Qué Mas Restaurant in Beverly Has Closed

A restaurant on the North Shore that featured Latin cuisine has shut down.

According to a couple of sources, Qué Mas Restaurant in Beverly is no longer in business, with an Instagram post from the Rantoul Street spot saying the following:

Thank you all for the endless support and love. It was a pleasure to see so many people really enjoy our food and notice all the passion that us and our staff put in. Well this is goodbye for now it isn't goodbye forever!

Qué Mas first opened in 2024, with Alex Pineda being behind it; Pineda is the son of Lydia Shire, who is known in part for her restaurant Scampo (where Pineda also worked) in the Beacon Hill/MGH area of Boston, and he was also a finalist on Alton Brown's "Chopped: Alton's Maniacal Baskets" in 2021.

The address for the now-closed Qué Mas was 114 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

(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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Pedro's Kitchen Opens in Allston

A new restaurant has come to a Boston neighborhood, and a familiar name is involved.

According to its website, Pedro's Kitchen is now open in Allston, with the dining spot moving into the space on Glenville Avenue where Fields West had briefly been, and before that, The Glenville Stops. The owner of the new restaurant is Pedro Alarcon, who was behind La Casa de Pedro in Watertown and Boston's Seaport District and more recently, Pedro's Street food truck; like those businesses, Pedro's Kitchen focuses on Latin cuisine with an emphasis on Venezuelan fare, with the menu including empanadas, arepas, fried yuca, fried plantains, carne asada, cachapas, and items formerly served at La Casa de Pedro such as garlic cilantro shrimp and mango ceviche.

The address for Pedro's Kitchen is 85 Glenville Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. Its website can be found at https://pedroskitchenboston.com/

(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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ZaZiBar in Boston's Seaport District, Zaz at City Hall Plaza in Downtown Boston Have Closed; Hyde Park Location Remains Open

A couple of locations of a trio of fusion spots in Boston have shut down.

According to an Instagram post, ZaZiBar in the Seaport District and Zaz at City Hall Plaza are no longer in business, with the note saying the following:

Every chapter comes with growth, and this one means a lot to us. As we close our City Hall and ZaZiBar Seaport locations, we just want to take a moment to thank everyone who's supported us over the years. From the City Hall crew who pulled up for lunch every week to the late nights in Seaport filled with music and good vibes, you helped make those spaces special. ZaZ isn't going anywhere. Our Hyde Park restaurant is still home for takeout, catering, and events. ZaZ On Wheels is serving up lunch and late-night eats seven days a week in Seaport. And now, our family has grown with @homebyzazpvd, our new Afro-Caribbean restaurant and lounge in Rhode Island....Thank you for being part of the journey.

The original location of Zaz first opened in Hyde Park in 2011, offering Caribbean, Latin, and Asian fusion cuisine. Its website can be found at https://www.zazrestaurant.com/

(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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Pollo 2Go Opens in Cambridge

A new takeout spot that focuses on chicken has opened in Cambridge.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Pollo 2Go is now open on Harvard Street, moving into the former Izzy's space in The Port section of the city and being run by the people who are behind Pollo Lounge & Grill in Dorchester. Based on the article and the website for the business, the new eatery offers Latin American fare including grilled chicken, fried chicken, and rotisserie chicken along with such options as mofongo, trifongo, stewed beef, fried pork belly, ribs, pork shoulder, ham and cheese patties, sweet plantains, macaroni and cheese, and stewed pigeon beans.

Izzy's was a Puerto Rican restaurant that had been around for 40 years until it closed in 2022.

The address for Pollo 2Go is 169 Harvard Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://pollo2gocambridge.com/

(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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Casa Verde Is Opening in Scituate

A new Latin American restaurant is on its way to the South Shore, and a local restaurateur is behind the place.

According to a press release, Casa Verde is planning to open in Scituate, moving into the former Dunkin' space on Front Street in Scituate Harbor. The new spot will offer lunch, dinner, and brunch with dishes having influences ranging from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the Caribbean, and cocktails and Spanish wines will also be available, while live Latin jazz music is being planned for the space.

