The Cornerstone in Somerville Is Changing Management; the People Behind It Plan to Focus on Running Charlie's Kitchen in Cambridge

A quirky gastropub in Somerville is going through a management change, as the people behind it are turning their focus toward an iconic eatery in Cambridge that they are now running.

According to a Facebook post from David Toraji Oshima, Cornerstone on Beacon Street is changing hands, as he says the following:

It is with a heavy heart that after this week, The Cornerstone will be under new management. I would like to thank all of our customers made friends and staff made family for everything!!!  I have learned a lot during my time here and will now focus my energy on my restaurant in Harvard Square. Please come and support, drink, and eat at my "new" restaurant, Charlie's Kitchen.  I would like to bring it back to its former glory. Come visit me at Cornerstone this week before it's too late.

Oshima and Derek Luangrath opened Cornerstone late last year in the former R.F. O'Sullivan & Son space; they recently became the new operators of Charlie's Kitchen, a casual spot in Harvard Square that dates back to the 1950s and which is known in part for its burgers.

The address for The Cornerstone is 282 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

---

[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.)

  

Cucina LaRosa's in Wilmington Has Closed

An Italian restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston whose roots date back approximately 50 years has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Cucina LaRosa's in Wilmington is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Main Street spot saying the following:

After a decade of serving meals in Billerica and Wilmington, and reflecting on our roots in Winchester during the '70s, the time has come to say goodbye. The decision to close our doors has not been easy. Rising costs, both in payroll and food supplies, combined with the challenges of managing a demanding business in our later years, have made it increasingly difficult to continue. We will deeply miss the vibrant relationships we've forged over the last ten years....We are immensely thankful for our dedicated and talented staff, who have been the backbone of Cucina LaRosa's....To our loyal patrons, we cannot express enough gratitude for your support through the years. Your smiles and satisfaction have been our greatest rewards.

Cucina LaRosa's offered a variety of options include pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more.

The address for Cucina LaRosa's was 228 Main Street (Route 38), Wilmington, MA, 01887.

---

[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.)

  

Bar Athena in Holliston Has Closed

A restaurant southwest of Boston that offered Mediterranean fare has closed its doors.

According to a Threads post from @jeremykrantz, Bar Athena in Holliston is no longer in business, with a check on its website showing the following note from last week:

Thank you, Holliston! After 5 years, this Friday [was] our final day of service. It has been a great pleasure and honor to serve and get to know many of you. Thank you for everything! Warmly, Lisa, Gordon & the Bar Athena Team

Bar Athena offered such dishes as marinated olives, hummus, baba ghanoush, chicken skewers, halloumi cheese, lamb tenderloin, and pork schnitzel, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the now-closed Bar Athena was 770 Washington Street, Holliston, MA, 01746.

---

[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.)

  

ButterBird Opens at Arsenal Yards in Watertown June 28

About a year and a half ago, it was reported that a well-known local chef and restaurateur was planning to open a fast-casual dining spot just west of Boston, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut.

According to an Instagram post from the business, ButterBird is planning to open its doors at Arsenal Yards in Watertown on Friday, June 28, with the post saying the following:

You've been very patient cluckers, and we can't WAIT to show you all that’s gone in to making this Bird the best of its flock. Doors open at 8am for breakfast sammies… line on up and don't sleep on @chef.jasonsantos' breakfast burrito. You'll be hooked after one bite! BREAKFAST — Monday-Friday | 8am-12pm — Saturday-Sunday | 8am-1pm  LUNCH — Monday-Thursday | 12pm-8pm — Friday-Saturday | 1pm-9pm — Sunday | 1pm-8pm

As mentioned earlier, Jason Santos (Buttermilk & Bourbon, Citrus & Salt, Nash Bar & Stage) is behind the new eatery, which will also offer chicken and waffles, tater tot bowls, chicken sandwiches, French toast sticks, biscuits, corned beef hash and cheddar pie pockets, and more in addition to breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos.

The address for ButterBird is 112 Bond Square, Watertown, MA, 02472. Its website is at https://www.butterbirdboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Jason Santos Plans to Open Butterbird at Arsenal Yards in Watertown

---

[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.)

  

Fire Rips Through The Squealing Pig in Boston's Mission Hill Neighborhood

A restaurant and bar in Boston that is popular with nearby college students and medical workers has sustained severe damage in an overnight fire.

According to an article from NECN, The Squealing Pig in the city's Mission Hill area was hit by an intense blaze around midnight, with firefighters being able to quickly extinguish the flames but not before causing the interior of the Smith Street spot to be "completely charred." No injuries were reported in the fire, which is currently under investigation.

The Mission Hill location of The Squealing Pig resides near several colleges and universities (including Northeastern) while being a few blocks south of the Longwood medical area; another location of the place can be found in Provincetown.

This is the second fire to hit a restaurant space in two days, as the building housing the soon-to-reopen Jacob Wirth in the Theater District was heavily damaged in a four-alarm blaze late Monday night.

---

[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.)

  

Four-Alarm Fire Heavily Damages Jacob Wirth Building in Boston's Theater District

An overnight fire caused major damage to a structure that had once been home to a landmark Boston restaurant--and one which was in the process of returning.

