Fogo de Chao Churrascaria to Open in the Former Davio's Space in Braintree

A chain of high-end Brazilian steakhouses with two locations (and soon, three) in the Greater Boston area will be opening another, and this one will be south of the city.

According to an article from Boston's Rock 92.9, Fogo de Chao Churrascaria is planning to open in Braintree, with What Now Boston saying that it will be moving into the former Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse at South Shore Plaza. If all goes well, the new location will open in the spring of 2027 and it will join existing locations locally in Copley Square in Boston's Back Bay and at the Burlington Mall, along with another outlet opening imminently at Northshore Mall in Peabody.

The Braintree location of Davio's closed around the start of the year, with locations at Park Square in Boston, the Seaport District, Logan Airport, Foxboro, and Lynnfield remaining in operation.

Fogo de Chao, which first started out in Brazil more than 40 years ago, offers a variety of roasted meats as well as shareable plates, seafood, South American wines, cocktails, and more; its website can be found at https://fogodechao.com/

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

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The Empanada's to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

A growing group of restaurants based in Florida will be expanding to Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Empanada's is going to be opening in the Fenway, with a picture showing the logo for the business in the former Tenderoni's space at the corner of Boylston Street and Kilmarnock Street. The Empanada's first started out in Key Biscayne and currently has a handful of locations in Florida, offering a wide variety of South American-style empanadas filled with such ingredients as beef, cheese, spinach, ham, chicken, shrimp, salmon, and more.

The address for the upcoming location of The Empanada's is 23 Kilmarnock Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations is at https://www.theempanadas.com/

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Bonanza Is Opening in the Former Cornerstone Space in Somerville

A couple of weeks ago, it was reported that a Somerville restaurant that was ordered closed earlier this year by the Board of Health had shut down for good, and now we have learned that a new dining spot is moving into the space.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Bonanza is planning to open on Beacon Street, taking over the space where The Cornerstone had been. A Reddit thread indicates that the upcoming eatery will be "a South and Central American tapas / cocktails bar" while a poster within the thread mentions that it will be under different ownership from the former Cornerstone, which had replaced R.F. O'Sullivan & Son in 2023, then changing management last summer before being shut down by the Board of Health for unspecified reasons in January.

This place has no connection to the Bonanza chain of casual steakhouses that once had locations in the Greater Boston area.

The address for Bonanza is 282 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/bonanzasomerville/

[December 9 update: According to multiple sources, Bonanza is now open in Somerville, and it indeed offers tapas and cocktails.]

[Earlier Article]
The Cornerstone in Somerville Has Closed Permanently

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

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Los Chamos Venezuelan Cuisine in Lynn Has Closed

A South American restaurant north of Boston has shut down.

According to a source (Geoff Wong), Los Chamos Venezuelan Cuisine has closed its doors, with an Instagram post from the Union Street eatery saying the following:

Dear valued customers, After almost 9 wonderful years, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and patronage at our restaurant. It's with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our establishment. Thank you for being a part of our journey, savoring meals, and creating cherished memories with us. Your loyalty has been the heartbeat of our restaurant, and we're truly grateful. While this chapter is coming to a close, the memories and connections made will forever be a part of our story. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Wishing you all the best, and thank you for making these years truly special. Warm regards, Los chamos team.

Los Chamos was known for such items as arepas, empanadas, tostadas, plantain sandwiches, tequeños, and more.

The address for Los Chamos Venezuelan Cuisine was 227 Union Street, Lynn, MA, 01902.

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

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Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa Opening in Jamaica Plain

A Grove Hall dining spot that features South American fare is coming to Jamaica Plain.

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa has a sign up in the former Caffe Aromi on Centre Street in the Hyde Square section of JP, and based on its existing location on Blue Hill Avenue, the new spot will offer arepas and presumably, such items as empanadas, cachapas, tequenos, patacones, Venezuelan hot dogs, yucca croquettes, and more. It is not known if this will be a move or a second location of the eatery, so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

The address for the new location of Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa is 403A Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The menu for the business is at https://dontequenoydonaarepa.com/

[July 8, 2024 update: According to a source, Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa is now open in Jamaica Plain.]

