Zhu Restaurant Opens in Boston's Back Bay

Last fall, it was reported that a new Asian dining spot was coming to the Back Bay of Boston, and now we have learned that it is in the process of getting up and running.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Zhu restaurant is now open on Boylston Street, with the Instagram page for the place indicating that it is in a soft opening phase with hours from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM today. The new restaurant focuses on Chinese seafood and dim sum while offering beer, wine, cocktail, and spirits, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has moved into the space where the Irish pub Lir had been until closing in 2020 after 17 years in operation.

The address for Zhu is 903 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/zhuboston/

[Earlier Article]
Zhu Restaurant Plans to Open in the Former Lir Space in Boston's Back Bay

(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.)

Home Taste in Watertown Is Closed, Is Apparently Being Rebranded

A Chinese restaurant west of Boston that is known in part for its noodles and dumplings is locked up and dark, and it appears that it could be in the midst of a rebranding.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Home Taste in Watertown is currently closed, with a photo showing signs out front saying that Badam Uyghur Cuisine is apparently moving into the space. This could be a reconcepting from the people behind Home Taste, as a Facebook post from them earlier this month said the following:

We will be taking a short break for vacation and will be temporarily closed for approximately one month. Thank you so much for your continued support and understanding! We look forward to welcoming everyone back when we reopen.

Home Taste first opened in 2015, offering such options as hand-pulled noodles, handmade dumplings, Chinese "burgers," Szechuan dishes, and more. [Ed note: Another Home Taste can be found in Arlington Heights.]

The address for Home Taste in Watertown (and presumably, Badam Uyghur Cuisine) is 58 Mt Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

(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.)

Gong Palace and Bar Is Opening in the Former Commonwealth Space in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A new dining spot is on its way to Cambridge, moving into the space where an upscale restaurant and function space had been until closing a few years ago.

According to a source, Gong Palace and Bar is going to be opening in Kendall Square, taking over the former Commonwealth space on Broad Canal Way. A photo sent to us indicates that a sign is up for the place while another sign in the window says that it will feature "authentic fine Chinese cuisine" with pictures of food shown including what look to be soup dumplings. An opening date has not been given as of yet for Gong Palace and Bar, with a note out front simply saying "coming soon."

Commonwealth first opened in 2013, shutting down ten years later in the fall of 2023; Steve Postal (Revival Cafe & Kitchen) was behind the spot.

The address for the upcoming Gong Palace and Bar in Kendall Square is 11 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

(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.)

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/

(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.)

Lo Kai Restaurant & Lounge in Dracut Is Closing

An old-school Chinese restaurant north of Boston known in part for its Polynesian drinks is shutting down.

According to an article from boston.com, Lo Kai Restaurant & Lounge in Dracut is getting ready to close its doors, with a note on its website saying the following:

After over 50 years in business, we are now announcing that the Lo Kai Restaurant will permanently close its doors this summer. We recognize that this news may come as a shock, but we invite you to come in and enjoy a pupu platter, a Mai Tai, or anything you would like before we conclude our time here on Lakeview Avenue....We want to assure you that this decision did not come lightly. Due to a number of factors, we have determined this to be the best course of action.

The note goes on to say that Lo Kai will close after business hours on August 8.

Lo Kai Restaurant & Lounge first opened in 1972, being a place to go for Chinese-American fare and drinks such as Scorpion Bowls and Mai Tais while also featuring live music.

The address for Lo Kai Restaurant & Lounge is 1655 Lakeview Ave, Dracut, MA 01826. Its website can be found at https://thelokai.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.)

Kowloon Tiki Bar Officially Opens at Revere Beach

Earlier this year it was reported that an iconic restaurant just north of Boston would be expanding to a new location by the water, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to its Instagram page and its website, Kowloon Tiki Bar is now officially open at Revere Beach, after partially opening for takeout only early last month. The new spot joins the original Kowloon in Saugus, which will eventually be moving to a smaller location at the Route 1 site as the property is going to be redeveloped.

Kowloon Tiki Bar offers a variety of Asian fare and tropical cocktails while also featuring live entertainment.

The address for Kowloon Tiki Bar is 21 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA, 02151. Its website can be found at while its https://kowloontiki.com/ Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/kowloontikirevere/

[Earlier Article]
Kowloon Is Planning to Open at Revere Beach

(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.)

Golden Temple in Brookline Has Closed

 A Brookline institution has shut its doors after being in operation for a very long time.