The owner of Casa Verde is Kara Tondorf, who also runs Salt Society restaurant in Scituate Harbor and The Rivershed in Killington, VT, along with the now-closed locations of The Rivershed in Scituate and Weymouth Landing and Riva Restaurant, the last of which had also been in Scituate Harbor.

The address for Casa Verde is 99 Front Street, Scituate, MA, 02066.

[March 26, 2025 update: According to its social media Casa Verde is now open in Scituate.]

(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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Desnuda Cocina e Bar Opens in the South End of Boston

Earlier this year, it was reported that a new restaurant focusing on Latin American and Asian fare would be coming to Boston's South End, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a press release, Desnuda Cocina e Bar is now open on Tremont Street, moving into the space that had been home to Tremont 647. As mentioned in an earlier article, MAZI Food Group (Kava Neo-Taverna, Ilona, Gigi) is behind the new dining spot, which also has a "sound bar" on the lower level that will have themed nights, guest deejays and mixologist-selected playlists.

Desnuda Cocina e Bar is currently open for dinner service, with brunch being introduced at a later date.

The address for Desnuda Cocina e Bar in the South End is 647 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website can be found at http://www.desnudacocina.com/

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

(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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School Street Foods Is Opening in Lynnfield

The person behind a Latin-American puff pastry business is opening a permanent restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source (Paul Dube), School Street Foods is planning to open in Lynnfield, with a Facebook post from owner Javier Baez saying the following:

Pastelito Pastelito Pastelito -- Dreams become reality! We're thrilled to announce that our team is launching a School Street Foods brick and mortar at 618 Salem St, Lynnfield. Get ready for a full menu featuring New England's best empanadas and more, Tuesday-Saturday, starting early November, with online ordering, delivery, dine-in, takeout, and catering!....More details to come but thank you to all the people that have supported this dream and this vision over the years. We wouldn't be here without you and we look forward to feeding you and hopefully putting smiles on your faces.

Baez has been selling his filled pastelitos at various pop-ups in the local area, including such fillings as birria, chicken and cheese, pastrami and cheese, chicken bacon ranch, buffalo chicken, reuben, and more.

[November 20 update: According to its social media, School Street Foods is now open.]

(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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Qué Mas Is Opening in Beverly; "Chopped" Finalist Alex Pineda Behind It

A new restaurant is on its way to the North Shore, and a celebrity chef who is also the son of a legendary chef/restaurateur is behind the place.

According to a Twitter/X post from @Foodyguy1, Qué Mas is planning to open in Beverly, with "Chopped" Finalist Alex Pineda running the place along with chef Noe Ortega. A Patch article mentions that the upcoming dining spot will focus on modern Latin fare and that it will be moving into the space on Rantoul Street that had been home to Frank; the building is also home to a new wine and spirits place called The Bottle Shop, which is a transformation of DeVille Cafe & Market.

Alex Pineda, who competed in Alton Brown's "Chopped: Alton's Maniacal Baskets" in 2021, is the son of Lydia Shire, who is known in part for her restaurant Scampo (where Pineda also worked) in the Beacon Hill/MGH area of Boston while also being involved with such places as Maison Robert, Biba, Locke-Ober, and Pignoli, 

The address for Qué Mas is 114 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915. Its website is at https://www.quemasrestaurant.com/

[July 12 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Qué Mas is now open.]

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

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

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

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

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

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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 Common Room Grill Is Replacing Latina Kitchen & Bar In Needham

A suburban spot that focuses on Mediterranean and South American fare is closing its doors, though a new restaurant will be move in.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Latina Kitchen & Bar is shutting down after business hours on December 17 with an earlier post mentioning that a sports bar is moving into the space. Latina Kitchen & Bar first opened in the summer of 2019, taking over the space that had previously been home to L&K Lounge and Kitchen (and that place had originally been known as RFK Kitchen).

Another poster within the Facebook group page mentions that The Common Room is opening within the Latina Kitchen & Bar space in early 2024, with a Needham Observer article mentioning that it will feature "high-quality comfort food while also possibly including some of the offerings from Latina Kitchen & Bar, as the hope is that the Latina chef stays on at the new place.

