Kyuramen Opens in Winchester December 15

Earlier this year, it was reported that a growing chain of ramen restaurants based in New York City was planning to expand to a location in the northern suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that its opening is imminent.

According to an Instagram post, Kyuramen is slated to open in Winchester on Sunday, December 15, joining another outlet in Brookline that opened back in May. As mentioned in an earlier article here, the chain dates back to 2014 and is currently headquartered in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, and based on the options at its other restaurants, the new one in Winchester could be offering approximately 10 ramen options on its menu.

The address for the new location of Kyuramen in Winchester is 538 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. The website for Kyuramen can be found at https://www.kyuramen.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kyuramen, Which Is Opening in Brookline, Is Also Looking to Open in Winchester

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

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Karma Opens in Winchester

A few years ago, it was reported that a local group of Asian restaurants was planning to expand to a new location in the northern suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it has finally debuted.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Karma is now up and running in Winchester, opening on Thompson Street in the center of town. The new location--whose plans were first announced in the latter part of 2021--joins others in Andover, Burlington, Concord, and Westford, and it offers pan-Asian fare.

The address for Karma in Winchester Center is 16 Thompson Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. 

[Earlier Article]
Karma Asian Fusion Cuisine Plans to Open in Winchester

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Thai Charoen Is Opening in the Former Joe's Main Street Pizza Space in Winchester

A new Thai restaurant is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston, and it has an ownership connection to two other dining spots in the local area.

According to a source, a dining spot that was originally thought to have been called December in Bangkok but which is actually called Thai Charoen is opening in Winchester, taking over the space on the northern edge of the downtown area that had been home to Joe's Main Street Pizza. (December in Bangkok appears to be the LLC name.) A Winchester News article mentions that the person behind the upcoming eatery is Tisanamadee Szarkowski, who is also behind The Bangkok in Melrose and Kin Dee Thai & Pho in Lexington and who comes from Thailand.

The address for Thai Charoen is 612 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

[December 16 update: According to a source, Thai Charoen 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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Ristorante Serena Is Opening in the Former Mitho Restaurant Space in Winchester

An Italian restaurant is planning to open in the northern suburbs of Boston, and it appears to be a move rather than a new dining spot.

According to a source, Ristorante Serena is going to be opening in Winchester, taking over the former Mitho Restaurant space on Main Street a short distance north of the center of town, with an earlier post from the Winchester News indicating this as well. We have been told that this is the same Ristorante Serena that had once been in Malden until it closed in 2022, so expect to see such options as pasta, seafood, and chicken and veal dishes.

Mitho was a Nepali eatery that first opened in the latter part of 2018, replacing Cafe Piazza Dolce; last year, it looked like another dining spot called Putarin Thai might open in its space, though that never came to be and it is not known if Putarin Thai might open elsewhere.

The address for Ristorante Serena in Winchester is 831 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

[January 22, 2025 update: According to a source, Ristorante Serena is now open in Winchester.]

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

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Caffe Ducali to Open in Winchester

A familiar name in the North End who is behind several dining and drinking spots in the Boston area will be opening a new place in the northern suburbs.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Phil Frattaroli is planning to open Caffe Ducali in Winchester this fall, moving into a space on Main Street north of the town center that will also be a commissary where breads, pasta, and desserts are made. In the article, Frattaroli says that the space will have a pizza oven which will give people the option of ordering pizza to go while beer and wine to go is also slated to be offered (pending approval), and he indicates that the inspiration comes from one of his restaurants, stating that "we added a coffee component to Ducali in the North End to help us when the dining room was closed. We started serving breakfast sandwiches and coffee in the morning, so this will be another Ducali."

In addition to the North End location of Ducali, Frattaroli also runs Lucia in the North End and Winchester, Pine Bar at the Boston Public Market, and Cunard Tavern in East Boston, the last of which will have a tiki bar called The Layover open above it this spring.

