Boston Restaurant Talk: February 2026

Friday, February 27, 2026

Nova Restaurant Opens in Downtown Boston

A new restaurant featuring a type of cuisine not commonly found in the local area has come to the heart of Boston.

According to its social media, Nova Restaurant is now open in the city's downtown area, moving into a space on Tremont Street across from Boston Common. The new dining spot offers foods found in Central Asia with a focus on dishes from Kyrgyzstan, with its menu including such options as syrniki (cheese pancakes), solyanka (a thick, sour soup), lepeshka (flatbread), borscht, boso lagman (stir-fried hand-pulled noodles), plov (a rice and meat dish), and beef stroganoff.

The address for Nova Restaurant is 131 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/nova__boston/

(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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Celine Plans to Open in the Former Blue Dragon Space in Boston's Fort Point

A new dining and drinking spot from a local restaurant group may be on its way to a space near the Boston waterfront.

According to a presentation page within the fortpointneighborhood.org website, Celine is planning to open on A Street in the Fort Point neighborhood, moving into the space that had once been home to Ming Tsai's Blue Dragon which was open from 2013 until the start of the pandemic in 2020. The page mentions that the proposed restaurant and bar would blend "the timeless comfort of an American tavern with Montreal-French technique and soul," including such options as roast chicken, burgers, a rotating raw bar, and "tavern classics elevated by Montreal classics and subtle French technique," along with wine and cocktails.

The team behind Celine is the Coda Restaurant Group (SRV Boston, The Salty Pig, Gufo, Baleia)

The address for the upcoming Celine is 324 A Street, Boston, MA, 02210.

(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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The Old Planters Brewing Co. Space in Beverly Is Up for Sale

Another local brewery has shut down, and its space is on the market.

Based on a Bluesky post from @jeremyk.bsky.social, Old Planters Brewing Co. in Beverly is closed, with a listing within samgifford.churchillprop.com indicating that the Rantoul Street space is for sale along with the business itself, though the seller will consider selling the real estate only without the business as well. An earlier post from the brewery mentioned the following:

We've decided that [2025] will be our last year running Old Planters. It's become clear to us over the past year that our business deserves more time than we can currently give it in order for it to continue to grow. That being said, it's our sincere hope that someone will want to carry the torch for Old Planters into the future starting in 2026, but we understand that might not be a reality. If that's the case, we will be doing our best to try and foster a new concept for our building that will be a great addition to Rantoul Street.

Old Planters first started out as a basement home brewer about 10 years ago, opening their Beverly taproom in 2019.

The address for the Old Planters Brewing Co. space in Beverly was 232 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

(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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Thursday, February 26, 2026

Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Is Closing

A decades-old Japanese restaurant in Cambridge is closing down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Cambridge Day article), Tampopo within the Lesley Building/Porter Exchange in the city's Porter Square area is shuttering in June after residing within the building since 1992 and once being part of a bustling food court. The eatery has been known for such options as tempura, donburi, katsu don, noodle soups, and curry over the years.

The website for Tampopo says "This journey has been made possible entirely through your warm support and continued patronage, for which we are deeply grateful....Serving this neighborhood has been the honor of a lifetime. We hope you'll stop by over the next six months so we can thank you in person."

The address for Tampopo is 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://www.tampopocambridge.com/

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

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

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TGI Fridays in Boston's Mission Hill/Brigham Circle Area Has Closed

A restaurant chain continues to shrink in the local area, as its sole Boston location has now shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, TGI Fridays in the Mission Hill/Brigham Circle section of the city is no longer in business, with a check on the locations section of the chain's website confirming this, as the Tremont Street outlet has been removed. With the closing of this location, there are now only two TGI Fridays remaining in the Greater Boston area--in Everett and Stoughton--with two others a bit further out in Methuen and Millbury.

Closings of TGI Fridays locations over the past couple of years have taken place in Braintree, Dedham, Mansfield, Marlborough, North Attleborough, North Dartmouth, and Seekonk.