According to multiple sources, a four-alarm blaze ripped through the Jacob Wirth building on Stuart Street in the Theater District late last night, with NBC Boston saying that the cause and origin of the fire is unknown at this point in time while various sources indicate that there were no injuries in the blaze. As mentioned in an earlier article, City Realty Group and other business partners were working on opening Jacob Wirth back up with few changes made to the place; the restaurant has actually been closed since being hit a fire back in 2018.

Jacob Wirth first opened in 1868, being known in part for its German food and extensive beer list along with its piano singalongs.

---

[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.)

  

Porters Bar and Grill in Boston's North Station Area Has Closed

A Boston drinking spot that was popular with sports fans has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Porters Bar and Grill near North Station is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Portland Street spot saying the following:

We are closed permanently as of Saturday, 22 June 2024. 24.25 years -  not too shabby, will plan a more eloquent note maybe next week… It was not the happy ending we had planned for with a sale/buyer, but what a week to go out, huh!? Thanks to all the great staff and customers over the years, it was quite a [wild] ride !

Porters Bar and Grill first opened in 2000, being a place where Bruins and Celtics fans would go to before and after games, along with residents of the West End and nearby office workers.

The address for the now-closed Porters Bar and Grill was 173 Portland Street, Boston, MA, 02114. 

---

[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.)

  

Asaro Bakery & Cafe Opens in Cambridge

Last summer it was reported that a new bakery-cafe with Israeli influences was planning to open in Cambridge, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a Twitter/X post from Jesse Mermell, Asaro Bakery & Cafe is now open on Cambridge Street, moving into the space between Harvard Square and Inman Square that had been home to a location of Darwin's. As mentioned in an earlier article here, the new spot is run by a family that used to run bakeries in Israel, with co-owner Timna Barsheshet saying at the time that "Our specialty will be finding a middle ground between Israeli and American culture....Our goal is to offer high-quality and delicious baked goods with Israeli authenticity, but with creativity inspired from all around the world."

The address for Asaro Bakery & Cafe is 1629 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://asarocafe.com/

[Earlier Article]
Asaro Bakery and Cafe Plans to Take Over One of the Former Darwin's Locations in Cambridge

---

[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.)

  

The Halal Guys, Dave's Hot Chicken Plan to Open at the Bon Apartment Complex in Boston's Fenway

A couple of growing chains are both looking to open within an apartment development in the Fenway section of Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, The Halal Guys and Dave's Hot Chicken are looking to open at the Bon on Boylston Street, with the former being takeout-only while the latter will apparently have both takeout and dine-in options. Currently, there are three locations of The Halal Guys in the Greater Boston area (and one in Shrewsbury), while Dave's Hot Chicken has eight locations locally.

The address for the Bon is 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for The Halal Guys is at https://thehalalguys.com/ while the website for Dave's Hot Chicken is at https://www.daveshotchicken.com/

[February 28, 2025 update: A check on the place indicates that Dave's Hot Chicken is now open in the Fenway.]

---

[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 June 23

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between June 17 and June 23.

---

Eatery on Broad Plans to Open in Downtown Boston, Will Include Mini Donut Diva, Pasta Factory, Fat Sandwich Boss
A trio of dining concepts may be on their way to a space in downtown Boston.
Full Story

A New Location of Milkweed May Open in Dorchester
It looks like a Mission Hill restaurant could be joined by a second location in another part of Boston.
Full Story

Lord Hobo in Cambridge Is Gone; Space May Go Through a Rebrand But Appears Nameless for Now
A beer bar in Cambridge that helped launch one of the biggest beer brands in the local area is no more, and what's left is a bar that doesn't appear to have a name, at least for the time being.
Full Story

Fallow Kin to Open in the Former Craigie on Main Space in Cambridge
A new dining spot is on its way to Cambridge, and it will move into the space where a nationally-recognized restaurant had once been.
Full Story

Atlantico in Boston's South End Has Closed
A seafood restaurant in the South End has shuttered.
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.)

   

Bon Me Opening New Locations at Cambridge Crossing and Technology Square in Cambridge

A local group of Asian restaurants and food trucks known in part for their Vietnamese sandwiches has been joined by a new brick-and-mortar location in Cambridge--and a second is opening nearby as well.

According to an email, Bon Me is now open on Jacobs Street at Cambridge Crossing, while another one is getting ready to open at 600 Technology Square in Kendall Square. The Cambridge Crossing plans had first been reported last September, and it appears that the Technology Square outlet is a move from One Kendall Square, based on information from a Cambridge Day article.

Both of these locations of Bon Me have partnered with local upcycling startup ChopValue Boston, which built tables and counters for the restaurants from recycled chopsticks.

The website for Bon Me, which started out as a food truck business back in 2011, is at  https://www.bonmetruck.com/

[August 9 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Bon Me is now open at 600 Technology Square in Cambridge.]

---

[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.)

  

Eatery on Broad Plans to Open in Downtown Boston, Will Include Mini Donut Diva, Pasta Factory, Fat Sandwich Boss

A trio of dining concepts may be on their way to a space in downtown Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Eatery on Broad is planning to open in the Financial District, with the space including three kiosks for Mini Donut Diva, Pasta Factory, and Fat Sandwich Boss. The notice mentions that the space would have a capacity of 18 and that Melissa Frettoloso--who is the founder of the Roxbury-based Mini Donut Diva--is the manager of the three businesses.

Based on the address given, it appears that Eatery on Broad would be taking over the former Starbucks space at the corner of Broad Street and Water Street.