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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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Kyuramen, Which Is Opening in Brookline, Is Also Looking to Open in Winchester

A growing chain of ramen restaurants based in New York City is opening not one, but two locations in the Greater Boston area, including one on its way to a space in the northern suburbs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Kyuramen is planning to open in Winchester, which will apparently be its second location in the Greater Boston as an upcoming outlet in Brookline will open a bit later this spring. The chain, which started out in 2014, is headquartered in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens and is known for its variety of ramen options.

The website for Kyuramen can be found at https://www.kyuramen.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Six New Dining Spots Are Coming to Gateway Brookline Development
Kyuramen Plans to Open in Brookline

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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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Joe's Main Street Pizza Shoppe in Winchester Has Closed

 A pizzeria in the northern suburbs of Boston that has been around for 30 years has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Joe's Main Street Pizza Shoppe is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Main Street spot saying "We regret to inform you that we have decided to close down Joe's Main Street Pizza. Our last day of business [was] August 30th 2023. We just wanted to say thank you to all of our customers over the years." In addition to pizza, Joe's Main Street Pizza Shoppe also offered calzones, pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, wings, quesadillas, and more.

The address for the now-closed Joe's Main Street Pizza Shoppe was 612 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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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La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe in Winchester Has Closed

A suburban bakery-cafe that has been around for a long time has shut down.

According to a Twitter post from @Foodyguy1, La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe in Winchester is no longer in business, with the tweet saying (via Google) "From La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe 'With more than 30 years serving the Winchester community, and for almost 20 years attending orders across the Continental USA through 1-800-Bakery the operation has ended in its entirety.'" A check on the website of the Church Street spot indicates that it is down, and a phone call indicates that its number is no longer in service, though its Instagram page remains up and does not mention anything about the closure.

La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe was known for its baked goods and pastries along with some breakfast and lunch options.

The address for La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe was 30 Church Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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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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Putarin Thai Plans to Open in the Former Mitho Restaurant Space in Winchester

A brand new Thai restaurant is looking to open in the northern suburbs of Boston, moving into the space where a Nepali eatery had been.

According to a source, Putarin Thai is planning to open in Winchester, taking over the former Mitho Restaurant space on Main Street just north of the center of town. Very little information is available on the proposed dining spot as of yet other than the fact that it hopes to acquire a full liquor license, based on a select board meeting page.

Mitho first opened in the latter part of 2018, replacing Cafe Piazza Dolce; the restaurant was known in part for its momos (a type of steamed dumpling) along with a variety of meat-based, vegetarian, and vegan options.

The address for the proposed Putarin Thai (and now-closed Mitho Restaurant) is 831 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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!

Playa Bowls Is Opening in Winchester

A New Jersey-based chain of dining spots is planning to open its sixth Boston-area location, with this one coming to the northern suburbs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Playa Bowls is opening in Winchester, moving into the space on Main Street that had been home to Pairings Wine & Food. Once it opens, it will join others in Brighton by Boston College, near Northeastern University in Boston, Cambridge's Harvard Square, East Milton Square, and Brockton, and based on the offerings at those locations, expect to find bowls with a variety of bases, along with smoothies and fresh juices.

A Facebook post from the place indicates that Playa Bowls will open its Winchester outlet sometime this fall.

The address for the new location of Playa Bowls in Winchester is 600 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.playabowls.com/

[November 4 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Playa Bowls is now open in Winchester.]

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!

Karma Asian Fusion Cuisine Plans to Open in Winchester

It looks like a local group of Asian restaurants will be expanding to a new location in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source within the restaurant industry, Karma Asian Fusion Cuisine is planning to open in Winchester, taking over a couple of spaces in the center of town that had been home to The Spot and an outlet of Dunkin'. Once it opens, expect to see pan-Asian fare including a variety of sushi options along with other Japanese items, as well as dishes with Chinese, Korean, and Thai influences.

