Fresh Boston in South Boston Has Closed

The South Boston location of a trio of upscale delis and specialty food shops has shut down.

According to an article from Caught in Southie, Fresh Boston on Old Colony Avenue is no longer in operation, with an Instagram post from the place saying the following:

Hi Southie — After nearly four incredible years, we've made the difficult decision to temporarily close the doors of Fresh Boston. This isn't the ending we hoped for. Like so many small businesses, the challenges of the last few years proved greater than we could overcome. We poured everything we had into this restaurant, and while this chapter is coming to an end, we are incredibly proud of what we built together.

The South Boston location of the business first opened in late 2022, joining its original location on Nantucket; both the Nantucket location and the newer Cambridge location at CambridgeSide will remain in operation.

The address for the now-closed Fresh Boston in Southie was 232 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the business is at https://www.freshboston.com/

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Bottega Cannuccia to Open in the Former Homestead Cafe Space in Dorchester's Fields Corner

The chef/owner of an Italian restaurant in Dorchester will be opening a second spot nearby.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Stefano Quaresima of Via Cannuccia, which is on Dorchester Avenue between Fields Corner and Ashmont, is planning to open Bottega Cannuccia in the former Homestead Cafe space in Fields Corner (and also on Dorchester Avenue), with this place being an Italian bakery-cafe by day and a wine bar by night. The new spot will have seating for 30 and it will offer pastries, coffee, and sandwiches in the daytime and small plates and wine in the evening.

If all goes well, Bottega Cannuccia could be opening as soon as December.

The address for the upcoming Bottega Cannuccia in Fields Corner is 1448 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

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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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Session House Plans to Open in the Former Scobie's Cafe & Bar Space in Dorchester

A new Irish pub is coming to a space just off the Southeast Expressway, and it will be replacing another Irish pub.

According to an article from the Dorchester Reporter, Session House is planning to open in the Adams Village neighborhood of Dorchester, taking over the former Scobie's Cafe & Bar space by the corner of Adams Street and Gallivan Boulevard. The article mentions that the upcoming spot will focus in part on live music (including traditional Irish music) and that it will offer elevated pub fare along with craft beer, wine, whiskey, and cocktails. If all goes as planned, Session House could be opening this fall.

Scobie's, which first opened in the summer of 2024, temporarily closed in February of this year for renovations, but apparently never reopened.

The address for the upcoming Session House is 782 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA, 02124.

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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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Achilito's Taqueria to Open in the Former Little Steve's Pizzeria Space in Boston's Back Bay/Fenway Area

A local group of Mexican restaurants will be expanding to a new location in Boston, moving into a space that had been home to a pizzeria that closed earlier this year.

According to a message sent from Adam Castiglioni of @conciergeboston.bsky.social (via a Bluesky post from @copleyscott17.bsky.social), Achilito's Taqueria is planning to open in the city's Back Bay/Fenway area, taking over the former Little Steve's Pizzeria space on Boylston Street (a sign is currently up for the place out front). Once it opens, the new location of the eatery will join others in the Forest Hills section of Jamaica Plain, Cambridge's Harvard Square, and Patriot Place in Foxboro, and it will likely offer such items as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, tostadas, and more.

Little Steve's Pizzeria shut down sometime around the beginning of 2026 after being in business since the spring of 2025; it had opened in the space where the original Little Steve's Pizzeria had been from 1968 until closing a few years ago. (The two versions of the place had different ownership.)

The address for the upcoming location of Achilito's Taqueria is 1114 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations is at https://www.achilitos.com/

[Earlier Article]Little Steve's Pizzeria in Boston's Back Bay/Fenway Area Has Closed

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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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Sweet Cheeks Q and Fool's Errand in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood Are Both Closing

A couple of dining and drinking spots from one of Boston's best-known chefs/restaurateurs will be shutting down.