The address for the now-closed location of TGI Fridays in Mission Hill/Brigham Circle was 1626 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120. The website for the chain is at https://tgifridays.com/

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

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

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The Beacon Bistro and The Stratus at the Top of the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay Are Closing

An upscale restaurant and a rooftop bar on top of one of Boston's highest buildings will both be shutting down this spring.

According to an article from the Boston Business Journal, The Beacon Bistro and The Stratus at the top of the Prudential Center in the Back Bay are slated to close on April 21, as it appears that the spaces may be used instead for events/functions, with a spokesperson for operating partner Legends Global indicating to the BBJ that they are both "being replaced in response to a growing interest in private events." It does look like the observation deck will remain open, according to the article.

The Beacon Bistro and The Stratus first opened in September of 2023 in the renovated space called View Boston (which includes the restaurant, bar, and observation deck), replacing the Top of the Hub restaurant and the Skywalk Observatory which had been there until early 2020.

(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 25, 2026

Sprouts Farmers Market and 7 Brew to Open in Weymouth

An upscale chain of grocery stores will be expanding to the Greater Boston area, with a location coming to the South Shore.

According to multiple sources along with an article from NBC10 Boston, Sprouts Farmers Market will be opening in Weymouth, moving into the space on Main Street just north of Route 3 that had been home to a Honda dealership. The new market, which will also be home to a drive-thru location of 7 Brew Coffee, will offer fresh produce, organic products, gluten-free items, and plant-based options.

This will be the first New England location of Sprouts Farmers Market, which is based in Phoenix, and the second location of 7 Brew Coffee, which is headquartered in Fayetteville, AR (the other location is in West Springfield).

(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.)

Sorella Opens in Burlington

Last summer, it was reported that a local group of upscale Italian restaurants and markets would be closing one of its locations and that a new concept under the same ownership would replace it, and now we have learned that the new dining spot has debuted..

According to its website and social media along with a source, Sorella is now open in the former Tuscan Kitchen space in Burlington, with the website and Facebook page saying the following:

Sorella - meaning "sister" - is a softer, lighter, fresh take on Tuscan dining. Inspired by the coastal charm of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Tanya brightened the space to feel more lively and vibrant while keeping it true to the Tuscan Brands aesthetic....Sorella's menu brings a contemporary Italian feel to the table - fresh seafood, premium steaks, and elevated classics.

Tuscan Kitchen closed in early August of 2025 after being in business for a bit less than 11 years; the other locations of Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH, and Boston's Seaport District remain open, with all restaurants (including Sorella) being part of Tuscan Brands.

The address for Sorella is 2400 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. Its website can be found at https://www.sorellaburlington.com/

[Earlier Article]
New Concept to Replace Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington

(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.)

Leo's Events and Restaurant Officially Opens in Braintree

The restaurant part of a dining and function space in the southern suburbs of Boston has debuted.

A check on the space this past weekend along with a Facebook post from the business indicates that Leo's Events and Restaurant is now fully open, with the Facebook post from Sunday saying the following:

Today's the day! Leo's Restaurant officially opens its doors at 4PM. We're so excited to welcome everyone in to experience our new space, great food, drinks, and hospitality. Come join us tonight in Braintree — we can't wait to see you!

Leo's Events and Restaurant, which moves into the former Dunkin' Donuts University space on Granite Street, is run by Leo Keka (Alba, Scutari, Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar); the functions/events part of the business debuted last summer.

The address for Leo's Events and Restaurant is 589 Granite Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572606675228 while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/leoseventsandrestaurant/

[Earlier Article]
Leo's Events and Restaurant Plans to Open in Braintree

(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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Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Little Steve's Pizzeria in Boston's Back Bay/Fenway Area Has Closed

A pizza place in Boston that replaced another pizzeria with the same name has shut down.

