The Biltmore Bar & Grille in Newton Upper Falls Is Reopening as The Biltmore Tavern

A longtime dining and drinking spot in the western suburbs of Boston that was a former speakeasy (and an industry haunt) is getting ready to open back up with new owners, a new look, and a slightly different name after shutting down earlier this year.

According to a Bluesky post from @jeremyk.bsky.social, The Biltmore Bar & Grille in Newton Upper Falls is planning to reopen on July 27 as The Biltmore Tavern, with an earlier Newton Beacon article mentioning that the reborn restaurant and bar has been taken over by the people behind Blue on Highland in Needham. The article states that the changes are "predominantly aesthetic" and that the offerings will be upscale tavern food including pizza, burgers, salads, and a number of local beers on tap.

The Biltmore Bar & Grille shuttered back in early February.

The address for The Biltmore Tavern is 1205 Chestnut Street, Newton, MA, 02464. Its website can be found at https://biltmoretavern.com/

[August 10 update: A check on the place indicates that The Biltmore Tavern is now open.]

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Thai Amarin in Newton Corner Has Closed

A Thai restaurant just west of Boston has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Thai Amarin in Newton Corner is no longer in operation, with an Instagram reel from itsinnewton confirming this, saying "Who wants to open a restaurant in Newton Corner? @thaiamarin, Newton's longstanding Thai restaurant, has closed." It appears that the Centre Street eatery shuttered in mid-late June, and it isn't known why it closed or what might move into its space at this point in time.

Thai Amarin is not to be confused with another restaurant with a similar name -- Amarin of Thailand, which resides in nearby Newtonville and which moved from Wellesley earlier this year.

The address for the now-closed Thai Amarin in Newton Corner was 287 Centre Street, Newton, MA, 02458.

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Lockheart Is Opening in Newton Centre

A new location of a restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston that has Southwestern influences is on the way, with this one also being west of Boston and residing within an historic space.

According to a post within the Newton Real Estate Forum Facebook page, Lockheart restaurant is planning to open in Newton Centre, moving into the former train station on Union Street that dates back to the 1800s. The post mentions that the new location of the dining spot will have seating for 86 inside and another 9 outside, and based on the Wellesley location of the restaurant, the new location could offer such options as tacos, nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, empanadas, chili, bowls, and more.

The Wellesley location of Lockheart opened on Central Street in 2022.

The address for the upcoming location of Lockheart in Newton Centre is 70 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459. The website for the Wellesley location can be found at https://lockheartwellesley.com/

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Crunch & Boba Opens in West Newton

A new dining spot that focuses on Asian fare has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Crunch & Boba is now open in West Newton, with the address given indicating that it has moved into the former Shogun space on Washington Street. The menu for the new eatery shows such options as steamed buns, rice bowls, spring rolls, dumplings, sesame shrimp, crispy wings, mochi sticks, sesame balls, milk tea, and more.

The address for Crunch & Boba is 1385 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 02465.

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The Halal Guys Opens in Newton

Last summer, it was reported that a growing chain of halal spots with roots in New York City would be opening a new location in the western suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, The Halal Guys is now open in Newton, moving into a space on Needham Street just south of where it meets Dedham Street and Winchester Street and a short distance south of Route 9. The new location offers some new menu items including a lamb and beef gyro, waffle fries, and a berry mint refresher, and it joins others locally in downtown Boston, the Theater District, the Fenway, South Bay, Cambridge's Porter Square, Dedham, and further out, in Shrewsbury.

The Halal Guys first started out in 1990 as a food cart in Manhattan.

The address for the new location of The Halal Guys in Newton is 55 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02461. The website for the chain can be found at https://thehalalguys.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Halal Guys Plans to Open New Location in Newton

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Mexicana Grill & Cantina Opens in West Newton

A brand new Mexican restaurant has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mexicana Grill & Cantina is now open in West Newton, moving into the space on Washington Street that had previously been home to Ninebark Kitchen + Drinks, and before that, Burke's Alewerks and a location of The Local. An Instagram post from It's In Newton mentions that owners Antonio de Trizio and Nicolas Ruiz previously owned Latina Kitchen & Bar in Needham, while the menu for the place shows such options as taquitos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, tortas, flautas, churros, and flan, along with a variety of margaritas.

The address for Mexicana Grill & Cantina is 1391 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465. Its website is at https://mexicananewton.com/

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Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory Opens in Newton Centre

Last spring, it was reported that a Taiwanese restaurant featuring dumpling and more was coming to the western suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston states that Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory is now open in Newton Centre, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has taken over the former Jake's Falafel Corner space on Beacon Street. A BC Heights article confirms its opening, indicating that the new dining spot offers Taiwanese street food items, with the menu for the place showing options such as dumplings, bao, ramen, yakisoba, and beef noodle soup. 