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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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La Qchara in Melrose Opens Second Location in Beverly

A Central and South American restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston has expanded to a second location north of the city.

A message sent to us indicates that La Qchara in Melrose has been joined by a new outlet in Beverly, and we've been told that this is more of a sit-down restaurant with table service. According to what we've been told, the new Cabot Street location is open for lunch and dinner and has a weekend brunch, and it also has a liquor license.

The people behind the two La Qchara restaurants also run T'ahpas 529, a Melrose spot that features Spanish and Mediterranean food.

The address for the new location of La Qchara in Beverly is 275 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915. The restaurant for both locations is at https://laqchara.com/

NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and needs your help. 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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bartaco Is Opening in Brookline

Last month, it was reported that a small chain of street food spots with influences ranging from the cuisines of California to Mexico to South America was planning to open a second location in Boston, and now we have learned that another will be coming to Brookline.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, bartaco is going to be opening in Washington Square, moving into the Beacon Street space that had been home to Porto Maltese, and before that, The Fireplace. It appears that this will be the second Boston-area location of the chain, as another which is planned for Van Ness Street in the Fenway is currently going through the licensing/permitting process while the Brookline outlet appears to be further along.

The first Boston-area location of bartaco opened in Fort Point in the fall of 2018.

The address for the new location of bartaco in Brookline is 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the chain is at https://bartaco.com/

[July 17 update: According to a tweet from @riptor, bartaco in Brookline is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
bartaco Plans to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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!

El Peñol Opens in Brookline

It looks like a pair of Colombian restaurants in the local area have been joined by a third location.

According to a source, El Peñol is now open in Brookline, with a check on the website for the Harvard Street eatery showing that it is called "El Peñol 3" while the website for its Revere location is "El Peñol 2" (the original is in East Boston). The menu for the new spot hasn't been posted as of yet, but based on the other locations, it may be serving such items as empanadas, arepa, yuca frita, ceviche, carne asada, churrasco, tostones, paella, flan, and more.

The address for the new location of El Peñol is 404 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://elpenol3.business.site/

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!

Camilla's Cafe & Breakfast Opens in Salem

A new dining spot has come to the North Shore, offering breakfast dishes and South American fare.

According to a source, Camilla's Cafe & Breakfast is now open in Salem, moving into a space on Canal Street south of the downtown area. The menu for Camille's shows such options as bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, empanadas, Brazilian coxinha, acai bowls, cookies, flan, tres leche, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, and more.

The address for Camilla's Cafe & Breakfast is 140 Canal Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Camillas-Cafe-Breakfast-103389962586224/

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!

Feijó Steak House Opens in Stoughton

A brand new South American restaurant has come to a southern suburb of Boston.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Feijó Steak House is now open in Stoughton, with the dining spot moving into a space on the northern edge of the town center. A check on its website indicates that the restauarant is a Brazilian steakhouse that offers a salad buffet with both hot and cold dishes and a variety of meats (including chicken, beef, pork, and lamb), along with juices, shakes, acai bowls, and desserts.

The address for Feijó Steak House is 713 Washington Street, Stoughton, MA, 02072. Its website can be found at https://www.feijosteakhouse.com/

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

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Super Bien to Open in Allston-Brighton

The people behind a store in Somerville that features South American foods will be opening a wine bar and food shop in a new development in Allston-Brighton.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Melissa Stefanini and Sebastian Galvez of Buenas at Bow Market in Somerville's Union Square are opening Super Bien at the Charles River Speedway marketplace on Western Avenue, with the upcoming place being described by Stefanini as a "grocerybar" that sells South American wines, food items made using products from Buenas (including to-go options), and the products themselves--and the space will be much larger than that of their Bow Market shop, allowing them to have some seating indoors along with outdoor seating in the courtyard of the Charles River Speedway.