According to a poster (Drew Starr) within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Little Steve's Pizzeria in the Back Bay/Fenway area of the city is no longer in business, apparently having very quietly closed its doors several weeks ago. The eatery first opened last spring in the Boylston Street space that had been home to the original Little Steve's Pizzeria which shuttered a few years ago after being in operation since 1968. (There was no ownership connection between the two Little Steve's.)

The address for the now-closed Little Steve's Pizzeria was 1114 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

(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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Restaurant News for the Week Ending February 22, 2026

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between February 16, 2026, and February 22, 2026.

Not Your Average Joe's in Norwell Has Closed
Yet another location of a local chain of family restaurants has shut down as the chain continues to shrink.
Full Story

Framingham Baking Co. in Framingham Is Closing
A bakery west of Boston that is known in part for its pizza is shutting down after more than 100 years in business.
Full Story

The Dot Tavern in Dorchester Has Closed Its Doors
A neighborhood bar near the Southeast Expressway that had been around for a long time has shut down.
Full Story

Tigerbaby Opens at High Street Place in Downtown Boston
A new eatery from an award-winning local chef/restaurateur has come to a food hall in the heart of the city.
Full Story

Olympia Restaurant in Lowell Has Closed Permanently
A Greek restaurant north of Boston that had been around for nearly 75 years--and whose status has been in question for awhile--has closed for good.
Full Story

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

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

Friday, February 20, 2026

The Halal Guys Opens in Downtown Boston

Last spring, it was reported that another new location of a chain of halal spots with roots in New York City would be coming to the heart of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, The Halal Guys has its grand opening today and tomorrow in the city's downtown area, opening in a space on Washington Street on the northern edge of Downtown Crossing just south of State Street and Court Street. The new location joins another in the Theater District along with others in the Fenway, South Bay, Cambridge's Porter Square, Dedham, and further out, in Shrewsbury.

The Halal Guys, which began in 1990 as a food cart in Manhattan, offers such items as chicken and rice, falafel, gyros, hummus, and baklava.

The address for the new location of The Halal Guys in downtown Boston is 241 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02201. The website for the chain is at https://thehalalguys.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Halal Guys to Open a New Location in Downtown Boston

(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.)

Not Your Average Joe's in Norwell Is Closing

It looks like yet another location of a local chain of family restaurants is shutting down as the chain continues to shrink.

According to a source, Not Your Average Joe's in Norwell is closing, with both a Facebook post on 365 Things to do South Shore MA and a Google search indicating that the last day for the Pond Street location will be Saturday, February 21. Once it closes, the only ones left in the Greater Boston area will be in Acton, Bedford, Waltham, and Westwood, as outlets in Arlington, Burlington, Medford, Methuen, Peabody, Randolph, and Watertown have shut down over the past ten years or so.

The address for Not Your Average Joe's in Norwell is 111 Pond Street, Norwell, MA, 02061. The website for the chain is at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

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

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

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

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Table Four Opens in Melrose

A new wine bar has come to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Table Four is now open in Melrose, moving into a space on W Emerson Street by the Cedar Park commuter rail station. The website and social media for the place indicate that it is a "European-inspired wine bar" that offers curated wines, craft beers, and small plates, with its food menu including such options as baguettes with jam and butter, pita bread, hummus, tinned fish, olives, nuts, and pickled vegetables.

The address for Table Four is 169A W Emerson Street, Melrose, MA, 02176. Its website can be found at https://tablefourmelrose.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/tablefourmelrose/

(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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212 Kitchen Opens in Cambridge

A brand new Asian restaurant has come to Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, 212 Kitchen is now open in the Riverside neighborhood of the city, moving into a space on Western Avenue. The menu for the new dining spot mentions that it offers "authentic Chinese cuisine," including such items as handmade dumplings, steamed buns, fried pies, noodles and porridge, stone pot noodle soups, fried rice, grilled seafood, and more.

212 Kitchen had been in the works for at least 4 to 5 years until finally opening over the past couple of weeks or so.

The address for 212 Kitchen is 212 Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

(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 18, 2026

Framingham Baking Co. in Framingham Is Closing

A bakery west of Boston that is known in part for its pizza is shutting down after more than 100 years in business.

