasing any public info. Our initial response wasn't appropriate, and we apologize.

The people behind Riverwalk Brewing Co. in Newburyport first opened The Falconer Taproom & Kitchen in late 2022.

The address for the now-closed Falconer Taproom & Kitchen was 280 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.


[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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Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Neighborhood Variety Opens in Quincy

A new food shop is has come to Quincy, and it features Irish products.

According to posts within the Everything Braintree Facebook group page and a check on the place, Neighborhood Variety is now open in the Quincy Point section of the city, moving into a space on E Howard Street across from the old shipyard. The post indicates that the store sells such items as soda bread, rashers, Tayto crisps, Kerrygold butter, baked beans, McDonnells curry sauce, and KP Hula Hoops, along with beer and wine.

The address for Neighborhood Variety is 132 E Howard Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.


[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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Birdies Hot Chicken Is Opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A third location of a group of Nashville hot chicken places appears to be on its way to the Greater Boston area, and this one will be in the heart of the city.

According to a poster (Geoff Wong) within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Birdies Hot Chicken is planning to open in the city's Downtown Crossing area, with the post indicating that it will be moving into a space next to Potbelly which means its exact address is 267 Washington Street. Once it opens, the new outlet will join others in Brockton and Westwood, and based on those locations, expect the new location to offer chicken sliders, wings, tenders, chicken and waffles, and more.

The website for Birdies Hot Chicken can be found at https://birdieshotchickenma.com/

[April 3 update: A post from @DTownBostonBID indicates that Birdies Hot Chicken is now open in Downtown Crossing.]


[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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Sofia Italian Steakhouse in West Roxbury Is Closing

An upscale West Roxbury restaurant is shutting down early next month, though it appears that a new dining spot will be replacing it.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Sofia Italian Steakhouse on VFW Parkway is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

After 16 happy and successful years, it is with a heavy heart that we have come to the difficult decision to have our last dinner service on Saturday, March 2nd. Sofia has been sold to another restaurant group that will aim to reopen under a new name and concept....if you can't make a last trip in to dine with us, we invite you to visit our sister restaurant in Stoughton: Amelia's!  You'll also be able to use any of your Sofia gift cards there.

The space in which Sofia resides had previously been home to Vintage, and before that, Fontaine's.

The address for Sofia Italian Steakhouse is 1430 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA, 02132. Its website can be found at https://www.sofiaboston.com/


[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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Monday, February 12, 2024

Vincent's in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing

A restaurant and wine bar in Cambridge is closing down, though the group behind it apparently has something in the works for the space.

According to an Instagram post from the place, Vincent's in Kendall Square is shutting its doors, with the note saying the following:

Sad news! After almost 4 years on the corner here, Vincent's time is up. We're locking it up for the last time on February 29th....It's been a wild ride, and we'll always be proud of this little wine bar, bistro, and brunch joint that we grew into....We've got plans for this space and we'll tell you more on that later.

Big Dipper Hospitality Group (which also runs State Park and Mamaleh's) first opened Vincent's in 2020 as Vincent's Grocery, which sold groceries, breakfast, tacos, wine, and used records, morphing into Vincent's restaurant the following year. The space had previously been home to Cafe du Pays, and before that, Hungry Mother.

The address for Vincent's is 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Its website can be found at https://vincentscorner.com/


[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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Ricen to Open in Cambridge's Porter Square

A new Thai restaurant is on its way to Cambridge, moving into a space that had been home to another Thai spot.

According to an article from Boston Magazine as well as a recent check on the space, Ricen is planning to open in Porter Square, taking over the former Rod Dee space on Mass. Ave. The article mentions that Panupak Kraiwong, who had been behind Dakzen in Somerville before leaving the place a few years ago, will be operating the new restaurant which will focus on noodle and rice dishes. If all goes well, it looks like Ricen could debut sometime in May.

The address for the upcoming Ricen in Porter Square is 1906 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/ricenboston/


[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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Sunday, February 11, 2024

Restaurant News for the Week Ending February 11

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between February 5 and February 11.


