Julianne’s Kitchen & Bar to Open Above the Fruit Center Marketplace in East Milton Square

Last year it was reported that a breakfast and lunch spot that was located above a market just south of Boston was shutting down, and now we have learned that a new restaurant will be moving into the space.

According to an article from What Now Boston (via The Patriot Ledger), Julianne’s Kitchen & Bar is planning to open in East Milton Square in the early part of 2026, taking over the space above the Fruit Center Marketplace that had previously been home to The Plate. The articles mention that the upcoming restaurant will be run by the owners of Fruit Center Marketplace/Milton Marketplace as well as restaurateur Vance Welch (Novara, Abby Park), and it will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing on "elevated comfort classics made with locally sourced ingredients."

In 2016, The Plate moved from its original Central Avenue location in Milton, taking over the space where Marketplace Cafe had been (and before that, A Lighter Fare). It closed down in May of 2024.

The address for the upcoming Julianne’s Kitchen & Bar is 10 Bassett Street, Milton, MA, 02186.

[Earlier Article]
The Plate in Milton Is Closing

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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 Plate in Milton Is Closing

A breakfast and lunch spot in Milton is closing its doors.

According to a source, The Plate in East Milton Square is getting ready to shut down permanently, with a Facebook post from the place (which is located above the Fruit Center Marketplace) saying the following:

After twelve years of serving Milton and the surrounding communities, first at our original Central Ave location and for the past eight years above the Milton Fruit Center, the plate will be closing. While we hoped to extend our lease, fortune was simply not on our side. Our last day of service will be in spring 2024. Come help us bid a fond farewell to our home away from home. To the Milton community, your unwavering support has been the backbone of our success. We are truly grateful for the memories we’ve created together and the moments you’ve shared with us. Please come and help us close this chapter with love and nostalgia for our last few months of service. We hope to see familiar faces as we say goodbye.

In 2016, The Plate took over the space where Marketplace Cafe had been (and before that, A Lighter Fare); the dining spot has been known for such options as fried egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, griddle cakes, nutella banana toast, BLTs, chicken sandwiches, and grilled cheese.

The address for The Plate is 10 Bassett Street, Milton, MA, 02186. Its website can be found at https://theplatekitchen.com/

[May 30 update: The Instagram page for the place indicates that The Plate is now closed.]

(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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Playa Bowls Is Opening in East Milton Square

A New Jersey-based chain of dining spots is getting ready to open its fourth Boston-area location, with this one being just south of the city.

According to an article in the Milton Times, Playa Bowls is opening in East Milton Square, with the Adams Street eatery soon joining others in Brighton by Boston College, near Northeastern University in Boston, and in Cambridge's Harvard Square. Based on its other outlets, expect to find bowls with a variety of bases, along with smoothies and fresh juices.

If all goes as planned, the new location of Playa Bowls will open sometime this month.

The address for the outlet of Playa Bowls in East Milton Square is 532 Adams Street, Milton, MA, 02186. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.playabowls.com/

[October 11 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Playa Bowls in East Milton Square 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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Madre Osteria & Bar Is Opening in the Former 88 Wharf/Prime Pizza Space in Milton Landing

An Italian restaurant is on its way to a riverside location by the Boston line that had been home to a couple of other restaurants.

According to an article in the Milton Times, Madre Osteria & Bar is opening in the former 88 Wharf/Prime Pizza space at Milton Landing, with the people behind it being Jairo Dominguez and Teodora Bakardzhieva along with Brian O'Donnell, all of whom are with the Trio Restaurant Group (Publico, Bar Mercato). The restaurant, which will be located on the ground floor of a condo complex facing the Neponset River, would offer Tuscan food along with Italian wines. 

88 Wharf first opened in 2009, featuring mostly New American and Mediterranean fare, though it began to focus on Mexican cuisine before being replaced by Prime Pizza in the early part of 2018. 

The address for Madre Osteria & Bar is 88 Wharf Street, Milton, MA, 02186.

[July 7, 2021 update: According to its Instagram page, Madre Osteria & 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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Steel & Rye in Milton Debuts a Bakery and Cafe within Its Space

An upscale American restaurant that sits above a river near the Boston line has added a brand new concept within its space.