Expect to see Super Bien debut later this year when the Speedway opens.

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

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Tango Restaurant in Arlington Center Is Closing for Good

An Arlington mainstay that features a cuisine not commonly found in the Greater Boston area is shutting down permanently.

According to multiple sources, Tango Restaurant on Mass. Ave. in the center of town is closing its doors, confirming what we had heard last week. A Facebook post from the dining spot indicates that even though this appears to be a permanent closure, there could be at least a slight glimmer of hope down the road, as they say, "These last few months have been difficult in so many ways. But our hearts were filled by the outpouring of support from our customers, and the dedication and perseverance of our staff.....I hope one day we might be able to bring it all to life again." The last day for Tango will be Sunday, June 28, according to the Facebook post.

Tango first opened 18 years ago, featuring Argentinian fare with its menu including such items as grilled pork chorizo, empanadas, skirt steak, pork rib chops, grilled salmon, chicken milanese, stuffed red and green peppers, and crepes with caramel.

The address for Tango Restaurant in Arlington Center is 464 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at http://tangoarlington.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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Tambo 22 Opens in Chelsea

A brand new dining spot has opened just north of Boston, and a big local name is behind the restaurant.

As mentioned in an earlier article here, Tambo 22 opens in Chelsea for dinner today, with the dining spot featuring Peruvian fare, which is slightly different from what was originally thought when a meeting minutes page from the city's website from the summer of 2018 indicated that it was planning to be a Peruvian and Italian fusion spot. Jose Duarte of Taranta--which features Peruvian and Italian fusion dishes--has teamed up with Taylor and Brian Corcoran and chef Christopher Titus in the opening of the new place (which is open for dinner only), offering such dishes as grilled beef skewers, ceviche, mussels, lamb shank, pulled pork, and Amazonian paiche wrapped in a banana leaf, while beer and wine is also available.

The address for this new Peruvian restaurant in Chelsea is: Tambo 22, 22 Adams Street, Chelsea, MA, 02150 Its website can be found at https://tambo22chelsea.com/

[Earlier Article]
Jose Duarte of Taranta in Boston's North End Plans to Open Tambo 22 in Chelsea

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

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La Chiva Restaurant in East Boston Gains Approval to Be Open 24 Hours

by Marc Hurwitz

A South American restaurant that focuses on takeout will now be one of the very few places in Boston to be open all night.

According to an article from Universal Hub, La Chiva Restaurant in East Boston has been given the green light by the Boston Licensing Board to be open 24 hours, with the Bennington Street eatery joining such spots as South Street Diner in the Leather District, Bova's in the North End, IHOP in Brighton, and Victoria's Diner on the Roxbury/Dorchester line as being able to stay open through the night. (Victoria's is only open 24 hours from Thursday into the weekend.) La Chiva, which offers Colombian fare such as papusas, tamales, and empanadas, is a counter-service spot that has limited seating, including some outdoor seating during the warmer months.

The address for La Chiva is 259 Bennington Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website can be found at http://www.lachivarestaurant.com/

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Casa Cana Is Opening within the Studio Allston hotel in Allston-Brighton

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Latin restaurant and rum bar is opening within a hotel across from the Charles River, moving into the site where a Chinese restaurant (and another hotel) had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that Casa Cana is opening in the Studio Allston hotel on Soldiers Field Road where the Days Hotel and Joyful Garden were. The article mentions that the upcoming spot may be focusing on nuevo latino fare while focusing on rum-based drinks as well, with the food apparently including Central and South American options along with Caribbean dishes. A specific opening date has not been given as of yet for Casa Cana (EB mentions that it plans to open soon), so keep checking back for updates.

Joyful Garden is reopening in the former Old Country Buffet space at the Watertown Mall, with earlier reports saying it could open in August though it isn't known if this is still a possibility.

The address for Casa Cana is 1234 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA, 02135.