According to its social media, Golden Temple is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Beacon Street restaurant saying the following:

After 66 incredible years, Golden Temple has officially closed its doors. Since our very first day, your loyalty, warmth, and shared memories have been the true heart of this establishment. It has been our greatest honor and privilege to host your family dinners, milestone celebrations, and everyday moments across generations. While this chapter is coming to a close, the profound gratitude we hold for your decades of unwavering support will remain with us always. Thank you for making us a part of your lives.

Golden Temple was known in part for its Chinese-American fare along with its unique atmosphere which included an high arched ceiling, booths for diners, and a bar scene complete with live DJs and dancing.

 The address for the now-closed Golden Temple was 1651 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

(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.)

Moon Flower House in Allston Has Closed

It looks like what was once a pair of Chinese dining spots known for their chicken options now has no remaining locations in Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Retaurants Facebook group page, Moon Flower House in Allston is no longer in business, with a Google search seeming to confirm this as it says the Brighton Avenue eatery is "permanently closed." Another location had also been on Kneeland Street in Chinatown but that one closed at some point in time as well.

Moon Flower House featured such items as fried chicken sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, wings, chicken wraps, popcorn chicken, and more.

The address for the now-closed Moon Flower House in Allston was 110 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

(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.)

Vida Coffee Opens in Cambridge

A brand new coffee shop with Chinese influences has opened in Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Vida Coffee is now open on Broadway, moving into a space a few blocks west of Kendall Square in The Port neighborhood of the city. The new spot offers coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, and pastries, with its menu also including a few bun and bao options.

The address for Vida Coffee is 222 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/222vidacoffee/

(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.)

Panda Express Is Opening at South Bay in Dorchester

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect the fact that the restaurant will not actually be taking over the Wahlburgers space as was originally thought; thanks to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page for bringing this to our attention.]

A chain of fast-food restaurants that focuses on Chinese fare is opening just off the Expressway.

According to a message sent from Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub, Panda Express is planning to open at South Bay in Dorchester, while a licensing board voting agenda page mentions that the upcoming location is slated to have seating for more than 60, though it doesn't look like there will be any outdoor seating. Once it opens, the new location of Panda Express will join others locally in Boston, Medford, Dedham, Westwood, and Walpole.

The address for the new location of Panda Express at South Bay is 5 District Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.pandaexpress.com/

[May 19 update: According to a press release, Panda Express is now open at South Bay.]

(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.)

Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen to Open in Cambridge's Central Square

It looks like a new restaurant featuring Chinese fare is on its way to Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky post from troysch1.bsky.social, Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen is planning to open soon on Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square, with a sign out front indicating that it may be featuring soup dumplings. A Cambridge License Commission page mentions that the upcoming dining spot plans to have an inside capacity of 36 and an outside capacity of 24 and with the proposed manager being Yumei Yu, and it looks to be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. No specific opening date has been given as of yet, nor has a menu been seen, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the upcoming Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen is 411 Massachusetts 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]

---

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.)

Mon Kou in Attleboro Is Closing

Yet another Polynesian restaurant in the local area is going to be shutting down.

According to an article from NBC 10 WJAR, Mon Kou in Attleboro is closing its doors next month, with a note on the website for the Washington Street dining spot saying the following:

With heavy hearts, Mon Kou Restaurant will be permanently closing its doors on Sunday, May 31st, 2026 due to retirement. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with a mix of emotions — gratitude for the countless memories, pride in the meals we've shared, and sadness in saying goodbye. This family-owned business, under the leadership of 2 generations, has been serving the Attleboro community for 54 years....We want to extend our deepest thanks to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and everyone who has been part of our journey. You've made the Mon Kou Restaurant more than just a place to eat — you've made it a home. We hope you'll join us in these final weeks to share one last meal, a few more stories, and a heartfelt goodbye.

The note goes on to say that the restaurant will be open for full service through May 8, with limited service running from May 9 to May 31 where only seated bar/lounge service and take out will be available. (They also say that gift certificates that are not redeemed by May 31 will be forfeited.)

Mon Kou joins a number of other Polynesian restaurants in the region to close over the years, including Bali Hai in Lynnfield, Weylu's in Saugus, Makaha in Acton, Imperial Terrace in Quincy, Tiki Hideaway in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, The South Pacific in Newton, and Tiki Island in Medford (the last of which has been replaced by Ho Win Palace, which offers Chinese food and sushi).

The address for Mon Kou is 676 Washington Street (Route 1), Attleboro, MA, 02703. Its website can be found at https://www.monkou.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.)

