Zhu Restaurant Opens in Boston's Back Bay

Last fall, it was reported that a new Asian dining spot was coming to the Back Bay of Boston, and now we have learned that it is in the process of getting up and running.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Zhu restaurant is now open on Boylston Street, with the Instagram page for the place indicating that it is in a soft opening phase with hours from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM today. The new restaurant focuses on Chinese seafood and dim sum while offering beer, wine, cocktail, and spirits, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has moved into the space where the Irish pub Lir had been until closing in 2020 after 17 years in operation.

The address for Zhu is 903 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/zhuboston/

[Earlier Article]
Zhu Restaurant Plans to Open in the Former Lir Space in Boston's Back Bay

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News Elsewhere: Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham Is Up for Sale

 An iconic seafood spot on the Cape is shuttered and on the market.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham--which closed for the season over the weekend--is up for sale, with the post from owner Nick Nickerson saying the following:

After 50 wonderful and successful years, the time has come for me to sell Arnolds Lobster and Clam Bar....Although this is the end of an extraordinary chapter for me, the memories and friendships I have made will remain in my heart forever.

Arnold's has been known over the years for its clam chowder and lobster bisque, warm and cold lobster rolls, Wellfleet oysters, fried seafood baskets, and more.

The address for Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar is 3580 US-6, Eastham, MA, 02642.

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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 Pearl at Boston Landing in Brighton Is Closed; Exact Status Unknown

Earlier this year, it was reported that one of a pair of seafood restaurants in Boston had closed permanently, and now we have learned that the other location is shuttered, though it isn't yet known whether this is a permanent closure as well.

According to several sources, The Pearl at Boston Landing in Brighton is closed, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

As we navigate an important transition, The Pearl will be temporarily closing. While this isn't the news we hoped to share, we're actively working through several possibilities and remain hopeful about what's ahead. Thank you to everyone who has dined with us, celebrated with us, and supported our team. Your love and loyalty have meant more than words can express. We'll keep you updated as we have more to share.

The Boston Landing location of The Pearl first opened in early 2025, while the original at South Bay in Dorchester (which debuted in 2021) closed earlier this year; both locations were known for their variety of seafood options (including a raw bar) along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for The Pearl at Boston Landing is 67 Guest Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://www.thepearl-boston.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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Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits Opens in Cambridge

A new seafood spot has come to Cambridge, replacing a longtime dining and drinking place within a riverside hotel.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits is now open within the Royal Sonesta, moving into the space where ArtBar had been. The post says that the new restaurant offers such options as shrimp po' boys, Atlantic crab cake sandwiches, lobster dinners for two, and hot and cold seafood towers, while its menu also shows such dishes as clam dip, shrimp scampi flatbread, a fried hake sandwich, grilled oysters, fish and chips, and more.

ArtBar first opened at the Royal Sonesta about 20 years ago.

The address for Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits (and the Royal Sonesta) is 40 Edwin H Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its website can be found at https://scullandkeel.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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Avra Estiatorio Opens at Lyrik Back Bay in Boston

An upscale Greek and Mediterranean restaurant that got its start in New York City and now has a handful of locations around the country has come to a new development in Boston.

According to multiple sources, Avra Estiatorio is now open at Lyrik Back Bay, a mixed-use space above the Mass. Pike where Newbury Street and Massachusetts Avenue meet. The new dining spot focuses in part on Greek seafood dishes, with a few options including fish soup, littleneck clams, calamari, salmon tartare, grilled octopus, sardines, sea bass souvlaki, lobster pasta, and pan-seared scallops, while also offering a variety of cocktails.

The first location of Avra Estiatorio debuted in Midtown East back in 2000.

The address for Avra Estiatorio in the Back Bay is 400 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its web page is at https://theavragroup.com/avra-boston

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Roger's Fish & Chips Opens at Logan Airport; Roger Berkowitz Behind the Place

Last summer, it was reported that a familiar name would be opening a new seafood place, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, Roger's Fish & Chips is now open at Logan Airport in East Boston, moving into a 700-square-foot space at Terminal A. As mentioned in an earlier article here, Roger Berkowitz--who was president and CEO of Legal Sea Foods before selling the business in 2020--is behind the dining spot, with Berkowitz also running Roger's Fish Co., an online seafood company that sells and ships flash-frozen seafood. Roger's Fish & Chips is a fast-casual counter service place that offers such items as clam chowder, fish and chips, a lobster BLT, crab cakes, and beer, cider, and frozen cocktails.