Other locations of Karma can be found in Andover, Burlington, Concord, and Westford. Their website is at http://karmaasianfusion.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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Bagels 'n' Brew to Open in Winchester

A new dining spot is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston, and the person behind it has been involved with a number of local dining spots over the years.

According to an article from Wicked Local, the Winchester Select Board has given the green light for Neil DeRosa to open Bagels 'n' Brew in a space on Main Street that is a short distance north of the center of town. The post mentions that the new spot will feature New York-style bagels as well as 100 different beverages while offering both breakfast and lunch options, with proposed hours being 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. (It isn't yet known whether lunch items will also be served at dinnertime.)

Wicked Local mentions that DeRosa has been behind eateries in Beverly, Boston, Everett, Peabody, Revere, and Somerville, while an online search shows that a couple of those places include What's Brewin' Cafe in Beverly (which he once owned) and Brewin' Cafe in Revere.

The address for the upcoming Bagels 'n' Brew in Winchester is 748 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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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Middleton, Wakefield, Waltham, Winchester, Winthrop Now Require Restaurant Workers and Customers to Wear Masks

The trend of Boston-area cities and towns putting stricter rules in place for restaurant workers and customers continues, with at least five more communities joining many others in requiring face coverings.

According to multiple sources, restaurant workers and diners are now required to wear masks or another form of protective face covering in Middleton, Wakefield, Waltham, Winchester, and Winthrop. The five communities join a lengthy list of others in the region, including Abington, Belmont, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Danvers, Essex, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Needham, North Reading, Peabody, Quincy, Reading, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Swampscott, and Whitman, though as of this writing, no such requirement is in place for the city of Boston.

Massachusetts restaurants and bars continue to face restrictions in which they are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery; the tentative end date for the order is May 18.

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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The Spot Is Opening in The Waterfield Kitchen Space in Winchester

It looks like a local restaurant group is making changes to one of its spaces, and it will apparently have the same name as one of its other places.

According to a Twitter post from @WinchesterPics, The Spot: A Local's Tavern is opening in The Waterfield Kitchen (TWK) space in Winchester Center, with one sign out front saying "See you on the other side..." and another sign saying "We look forward to seeing you..." each of which has the logo for The Spot in Georgetown. Based on the menu at its original location, it appears that the new location of The Spot could feature a mix of New American and classic American fare along with sushi, with a source confirming that the space could indeed include a sushi bar. It appears that The Spot will be taking over the entire TWK space, though we are waiting to hear back from Serenitee Restaurant Group to confirm this.

In addition to The Spot and TWK, the Serenitee Restaurant Group also runs Opus in Salem, Maggie's Farm in Middleton, 15 Walnut in Hamilton, Hale St Tavern in Beverly Farms, Cala's in Manchester by the Sea, and Minglewood Harborside in Gloucester. Its website is at https://sereniteerestaurants.com/

[April 28 update: Wicked Local confirms that The Spot will be taking over the entire TWK space, with a sushi bar downstairs and a new bar upstairs.]

[May 11 update: According to its website, The Spot plans to open (for takeout and delivery) in Winchester on Wednesday, May 13.]

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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Frozen Hoagies Is Opening in Winchester

It looks like the people behind an ice cream sandwich truck and a brick-and-mortar shop are going to be opening another store.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Frozen Hoagies is opening in Winchester Center, taking over the space on Main Street where Winchester Limited Jewelers had been. Once it opens, the new shop will join its other brick-and-mortar location by Powder House Circle in Somerville along with its food truck (which is set up at several locations in Boston), and based on the offerings at its store and truck, expect to see ice cream sandwiches made with a wide variety of cookies and ice cream flavors.

It is not yet known exactly when the new location of Frozen Hoagies will open, as the sign out front simply says "Coming Soon."

The address for this new ice cream sandwich place in Winchester Center is: Frozen Hoagies, 534 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. The website for the business can be found at https://www.frozenhoagies.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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Eleni's Mediterranean Grill Is Opening in the Former Greek Grille Space in Winchester

A new restaurant that will focus mainly on Greek food is coming to the northern suburbs of Boston, taking over the space where another Greek eatery had been until closing earlier this year.