The website for Mini Donut Diva is at https://minidonutdiva.com/

---

[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.)

  

Eddie Merlot's in Boston's Seaport District May Be Replaced by Sullivan's Steakhouse

A Colorado-based restaurant group could be replacing its steakhouse near the Boston waterfront with another steakhouse.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Eddie Merlot's on Congress Street in the Seaport District is planning to change to Sullivan's Steakhouse, with both chains being part of the Dividend Restaurant Group. Eddie Merlot's first opened in Boston in 2021 after earlier plans to open at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel on Summer Street apparently fell through; Sullivan's Steakhouse does not currently have a presence in the Northeast, with the closest locations being in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The address for the Seaport District location of Eddie Merlot's (and the proposed Sullivan's Steakhouse) is 505 Congress Street, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the Dividend Restaurant Group is at https://www.dividendrestaurantgroup.com/

---

[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.)

  

Pappare Ristorante Is Opening in Boston's North End

It looks like a new Italian restaurant is coming to the North End of Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Pappare Ristorante is planning to open on Hanover Street, with the address indicating that it would be taking over a space just to the left of the Paul Revere Mall. The manager for the proposed spot is Frank Pellino, who, along with his wife Karen, is behind the nearby Casarecce and also ran the now-closed Pellino's Ristorante; it looks like Pappare will include two ground-floor dining areas and a bar, along with more seating in a basement space.

The address for Pappare Ristorante is 358-364 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website is at https://www.pappareboston.com/

[February 21, 2025 update: According to an Instagram post from @conciergeboston, Pappare Ristorante is now open.]

(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.)

 

A New Location of Milkweed Could Be Opening in Dorchester

It looks like a Mission Hill restaurant could be joined by a second location in another part of Boston.

According to an article in the Dorchester Reporter, Milkweed may be taking over the former Boston Market space on Morrissey Boulevard just north of Neponset Circle in Dorchester, with co-owners Ben Johnson and Dave Cawley also confirming that one of their other spots--The Blarney Stone in Dorchester's Fields Corner--will indeed be closing, which was reported here last month. In the article, Johnson says that "Milkweed, for us, is hopefully the future....It's a mix of a diner, and brunch spot, and café. It has a brighter vibe....We love the location and the space. It's a corner unit, and that’s important for the concept with a lot of windows. It has parking." Neither a closing date for The Blarney Stone nor an opening date for the second location of Milkweed have been given as of yet, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Milkweed first opened in Mission Hill in 2017, while The Blarney Stone dates back to the 1960s with Johnson and Cawley purchasing the place in 2012.

The address for the proposed location of Milkweed in Dorchester is 1010 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA, 02122. The website for the Mission Hill location of the restaurant can be found at https://www.eatatmilkweed.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Blarney Stone in Dorchester May Become Acapella's

(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.)

Lord Hobo in Cambridge Is Gone; Space May Go Through a Rebrand But Appears Nameless for Now

A beer bar in Cambridge that helped launch one of the biggest beer brands in the local area is no more, and what's left is a bar that doesn't appear to have a name, at least for the time being.

According to a source from a few weeks back, Lord Hobo on Hampshire Street between Kendall Square and Inman Square is no longer called Lord Hobo, with signs gone and no new name apparently given for the place. A check on the space has confirmed this, and an article by beer writer Andy Crouch within the All About Beer website gets into details about how founder Daniel Lanigan no longer has ownership in Lord Hobo Brewing  anymore, though he has continued to co-own and run the Cambridge beer bar. In the article, Lord Hobo Brewing board member Simon Thorpe says that "Daniel is not involved anymore and hasn't been for some years now....He's no longer an owner and hasn't had an equity stake for the best part of two years." The article also mentions that Lord Hobo Brewing marketing director Aubree Karls said in a Reddit post that "I work for Lord Hobo Brewing Company and would like to clarify some confusion around [the Cambridge beer bar]. In 2023 we terminated our license of the Lord Hobo name at the Cambridge location, which is not owned and never been owned by Lord Hobo Brewing. We have not had a relationship with Cambridge since then, and we have repeatedly asked the operator to remove any signage or association with Lord Hobo."

The Lord Hobo beer bar first opened in Cambridge 2010, with Lord Hobo Brewery debuting in Woburn in 2015 and being joined by another location in Boston's Seaport District in 2020.

---

[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.)

  

Le Petit Four Bakery Is Opening in the Former White's Bakery and Cafe Space in Wellesley

A French bakery in the western suburbs of Boston will be expanding to a second space, also west of the city.

According to an article from The Swellesley Report, Le Petit Four Bakery in Needham will be joined by another location in Wellesley, with the upcoming Washington Street outlet taking over the space where White's Bakery and Cafe had been until closing in 2020. The post mentions that owner Valerie Coullet hopes to open the Wellesley shop sometime in the fall once construction on the space is complete, and it will offer such options as fruit danish, strawberries brioche tart, blueberry muffins, cookies, apple turnovers, Kouign Amann, baguettes, sweet and savory croissants, pain au chocolat, and cinnamon rolls.

Existing locations of White's can be found in Brockton and Mansfield.

The address for the new location of Le Petit Four Bakery in Wellesley is 380 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA, 02481. The website for the business is at https://www.lepetitfourneedham.com/

Thanks to Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub for bringing this to our attention.

[February 20, 2025 update: According to both a source and a post from The Swellesley Report, Le Petit Four Bakery is now open in Wellesley.]