The address for Latina Kitchen & Bar (and The Common Room) is 30 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492. The website for The Common Room is at https://commonroomneedham.com/

[March 8, 2024 update: A poster within the Facebook group page mentions that The Common Room Grill has soft-opened, with its grand opening taking place on March 11.] 

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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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Cilantro Latin Kitchen Is Opening in Boston's Mission Hill Neighborhood

A new dining spot is on its way to a Boston neighborhood, and the couple behind it run three other restaurants in the city.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Cilantro Latin Kitchen is planning to open in Mission Hill, moving into a space on Tremont Street by the Roxbury Crossing T station. The post mentions that owners Hector and Nivia Piña (Doña Habana, Merengue, Vejigantes) say it will be a fast-casual eatery with healthy Latin fare, with Hector stating that "Our idea is to bring healthy food to the neighborhood and also teach people how eat the correct proportions of proteins, carbs, and vegetables."

The address for Cilantro Latin Kitchen in Mission Hill is 1415 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02120. Its website can be found at https://cilantrolatinkitchen.com/

[October 23 update: According to its social media pages, Cilantro Latin Kitchen is now open.]

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. Please donate at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

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[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Casa B Restaurant in Somerville's Union Square Has Closed

A Spanish and Lain American tapas spot in Somerville has very quietly closed down.

According to a source, Casa B Restaurant is Union Square is no longer in business, with a note on its website confirming this, saying the following:

We regret to inform you that Casa B Restaurant is permanently closed. After [almost] 11 years, we have decided that the time has come to move on. We would like thank everyone for all their support through out the years. This includes employees, guests, friends and family. We wish everyone the very best. With kind regards, the Casa B family.

Based on the date of the note, it appears that Casa B--which first opened in the latter part of 2011--closed for good on or around October 31.

The address for Casa B in Union Square was 253 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Pearl & Lime in Quincy May Be Expanding to East Boston

A restaurant and bar in Quincy with Latin influences appears to be expanding to a new location, and this one would reside in a waterfront location in a red-hot section of Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Pearl & Lime is planning to open in East Boston, with the Border Street address indicating that it would be moving into the Coppersmith Village apartment complex across the street from the water (and facing Charlestown). The notice mentions that the proposed dining and drinking spot would include an outdoor patio, and it seeks a full liquor license.

The original location of Pearl & Lime first opened in Quincy Center last summer, moving into the space on Hancock Street that had been home to a location of KKatie's Burger Bar.

The address for the proposed location of Pearl & Lime in East Boston is 99-101 Border Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the Quincy location is at https://www.pearlandlime.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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Cristian Latin Opens in the Powder House Circle Section of Somerville

A brand new option for Salvadoran food has come to Somerville.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Cristian Latin is now open in the Powder House Circle section of the city, with the website for the Broadway eatery indicating that it offers both takeout and delivery and that its website says it has the "Best Salvadoreño food in Somerville." The menu for the spot shows such items as huevos rancheros, empanadas, plantains, guacamole, pork belly, chicken stew, papusas, burritos, tacos, grilled salmon, and flan.

The address for Cristian Latin is 854 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02144. Its website can be found at https://cristianlatin.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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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.)

Brothers Restaurant in Brookline Is Being Replaced by Vello Restaurant and Bar

An eclectic restaurant in Brookline is becoming home to a new dining spot, though some of the offerings from the previous place could be offered at the new eatery.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Brothers Restaurant on Harvard Street is changing to Vello Restaurant and Bar, with the new owners planning to feature dishes with Latin influences. The post mentions that the new owners had initially considered keeping the Brothers name, while the attorney for the soon-to-open restaurant says that the owners may continue to offer some of the old menu items from there, saying that "certainly want to keep the existing customers happy but also introduce some new dishes."

Brothers first opened in 2015, featuring a mix of Italian, Mexican, and American dishes along with beer, wine and cocktails.

The address for the new Vello Restaurant and Bar is 404 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[March 3 update: According to a Twitter post from the place, Vello Restaurant and Bar is now open.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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Pearl & Lime Opens in Quincy

A long-awaited restaurant with Latin influences has quietly debuted in Quincy Center.