[Earlier Article]
Roger's Fish & Chips Plans to Open at Logan Airport in East Boston

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Bluefin Restaurant and Seafood Market in Jamaica Plain Has Closed; Will Continue to Be at Farmers Markets

A seafood restaurant and fish shop in a Boston neighborhood has shut down, though the business will live on via farmers markets.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Bluefin's restaurant and seafood market in Jamaica Plain is closed, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Sadly, I have made the hard decision to permanently close Bluefin's 660 Centre Street location. I extend a big thanks to everyone who has supported us. We love being part of the JP community. On a positive note, our Farmers' Markets will continue operating as usual. So please come by, say hello, and grab your fresh, smoked, and tinned fish. We'd love to see you! To anyone who maintains a giftcard or Numarket balance, those will be honored at our Farmers' Markets. 

Farmers Market Hours: Jamaica Plain at 677 Centre St, behind Bank of America: Saturdays: 12-3 pm (year-round) Tuesdays: 12-5pm (Jun 17 - Nov 25)

Roslindale Winter Market at the Emerald Society at 10 Birch Street (indoor and outdoor market) : Every other Sunday*: 10am-1pm *Mar. 1, Mar. 15, Mar 29

Bluefin first opened on Centre Street in 2024.

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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 Pearl at South Bay in Dorchester Is Closing; the Boston Landing Location Will Remain Open

A pair of seafood restaurants will soon be down to one location.

According to a press release, The Pearl at South Bay in Dorchester is shutting down, with the note saying the following:

After nearly five years of operations, [owner] Mika Winder will officially close its doors on Sunday, January 25, to focus efforts on its sister location, The Pearl Boston Landing, located at 67 Guest Street in Brighton, made possible through the continued partnership and support of New Balance....The Pearl thanks the South Bay and Dorchester community for its support from day one and is filled with optimism for building on The Pearl's reputation as it continues its journey in Brighton.

The South Bay location of The Pearl debuted in the spring of 2021, while the Boston Landing location opened last winter; both locations have been known for their variety of seafood options (including a raw bar) along with beer, wine, and cocktails. The website for the business is at https://www.thepearl-boston.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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North End Lobster Co. Opens in Boston's North End

A new seafood spot has come to the North End of Boston after being in the works for a year and a half, and it has an ownership connection to several well-known Italian restaurants.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, North End Lobster Co. is now open on Hanover Street, with an Instagram post indicating that it debuted on November 13. The menu for the place shows such options as lobster bisque, clam chowder, crab cakes, grilled octopus, fried scallops, oysters, lobster tacos, clam rolls, fish and chips, lobster pie, lobster macaroni and cheese, lobster ravioli, seafood risotto, and more.

The owners of Giacomo's (which is also on Hanover Street) are behind North End Lobster Co.

The address for North End Lobster Co. is 204 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website can be found at https://www.nelobsterco.com/

[Earlier Article]
Owners of Giacomo's in Boston's North End Plan to Open New Restaurant in the Neighborhood

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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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Boxfish Is Opening in Watertown

A new seafood restaurant is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston, and it has an ownership connection to a dining spot that used to be in the same space before moving.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Boxfish is planning to open in Watertown, moving into the space on Mt Auburn Street that had been home to Cha Yen Cookery before it moved across the street to its current location. Based on the Facebook post, it looks like the upcoming eatery will be a casual seafood place that will offer such options as clam chowder, grilled fish, mussels, and lobster, and the chef and owner of Cha Yen Cookery--which focuses on Thai cuisine--is behind it.

The address for Boxfish is 613 Mt Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472. Its website is at https://boxfish.food/

[January 7, 2026 update: According to an article from Boston Magazine, Boxfish has soft-opened.]