(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.)

 

Banh Mi Boba & Me Opens in Stoughton

A new Vietnamese restaurant has come to the southern suburbs of Boston.

According to a Threads post from @jeremykrantz, Banh Mi Boba & Me is now open in Stoughton, moving into a space on Washington Street in the center of town. The menu for the place shows such options as spring rolls, banh mi, smoothies, milk tea, fruit tea, hot tea, and coffee.

The address for Banh Mi Boba & Me in Stoughton is 830 Washington Street (Unit C), Stoughton, MA, 02072.

---

[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.)

  

Yas Chicken Opens in Brockton

A growing local group of chicken places has expanded once again, opening a new location south of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via an article from The Enterprise), Yas Chicken is now open in Brockton, moving into a space on Route 27 east of the downtown area. The new outlet joins others in Burlington, Lawrence, Lynn, and Providence, RI, and offers chicken sandwiches, tenders, macaroni and cheese, tots, fries, and more.

The address for the new location of Yas Chicken in Brockton is 645 Crescent Street (Route 27), Brockton, MA, 02302. The website for all locations is at https://www.yaschicken.com/

---

[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.)

  

Fallow Kin to Open in the Former Craigie on Main Space in Cambridge

A new dining spot is on its way to Cambridge, and it will move into the space where a nationally-recognized restaurant had once been.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Fallow Kin is planning to open on Main Street, taking over the former Craigie on Main space between Central Square and Kendall Square, and Conor Dennehy and Danielle Ayer (Talulla) and Marcos Sanchez (Gray's Hall, Tasting Counter, Tres Gatos) are behind it. The article says that Fallow Kin will be a farm-to-table spot focusing on local ingredients and sustainability (a small urban farm will be next door) and that smaller plates will be offered on the dinner menu while there will also be the option of a multi-course tasting menu via a small chef's counter. If all goes as planned, Fallow Kin will open later this year.

Tony Maws first opened Craigie on Main in 2008, receiving countless awards while Maws himself won a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northeast in 2011. The restaurant closed in 2021.

The address for the upcoming Fallow Kin is 853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

---

[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.)

  

Florenza Cafe Opens in East Boston

A brand new Italian eatery has come to East Boston.

According to a post from Caught in Eastie, Florenza Cafe is now open on Sumner Street, moving into a space on the edge of Maverick Square about a block from the waterfront. The new dining spot features Roman-style pizza using dough that has fermented for 72 hours while also offering panini, gelato, and coffee, and it looks like hours are currently 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The address for Florenza Cafe is 164 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/florenzaboston/

---

[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.)

  

Atlantico in Boston's South End Has Closed

A seafood restaurant in the South End of Boston has shuttered.

According to multiple sources, Atlantico on Harrison Avenue is locked up and dark and its space has been cleared out, with a post within the South End Community Board Facebook group page seeming to confirm this, saying that "We just passed a bunch of movers removing all their dining furniture and the interior looks super empty" while commenters within the thread also say that it has indeed closed down. A press release this afternoon confirmed that this is a permanent closure, saying the following:

As of June 15, Atlantico has officially closed its doors. While this was a difficult decision, it was carefully made after serious consideration given to the evolving neighborhood dynamics and changes in our guests' dining preferences post-Covid. We are deeply grateful to every guest who has dined at Atlantico and to our dedicated staff who have been the backbone of our operations. Ensuring the future well-being of our Atlantico team has been a priority; we have taken considerable steps to secure employment opportunities within our network and with our partners in the hospitality industry. Thank you for the support and cherished memories over the years. We look forward to welcoming you at our other Serpa Hospitality locations and continuing to serve you with the same passion and quality you've come to expect from us.

Atlantico first opened in the fall of 2020, with Michael Serpa (Select Oyster Bar, Little Whale) being behind it.

The address for Atlantico is 600 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.

[

---

[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 June 16

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between June 10 and June 16.

---

Mamaleh's to Open at Boynton Yards in Somerville
A growing group of Jewish delis will be expanding once again, with a new location coming to a mixed-use life science complex just outside of Boston.
Full Story

Savenor's Butcher Shop and Market in Boston's Beacon Hill Is Closing
A Boston institution for high-end meats and more is shutting down, though its other location will remain in operation.
Full Story

The Vermilion Club Opens in Boston's Winthrop Center
A new restaurant has come to downtown Boston, opening in a building that recently debuted a food hall.
Full Story

CSCA Cafe Plans to Open in Porter Square
A new cafe is on its way to Cambridge, and it has a connection to a cooking school.
Full Story

La Paloma in Quincy Is Closing
A longtime Mexican restaurant just south of Boston is shutting down.
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.)

   

Makiin Opens in Maynard

 A new Asian fusion spot has opened west of Boston.

According to a source, Makiin is now open in Maynard, moving into a space on Main Street in the center of town. The menu for the place shows dishes with influences that include Thai and Japanese fare, with some of the options including miso soup, tofu salad, gyoza, shrimp tempura, peanut curry rice, ramen curry, Thai-style grilled pork, Japanese fried oysters, and more.

The address for Makiin is 74 Main Street, Maynard, MA, 01754.

---

[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.)

  

Mamaleh's Is Opening at Boynton Yards in Somerville

A growing group of Jewish delis will be expanding once again, with a new location coming to a mixed-use life science complex just outside of Boston.