According to a source, Pearl & Lime is now open in the former KKatie's Burger Bar space on Hancock Street, with an Instagram post from yesterday saying "Pearl and Lime is open until 10 o'clock tonight...Cheers!" As mentioned earlier, the team behind The Townshend, a nearby restaurant and bar also on Hancock Street, is running Pearl & Lime, with the new spot offering such items as street popcorn, Ecuadorian shrimp, shishito peppers, tacos, sliders, pastelillos, and more, along with beer, wine, and cocktails including several margarita options.

The address for Pearl & Lime is 1440 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website can be found at https://www.pearlandlime.com/

[Earlier Article]
Pearl & Lime Plans to Open in Quincy Center

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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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.)

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

Masa in Boston's South End Has Closed for Good

One of the bigger names within the Boston restaurant scene has shut down permanently.

According to several sources, Masa in the the South End has closed for good, with a message sent by the Tremont Street spot confirming that the restaurant has indeed shuttered permanently. It is not known for sure whether the closure was directly due to the Coronavirus outbreak or whether it was an indirect cause; if we find out more about this, we will post an update here.

Masa, which first opened in 1998, was known in part for its tapas along with its weekend brunch, cocktails, and tequila options.

The address for Masa was 439 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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JAK Pizzeria Replaces Cafeteria Y Pizzeria Mi Colombia in East Boston

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 12 to reflect new information given, including the fact that its exact name is JAK Pizzeria, and that it is indeed under the same ownership as the old restaurant in the space.]

A new pizza spot with Latin American influences has come to East Boston, and it replaces another pizzeria that had a similar menu.

According to a source, JAK Pizzeria is now open in the former Cafeteria Y Pizzeria Mi Colombia space in Maverick Square, with a photo sent to us showing an "open" sign out front. A message sent to us confirms that it is under the same ownership as the old spot, so this is more of a rebranding, and that the menu for JAK Pizzeria includes pizzas with Central American and South American influences.

The address for JAK Pizzeria (and the old Cafeteria Y Pizzeria Mi Colombia) is 50 Maverick Square, East Boston, MA, 02128.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Fifteen Pizzas to Try in the Boston Area]

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Valsos Table & Bar to Open in Revere

A new restaurant is opening just west of Revere Beach, and its menu will apparently be sampling from several different cuisines.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Valsos Table & Bar is opening on Shirley Avenue, with the dining spot offering both meals and tapas plates with Italian-American, Italian, Spanish, and Latin influences. The restaurant will also offer local beers, small-production wines "from both the old and new world," and craft cocktails.

The address for this new restaurant near Revere Beach is: Valsos Table & Bar, 139 Shirley Avenue, Revere, MA, 02151. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/valsostableandbar/

[October 12 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Valsos Table & Bar is now open.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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Latina Kitchen and Bar Is Opening in Former L&K Lounge and Kitchen Space in Needham

A new restaurant may be on its way to a western suburb that is suddenly seeing a surge in new dining spots.

According to an article in the Needham Times and Wicked Local, Latina Kitchen and Bar is planning to open on Dedham Street in the former L&K Lounge and Kitchen space (which had originally been known as RFK Kitchen), with the upcoming place being an upscale spot that offers a mix of Latin American and Mediterranean fare. The post says that the restaurant will have seating for 100 (including 10 seats at a bar) and that it will be open for lunch and dinner six days a week, serving such items as empanadas, ceviche, grilled octopus, lobster tostones, and cachapas. If all goes well, Latina Kitchen and Bar could be opening in Needham in early August.

A few other new restaurants are planning to open in Needham as well, including Chef Mike's, Hungry Coyote, Pancho's Taqueria.

The address for the upcoming Latina Kitchen and Bar is 30 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492.

[August 29 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Latina Kitchen and Bar hopes to open the week following Labor Day weekend.]

[September 17 update: An Instagram post shows that Latina Kitchen and Bar is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
L&K Lounge and Kitchen in Needham Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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