According to an article from boston.com, Tiffani Faison is going to be closing Sweet Cheeks Q and Fool's Errand in the city's Fenway neighborhood as she has decided not to renew the lease for the two places, with Faison saying the following in the article:

It's been 15 years, and this is a heartbreaking victory lap for us, and for the city, and for our team....A restaurant staying open for 15 years, full stop, is nearly impossible. So to be able to make it this far, it's been the honor of my life. [Sweet Cheeks] is my first baby, and this is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make....It is cost-prohibitive to have restaurants now....Right now, we're paying for fuel charges that are in addition to what we already pay because the Strait of Hormuz is closed and gas is heinously expensive. And we are paying tariffs on things that come from other countries. And then there are things that are just expensive anyway. The price of food has gone up. We pay a fair wage and that is really hard to do."

Faison says that both Sweet Cheeks (which focuses on barbecue) and Fool's Errand (which offers bar snacks, wine, and cocktails, and which shares the same liquor license as Sweet Cheeks) will be closing after business hours on November 24.

The address for Sweet Cheeks Q is 1381 Boylston Street while the address for Fool's Errand is 1377 Boylston Street.

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Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar Opens in East Boston

Early this year, it was reported that a dining spot with Colombian influences was finally getting close to opening after being in the works for a long time, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Meridian Street in the Maverick Square area. The article mentions that the new spot offers Colombian and other Latin American fare and is a cafe by day and a wine bar by night, with breakfast/brunch served along with small and large plates, while cocktails are available as well.

Another location of Pomona (which is loosely affiliated) can be found in Swampscott, while one had also been in Winthrop but it is closed.

The address for the new Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar in Eastie is 18 Meridian Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website is at https://pomonaeastie.com/

[Earlier Article]
Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar Plans to Open in East Boston

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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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Dumpling Center Has Opened in the Former Dumpling Palace Space in Boston's Back Bay

A new spot for dumplings and more has come to Boston, and it replaces another dumpling spot.

According to a poster (Drew Starr) within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Dumpling Center is now open in the Back Bay, moving into the space on Massachusetts Avenue that had previously been home to Dumpling Palace. The post indicates that the menu at the new eatery is similar to that of its predecessor (though the place has different ownership), with offerings on its website including handmade dumplings, buns, noodles, sizzling dry wok specialties, and mala hot pot.

Dumpling Palace first opened in 2014, replacing Nan Ling.

The address for Dumpling Center is 179 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website can be found at https://dumplingcenter.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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Marzae Cellar + Provisions Opens at Boston Public Market

Earlier this year, it was reported that the people the first and only natural winery in Massachusetts would be bringing a tasting room to downtown Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running. 

According to a press release, Marzae Cellar + Provisions has soft-opened at Boston Public Market, with the place having nearly 100 seats including full-service dining tables, lounge areas, and bar seating and offering natural wines, aperitifs, and seasonal dishes with locally-sourced ingredients, including both small and large plates. (A retail section is also within the space, selling such options as chocolates, cheeses, charcuterie, vinegars, hot sauces, bitters, and shrubs.)

Husband-and-wife team Eliot Martin and Kate Lucai are behind Marzae, which started out in Acton in 2023.

The website for Marzae is at https://www.marzaewine.com/

[Earlier Article]
Marzae Cellar + Provisions Plans to Open at Boston Public Market

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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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Johnny Boy Plans to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Location in Boston's Fort Point

It looks like a popup sandwich shop with Filipino influences may be opening a permanent location near the Boston waterfront.

According to a source, Johnny Boy is planning to open a brick-and-mortar shop in Fort Point, moving into a space on Summer Street. The website for the business seems to confirm this, saying "coming soon" to Summer Street while showing photos of an indoor space.

Johnny Boy has been doing popups in the Greater Boston area, offering such options as breakfast sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, veggie sandwiches, chicken bites, and tamarind tots.

The address for the upcoming brick-and-mortar location of Johnny Boy is 300 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at https://www.johnnyboy.now/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/johnnyboy.now/

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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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Tradesman Coffee Shop & Bar Opens by the Greenway and South Station in Downtown Boston

The team behind a local group of coffee shops and lounges have opened another location in Boston.