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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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Holdfast Specialty Seafood Co. Is Opening in Allston

A brand new casual seafood spot is on its way to Boston, and the people behind the place include a couple of fine-dining chefs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Holdfast Specialty Seafood Co. is getting ready to open in Allston, moving into a space on Brighton Avenue. Boston Magazine states in an article that Nathan Gould, Tyler Paolini, and business partner Jesse Kim are behind the dining spot, with a Boston Globe post saying that Gould comes from o ya in the Leather District while Paolini comes from both o ya and Sarma in Somerville. The two articles indicate that Holdfast plans to offer hot and cold lobster rolls, clam rolls, oyster rolls, crudo, oysters, caviar, and seasonal dishes as well as beer and wine, and it appears that this will be a counter-service place with limited seating at a communal table and a bar.

Boston Magazine says that Holdfast could open sometime around November 6.

The address for Holdfast Specialty Seafood Co. is 164 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/holdfast_allston/

[November 7 update: According to its social media, Holdfast Specialty Seafood Co. 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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Row 34 Opens in the Kenmore Square Section of Boston

Last fall, it was reported that a local group of restaurants known for their seafood would be opening a second location within the city of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to the website for the business, Row 34 is now open in Kenmore Square, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has moved into the former Island Creek Oyster Bar/Pescador space next to the Hotel Commonwealth. The new location joins another in Fort Point along with other outlets in Cambridge's Kendall Square, Burlington, and Portsmouth, NH.

The address for the new location of Row 34 in Kenmore Square is 498 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations is at https://www.row34.com/

[Earlier Article]
Row 34 Plans to Open in the Former Island Creek Oyster Bar/Pescador Space in Boston's Kenmore Square

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Roger's Fish & Chips Plans to Open at Logan Airport in East Boston

A new fish and chips place may be on its way to Logan Airport, and a very familiar name is behind it.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Roger's Fish & Chips is seeking a common victualler license and a full liquor license for a space at Terminal A (Unit AS-2-A02), with the eatery having 700 square feet of space and being in an area of the terminal where there are other food vendors along with a food court seating area. The manager listed for the spot is Roger Berkowitz, who was president and CEO of Legal Sea Foods before selling the business in 2020, and who currently runs Roger's Fish Co., an online seafood company that sells and ships flash-frozen seafood across the country.

There doesn't appear to be a website for Roger's Fish & Chips (and more should be known about the proposed dining spot by later this week), but the website for Roger's Fish Co. is at https://www.rogersfishco.com/

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Rabia's Dolce Fumo in Boston's North End Has Closed

A North End restaurant that was known in part for its seafood has shut down.

According to a source, Rabia's Dolce Fumo on Salem Street is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the dining spot saying the following:

2,034 days in a chapter we’ll never forget. From our opening day on December 2, 2019, three months before the official declaration of the nation’s pandemic, to our closing night on June 26, 2025, the past five years were nothing short of a wild ride. From our hard working and dedicated team, to our patrons who honored us by celebrating life’s important moments with us, and to our loyal families and friends who supported us the whole way, we are FOREVER GRATEFUL. It was time to close this chapter and for us to explore new endeavors (stay tuned).

Rabia's offered such dishes as clam chowder, oysters, antipasto, steamed mussels, lobster rolls, linguini with clams, frutti di mare, steamed lobsters, fettuccine carbonara, bolognese, and veal parmigiana.

The address for the now-closed Rabia's Dolce Fumo was 73 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

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Eddie V's Prime Seafood at the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay Is Closing

It looks like the Boston location of a group of high-end seafood and steak restaurants is getting ready to close down.

According to a couple of sources (including one within the restaurant industry), Eddie V's Prime Seafood at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay is shutting its doors, with a Facebook post from Boston-based musician David Lieb saying the following earlier this week:

Ok folks, this is it… all things must pass, and I regretfully announce tonight will be the LAST Monday at Eddie V's Boston for the Ron Poster Trio. They are closing the Prudential Center location on Sunday, so we hope to see any and all  who can make it. It's been a fantastic run, 3 1/2 years! We'll see you somewhere down the road. The usual … 6:30 - 9:30.