According to an email, Steel & Rye in Milton has set up a bakery and cafe inside its Eliot Street space, offering such to-go items as freshly-baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, grain bowls, coffee, green juices, and more. We are told that it will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the usual dinner service commencing at 4:00 PM, though for now, Steel & Rye is only offering takeout as well as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. (We have also been told that the plan is for the bakery-cafe to be a permanent fixture there.)

Steel & Rye, which first opened in 2012, is located in a former ambulance garage overlooking the Neponset River just across from Dorchester.

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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Prime Pizza in Milton Landing Has Apparently Closed

It looks like a restaurant known for its pizza and riverside views has shut down.

According to a source, Prime Pizza in Milton Landing appears to have closed, with a check on its website and Facebook page indicating that both have been taken down, while phone calls to the place are no longer going through because the number is out of service. It is not known why the restaurant closed, nor is it known what might go into the space; as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here.

Prime Pizza first opened in the early part of 2018, taking over the space where 88 Wharf had been; the latter had been in the space since 2009, featuring mostly New American and Mediterranean fare. (Both restaurant had outdoor patios that overlooked the Neponset River.)

The address for Prime Pizza was 88 Wharf Street, Milton, MA, 02186.

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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88 Wharf in Milton Landing Is Now Prime Pizza

by Marc Hurwitz

An upscale restaurant known in part for its riverside views has been replaced by a new eatery that focuses on pizza.

According to a source within the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page, 88 Wharf in Milton Landing is now Prime Pizza, with our source saying that the new spot has at least a partial ownership connection to the old spot. 88 Wharf first opened in 2009, featuring mostly New American and Mediterranean fare, though it began to focus on Mexican cuisine before it closed; the new Prime Pizza offers items such as burgers hanger steak, chicken piccata, bolognese, and grilled salmon in addition to pizza.

88 Wharf had been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as an under-the-radar spot featuring a patio above the Neponset River, with the review being found here:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/88Wharf.html

The address for the new Prime Pizza is 88 Wharf Street, Milton, MA, 02186. Its website can be found at https://www.primemilton.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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Coffee Break Cafe Opens New Shop in Milton

A cafe with three locations in Quincy has opened a fourth shop in a neighboring community.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the Coffee Break Cafe is now open in Milton, taking over the space on Central Avenue where Radio Coffeehouse had been. The new shop joins other locations in North Quincy, Wollaston, and Quincy Center, and brings the total number of cafes back up to four. (A location of Coffee Break Cafe on Pearl Street in Braintree closed back in 2011.)

Based on the menus at the other shops, expect to find, bagels muffins, breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and more at the new location.

The address for this new cafe in Milton is: Coffee Break Cafe, 24 Central Avenue, Milton, MA, 02186. The website for all four locations can be found at http://www.coffeebreakcafe.net/

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]

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The Plate Is Replacing Marketplace Cafe in Milton

A dining spot in Milton that is located above a grocery store is closing, with a new restaurant with a familiar name moving in.

An email sent this week indicates that the Marketplace Cafe within the Fruit Center Marketplace in East Milton Square shuts its doors in October after being in business since 2009 (which is when it changed from a relatively similar spot called A Lighter Fare). According to the note, Suzanne Lombardi of The Plate on Central Avenue near the Milton/Boston line will be opening a new spot also called The Plate, which will feature a drink bar, pastries and baked goods, freshly-made juices, locally-roasted coffee, along with breakfast and lunch items and a Sunday brunch.

The Marketplace Cafe is a restaurant that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured as an under-the-radar breakfast and lunch place. A review of the eatery can be found at the link below:

Review of Marketplace Cafe, Milton

It looks like The Plate could be opening in early 2015 once renovations are complete.

The address for the Marketplace Cafe (and upcoming Plate) is 10 Bassett Street, Milton, MA, 02186.

[November 17 update: According to the Fruit Center website, the Marketplace Cafe is now closed.]