Six New Dining Spots Are Coming to Gateway Brookline Development
A number of new options for food appear to be on their way to a new development in Brookline.
Full Story

Rosa Mexicano at the Burlington Mall Has Closed
A small group of upscale Mexican restaurants has closed one of its locations in the Greater Boston area.
Full Story

Out Of The Blue in Davis Square Is Closing
A highly-rated Italian seafood restaurant is saying farewell to Somerville.
Full Story

Lalas Plans to Open in the Former Article 24 Space in Brighton
A new dining and drinking spot is looking to open in Brighton, and it would take over the space where another restaurant had been until closing down last month.
Full Story

Althea to Open in the Former Dial Space in Cambridge's Central Square
A new dining spot from the husband-and-wife team behind an Italian restaurant in Cambridge will be moving into a nearby space.
Full Story


[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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Friday, February 09, 2024

Lê Madeline Replaces Pho Linh in North Quincy

The person behind a Vietnamese restaurant in Quincy has replaced it with a new concept.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Lê Madeline opened in North Quincy on February 8, taking over the space on Hancock Street that had been home to Pho Linh. The article says that owner Tam Le had been testing out the new concept over the past few months via a pop-up and that the Pho Linh menu continues to be offered at lunchtime, while a new menu focusing on creative Vietnamese fare is offered at dinner along with cocktails that have Vietnamese influences.

The address for Lê Madeline (and the former Pho Linh) in North Quincy is 409 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA. 02171.


[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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Lombardo's in Randolph Is Going Up for Auction

One of the best-known event venues in the Greater Boston area is going on the auction block.

An email sent to us indicates that Lombardo's in Randolph is putting more than 400 items up for auction, including catering and event equipment, furniture, light fixtures (including its iconic chandelier), and more, with the online auction taking place on February 15 via Boston auction firm Paul E. Saperstein Co. and Bidspotter. The Lombardo family announced the sale of its property last September and also announced the formation of the Lombardo Hospitality Group, which is behind Bardo's Bar Pizza in South Boston and Norwood, as well as Off The Vine Catering.

Lombardo's traces its roots to a butcher shop in East Boston that was established nearly 100 years ago, with the Lombardo family subsequently opening a supermarket in Eastie in the 1950s before eventually opening event venues in East Boston and, later, Randolph.

The website for the Lombardo Hospitality Group is at https://lombardoshospitality.com/


[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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Uncle Tetsu Is Opening in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

It looks like a chain of Japanese cheesecake shops will be expanding to Boston.

According to a poster (Geoff Wong) within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Uncle Tetsu is going to be opening in Chinatown, moving into a space on Hudson Street between Kneeland Street and Beach Street. Based on other outlets of the chain (which first started out in Hakata, Japan, in 1985), expect to see scratch-made cheesecakes that the company's website says combine "the richness of American cheesecakes with the lightness of French soufflés.

The address for Uncle Tetsu in Chinatown is 19 Hudson Street, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for the chain can be found at https://uncletetsu-us.com/

[September 20 update: According to an Instagram post from @jccraves, Uncle Tetsu is now open in Chinatown.]


[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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Desnuda Cocina e Bar Plans to Open in the Former Tremont 647 Space in Boston's South End

A new restaurant that focuses on both Latin American and Asian fare is on its way to Boston, and it will also focus on cocktails and music as well.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Desnuda Cocina e Bar is planning to open in the South End, moving into a space on Tremont Street that had once been home to Tremont 647. The article mentions that MAZI Food Group (Kava Neo-Taverna, Ilona, Gigi) is behind the new place and that executive chef Jesus Preciado will offer dishes with Mexican, Peruvian, Colombian, and Asian influences--and it will also included a "listening bar," though specific details the music aspect of the spot have not been given as of yet.

It looks like Desnuda Cocina e Bar will open sometime this summer if all goes as planned.

The address for the upcoming Desnuda Cocina e Bar in the South End is 647 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02118.


[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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Thursday, February 08, 2024

Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House Is Opening in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

A small group of all-you-can-eat shabu spots with roots in Southern California will be expanding to Boston.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House is planning to open soon in the city's Chinatown neighborhood, moving into a space on Hudson Street. Based on the locations of the restaurant in California and Nevada, the new outlet in Boston could include four tiers of shabu that are priced at $45, $55, $78, and $98, though it hasn't been confirmed as of yet that this location will follow that of the others (stay tuned for updates).

The address for Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House in Chinatown is 21 Hudson Street (Unit 101), Boston, MA, 02111. The website for the business is at https://mikiyashabu.com/

[January 6, 2025 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House is now open in Chinatown.]

(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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Six New Dining Spots Are Coming to Gateway Brookline Development

A number of new options for food appear to be on their way to a new development in Brookline.

According to a source, six new dining spots have been announced for Gateway Brookline, a complex by Beacon Street and St Mary's Street that is being redeveloped and renovated. Paul Warren of the Brookline Select Board has posted about the plans within the Brookline Townwide Discussion Facebook group page, saying that the following businesses are looking to open at the site:

-- Sushi Jiro, which will be a full-service sit-down sushi spot.