According to a press release, Tradesman Coffee Shop & Bar is now open across from the Greenway and South Station in the downtown area, with the new Federal Street location being one of their "coffee by day, bar by night" spots. The new Tradesman offers such options as salads, sandwiches, wings, pizza, and nachos along with wine and cocktails, and it joins other locations in downtown Boston as well as ones in Charlestown's Hood Park and at Boston Landing in Brighton.

The address for the new Tradesman Coffee Shop & Bar is 176 Federal Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/TRADESMANGREENWAY/

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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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Piccolino to Open in South Boston

A new neighborhood spot that will feature small plates and drinks is on its way to South Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Piccolino is planning to open on Dorchester Street just east of Andrew Square, with the notice mentioning that it plans to have a dining section with seating for 49 and a bar area with 10 seats, with the manager listed being Emily Swaine. The Instagram page for the upcoming place states that it will be a "coffee & aperitivo bar...neighborhood spot for connecting over drinks & small plates." More should be known after a meeting with the city of Boston slated for next week, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for the upcoming Piccolino is 236 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at https://www.piccolinoboston.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/piccolinoboston/

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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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Scrappie's Pizzeria to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Location in Boston's Beacon Hill

A popup pizza business that has become an underground favorite will be expanding to a permanent space.

According to an article from boston.com, Scrappie's Pizzeria is planning to open a brick-and-mortar shop in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, moving into the former Figs space on Charles Street. Founder Andrew Blau has been working out of Brick Street Bagels in South Boston, with his pizzas made from dough using pulverized leftover bread from a few unnamed Beacon Hill dining spots, according to an earlier Boston Magazine article.

If all goes well, the permanent location of Scrappie's could be opening in late September or early October.

The address for the upcoming Scrappie's Pizza in Beacon Hill is 42 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for the business is at https://scrappiespizzeria.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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Boloco to Close Its Sole Remaining Location; Downtown Boston Outlet Shuts Down September 25

What was once a local chain of restaurants will soon be officially gone, as its final location is going to be shutting down.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Boloco is closing its downtown Boston location, with the note saying the following:

It's been a hell of a ride. After 29 years, Boloco's last location--50 Congress St, Boston--closes for good on September 25. (Building has been sold, converting to residential.) 10,746 days down, 60 days to go.

Boloco's roots date back more than 25 years, with the Boloco brand replacing "The Wrap" in 2005; there had once been a number of locations throughout the Greater Boston area and elsewhere in New England including two others that have shuttered of late--at Boston Children's Hospital on Longwood Avenue and in Hanover, NH, the latter of which rebranded to BocaSoca under new ownership. All locations were known in part for their burritos and bowls.

The website for Boloco can be found at https://boloco.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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The Pearl at Boston Landing in Brighton Is Closed; Exact Status Unknown

Earlier this year, it was reported that one of a pair of seafood restaurants in Boston had closed permanently, and now we have learned that the other location is shuttered, though it isn't yet known whether this is a permanent closure as well.

According to several sources, The Pearl at Boston Landing in Brighton is closed, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

As we navigate an important transition, The Pearl will be temporarily closing. While this isn't the news we hoped to share, we're actively working through several possibilities and remain hopeful about what's ahead. Thank you to everyone who has dined with us, celebrated with us, and supported our team. Your love and loyalty have meant more than words can express. We'll keep you updated as we have more to share.

The Boston Landing location of The Pearl first opened in early 2025, while the original at South Bay in Dorchester (which debuted in 2021) closed earlier this year; both locations were known for their variety of seafood options (including a raw bar) along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for The Pearl at Boston Landing is 67 Guest Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://www.thepearl-boston.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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Bar Mezzana, No Relation, and Shore Leave in Boston Are Closing

Three popular dining and drinking spots that are part of a local hospitality group are all going to be shutting down.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Bar Mezzana, No Relation, and Shore Leave in Boston's Ink Block/South End area are planning to close at the end of the year, as they have made the decision to not renew the lease because "financial realities prevailed." All three places are part of Traveler Street Hospitality, with Bar Mezzana being an Italian restaurant, No Relation being a sushi bar, and Shore Leave being a tiki lounge.