According to its social media, Mamaleh's is planning to open at Boynton Yards in Somerville, saying that it will be coming to 101 South Street sometime this summer while also indicating that it will be open for dine-in or takeout. Once it debuts, the new location of Mamaleh's will join others in Cambridge's Kendall Square, Brookline's Washington Square, and High Street Place in downtown Boston, as well as an events/test kitchen space in Kendall Square called Mamaleh's Kibitz Corner.

Boynton Yards is a multi-building development just southeast of Union Square near the Cambridge line; in addition to the upcoming location of Mamaleh's, the office building at 101 South Street is also home to Portico Brewing Company.

The website for Mamaleh's can be found at https://mamalehs.com/

[July 31 update: According to a press release and a message sent to us, the new location of Mamaleh's at Boynton Yards is is now open, with the new location including a production kitchen which will be used to bring such items as bagels, challahs, meats, and pastries to their other locations.]

[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.)

  

District Taco Is Looking to Expand to the Boston Area

A growing group of Mexican restaurants that started out as a food cart just outside of Washington, DC may be coming to the local area.

According to a press release, District Taco is seeking franchise partners to expand to multiple locations in the Greater Boston area, with President/COO Chris Medhurst saying that "We believe Boston has an ideal mix of business and student communities, and a vibrant, growing population. We're looking forward to bringing District Taco to New England and building on the success we've seen in other regions." District Taco was established in Rosslyn, VA in 2009, expanding from its sole food cart there to multiple restaurants in Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; the chain is known for its Yucatán-style Mexican food including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

The website for District Taco can be found at https://www.districttaco.com/

---

[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.)

  

Chateau Blanc Cafe Plans to Replace Aleppo Palace in Cambridge's Central Square

A Middle Eastern eatery in Cambridge that is known in part for the unique building in which it is housed is morphing into a cafe.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Aleppo Palace in Central Square is being replaced by Chateau Blanc Cafe, with owner Mohammed Seffo explaining the change, saying that "Everything [during the pandemic] was just going downhill – I couldn't find help, can't do this, can't do that. And I’m not a quitter. So I said hey, what can I do, how can I make this a good, viable place for the square? Searching for new ideas, I came across ice cream." The upcoming cafe, which has been given approval to stay open until 3:00 AM, will serve both ice cream and coffee, and it will have a couple of tables outside in addition to its 12-person capacity inside its space, which has the appearance of a mini-castle. 

 If all goes as planned, Chateau Blanc Cafe could be opening sometime in July.

The address for Aleppo Palace (and the upcoming Chateau Blanc Cafe) is 25 Central Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

---

[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.)

  

Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market Is Opening in Westford

A pair of food shops west of Boston that focus on locally-sourced products will be opening a third location, with this one being northwest of the city.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Facebook post from the business), Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market is planning to open in Westford, moving into the former Papa Gino's space in Westford Valley Marketplace near where Route 110 intersects Carlisle Road and Boston Road. Once it opens, the new store will join others in Stow and Southborough, and expect it to sell groceries, prepared foods using local ingredients, coffee, and more. (The shops are also known in part for their fried chicken.)

The address for the new location of Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market in Westford is 160 Littleton Road (Route 110), Westford, MA, 01886. The website for the business can be found at https://www.nansmarket.com/

[January 9, 2025 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market is now open in Westford.]

(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.)

 

Black Rose European Bakery Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A MetroWest bakery that is known in part for its French and Italian pastries is expanding to Boston.

According to a source, Black Rose European Bakery is planning to open in the Back Bay, with a photo and an address given indicating that it will apparently move into the space on Newbury Street that had been home to a location of Coco Leaf. Based on the shop in Westborough, the upcoming outlet could be offering such options as cannoli, macarons, tiramisu, petite fours, eclairs, cheesecake, tarts, and more.

If all goes as planned, the new location of Black Rose European Bakery will open sometime this summer.

The address for the new location of Black Rose European Bakery in the Back Bay is 303 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02115. The website for the business is at https://theblackrosebakery.com/

[August 19 update: According to a press release, the Back Bay location of Black Rose European Bakery is now open, having debuted on August 17.]

---

[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.)

  

Savenor's Butcher Shop and Market in Boston's Beacon Hill Is Closing

A Boston institution for high-end meats and more is shutting down, though its other location will remain in operation.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Savenor's Butcher Shop and Market in the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood is closing its doors, with a sign out front at the Charles Street shop indicating that its last day in business will be Saturday, June 22, and that its shop on Kirkland Street in Cambridge will continue on (Audrey says that it owns the Cambridge building and that its wholesale division will remain in operation as well). This comes on the heels of the news announced last month in a Boston Globe article that Wulf's Fish has acquired Savenor's, though it appeared at the time that both Savenor's locations would remain open.

Savenor's dates back to the 1930s when it opened a shop in Cambridge while Wulf's started out as a fish market in Boston in the 1920s.

---

[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.)

  

Abuela's Table Opens in the Former El Oriental de Cuba Space in Jamaica Plain

Last fall it was reported that a popular restaurant in Jamaica Plain had shut down after nearly 30 years in operation and it would be replaced by a new dining spot, and now we have learned that the new place has opened its doors.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Abuela's Table is now open in the Former El Oriental de Cuba space on Centre Street, and as mentioned here earlier, the co-owner/chef of Tu y Yo in Somerville is behind the place. The new restaurant--which debuted late last week--offers flautas, empanadas, Mexican street corn, tamales, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and more.