According to multiple source, Framingham Baking Co. in Framingham is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Waverly Street spot saying "The End of an Era" while mentioning that it will be shuttering on March 29. Framingham Baking Co., which first opened in 1917, offers such items as sheet pizza, scali bread, rolls, biscotti, Italian cookies, cinnamon rolls, and more.

The address for Framingham Baking Co. is 840 Waverly Street, Framingham, MA, 01702. Its website can be found at https://www.framinghambakingcompany.com/

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

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

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The Dot Tavern in Dorchester Closes Its Doors

A neighborhood bar near the Southeast Expressway that had been around for a long time is shutting down.

According to an article from Caught in Dot, The Dot Tavern in Dorchester is closing its doors, with the post saying that the Dorchester Avenue watering hole shutters after business hours today. The Dot Tavern had actually shut down once before in 2018 but reopened under new management in 2023 after its building underwent major renovations. The bar apparently had been open "for most of the 20th century, by some accounts" according to an earlier Dorchester Reporter article.

The address for The Dot Tavern is 840 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125.

(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.)

Scafidi Bros. Market & Deli in Newton Is Closing

An Italian food shop in the western suburbs is shutting down after only a relatively short time in business.

According to a source, Scafidi Bros. Market & Deli in Newton is closing, with an Instagram post from the Beacon Street spot saying the following:

It is with truly heavy hearts that we share the news that Scafidi Bros will be permanently closing this month due to financial challenges outside of our control. This has been an incredibly painful decision, and one we did not make lightly.

Scafidi Bros. Market & Deli first opened last spring, offering a variety of subs, wraps, and panini, as well as soups, salads, sides, and desserts.

The address for Scafidi Bros. Market & Deli is 1134 Beacon Street, Newton, MA, 02461. Its website can be found at https://www.scafidimarketdeli.com/

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

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

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The Down Low Opens in Woburn

A new underground cocktail club has debuted in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a press release, The Down Low is now open in Woburn, moving into a space below The Brickyard on Main Street in the downtown area. Veteran hospitality professional and bartender Curtis McMillan (Tiki Rock) is the Creative Director behind the place, which has seating for 80 and which offers craft cocktails and food items such as Detroit-style pizza and smash burgers, while live music is also featured as well.

The address for The Down Low is 371 Main Street, Woburn, MA, 01801. Its website can be found at https://www.downlowbar.com/

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

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

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

Bueno Y Sano in Maynard Has Closed

Last year, one of two locations of a group of Mexican restaurant in Boston suburbs closed its doors, and now we have learned that the other location in the Greater Boston area has shut down as well.

According to a source, Bueno Y Sano in Maynard is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from February 13 from the business saying the following:

To all of our loyal customers and friends: Our Maynard location has permanently closed. We want to thank you all for your patronage over the years. Please visit any of our 7 other locations in Western MA and S. Burlington, VT.

The Maynard outlet of Bueno Y Sano first opened in 2022, approximately ten years after the Acton location debuted; that restaurant shuttered in the summer of 2025.

The address for the now-closed location of Bueno Y Sano in Maynard was 2 Digital Way, Maynard, MA, 01754. The website for the existing locations can be found at https://buenoysano.com/

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

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

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

Tigerbaby Opens at High Street Place in Downtown Boston

A new eatery from an award-winning local chef/restaurateur has come to a food hall in the heart of Boston.

According to a press release, Tigerbaby is now open at High Street Place in the city's Financial District, with the new spot focusing on dishes with Southeast and East Asian influences. Tiffani Faison and Big Heart Hospitality (Sweet Cheeks Q, Fool's Errand, Dive Bar, Tenderoni's, Bubble Bath) are behind the new place, with Faison (who is a James Beard Award-nominated chef and TV personality) saying "Tigerbaby has lived in my brain and heart for quite some time. It's the food I love cooking and crave the most. I'm beyond excited to share it."