Eddie V's, which first started out in Austin in 2000 and is now headquartered in Orlando, has another restaurant locally in Burlington, which appears to be remaining in operation. 

[May 16 update: A check on the place confirms that Eddie V's in the Back Bay is now closed.]

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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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Salty Days to Open at The Launch at Hingham Shipyard

A dining spot that focuses in part on seafood is opening a second location on the South Shore, and it is returning to the town in which it began.

According to a press release, Salty Days Fish Co. is going to be opening at The Launch at Hingham Shipyard, taking over the Boathouse Bistro space (that restaurant is planning to move to a new space in Hull). The Hingham Anchor mentions that the new location will have a full bar and an outdoor patio, and like its location in Cohasset, it will offer such options as tuna tartare, sushi, and smash burgers.

Salty Days started out in Hingham in 2020 as a fish market, opening its restaurant in Cohasset in 2022 before closing the market a year later.

The address for the upcoming location of Salty Days at the Shipyard is 19 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA, 02043. The website for the business is at https://saltydaysfish.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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Island Creek Raw Bar Is Opening in Boston's Seaport District

A familiar name is returning to Boston, and it will be offering seafood within a seasonal space. 

According to a press release, Island Creek Raw Bar is going to be opening in the city's Seaport District this summer, moving into an outdoor space on Autumn Lane near the eastern edge of Fort Point and just south of Seaport Boulevard. Once it opens (tentatively in the early summer), the new spot will join The Winsor House and Raw Bar in Duxbury and The Shop in Portland, ME, while Island Creek itself is an oyster farm in Duxbury that sells shellfish both locally and across the country.

Locations of Island Creek Oyster Bar used to be found in Boston's Fenway neighborhood along with Burlington.

The address for Island Creek Raw Bar is 99 Autumn Lane, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for Island Creek is at https://shop.islandcreekoysters.com/ while the Instagram page for the raw bar is at https://www.instagram.com/rawbar_seaport/

[June 5 update: According to the Island Creek website, Island Creek Raw Bar 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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The Pearl Opens at Boston Landing in Brighton

A couple of years ago, it was reported that a seafood restaurant just off the Southeast Expressway was planning to expand to a second location, as it was looking to expand to a mixed-use development that is within sight of the Mass. Pike. Now we have learned that it has finally opened.

According to a source (Kelley Kassa), The Pearl opens today at Boston Landing in Brighton, joining its  original location at South Bay and offering a variety of seafood options, including a raw bar, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. The original South Bay location debuted in 2021, with the announcement of the Boston Landing outlet coming in the summer of 2023.

The address for the new location of The Pearl at Boston Landing is 67-69 Guest Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for The Pearl can be found at https://www.thepearlsouthbay.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Pearl Is Expanding; Plans to Open at Boston Landing in Brighton

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Fish Taco in Boston's North End Has Closed

A North End seafood spot that debuted last spring appears to have shut down.

According to a source, Fish Taco on Hanover Street is locked up and dark with its windows being papered over, while a check on its website indicates that it is down while phone calls have gone directly to voicemail. Fish Taco, which first opened in April of 2024 and focused mainly on street tacos for takeout, had previously been a popup and was a venture from the Love Art team, which includes Love Art Sushi and Poke by Love Art. 

The address for Fish Taco was 227 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

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A&D Clam Box in Marblehead Has Closed, Is Looking for a New Space

A seafood place on the North Shore has shut down after being in business for approximately two years, though it hopes to reopen in a new location.

According to an X/Twitter post from @TobySyrel, A&D Clam Box in Marblehead is no longer in business as it has lost its lease, and this has been confirmed in an Instagram post from the Pleasant Street spot, saying that "The landlord doesn't want to extend the short term lease that we had. New location will be announced soon. Thank you all our customers for their support." A&D first opened in early 2023, offering such items as clam chowder, fried clams, lobster rolls, calamari, fish tacos, baked haddock, fish and chips, and more.

The address for A&D Clam Box was 195 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945; as soon as we hear of an address for the new location, we will post an update here.

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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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