According to an article in the Winchester Star/Wicked Local, Eleni's Mediterranean Grill is opening in Winchester, moving into the former Greek Grill space on Main Street. The post says that this will be owner Eleni Pleqi's first restaurant, and that she plans to offer such traditional Greek items as moussaka, gyros, lamb and chicken dishes, and baklava, while also featuring daily specials found in other Mediterranean countries. If all goes as planned, Eleni's Mediterranean Grill could be opening by July 22.

The Greek Grille closed in February after being in business for approximately 10 years; the dining spot was mostly a takeout place that offered a variety of Greek dishes.

The address for Eleni's Mediterranean Grill in Winchester is 599 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

[August 16 update: An article from the Winchester Star and a post from restaurant critic MC Slim JB both indicate that Eleni's Mediterranean Grill is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Greek Grille in Winchester 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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The Greek Grille in Winchester Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban spot that focused mainly on Greek takeout food has shut its doors.

According to a source, The Greek Grille in Winchester is no longer in business, with another source confirming that the Main Street eatery has indeed closed down while the restaurant itself put up a Facebook post indicating this as well. The dining spot, which first opened approximately 10 years ago, was mainly a to-go place offering such items as egg lemon soup, souvlaki, gyros, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, and Greek-style pizza.

The address for this now-closed Greek restaurant in Winchester was: The Greek Grille, 599 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

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Mitho Restaurant Is Opening in the Former Cafe Piazza Dolce Space in Winchester

by Marc Hurwitz

A new option for dumplings and more is coming to the northern suburbs, taking over the space where an Italian restaurant had been.

The Winchester Star is reporting that Mitho Restaurant is getting ready to open in Winchester in the former Cafe Piazza Dolce space on Main Street, with the new eatery focusing on Nepali cuisine. The article mentions that momos (a type of steamed dumpling) will be offered along with lamb, chicken, and noodle dishes, while a number of vegan items will be available as well--and expect beer and wine to be served, as the restaurant just received a liquor license. If all goes as planned, Mitho Restaurant could be opening as early as next week.

Cafe Piazza Dolce closed over the summer after being in business for approximately 13 years.

The address for this new dining spot in Winchester is: Mitho Restaurant, 831 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

[December 23 update: A Facebook post from the place states that Mitho Restaurant is now open.]

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Cafe Piazza Dolce in Winchester Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban Italian restaurant that started off as a cafe has closed its doors.

According to an article in the Winchester Star, Cafe Piazza Dolce has shut down, with a note on its website telling customers that "We will remember each and every kind work of support and appreciation along the way. With a heavy heart we bid you farewell for now, and wish you good health and happiness." The Star mentions that owner Alessandra Siniscalco Troisi closed the Main Street eatery for no other reason but "by choice," saying that she is now looking forward to traveling and spending more time with her family.

Cafe Piazza Dolce first opened in 2005, morphing from a cafe into a higher-end Italian restaurant, with the menu including such items as calamari, bruschetta, gnocchi, lobster ravioli, clam linguini, lamb chops, pizza, panini, cannoli, and gelato.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Winchester was: Cafe Piazza Dolce, 831 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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Frannie's Restaurant in Winchester Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime neighborhood restaurant in Winchester is shutting down.

According to an article in the Winchester Star, Frannie's Restaurant on Swanton Street is closing on July 15, as owner Francis DiMambro, who is getting ready to turn 80, says that "I'm tired" and "I'm sad, too." The diner-style restaurant, which first opened in 1993, is known for its breakfasts and close-knit feel with repeat diners coming from Winchester and the surrounding towns--including regulars who call themselves the "Romeo" group (Retired Old Men Eating Out), setting up shop at a round table by the window each Friday.

The address for this soon-to-close eatery in Winchester is: Frannie's Restaurant, 32 Swanton Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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