Tigerbaby offers such options as tiger tangerine chicken, popcorn dumplings, Thai basil chicken, black pepper beef and broccoli, and mala mushrooms and chicken, along with beer, coffee, and tea.

More information can be found on Tigerbaby (including hours) at https://www.highstreetplace.com/food-and-beverage/tigerbaby/

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

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

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

Monday, February 16, 2026

Olympia Restaurant in Lowell Has Closed Permanently

A Greek restaurant north of Boston that had been around for nearly 75 years--and whose status has been in question for awhile--has closed for good.

According to a message sent from Scott Whitley of Wicked Bites, the Olympia Restaurant in Lowell is shuttered, with a Facebook post on Sunday from the Market Street spot saying the following:

To the generations of customers and friends who walked through the doors of the Olympia Restaurant, we say thank you. Thank you for your loyalty, your stories, your laughter, your tears, and your unwavering support. Many of you came in as customers and left as lifelong friends. You celebrated milestones with us, and you stood by us through the decades. You became part of our extended family. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for allowing our family to serve yours for more than seven decades. We cherish the memories, friendships, and love shared there that will stay with us forever.

The Olympia Restaurant, which first opened in 1952, shut down in the fall of 2024 though they announced that they planned to reopen early in 2025, but it has remained shuttered with no specifics on whether it might return..

The address for the now-closed Olympia Restaurant was 453 Market Street, Lowell, MA, 01854.

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

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

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

Restaurant News for the Week Ending February 15, 2026

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between February 9, 2026, and February 15, 2026.

Boston Harbor Distillery to Open a Beverage Garden in the Former Trillium Space on The Greenway in Downtown Boston
A familiar name will be replacing a popular outdoor beer garden in the heart of Boston.
Full Story

Casa Tua Cucina, Estiatorio Milos Among the New Businesses Coming to the Neiman Marcus Space at Copley Place
The Boston location of a chain of upscale department stores is closing, and now we have learned that a couple of options for food will be among the new places coming to the space.
Full Story

Barrel House Z in Weymouth Has Closed
A local brewery that resided on the South Shore for approximately ten years has very quietly shut down.
Full Story

Willie's to Open in Boston's Beacon Hill
A local restaurant group will be opening another dining spot, with this one focusing in part on pizza.
Full Story

Behan Caffe Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain
A new cafe may be on its way to JP, and it appears that it may have a connection to an iconic Irish pub next door.
Full Story

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

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

Friday, February 13, 2026

Sam Walker's American Tavern to Open in the Former Bamboo Space in Bedford

A pair of comfort food spots with locations north of Boston will soon be joined by a third location, with this one north of the city as well.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Sam Walker's American Tavern is making plans to open in Bedford this summer, with a Bedford Citizen article indicating that it will move into the former Bamboo space on Burlington Road, just east of the Route 3 intersection and near the Burlington line. Once it opens, the new location will join others in Woburn and Swampscott, and expect to see such options as chicken and waffles, quesadillas, sandwiches, pizza, seafood dishes, macaroni and cheese, and beer, wine, and cocktails.

Sam Walker's is part of Maverick Hospitality, which operates Lucy's American Tavern, The Bowery Bar, Cityside Tavern, Chubbs Taco & Tequila Bar, and Layla's.

The address for the upcoming location of Sam Walker’s American Tavern in Burlington is 213 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA, 01730. The website for all locations is at https://www.samwalkers.com/

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

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

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

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Boston Harbor Distillery to Open a Beverage Garden in the Former Trillium Space on The Greenway in Downtown Boston

Last month it was reported that a popular outdoor beer garden would not be returning to its space in downtown Boston, and now we have learned that a familiar name will be replacing it.

According to a press release, Boston Harbor Distillery will be taking over the space on the Rose Kennedy Greenway that had previously been home to Trillium Garden on The Greenway, with the distillery--which is based in the Port Norfolk section of Dorchester--setting up a family-friendly beverage garden that offers cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and locally-produced snacks. This follows the news in January that Trillium would not be returning to the space after being there since 2017.