-- Ssaanjh Indian, which will be a sit-down spot that is similar to Shan-A-Punjab on Harvard Street, which is under the same ownership.

-- Kyo Matcha Bakery, which will offer Japanese baked goods, desserts, and sweet drinks.

-- Kyuramen, which will focus on ramen offered for lunch service.

-- Baby Cakes, which will be a Hong Kong-style cafe.

-- Liyin Rice Roll, which will offer dim sum and breakfast and lunch options.

Warren mentions that a covered outdoor seating area will be on the premises for the dining spots and that it will include heat lamps. (It is not known when this project will be complete, so keep checking back for updates.)

[April 12 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via the Instagram page for the place), Kyo Matcha has a soft opening today with its grand opening being tomorrow.]


[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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Wednesday, February 07, 2024

Momo Masala Opens in Jamaica Plain

A new restaurant that features a type of dumpling found in South Asia has opened in Jamaica Plain.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a post within the Jamaica Plain Facebook group) that Momo Masala is now open in the Hyde Square section of JP, moving into the space on Perkins Street that had been home to The Haven until it moved to Amory Street. The menu for the new eatery offers a mix of Nepali and Indian food with a section dedicated to momos, though the menu also includes such options as mulligatawny soup, samosas, pakoras, chicken tikka masala, shrimp tikka saag, lamb curry, paneer korma, goat vindaloo, and vegetable biryani. 

The address for Momo Masala is 2 Perkins Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://www.momomasalausa.com/


[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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Rosa Mexicano at the Burlington Mall Has Closed

A small group of upscale Mexican restaurants has closed one of its locations in the Greater Boston area.

According to an email from The Daily Lunch, Rosa Mexicano at the Burlington Mall is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the business seeming to confirm this, as it is no longer shown within the locations section of the site. The Burlington outlet of the restaurant first opened in June of 2022, joining another in Boston's Seaport District; other locations can also be found in New York City, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The website for Rosa Mexicano can be found at https://www.rosamexicano.com/


[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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Taco Azul Plans to Open in Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood

It looks like a brand new Mexican dining spot is on its way to the Beacon Hill section of Boston.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Taco Azul is planning to open somewhere in the neighborhood, and that Dan Leyva--who is behind the Wings Over chain, will be running the place. The upcoming spot will be a full-service "modern Mexican taco restaurant" with guacamole, tacos, and margaritas, and it could be opening in the middle of this year if all goes as planned.

The website for Taco Azul is at https://www.tacoazul.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/tacoazul/

[July 26 update: A Boston Licensing Board hearing page mentions that Taco Azul plans to open on Beacon Street in the space that had been home to The Emory.]


[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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Tuesday, February 06, 2024

Out Of The Blue in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing

A highly-rated Italian seafood restaurant is saying farewell.

According to a post within the Davis Square Facebook group page, Out Of The Blue in the Davis Square section of Somerville is shutting down, with the note saying the following:

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Out of the Blue. After 23 1/2 years it is time to say goodbye. It's been an amazing journey and we loved every minute of it. Our employees became family. Our customers became friends. The square became our neighborhood. We will cherish the memories we made along the way and hope you will too. And as we close we want to thank you for your loyal support and patronage over the years.

The post mentions that the restaurant will remain open through February 14.

Out of the Blue is known for such dishes as fried calamari, grilled octopus, lobster fra diavolo, grilled swordfish, oven roasted whole fish, shrimp scampi linguini, frutti di mare, mussels marinara, pan roasted scallops, and grilled salmon.

The address for Out of the Blue is 215 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. Its website is at http://outofthebluerestaurant.com/


[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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Blondie's Plans to Open in the Former Article 24 Space in Brighton

A new dining and drinking spot is looking to open in Brighton, and it would take over the space where another restaurant had been until closing down last month.

Based on information from a recent Brighton Allston Improvement Association meeting, a new restaurant called Blondie's (not Lalas, which was a working name only) is planning to open on Western Avenue in the former Article 24 space, and Tyrone Di Stasi, Richard Sullivan, and Jairo Dominguez are behind it (the parent company is Lalaland LLC). The proposed spot will be a neighborhood bar with American-style shareable plates and brunch on the weekends, and it will be the fourth place from the team of Di Stasi, Sullivan, and Dominguez, joining Flamingo in the North End, Rock & Rye in the Theatre District, and Pinky's in the Back Bay.