The address for Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory is 740 A Beacon Street, Newton, MA, 02459. Its website can be found at https://formosabun.com/

[Earlier Article]
Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory Plans to Open in the Former Jake's Falafel Corner Space in Newton Centre

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Amarin of Thailand in Wellesley to Return, Opening in a New Location in Newtonville

A popular Thai restaurant that had been in the western suburbs of Boston until closing several months ago is being reborn in a new location west of--and bit closer to--the city.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Amarin of Thailand is planning to reopen after saying farewell to its Wellesley home in July due to its lease expiring, moving into a new space on Walnut Street in Newtonville. The article mentions that the new location of the Thai restaurant will apparently be much like the old location, with a business partner telling What Now Boston earlier that "It's going to be under the same name, you know, same corporation, same website, same everything."

Amarin of Thailand first opened on Grove Street in Wellesley in 1987.

The address for the new location of Amarin of Thailand is 313 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460.

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LeDu Thai Eatery in Newtonville Has Closed

A Thai restaurant that was located a few miles west of Boston has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, LeDu Thai Eatery in Newtonville is no longer in business, with an All Over Newton Facebook post showing a photo of a sign out front saying that "We will always cherish our wonderful memories here in Newton and we will miss this great community." The note also mentions that a new dining spot is apparently moving into the space, though no other details have been given. 

 The website for LeDu Thai Eatery was 313 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, 02460.

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Lavender Cafe and NaisLee Catering in West Newton Are Closing

A cafe in the western suburbs of Boston and its corresponding catering operation are both shutting down.

According to a source, Lavender Cafe and NaisLee Catering in West Newton are closing, with an Instagram post indicating that their original closing date of September 14 has been moved up and now the last day in operation is August 31. The earlier post mentions the following:

After exhausting all resources and possibilities, and understanding that the risk of staying open was higher than the potential benefits, we had to make the hardest decision ever for us. The obstacles we faced were extraordinary. 

Lavender Cafe first opened in May of this year, offering food items with Venezuelan influences.

The address for Lavender Cafe and NaisLee Catering is 15 Spencer Street, West Newton, MA, 02465. 

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The Halal Guys Plans to Open New Location in Newton

A growing chain of halal spots with roots in New York City will be opening yet another location in the local area, and this one will be in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a Facebook post from the business, The Halal Guys is planning to open in Newton, moving into a space on Needham Street just south of where it meets Dedham Street and Winchester Street (a short distance south of Route 9). Once it opens, the new location will join others in Boston's Theater District, the Fenway, South Bay, Porter Square in Cambridge, and further out, in Shrewsbury--and other locations are being planned for downtown Boston and Dedham as well.

The Halal Guys started out in 1990 as a food cart in Manhattan and today offers such options as chicken and rice, gyros, falafel, hummus, baklava, and more.

The address for the upcoming location of The Halal Guys in Newton is 55 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02461. The website for the chain is at https://thehalalguys.com/

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Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory Plans to Open in the Former Jake's Falafel Corner Space in Newton Centre

A Taiwanese restaurant is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory is planning to open in Newton Centre, taking over the space on Beacon Street where Jake's Falafel Corner had been. A What Now article mentions that the upcoming eatery will focus on Taiwanese street food items, including steamed buns, fried bao, and grilled sausage, and that it hopes to open before the end of this month if all goes well.

The address for the upcoming Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory is 740 A Beacon Street, Newton, MA, 02459.

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Shogun Restaurant in West Newton Has Closed

A decades-old Japanese restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston has shut down.

According to a Bluesky post from @y2000k.bsky.social, Shogun Restaurant in West Newton is no longer in business, with a photo posted indicating that it closed permanently as of May 5. The Washington Street dining spot, which had been open for approximately 40 years, was known for its sushi while also offering such options as teriyaki, shumai, gyoza, yakitori, udon, sukiyaki, donburi, and katsu.

The address for the now-closed Shogun Restaurant in West Newton was 1385 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 02465.

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Zodiac Is Replacing Cafe St. Petersburg in Newton Centre

An Eastern European restaurant west of Boston is in the process of changing into a new Eastern European dining spot under different ownership.

According to an article in The Newton Beacon, Zodiac is going to be taking over the Cafe St. Petersburg space in Newton Centre, with the place having new owners, look, and a "little bit of a different concept," according to Genna Itskin, who is one of the owners. The new restaurant will offer Russian food, though Itskin says in the article that "We Americanized some traditional Russian food to suit American  tastes, like Chinese restaurants do" in order to satisfy American customers, with the menu including such options as blini, beef stroganoff, chicken kiev, and less familiar dishes such as forshmak (herring mousse, rice chips, caviar, scallion, and chicken tartare) and pickled zakuska (sour cabbage with tomatoes, cucumbers, and mushrooms), while drink options will include Ukrainian beer and black currant infused vodka along with beer, cider, and more.

Zodiac will be open for dinner Tuesday through Friday and brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

The address for Zodiac (and Cafe St. Petersburg) is 57-1 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

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Moldova Restaurant in Newton Is Closing

An award-winning restaurant in Newton that features Eastern European food is shutting down.