Baby Cafe Kitchen in Allston Has Closed

The sole Boston-area location of a California-based group of Hong Kong-style restaurants has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Baby Cafe Kitchen in Allston is no longer in operation, with a check on the website for the business seeming to confirm this, as the Brighton Avenue outlet has been removed from the locations section. The eatery offered such options as Hainan chicken rice, beef stew, wings, salt and pepper squid, pork and egg stone porridge, and seafood udon.

Baby Cafe, which also had a location in Brookline that closed last year and which started out in Oakland, now appears to have only one location left (in Union City, CA).

The address for the now-closed Baby Cafe in Allston was 128 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for the business is at https://www.babycaferestaurants.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.)

Peach Farm in Boston's Chinatown to Undergo an Ownership Change

 It looks like one of Boston's best-known Chinese restaurants will soon be under new ownership.

According to a Facebook post from the business, the current owners of Peach Farm in Chinatown are saying farewell, with the post saying the following:

It's been a great run of 31 years. All good things have come to an end, and this will most likely be the last month of us running Peach Farm Restaurant. We want to send a huge thank you for those who supported us through the ups and downs, especially through the crucial time during COVID. We also want to thank all the people that have worked for us throughout all the years. This is a bittersweet moment for us, but it's for the best.  Let's make the last week or two left special. Hope to see all the familiar faces beforehand. Thank you again for the unconditional support that you have for us.

There has been chatter on social media platforms that Peach Farm is closing, but Adam Gaffin from Universal Hub shared with us an earlier voting hearing agenda page mentioning that Peach Farm, Inc. petitioned to transfer the license to Peach Farm Boston, LLC, keeping the restaurant name the same while the new manager listed is Washan Ching (Adam tells us that the Licensing Board did approve the sale on March 5).

Peach Farm has received countless accolades over the years, including getting a Best of Boston award from Boston Magazine in 2023 and a Legacy Business Award from Mayor Wu and the City of Boston in 2025.

The address for Peach Farm in Chinatown is 4 Tyler Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website can be found at https://www.peachfarmseafood.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.)

Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen Plans to Open in Wakefield

A brand new Asian restaurant is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen is planning to open in Wakefield, moving into a space on Main Street in the Greenwood section of town. Our source mentions that the proposed dining spot will focus on Asian fusion (including dishes with Japanese and Chinese influences), with sushi possibly being included among the offerings.

The address for the upcoming Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen is 963 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587544162383

(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.)

Moon Bay Opens in Randolph

A brand new Chinese restaurant has opened in the southern suburbs of Boston.

A check on the place indicates that Moon Bay is now open in Randolph, moving into a space on Route 139 between the center of town and the Route 24 intersection. The new dining spot focuses in part on Hunan cuisine, with its menu including such options as handmade dumplings, lamb soup, stir-friend beans with eggplant, chili pepper short rib, stir-fried shredded potato, shrimp with string beans, stir-fried chicken with chili peppers, and braised pork.

The address for Moon Bay is 8 Mazzeo Drive (Route 139), Randolph, MA, 02368. Its website can be found at https://moonbay.toast.site/

(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.)

Kao Jiu in Brookline Is Closing

An upscale Chinese restaurant in Brookline is going to be closing.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Kao Jiu on Harvard Street is shutting down, with a post within its Instagram page saying the following:

After many wonderful years, Kao Jiu will be closing this summer as our owners have decided to move back to China. We are incredibly grateful for all the love and support from our amazing community. Every visit, every meal, and every memory shared here has meant so much to us. Before we say goodbye, we hope to welcome you a few more times to enjoy your favorite dishes and celebrate the moments we've created together. Thank you for being part of the Kao Jiu family.

Kao Jiu first opened in 2022, taking over the space that had previously been home to Cafe Eilat.

The address for Kao Jiu is 406 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://www.kaojiurestaurant.com/

[July 13 update: A Facebook post within the Brookline Townwide Discussion Facebook page indicates that Kao Jiu is now closed.]

(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.)

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao to Open in Framingham

A group of Michelin-recommended Shanghainese soup dumpling restaurants is bringing the first location of its original concept to Eastern Massachusetts.

According to posts from Kiat Cormier of the ChewOnThis Facebook page, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is planning to open soon in Framingham, with the website for the group of dining spots indicating that it will move into a space on Route 9 within a shopping plaza across from Shoppers World. Once it opens, the new location of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao--which started out in the Flushing part of Queens in 2006--will join locations of its fast-casual concept Nan Xiang Express in Boston's Chinatown neighborhood and Shrewsbury.

The address for the upcoming Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in Framingham is 84 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01702. The website for all locations is at https://nanxiangxiaolongbao.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.)

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]

---

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.)

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/

(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.)