El Oriental de Cuba had been known for such items as its Cuban sandwich, paella, grilled skirt steak, fried pork chops, chicken fricassee, and braised oxtail.

The address for El Oriental de Cuba (and the upcoming Abuela's Table) is 416 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[Earlier Article]
El Oriental de Cuba in Jamaica Plain Has Closed

---

[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.)

  

Namaste Spice Is Opening in the Former Anthony's East Side Deli Space in East Arlington

More than four years ago, it was reported that an Italian deli in the northwest suburbs of Boston was being sold and that a new owner was slated to take over the space. Now we have learned that a new restaurant is indeed getting ready to open in the storefront, though apparently under different ownership than originally thought.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Namaste Spice has signs up in the former Anthony's East Side Deli in East Arlington, with the signs indicating that it will be opening soon and it will offer Indian and Nepali food. In May of 2020, Anthony Masci, who owned Anthony's East Side Deli, said that he was retiring and that "The new owner, Sonny is glad to take over and serve you with the same service," with a subsequent update indicating that Sarbjit Saini of Khushboo in Lexington and Kashish in Belmont (both of which are now closed) was the license applicant at that time; we have been told, however, that another owner has taken over the space.

Anthony's East Side Deli first opened in the spring of 2013, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more.

The address for Namaste Spice is 159 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at https://namastespice.in/

[August 13 update: According to its website, Namaste Spice is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Anthony's East Side Deli in East Arlington Has Been Sold

---

[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.)

  

The Vermilion Club Opens in Boston's Winthrop Center

A new restaurant has come to downtown Boston, opening in a building that recently debuted a food hall.

According to a press release, The Vermilion Club is opens later today in The Connector at Winthrop Center, which is located between Devonshire Street and Federal Street in the city's Financial District, with the place being a 120-seat chophouse and bar offering a wide variety of steaks, seafood dishes, and cocktails. The new restaurant initially opens for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch and brunch service debuting over the coming weeks.

John Fraser and his JF Restaurants hospitality group are behind both The Vermilion Club and The Lineup, the latter of which opened in January and features a handful of fast-casual dining spots. 

The address for The Vermilion Club is 115 Federal Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its website is at https://www.vermilion-club.com/

---

[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.)

  

Viva Taco to Open in the Former Across the Border Space in Jamaica Plain

A brand new Mexican restaurant is on its way to a Boston neighborhood, moving into the space where a Tex-Mex dining spot had been.

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, Viva Taco is planning to open in the Hyde Square section of JP, taking over the former Across the Border space on Centre Street. The article indicates that the eatery will offer tacos and taco dinner plates along with burritos and bowls; no opening date has been given as of yet for the place, so stay tuned for any updates that come in.

Across the Border, which opened its brick-and-mortar restaurant in early 2023, also has a food truck business which remains in operation.

The address for the upcoming Viva Taco is 378A Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130

Thanks to Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.=

---

[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.)

  

CSCA Cafe Plans to Open in Cambridge's Porter Square

A new cafe is on its way to Cambridge, and it has a connection to a cooking school.

According to its website, CSCA Cafe is on its way to Porter Square, with a note on its site saying that "CSCA Cafe aims to become an integral part of the Porter Square Neighborhood, drawing upon CSCA's 50-year history within the community." CSCA refers to the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, which is known for its cooking classes, professional chef programs, and online academy.

The Instagram page for CSCA Cafe indicates that it plans to open sometime this fall.

The website for CSCA Cafe is at https://www.cscacafe.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/cscacafe/

---

[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.)

  

La Paloma in Quincy Is Closing

A longtime Mexican restaurant just south of Boston is shutting down.

A Facebook post from the place this morning confirms some of the chatter going around social media last night, that La Paloma in Quincy is closing its doors, with the post saying the following:

It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing that La Paloma will be closing our doors for good on June 29. We have been blessed to serve our community for the past 41 years. We have made a lot of great connections, memories and friends along the way through good times and bad. Michael and Stephen would like to thank our staff for their dedication and hard work throughout the years. We are also requesting that if you have any unused gifts cards please use them in the upcoming weeks. We have decided to retire and spend more time with our families. Thank you all for your years of support and encouragement. Michael Walsh and Stephen Dwyer.

La Paloma has been known in part for such dishes as its chimichanga platters, fajitas, and combination plates, while also serving a variety of margaritas and tequilas.

The address for La Paloma is 195 Newport Avenue, Quincy, MA, 02170. Its website can be found at http://lapalomarestaurant.com/

---

[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 June 9

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between June 3 and June 9.

---

Rocco's Doughnut Company in Burlington Closes Its Doors
A location of a group of doughnut shops in the northern suburbs of Boston has said farewell.
Full Story

Zurito Plans to Open in the Former Bin 26 Enoteca Space in Boston's Beacon Hill
A now-closed restaurant and wine bar is being replaced by a new dining spot with a connection to the place.
Full Story

Dryft to Open in Wellesley This Summer
An upscale restaurant in Revere that offers seafood, pasta, and more is expanding to the western suburbs of Boston.
Full Story

Tenderoni's in Boston's Fenway Has Closed; High Street Place Location Will Remain Open
A Fenway restaurant known in part for its pizza has shut down, though its original location in downtown Boston will remain in operation.
Full Story

Rebelle Bagels Opens in Cambridge's Kendall Square
A James Beard Award nominee has officially moved her Providence bagel shop to Cambridge.
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.)