The Boston Harbor Distillery beverage garden (which opens this spring) will be across from the Boston Harbor Hotel and International Place at the corner of High Street and Atlantic Avenue. The website for the business is at https://bostonharbordistillery.com/

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

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Saigonesee to Open in South Weymouth

A brand new Vietnamese Coffee Shop is on its way to the South Shore.

According to a message sent to us, Saigonesee is planning to open in South Weymouth, moving into a space at The Point apartment complex on Trotter Road next to the commuter rail station. The upcoming shop plans to offer such options as banh mi, spring rolls, coffee, and milk tea, with proposed hours being 5:30 AM to 7 PM. If all goes as planned, Saigonesee will open sometime in April.

The address for the upcoming Saigonesee is 39 Trotter Road, Weymouth, MA, 02190.

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

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

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

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

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Monarca Taqueria Opens in Waltham

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

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

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

[Earlier Article]
Monarca Taqueria Plans to Open in Waltham

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Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Barrel House Z in Weymouth Has Closed

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

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

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

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

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

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Nohri Opens in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

A new fusion restaurant has debuted in downtown Boston.

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

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

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Willie's Is Opening in Boston's Beacon Hill

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

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

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

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

[March 12 update: According to a press release, Willie's is now open in Beacon Hill.]

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Tuesday, February 10, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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Tiki Cove Plans to Open in Downtown Boston

A new dining and drinking spot may be coming to downtown Boston, moving into a space that has been home to several restaurants and bars over the years.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Tiki Cove is planning to open on Union Street with the address indicating that it would be taking over the space where Loyal Nine had been, and before that, Sons of Boston, The Tap Trailhouse, and The Tap. The notice mentions that the proposed place would include a 19-seat bar and a seasonal outdoor patio, and the manager listed is So Lim Ting, who is presumably the same person who runs franchised locations of boba shop Moge Tee in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Central Square.

The address for the proposed Tiki Cove is 17 Union Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

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Monday, February 09, 2026

Behan Caffe Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain

A new cafe may be on its way to Jamaica Plain, and it appears that it may have a connection to an iconic Irish pub next door.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Behan Caffe is planning to open on Centre Street, with the address indicating that it would take over the space adjacent to the Brendan Behan Pub. The listing mentions that the manager is Michel Soltani of the Brendan Behan, and it also says that the space would include one room with dining and bar seating and that it hopes to acquire a full liquor license.

The Brendan Behan Pub dates back to the late 1980s, with Soltani taking ownership of the place in 2007.

The address for the proposed Behan Caffe is 380 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

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Restaurant News for the Week Ending February 8, 2026

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between February 2, 2026, and February 8, 2026.

Citrus & Salt Plans to Open in the Former Osteria Nino Space in Burlington
A Fort Point restaurant may be joined by a second location in the suburbs.
Full Story

Moro Mou to Open in Boston's Seaport District
It looks like a rather unique type of fusion restaurant is on its way to the waterfront.
Full Story

Kowloon Is Planning to Open at Revere Beach
One of the region's best-known restaurants is expanding to a location by the water.
Full Story

Double Chin in Chinatown Has Closed
A popular Asian fusion spot in downtown Boston has shut down.
Full Story

Floramo's Restaurant Opens at Revere Beach
A restaurant known in part for its steak tips has been reborn in a new home.
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 06, 2026

Citrus & Salt Plans to Open in the Former Osteria Nino Space in Burlington

A bit more than a month ago, an Italian restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston closed down after being in business for ten years, and now we have learned that a dining spot with a familiar name will be moving into its space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a What Now Boston article along with a North Shore Dining Facebook comment and a special permit filed at the address), Citrus & Salt is planning to open in the former Osteria Nino space in Burlington, with this being the second location of Jason Santos's restaurant. This news has been confirmed in a February 5 planning board meeting notice page within the town's website, mentioning Blue Salt LLC d/b/a Citrus & Salt in the listing.