[May 7, 2015 update: It looks like The Plate above the Fruit Center could soon be one step closer to opening, as the Patriot Ledge and Wicked Local mention that the town is looking into its request for a liquor license today.]

[January 5, 2016 update: An email sent from the Fruit Center Marketplace indicates that The Plate is now open in the former Marketplace Cafe space, and that the original Plate on Central Avenue remains open.]

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The Blue Hills Grille Is Opening in Canton

A new restaurant is going to be opening south of Boston, and it is apparently be moving into the space where another dining spot used to be.

According to a post within the jobs section of the BostonChefs.com site, The Blue Hills Grille is planning to open on Route 138 on the Canton/Milton border. It appears that the new restaurant is taking over the Suffolk Grille space, as a page on Yelp states that it has closed, and calls placed to the eatery indicate that its voicemail is full and not going through.

The job post says that The Blue Hills Grille will be an upscale comfort food spot that will be "accented with gastro type specials in a Bar/Grill environment." It looks like the new dining and drinking place will be opening in early September.

[August 7 update: The Twitter page for The Blue Hills Grille confirms the address as being that of the former Suffolk Grille space.]

[September 24 update: According to its Facebook page, The Blue Hills Grille is now open.]

The Suffolk Grille first opened in the spring of 2009.

The address for The Blue Hills Grille will be 2790 Washington Street (Route 138), Canton, MA 02021. Its website can be found at http://www.bluehillsgrille.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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Novara Is Opening in Former Theater Space in East Milton Square

[Ed note: This article was updated on July 29, 2015 to reflect new information on the upcoming restaurant.]

It looks like a new restaurant is coming to Milton, moving into the space where a theater used to be.

According to an article in Wicked Local Milton/The Patriot Ledger, The Falconi Cos. real estate firm is purchasing the decades-old space at 554 Adams Street that had once been home to the State Theater, then the Milton Cinema, which closed in the late 1980s. (A fire that reportedly started at the now-closed Java Jo's Coffee House damaged the structure in 2007.) It is not known exactly what kind of dining spot would move into the space, nor is there a name given or a possible opening date, but the article does say that the company is attempting to acquire a liquor license for the restaurant.

The Falconi Cos. also plans to buy the adjoining storefronts, including the Milton Barber Shop, Salon Matteo, and the B Boutique, all of which will remain in business.

The article says that the sale on the space is expected to close on June 15.

[November 17 update: The Patriot Ledger mentions that the new owners of the property are meeting with both the community and the town zoning board over the coming days to discuss their plans for the space, which would include a 160-seat restaurant; if the zoning board approves of the proposal, the planning board will then need to give it final approval.]

[July 29, 2015 update: Zagat says that the upcoming East Milton Square restaurant will be called Novara, and that it will be a modern Northern Italian dining spot with a look that will "nod to the theatrical landmark" while also having a European feel. The article says that Novara will include a large bar, a wine shed and an outdoor patio.]

[October 20, 2015 update: A Twitter post from Abby Park indicates that the owners of that East Milton Square restaurant are also behind Novara.]

[December 23, 2015 update: The Brockton Enterprise is reporting that New Kids on the Block alum Jordan Knight is one of the investors in the upcoming Novara, which, as stated earlier, is being opened by the Abby Park folks (and looks to open during the second week of January). A tweet sent out by Knight yesterday says that he is "excited and honored to join a great group of investors in the town of Milton's newest attraction!!"]

[January 5, 2016 update: According to a post from Zagat, Novara opens its doors on Thursday (November 7).]

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Zagat Includes Items from Steel and Rye, TR Street Foods Among Best Dishes in 2013 (So Far)

Zagat has just come out with its picks for "The 14 Best Things We've Eaten This Year (So Far)," and dishes from two Boston-area restaurants were included on the list.

In the article/slideshow that was posted this week, Zagat mentions the potted Hudson Valley foie gras from Steel & Rye in Milton and the porchetta sandwich from TR Street Foods (which is part of Tavern Road) in Fort Point as being two of the best dishes of the year up to this point. The article says that "Chris Parsons has put together a foodie's delight" for the former, with "just enough of the housemade brioche to slather this delicious mixture in," while stating that "the newish take-out venture...is worth the trip" for the latter, mentioning that "the pickled fennel was a nice foil for the tender pork and the grainy mustard provided a spicy kick."