   

Haddad's Ocean Cafe in Marshfield Is Being Sold

An iconic seafood restaurant on the South Shore that has been in business for nearly 90 years is being sold.

According to a Facebook post from the place, the owners of Haddad's Ocean Cafe in the Brant Rock section of Marshfield have agreed in principle to sell the Ocean Street restaurant, with the post saying the following:

...after more than 50 years of working and owning the restaurant, we feel it is the time to begin the next chapter of our lives....The current plan is for us to continue operating the restaurant until the middle of August, 2024. At that time, the restaurant will transition to the new owners, the Assembly Restaurant Group....if you have any unused gift cards, to please use them in the upcoming weeks....Thank you for your sacrifice and understanding and enabling us to pursue our dreams. Without the support of our families, none of what we have accomplished would have been possible. With much gratitude Chuck and Mitch Haddad

Haddad's first opened its doors back in 1937, moving to a larger location directly behind its original space in 2012; the dining spot has been known for its array of seafood dishes along with classic American fare. 

The address for Haddad's Ocean Cafe is 293 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA, 02050. Its website is at https://www.haddadsoceancafe.com/

---

[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.)

  

Da Vinci Gelato + Waffle Is Opening by Northeastern University in Boston

It looks like a new option for gelato, waffles, and more is on its way to Boston.

According to a source, Da Vinci Gelato + Waffle is planning to open on Huntington Avenue, moving into a space near the corner of Gainsborough Street by Northeastern University. Photos of the storefront show signs saying that the upcoming shop will offer gelato, sweet and savory waffles, crepes, macarons, chocolates, shakes, and coffee; it is not known when the place might open, only that there is a "coming soon" sign up out front.

It looks like the address for Da Vinci Gelato + Waffle is 297 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115.

[September 3 update: According to a source, Da Vinci Gelato + Waffle is now open.]

---

[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.)

  

Rocco's Doughnut Company in Burlington Closes Its Doors

A location of a group of doughnut shops in the northern suburbs of Boston is saying farewell.

According to a source, Rocco's Doughnut Company in Burlington shuts down today, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

To our Burlington friends, Our time here at 19 3rd ave will soon be coming to an end. We came here one year ago (this June) as a pop-up and as our lease comes to a close we would love to thank you for the support you've all shown us. Our last day in Burlington will be Friday, June 7th which also happens to be National Doughnut Day. We hope to see you all these next few weeks and you can always find us back in Central Mass in Westborough, Worcester, Millbury and Auburn. See you soon!

The Burlington location of Rocco's first opened last summer.

The website for Rocco's Doughnut Company can be found at https://roccosdonuts.square.site/

---

[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.)

  

Zurito Is Opening in the Former Bin 26 Enoteca Space in Boston's Beacon Hill

A few weeks ago, it was reported that an upscale restaurant and wine bar in Beacon Hill would be closing at the beginning of this month, though it was subsequently learned that a new dining spot with a connection to the restaurant was looking to open within the space. Now we have a bit more information about the proposed spot.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Zurito is indeed planning to open in the former Bin 26 Enoteca space on Charles Street, and as we learned earlier this month, Nader Asgari-Tari (who was a managing partner at Bin 26 Enoteca) would be the manager while local chef/restaurateur Jamie Bissonette is involved as well. UH says that both Bissonette and Babak Bina (who was one of the people behind Bin 26 Enoteca are the co-owners of Zurito, which plans to focus on the cuisines of the Basque region of northern Spain including sharable plates/tapas.

Bin 26 Enoteca closed on June 1 after being in business for 18 years.

The address for Zurito is 26 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website is at https://www.zuritoboston.com/

[November 7 update: The Boston Globe reports that Zurito officially opens today, though it has already had a soft opening for family and friends.]

[Earlier Article]
Bin 26 Enoteca in Boston's Beacon Hill Is Closing

---

[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.)

  

Omi Korean Grill Opens in Boston

A new all-you-can-eat Korean restaurant has come to Boston.

According to a source, Omi Korean Grill is now open on Huntington Avenue, moving into a space within Huntington Plaza which is adjacent to Symphony Hall by the Mass. Ave. intersection. The menu for the new eatery shows an all-you-can-eat menu that includes beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetables, along with side dishes such as tofu stew, kimchi, wings, fried dumplings, seafood scallion pancakes, shumai, rice cakes, egg custard, and more.

The address for Omi Korean Grill is 267 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website can be found at https://www.omiboston.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/omibbq/

---

[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.)

  

Aloe Natural Acai & Coffee Shop Is Opening in the Former Seabiscuit Space in East Boston

It looks like a cafe in Chelsea is opening a new location on the East Boston waterfront, moving into a space where a bakery-cafe had been for approximately three years.

According to a source, Aloe Natural Acai & Coffee Shop is planning to open in the former Seabiscuit space at the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina on Marginal Street, with an Instagram post from Caught in Eastie showing a photo of a "coming soon" sign for the place going up. This will be a second location of the place, with the original shop being found on Everett Avenue in Chelsea.

Seabiscuit first opened in the summer of 2021, shutting its doors in March of this year; it had previously been located in Somerville. (The East Boston space had also been home to KO Catering & Pies and before that, Scup's in the Harbour.)