[August 9 update: A Twitter post indicates that Casa Cana has soft-opened, with its official opening taking place this weekend.]

[Earlier Article]
Joyful Garden Is Reopening in Watertown

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Masona Grill in West Roxbury Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A cozy neighborhood dining spot known in part for its New American dishes with South American influences is shutting down.

A Facebook post from Manny Sifnugel of Masona Grill in West Roxbury confirms what we heard a few weeks ago, that the Corey Street restaurant will soon be closing its doors. In the note, Sifnugel says: "I want to thank you all who came and enjoyed my restaurants throughout this past 25 years. We will be closing some time in late July and hope you’ll come to pay a visit and say cheers to a great time." It is not yet known what might become of the space, so stay tuned for updates.

Sifnugel first opened Masona Grill in 2006; prior to that, he was involved with such spots as the Claremont Cafe in the South End and Cafe 300 in Fort Point.

The address for this soon-to-close restaurant in West Roxbury is: Masona Grill, 4 Corey Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132.

[August 2 update: A new Facebook post from indicates that Masona Grill plans to close on Saturday, August 25.]

[August 12 update: Another new Facebook post mentions that there will be a sendoff for Masona Grill on Friday, August 24/]

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Rincon La Cabana Is Opening in Framingham

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant that will be one of the only ones of its kind in the Greater Boston area is coming to the MetroWest region.

The Framingham Source is reporting that Rincon La Cabana is planning to open in the downtown section of the city, with the license commission approving a common victualler license for the place earlier this week. The post mentions that the Irving Street eatery will be an Ecuadorian restaurant, and that pending health and fire inspections, it could open its doors later this month.

Currently, there are very few options for Ecuadorian food in the region, with one of the only Ecuadorian restaurants in the Greater Boston area being Jhoselin Restaurant in Brockton.

The address for this new spot in Framingham is: Rincon La Cabana, 16 Irving Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.

[May 28 update: According to a Twitter post from @DTFramingham, Rincon La Cabana is now open.]

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Buenas to Open at Bow Market in Somerville's Union Square

A local business that features South American food products is on its way to an upcoming development in Somerville.

According to Vanessa Yip, the E-Som Market manager who has featured the company at the market and other La Brasa events, Buenas is coming to Bow Market in Union Square, with the food stall offering empanadas (both heated and frozen to cook at home), sandwiches de miga, chivitos, spicy Chilean table sauces, and more. Currently, the food items at Buenas can be purchased online and they can also be found at such places as Taza at Boston Public Market and Formaggio in the South End and Cambridge.

Bow Market, which will reside between Somerville Avenue and Bow Street, is expected to have more than 30 stalls along with a brewery and a comedy club.

The website for Buenas is at https://www.buenas.co/

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Back Bay Harry's in Boston Becoming Citrus and Salt

It looks like a celebrity chef and restaurateur will be reconcepting one of his dining spots in Boston.

According to a press release, Back Bay Harry's on Berkeley Street will become Citrus & Salt, which will apparently be a Mexican version of Buttermilk & Bourbon, another Back Bay restaurant that is owned by Jason Santos. (Santos also runs Abby Lane in Boston's Theater District.) The release says that the offerings at the new spot will feature Mexican coastal cuisine while also adding South American twists to dishes offered at Buttermilk & Bourbon, which is a Southern-inspired restaurant with a focus on New Orleans items. If all goes as planned, Citrus & Salt could be opening in the late fall or early winter.

Back Bay Harry's first opened in October of 2013, taking over the space where Geoffrey's Cafe had been, and before that, Laurel. The restaurant has been known mostly for its inventive takes on comfort food along with craft cocktails. It looks like Back Bay Harry's last day will be September 24.

The address for this new restaurant opening in Back Bay Harry's space is: Citrus & Salt, 142 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[September 15 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that Back Bay Harry's closes its doors on September 24.]

[November 27 update: A tweet from @kcbaskin of The Boston Globe confirms that Citrus & Salt opens today.]

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