Once it opens, the new location of Citrus & Salt will join another that is located on A Street in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood and which focuses on coastal dishes from Southern California and Mexico; that restaurant had previously been on Berkeley Street in the Back Bay, moving to the old Oak + Rowan space in the spring of 2024.

Citrus & Salt is one of several dining spots from local chef and restaurateur Jason Santos (Buttermilk & Bourbon, Ghost Light Tavern, Butterbird).

The address for the proposed Citrus & Salt in Burlington is 19 3rd Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the original location is at https://www.citrusandsaltboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Osteria Nino in Burlington Is Closing

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Epilogue Books & Wine to Open in Natick

A new dual-concept spot is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a listing within the jobs post section of the bostonchefs.com website, Epilogue Books & Wine is planning to open in Natick, with the place being a bookstore by day and a wine bar by night. The post mentions the following about the place: "We are not a high-volume nightclub or a sports bar. We are a quiet, conversation-focused venue" while also indicating that both beer and wine will be served.

A map showing 4 South Avenue in the center of Natick is shown, though it is not known if this will be the exact address for the place; keep checking back as more information comes in.

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Thursday, February 05, 2026

Moro Mou to Open in Boston's Seaport District

It looks like a rather unique type of fusion restaurant is on its way to the Boston waterfront.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Moro Mou is planning to open in an as-of-yet undisclosed space in the city's Seaport District this summer, with Xenia Greek Hospitality (Greco, Bar Vlaha, Kaia, Krasi, Hecate) being behind the upcoming spot. The article mentions that the 15-seat restaurant will be an omakase that combines Greek ingredients with Japanese techniques, with at least a partial focus on seafood and fermented food items.

No further details have been given as of yet for Moro Mou, so keep checking back for details as they come in.

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Agave Mexican Bistro in Newburyport Has Closed; Will Open for One Final Service February 13

A Mexican restaurant on the North Shore has shut down, though there will be one more chance to dine at the place.

According to a source, Agave Mexican Bistro in Newburyport is now closed, though both a Facebook post from the Daily News of Newburyport and an Instagram post from the business indicate that the dining spot will reopen on February 13 at 4:00 PM for "an evening of drinks and a small menu" (no reservations, dine-in and cash-only). Agave, which first opened in Newburyport 25 years ago, had been one of a pair of locations including one in Portsmouth which closed around the start of the pandemic in the spring of 2020.

The address for Agave Mexican Bistro in Newburyport is 50 State Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950. Its website is at https://www.agavemexicanbistro.com/

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Dalia Is Opening in South Boston

Another new dining spot from a local restaurant group is on the way.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com website, a new restaurant from the Broadway Restaurant Group is coming to South Boston, with the listing saying that the place will have a curated wine and cocktail program, an open kitchen, and a cafe that offers pastries and coffee. The email address given indicates that it will be a Spanish restaurant called Dalia, which was mentioned in an earlier South Boston Chamber of Commerce Facebook post.

The Broadway Restaurant Group is behind such South Boston spots as Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, Capo Restaurant & Supper Club, Fat Baby Sushi, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, Hunter's Kitchen, and Park City, along with Capri Italian Steakhouse in Boston's South End, Prima in Charlestown, and another Loco in the Fenway.

[April 4 update: According to an article from boston.com, Dalia is now open at 429 W Broadway, and it focuses on wood-fired cooking, offering tapas options while also featuring Spanish wines]

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Wednesday, February 04, 2026

Kowloon Is Planning to Open at Revere Beach

It looks like one of the region's best-known restaurants is expanding to a location by the water.

According to an Instagram post from The Phantom Gourmet along with an earlier note from Bob Upton of RevereBeach.com, Kowloon in Saugus is planning to open a new location at Revere Beach, with this being confirmed directly by the PG (via a message) that it will indeed be happening. The exact location and an opening date have not yet been given, though Dave Andelman says in the Instagram post that it plans to debut sometime this summer.