Other items that were mentioned by Zagat include the guacamole at ABC Cocina in New York and the donuts at Beiler's in Philadelphia.

For a complete listing of Zagat's picks for the best things they've eaten so far in 2013, please go to the following link:

The 14 Best Things We've Eaten This Year (So Far)

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Wild Flour (Formerly Cakes Bakery and Cafe) in Milton Has Been Seized by the State

A bakery, cafe, and caterer just south of the Boston line has apparently been seized by the state.

A Twitter post shows that Wild Flour in Milton is now closed, with a "seized" sign on the door. The sign indicates that the place was shut down due to nonpayment of taxes and has been taken over by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is not known when (or if) Wild Flour might reopen, or if there is some kind of a payment plan being worked out for the Eliot Street spot; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[February 27 update: A post on their Facebook page indicates that Wild Flour is hoping "to be able to put together a payment plan" so that they can reopen, though a later note mentions that "so far things are not looking good with the DOR."]

[March 4 update: A new post on their Facebook page indicates that Wild Flour will probably not be able to reopen in their Milton location after being seized by the state, as they say that "at this point it appears that this location will not reopen." They do mention, however, that at some point they hope to look for a new location of their cafe in the Milton area, so stay tuned.]

Wild Flour had previously been called Cakes Bakery and Cafe, which had two other shops in Arlington and Watertown that are no longer in operation. Their website shows that two other Wild Flour locations can be found in Cumberland and Wickford, RI (it isn't yet known whether those have been seized as well).

The address for this now-closed bakery and cafe in Milton is 95 Eliot Street, Milton, MA, 02186. Their website is at http://www.wildflourgroup.com/

Thanks to Eat Boston for bringing this to our attention.

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Steel and Rye Is Opening in Milton

Last year we reported that the Chris Parsons was closing Parsons Table in Winchester and he was planning to reopen Catch (which had previously been in the Parsons Table space) in or near Boston. Now we have learned that he will be opening a brand new dining spot in Milton.

A Facebook invite sent to us this afternoon indicates that Steel & Rye will open on Eliot Street near the Dorchester/Mattapan line, with the address being the same as that of Cakes Bakery and Cafe. [September 13 update: A message from the Steel & Rye Facebook page says that the restaurant will be on the other side of the building from Cakes, which will remain open.] Based on information from its Facebook and Twitter pages, Steel & Rye will be a restaurant and bar that will feature locally-sourced and regionally-inspired fare in a loft-style warehouse space. Expect the dining spot to open sometime in October.

[October 31 update: UrbanDaddy is reporting that Steel & Rye is planning to open on Monday (November 5).]

It is not known if Chris Parsons still plans to reopen Catch or if that has completely fallen through for now.

The address for this new restaurant and bar in Milton will be: Steel & Rye, 95 Eliot Street, Milton, MA, 02186. Its website can be found at http://steelandrye.com/


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Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week to Be Held January 17 Through January 31, 2011

A restaurant week returns to a section of Boston and a southern suburb of the city, with three-course meals being offered by a number of area dining spots.

According to Grub Street Boston, the 2011 version of Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week will be held from January 17 to January 31 (not including Fridays and Saturdays), with eight restaurants participating. Each eatery will feature a three-course meal for $30.11, and based on last year's event, at least some of the restaurants will likely be featuring their regular menus as well.

The following restaurants will be participating in this year's Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week: 88 Wharf and Abby Park in Milton, and 224 Boston Street, Ashmont Grill, Blarney Stone, dbar, Ledge Kitchen and Drinks, and Tavolo in Dorchester.

For more information on the 2011 Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week, please go to the following BostonChefs.com link.

http://www.bostonchefs.com/news/event/2011/1/17/dorchester-milton-restaurant-week-back/

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Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week Coming January 17 to January 31, 2010

Another restaurant week is coming to the Boston area, this one centered around both a Boston neighborhood and a southern suburb of the city. Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week will be held from January 17 to January 31 (not including Fridays and Saturdays--January 22-23 and January 29-30), with eight restaurants in Milton and Dorchester featuring three-course meals for $30.10, as well as their regular menus.