It appears that Black Lamb which is also part of Traveler Street Hospitality, will remain in operation (their other spot, FiDO Pizza, recently closed).

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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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Mochiko Hawaiian in Newtonville Expands to New Location at Boston Landing in Brighton

A restaurant in the western suburbs that is known in part for its fried chicken and bubble tea has expanded to a new location, and this one is within the Boston city limits.

Based on a check on the place, Mochiko Hawaiian is now open at Boston Landing in Brighton, joining one on Walnut Street in Newtonville. The new Guest Street eatery offers such options as chicken sandwiches, pork sandwiches, fried chicken plates, burgers, spam handrolls, tater tots, hash browns, smoothies, iced tea, milk tea, and more.

The address for the new location of Mochiko Hawaiian at Boston Landing is 133 Guest Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the business is at https://www.mochikohawaiian.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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Yoki Express in Boston's Seaport District Has Closed; Happy Rice Sushi to Open in Its Space

A Japanese dining spot in Boston's waterfront area has shut down, and it looks like it will be replaced by another Japanese eatery.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yoki Express in the Seaport District is no longer in business, with Happy Rice Sushi planning to open in its space. Yoki Express was known for its sushi burritos and poke bowls and had an ownership connection to Yoki Japanese Restaurant & Bar, which remains open in Medford; the menu for Happy Rice Sushi doesn't yet have a menu, simply saying "modern sushi."

Yoki Express first opened back in 2017.

The address for the now-closed Yoki Express (and upcoming Happy Rice Sushi) is 53 Boston Wharf Road, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for Happy Rice Sushi will be at https://happyricesushi.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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Nana's Green Tea Opens in the Back Bay of Boston

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a chain of cafes with roots in Japan would be expanding to a space in Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from boston.com, Nana's Green Tea is now open in the Back Bay, moving into a subterranean space on Newbury Street between Dartmouth Street and Exeter Street. The new spot focuses in part on Matcha green tea options while also offering such items as Japanese curry, rice bowls, parfaits, and more.

Nana's Green Tea started out in Tokyo in 2001, with its first location arriving in the United States in 2018.

The address for Nana's Green Tea in the Back Bay is 175 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain is at https://global.nanasgreentea.com/

[Earlier Article]
Nana's Green Tea Plans to Open in Boston's Back Bay

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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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Pinsa Piazza Plans to Open in the Former Taranta Space in Boston's North End

Late last year, it looked like a new restaurant serving all-day breakfast and pizza was looking to open in the North End of Boston, and now it appears that the place may have a different name, though it isn't known if the exact concept will be the same.

According to a source, Pinsa Piazza is planning to open on Hanover Street in the former Taranta space, with a photo showing a sign mentioning that it will be featuring Roman pizza made via a 72-hour fermentation process. A check within the bizapedia.com website indicates that the upcoming spot has a connection to Dolvero LLC, which had been looking to open Maria Forno in that space (and at the time, it was noted that the name could just be a placeholder).

The address for the upcoming Pinsa Piazza in the North End is 210 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

[Earlier Article]
Maria Forno May Be Opening in the Former Taranta Space in Boston's North End

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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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All'Antico Vinaio Opens in Boston's Downtown Crossing

Earlier this year, it was reported that an award-winning group of sandwich shops with roots in Italy would be opening a second Boston location, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, All'Antico Vinaio is now open in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Washington Street near where it meets Milk Street. The new location debuted yesterday, joining another on Boylston Street in the Copley Square along with a handful of other U.S. locations, and it focuses on a variety of panini (in 2017, Saveur included All'Antico Vinaio in an article on "The World's Best Sandwiches").

All'Antico Vinaio first started out in Florence in 1991.

The address for the new location of All'Antico Vinaio in Downtown Crossing is 330 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for All'Antico Vinaio is at https://www.allanticovinaiousa.com/

[Earlier Article]
All'Antico Vinaio Plans to Open New Location in Boston's Downtown Crossing

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

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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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