Article 24 first opened in the spring of 2016, moving into the space that had previously been home to The Boyne.

The address for the upcoming Blondie's is 458 Western Avenue, Brighton, MA, 02135.

[August 14 update: A message sent to us indicates that Blondie's is slated to open in Brighton on August 26.]

[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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Monday, February 05, 2024

Banh Mi Cafe Opens in Watertown

A new Vietnamese restaurant has opened in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a Mastodon post from @refreshingapathy, Banh Mi Cafe is now open in Watertown, with the place commencing a soft-opening at its Main Street storefront yesterday and today. A menu for the place has not been seen as of yet, so it is not known what might be offered in addition to banh mi; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

 The address for Banh Mi Cafe is 102 Main Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.


[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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ChocAllure Opens Brick-and-Mortar Shop in Wellesley

A high-end chocolate company now has its very own store, and it is located in the western suburbs of Boston.

A message sent to us indicates that ChocAllure is now open in Wellesley, moving into a space on Central Avenue in Wellesley Square. The shop offers a variety of handmade items including chocolate hearts, chocolate jewels, chocolate bars, and gift sets, and it also offers a Chocolate-of-the-Month Club Collection as well.

The address for the brick-and-mortar location of ChocAllure is 87 Central Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. Its website can be found at https://choc-allure.com/


[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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Althea Is Opening in the Former Dial Space in Cambridge's Central Square

Last month it was reported that a restaurant on the ground floor of a boutique hotel in Cambridge had shut down, and now we have learned that a new dining spot from the husband-and-wife team behind a nearby Italian restaurant will be moving into the space.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Althea is going to be opening in Central Square, taking over the ground-floor space space within 907 Main that had been home to The Dial. The article mentions that Greg Reeves and Shauna Reyburn of Vialé on Mass. Ave. will be running the place, which will focus on creative American fare using locally sourced and "thoughtfully sourced" ingredients. If all goes as planned, Althea will open in April, and it will include a raw bar, patio, and live music.

[May 17 update: According to its website Althea is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Dial and the Blue Owl at 907 Main in Cambridge's Central Square Have Closed; Future of Places Unknown


[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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Sunday, February 04, 2024

Restaurant News for the Week Ending February 4

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between January 29 and February 4.


bartaco to Open at the Derby Street Shops in Hingham
A growing chain of street food spots with influences ranging from the cuisines of California to Mexico to South America is further expanding into the Greater Boston area.
Full Story

Stanzy's Country Ranch in Peabody Has Closed, Will Be Replaced a by New Pub
A Southern-influenced restaurant, bar, and music spot on the North Shore has shut down, and a new dining and drinking spot will be replacing it.
Full Story

Somaek, Temple Records, and Sushi @ Temple Records to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing
A multi-concept dining and drinking spot is on its way to the heart of Boston, and three familiar names are behind it.
Full Story

Sofra in Cambridge to Expand to New Space in Allston
A popular bakery in Cambridge is expanding to a second space, and this one will be located across the river.
Full Story

Baby Cafe Kitchen to Open in Allston and Brookline
A California-based group of Hong Kong-style restaurants will be expanding to two locations in the Boston area.
Full Story


[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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Thursday, February 01, 2024

bartaco to Open at the Derby Street Shops in Hingham

A growing chain of street food spots with influences ranging from the cuisines of California to Mexico to South America is further expanding into the Greater Boston area, and this one will be its first on the South Shore.

According to a press release, bartaco is planning to open in Hingham, moving into a space at the Derby Street Shops later this year, and a source within the restaurant industry tells us that it will be taking over the former Nomai space. Currently, there are two locations of the chain in the region, with one being in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood and a second being in Brookline's Washington Square; another is also in the works for the Fenway section of Boston, and we have been told that it plans to open soon.

bartaco opened its first location in Port Chester, NY, in 2011 and now has nearly 30 outlets across the country. Its website can be found at https://bartaco.com/


[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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Jimmies Cafe in Roslindale Has Closed

An ice cream shop in a Boston neighborhood has shut down after being in business for 15 years.

Universal Hub is reporting that Jimmies Cafe in Roslindale is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Corinth Street spot thanking customers for their support and saying that it is closed "indefinitely." Jimmies, which first opened in 2009, was known in part for its ice cream but also served salads, sandwiches, chicken fingers, empanadas, and fries as well.

The address for the now-closed Jimmies Cafe was 48 Corinth Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131.


[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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