The restaurants taking part in Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week are 88 Wharf and Abby Park in Milton, and 224 Boston Street, Ashmont Grill, Blarney Stone, dbar, Ledge, and Tavolo in Dorchester.

For more information on Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week, please go to the BostonChefs.com link below.

Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week

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Latest Review: 88 Wharf, Milton

The latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for 88 Wharf, a New American restaurant in the Milton Landing section of Milton. Located on the ground floor of a condominium development along the Neponset River just off the main road in Milton Village, 88 Wharf is set in a quiet and beautiful spot just minutes from the Southeast Expressway. The restaurant has an elegant dining room as well as a bar area, and during the warmer months, an outdoor patio overlooking the river. The food at 88 Wharf mostly leans toward upscale American food and gastropub-style fare, and the drink list includes a variety of martinis and other cocktails. To read more about 88 Wharf in Milton, please click on the link above.

Abby Park to Open in Milton on Monday, August 3

A restaurant featuring modern American cuisine will be opening in Milton early next week, giving Boston's southern neighbor its second new upscale restaurant in the past month. Abby Park will open its doors on Monday, August 3, in the East Milton Square section of town, residing in the spot on Adams Street where Videos to Go used to be.

According to their Web site, Abby Park will use fresh, organic ingredients and feature local seafood. The restaurant will have a full bar on the premises and will also have an elegant banquet room for various functions.

The owner of Abby Park also owns Java Jo's coffeehouse in Jamaica Plain, and he used to own another Java Jo's in East Milton Square before it burned down in a fire a couple of years ago.

Abby Park's opening follows on the heels of another upscale restaurant coming to Milton, as 88 Wharf opened their doors in Milton Landing back in mid-July.

The address for this new restaurant in Milton will be: Abby Park 550 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186. The phone number will be (617) 696-8700. And the Web site is at: http://www.abbypark.com/

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Two New Restaurants Opening This Week: 88 Wharf, Ducali

The Boston area will see the opening of at least two new restaurants this week, including an pizzeria and bar in the North End of Boston and an upscale American bistro in Milton.

Ducali Pizzeria and Bar will be opening tomorrow (Wednesday, July 15) on Causeway Street near the Charlestown Bridge in the North End of Boston. As the name implies, Ducali will be featuring pizza, beer, and other drinks, making it a potentially popular spot for folks going to the nearby TD Banknorth Garden for sporting and music events. The address for this new restaurant in Boston will be: Ducali Pizzeria and Bar, 289 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114.

88 Wharf Restaurant will be opening on Thursday, July 16 on the main level of the Residences at Milton Landing, which overlooks the Neponset River in Milton Village and is just across from the Lower Mills section of Dorchester. According to a press release by the restaurant, 88 Wharf will feature contemporary American cuisine and will have patio dining with water views. The restaurant will also be the first in Milton to have a liquor license. Hours for 88 Wharf will be 4:30 PM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, and 4:30 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. (A Saturday and Sunday brunch is in the works.) The address for this new restaurant in Milton will be: 88 Wharf Restaurant, 88 Wharf Street, Milton, MA 02186.

Two New Restaurants in Milton (Abby Park and 88 Wharf) to Open in July

The town of Milton will soon be home to not one, but two new restaurants. Boston's southern neighbor has a new dining spot coming to Milton Landing, as well as one on the way to East Milton Square.

According to a job posting on Craigslist, a restaurant called 88 Wharf will be coming to Milton Landing sometime in July and will be located in a condo complex overlooking the Neponset River. Based on an earlier article in Wicked Local, this new dining spot may turn out to be an upscale bistro with Mediterranean and American cuisine.

Across town, a restaurant called Abby Park will be opening at 550 Adams Street in the former Videos to Go spot in East Milton Square near the Southeast Expressway. According to the restaurant's Web site, Abby Park will feature modern American cuisine and should also be open sometime in July. Their Web site for Abby Park is at http://www.abbypark.com/