The address for the new location of Aloe Natural Acai & Coffee Shop the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina is 256 Marginal Street (Building 16), East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://aloenaturalcafe.com/

[September 9 update: According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the new location of Aloe Natural Acai & Coffee Shop in East Boston is now open.]

---

[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.)

  

Dryft Is Opening in Wellesley

An upscale restaurant in Revere that offers seafood, pasta, and more is expanding to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to its website, Dryft Wellesley is planning to open sometime this summer in the town's Linden Square area, joining its original location on Ocean Avenue at Revere Beach. An earlier Swellesley Report article mentions that the dining spot will be taking over the space that had most recently been home to Wellesley Tavern and before that, Door No. 7, and its plan is to include an outdoor patio along with indoor dining.

Aldi Companies, which is led by restauranteur Michael Aldi, is behind Dryft along with Fine Line and Vivi's Tapas Bar, both of which are located at Revere Beach.

The address for Dryft Wellesley is 165 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. Its website will be at https://www.dryftwellesley.com/

[July 18 update: A new article within the Swellesley Report indicates that Dryft opens today.]

---

[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.)

  

Crêpes 'n Capes Opens in Weymouth Landing

A new spot for crepes has come to the South Shore.

According to a source, Crêpes 'n Capes is now open in Weymouth Landing, moving into a space on Washington Street by the Front Street/Commercial Street intersection on the Weymouth side of the commercial district (just over the Braintree border). The new place offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes along with coffee, with the sweet crepes including such options as tiramisu, nutella, and mascarpone caramel, while the savory crepes include such options as hamburger, hot dog, salmon, and ham.

The address for Crêpes 'n Capes in Weymouth Landing is 22 Washington Street, Weymouth, MA, 02188. Its website can be found at https://crepesncapes.com/

---

[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.)

  

Tenderoni's in Boston's Fenway Has Closed; High Street Place Location Will Remain Open

A Fenway restaurant known in part for its pizza has shut down, though its original location in downtown Boston will remain in operation.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tenderoni's on Boylston Street is no longer in operation, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

We want to thank and celebrate our team, our neighbors and most importantly, you. The last decade in this space has been as much of an honor as it has been an adventure. These walls have seen joy, challenge, transformation and heartbreak. These walls have built a family that we continue to cherish as we move into the next chapter of Big Heart Hospitality. Your pizza fix can still be fulfilled at Tenderoni’s @highstreetplace Our hospitality and deliciousness can be found at our other restaurants. We love you. Thanks for a great decade. Support Independent Restaurants

The Fenway outlet of Tenderoni's first opened in November of 2022, being a "blown out" version of the High Street Place location with pizza, pasta dishes, burgers, wings, tenders, arancini, calamari, and more; the person behind the place is chef/restaurateur Tiffani Faison, who is also behind Sweet Cheeks, Fool's Errand, Dive Bar, and Bubble Bath.

The address for the now-closed location of Tenderoni's in the Fenway was 1363 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the original location at High Street Place is at https://www.tenderonis.com/

---

[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.)

  

Rebelle Bagels Opens in Cambridge's Kendall Square

Last fall, it was reported that a James Beard Award nominee would be moving her Providence bagel shop to Cambridge, and now we have learned that it is in the process of getting up and running.

According to a post from troysch1.bsky.social on the Bluesky social media platform, Rebelle Bagels has soft-opened in Kendall Square, moving into a space on Third Street where it meets Bent Street on the northern edge of the square. Owner Milena Pagán, who was a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Northeast last year, moved the shop from Doyle Avenue on the East Side of Providence where it had been since 2017. (She is also behind Little Sister, a bakery-cafe that is located on the East Side.)

The address for the new location of Rebelle Bagels in Kendall Square is 249 Third Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for the business is at https://www.rebelleartisanbagels.com/

[Earlier Article]
Rebelle Bagels Plans to Move from Providence to Cambridge's Kendall Square

---

[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 June 2

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between May 27 and June 2.

---

Silvertone Bar & Grill in Boston's Downtown Crossing Has Closed
A longtime restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Boston has shut down.
Full Story

IHOP in Quincy Has Closed
One of a handful of pancake house locations in the Greater Boston area has shuttered, and its building is slated to be torn down to make room for new development.
Full Story

The Blarney Stone in Dorchester May Become Acapella's
A longtime dining and drinking spot that has transformed from an Irish pub to a neighborhood restaurant and bar over the years could be making way for a new place.
Full Story

Sally's Apizza to Open in Dorchester and Concord
An award-winning Connecticut pizzeria that recently expanded into the Greater Boston area and is currently working on another location will also be opening two more outlets locally.
Full Story

Jules on Devonshire Opens in Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston
A new restaurant has come to Boston, opening within a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
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.)

   

Silvertone Bar & Grill in Boston's Downtown Crossing Has Closed

A longtime restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Boston has shut down.

According to social media posts from owner David Savoie, Silvertone Bar & Grill in Downtown Crossing has closed, confirming what we had heard a few days ago about the Bromfield Street saying farewell late this week. Silvertone first opened in 1997, with Savoie becoming the new owner in 2016; the place was known as an industry haunt that was frequented by people in the restaurant business, offering such items as macaroni and cheese, steak tips, and other comfort food items along with classic cocktails.

The address for the now-closed Silvertone was 69 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

---

[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.)