Kowloon, an iconic Chinese restaurant that dates back to 1950 when it was first established as The Mandarin House, has been in the news because of the planned redevelopment of its property on Route 1, which plans to include two mixed-use buildings, one of which would have a smaller version of Kowloon.

The website for Kowloon can be found at https://www.kowloonrestaurant.com/

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Double Chin in Boston's Chinatown Has Closed

A popular Asian fusion spot in downtown Boston has shut down.

According to multiple sources, including a source within the restaurant industry, Double Chin in Chinatown has closed, confirming chatter on social media over the past several days about the status of the Harrison Avenue restaurant. Double Chin first opened in the early part of 2016, featuring Chinese dishes with modern influences, Hong Kong-style street food, and fusion fare with influences including Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian.

The address for the now-closed Double Chin was 86 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111.

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Tuesday, February 03, 2026

Sing Choi Kee Opens in Malden

A new restaurant with roots in New York that features Hong Kong-style street food has expanded to the Greater Boston area.

According to a source, Sing Choi Kee is now open in Malden, with the Pleasant Street dining spot joining others in the Flushing part of Queens and West Nyack. The new eatery offers such options as soup dumplings, seafood noodle soup, roast pork with rice, black pepper beef pasta, slippery eggs with chicken and rice, crispy chicken omelet, rice bowls, Hong-Kong style French toast, and milk tea.

The address for Sing Choi Kee is 7 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for the business is at https://www.singchoikee.net/

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Mother Anna's in Medfield Is Closed; Exact Status Unknown

The newest location of a trio of Italian restaurants is locked up and dark, and it isn't know when--or if--it might reopen.

A check on the place over the past several weeks indicates that Mother Anna's in Medfield is shuttered, with a sign seen out front in early January saying that "We are closed for vacation Jan 1 to Jan 15th; see you on Jan 16th!" but a source now tells us that the dining spot remains closed and a check on the web page for the place indicates that it redirects to the Pembroke location while phone calls indicate that its phone number is no longer in service. With the temporary closing of the North End location starting in 2023, this means that at least for now, the only location remaining open in the Pembroke one, and as is the case with the Medfield outlet, there is no information on whether the North End location might open back up, either.

Mother Anna's first opened in Medfield in the summer of 2024.

The address for the currently-closed Mother Anna's in Medfield is 18 N. Meadows Road, Medfield, MA, 02052.

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Monday, February 02, 2026

Floramo's Restaurant Opens at Revere Beach

Last spring, it was reported that a restaurant known in part for its steak tips would be reborn in a new home, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to its website and social media, Floramo's Restaurant is now open at Revere Beach, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has taken over the former Antonia's space on Revere Beach Boulevard. Floramo's had originally been in Chelsea, moving to spaces in Wakefield and Malden in 2022 after the Chelsea location closed due to planned new development, with both the Wakefield and Malden restaurants closing in 2024; the restaurant then briefly collaborated with Bossmama in Wakefield last winter.

The address for the new location of Floramo's is 492 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA, 02151. Its website can be found at https://floramos.net/

[Earlier Article]
Floramo's Is Planning to Open in the Antonia's Space at Revere Beach

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Not Your Average Joe's in Watertown Is Closing

It appears that yet another location of a local chain of family restaurants is shutting down.

According to multiple sources, Not Your Average Joe's in Watertown is closing, and while several sources say that the Main Street dining spot plans to close on February 11, this date has not been completely confirmed as of yet. This news comes on the heels of the closing of the NYAJ's in Peabody closing in December, while others that have shut down over the past ten years or so include ones in Arlington, Burlington, Medford, Methuen, and Randolph. (Others that remain in operation locally are in Acton, Bedford, Norwell, Waltham, and Westwood.)

The address for the Watertown location of Not Your Average Joe's is 55 Main Street, Watertown, MA, 02472. The website for the chain is at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

[February 16 update: A check on the website for the chain confirms that the Watertown location of Not Your Average Joe's is indeed now closed.]

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