According to a source, Moldova Restaurant in the Nonantum section of the city is getting ready to close, with an Instagram post from the Watertown Street spot saying the following:

Dear Valued Customers, It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Moldova Restaurant will be closing its doors permanently as of Dec 29th. This decision was not made lightly. Business conditions in 2024 have made it unfeasible to continue operating the restaurant as a business, and as a result we lost our lease. Restoring to normal business operations that makes financial sense is a long journey, and we decided that it's in the best interest of our team and my family to take a step back for now....We invite you to visit us one last time before we close. Thank you once again for the wonderful memories. We will miss you and cherish the time we spent together.

Moldova first opened in 2016, serving traditional dishes found in the country of Moldova and being recognized by a number of publications including Boston Magazine and The Boston Globe over the years.

The address for Moldova Restaurant is 344 Watertown Street, Newton, MA, 02458 Its website can be found at https://www.tastemoldova.com/

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Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro in Newton's Auburndale Neighborhood Is Closing

An Italian restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is shutting down.

According to a source, Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro in the Auburndale Section of Newton is going to be closing on November 27, with a Facebook post from the Lexington Street spot saying the following:

For the past 14 years, Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro has been a vital part of the Auburndale community, making this letter difficult for us to write. Over the last four years, we've found ourselves in a challenging situation, with our future largely dependent on our landlord. While we navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic—thanks to the support of our loyal customers—we now face another hurdle. Although we have invested a small fortune and much sweat and pain to rehab and renovate the café space, we have been unable to secure a long-term lease from the landlord to keep the business operating and to allow us to better compete with improved space. This isn't a sustainable arrangement for us or for any business looking for long-term investment returns.

Bocca Bella, which first opened in the fall of 2010, offers antipasto, panini, pasta, chicken and veal dishes, seafood, and more.

The address for Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro is 442 Lexington Street, Auburndale, MA, 02466. Its website can be found at http://www.boccabellacafe.com/

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Nonantum Press Room Is Opening in Newton

A new sandwich shop is on its way to a space a few miles west of Boston.

According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nonantum Press Room is going to be opening in Newton, moving into a space on Adams Street in the city's Nonantum neighborhood. The Facebook page for the upcoming spot says that it will be a "neighborhood sandwich shop specializing in paninis, elevated sandwiches, soulful soups and crisp salads," while What Now Boston indicates that owner Jim Donovan hopes to open the place sometime in October.

The address for Nonantum Press Room is 191 Adams Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its website can be found at https://www.nonantumpressroom.com/

[March 5, 2025 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Nonantum Press Room is now open.]

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

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The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant Is Opening in Newton's Nonantum Neighborhood

A new Irish pub is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston, and it will be moving into the space where another dining and drinking spot had been until closing at the start of this year.

According to a source, The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant is planning to open in the Nonantum section of Newton, taking over the former Cafe Martin West Street space. An Instagram page for the upcoming place says it will be a "traditional Irish pub nestled in the heart of Nonantum" and that it hopes to open in March, while a post from the place within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page indicates that the owner comes from Doolin (which sits on the west coast of Ireland and is known in part for a famous pub called Gus O'Connor's) and it will have traditional shepherd's pie with lamb and will feature live Irish music pending licensing/permitting.

Cafe Martin first opened in early 2022, with the space previously being home to West Street Tavern & Restaurant.

The address for The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant in Nonantum is 7 West Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/thedooliner/

[March 15 update: All Over Newton mentions that The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant is slated to open today.]

[Earlier Article]
Cafe Martin West Street in Newton's Nonantum 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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OTTO Pizza Plans Is Opening in the Former Donut Villa Space in Newtonville

It looks like a group of pizzerias with roots up north is expanding further into the Greater Boston area, with its newest location coming to a space west of Boston that had been home to an outlet of a group of dining spots known in part for its donuts.

According to a source (via an Instagram post from All Over Newton), OTTO Pizza is opening in Newtonville, moving into the former Donut Villa space on Walnut Street. Once it opens, the new outlet of the pizza spot will join others in Andover, Arlington, Beverly, Boston's South End, the Boston/Brookline line (by BU), Brookline's Coolidge Corner, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Lynnfield, Newburyport, South Boston, and Weymouth, along with other locations in New Hampshire and Maine (where it was first established).

The Newtonville location of Donut Villa closed sometime around the start of this year, though outlets in Malden, Cambridge, and Arlington remain in operation.

The address for OTTO Pizza in Newtonville is 344 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460. The website for all locations is at https://www.ottoportland.com/

[May 1 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (and confirmed by the locations section of the OTTO website), the Newtonville location of OTTO is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Donut Villa in Newtonville Has Closed

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Donut Villa in Newtonville Has Closed

It looks like a small local group of dining spots known in part for their donuts has closed one of their locations.

According to a couple of sources, Donut Villa in Newtonville was locked up and dark last Friday and Saturday, while another source told us earlier that it did appear shuttered, though at the time, we were told by someone at one of the other locations that it was still open. A check on the website for the business indicates that indeed appears to be closed, however, as it has been removed from the website.

The Newtonville location of Donut Villa debuted in the fall of 2022 in the former Brewer's Coalition space, joining existing locations in Malden and Cambridge; an outlet in Arlington opened up a few months later in early 2023.

The address for the now-closed location of Donut Villa in Newtonville was 344 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460. The website for the three existing locations is at https://www.donutvilladiner.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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