Zayith Tapas and Bar Plans to Open in the Former Fugakyu Space in Sudbury

A new restaurant is on its way to the western suburbs, taking over the space where a sushi place had been.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Zayith Tapas and Bar is looking to open in Sudbury, moving into the former Fugakyu space on Boston Post Road. An article in the Sudbury Weekly received a statement from the proposed spot, which includes the following:

...we invite you to experience the vibrant tapestry of flavors from the European and Mediterranean regions, all in the heart of Sudbury's bustling restaurant scene....Our menu is a mosaic of small plates inspired by the rich gastronomic heritage of France, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Spain, Italy and the larger Mediterranean region. From savory bites to tantalizing snacks, each dish is crafted with passion and precision, inviting you to savor the essence of each culture. 

Another location of Fugakyu remains open in Brookline.

The address for the upcoming Zayith Tapas and Bar is 621 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Sudbury, MA, 01776.

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Vivi's Tapas Bar Is Opening in the Former Cut21 Space at Revere Beach

A new restaurant is on its way to an historic seaside area a few miles north of Boston, and it will be replacing another dining spot that was under the same ownership.

According to a post within the bostonchefs.com site, Vivi's Tapas Bar is getting ready to open at Revere Beach, moving into the former Cut21 space within the Ryder apartment complex. The upcoming restaurant will be operated by Aldi Companies and restaurateur Michael Aldi, joining Dryft and Fine Line (both of which are also located at Revere Beach), with bostonchefs.com saying that Vivi's will feature globally-inspired small plates and cocktails.

It looks like Vivi's will open around the end of this month and it will offer dinner service only at first, with brunch on the way at a later date.

The address for Vivi's Tapas Bar is 21 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA, 02151. Its website is at https://www.vivisrevere.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/vivisrevere/

[April 8 update: According to its website and Instagram page, Vivi's Tapas Bar is now open.]

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Nautilus Pier 4 Opens in the Seaport District of Boston

A popular Nantucket restaurant has expanded to the Boston waterfront.

According to a press release, Nautilus Pier 4 opens today in the city's Seaport District, with the dining spot initially being open for dinner only in their indoor area and offering seating on a first-come basis until April 6. (Lunch service and outdoor dining will begin later this spring.) As hinted at earlier here, the new location of The Nautilus will offer tapas-style dishes with Asian and Latin influences, while local beers will be available along with hard cider and a variety of wine, sake, and cocktail options, and the space will include a chef's table, dining area, bar, and private dining section.

The address for Nautilus Pier 4 is 300 Pier Four Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for both locations can be found at https://www.thenautilus.com/

[Earlier Article]
Nautilus Pier 4 to Open in Boston's Seaport District

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

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Kika Tapas in Cambridge's Kendall Square Has Closed

A Kendall Square restaurant has shut down after being in business for approximately eight years.

According to a license commission hearing agenda page within the City of Cambridge website, Kika Tapas has notified the commission that the Third Street dining spot has closed its doors and that it will surrender its license. It is not known what might be going into its space, nor is it known why the restaurant closed, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Kika Tapas, which first opened in late 2011, was known in part for its Spanish small plates as well as its wine and cocktail options.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Kendall Square was: Kika Tapas, 350 Third Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

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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Nautilus Pier 4 Plans to Open in Boston's Seaport District

It looks like a trendy hotspot on Nantucket is going to be expanding to Boston.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that Nautilus Pier 4 is planning to open in the city's Seaport District, with the restaurant joining the original location of The Nautilus on the island. (The owners of The Nautilus also run a music club on Nantucket called Gaslight.) Based on the offerings at its existing location, Nautilus Pier 4 will likely feature small plates with Asian and Latin influences along with cocktails.

If all goes as planned, Nautilus Pier 4 will open sometime in 2020.

The address for Nautilus Pier 4 will be 300 Pier Four Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210; the website for the Nantucket location of The Nautilus can be found at https://nautilusnantucket.com/

[November 27 update: A message from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie indicates that Nautilus Pier 4 plans to open in April of 2021.]

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

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Azucar Tapas Bar Opens in Maynard

A new spot for small plates has come to the western suburbs of Boston, and the people behind it own a Mexican restaurant next door.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Azucar Tapas Bar is now open in Maynard, with the Main Street eatery being next to El Huipil which is under the same ownership. The restaurant offers Spanish-style small plates along with beer, wine, and cocktails, and it includes a VIP room, a main dining area, and a bar.

The people behind Azucar Tapas Bar also run a second location of El Huipil in Acton.

The address for Azucar Tapas Bar is 51 Main Street, Maynard, MA, 01754.

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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Madera 83 in Charlestown Changes Back to Tangierino

by Marc Hurwitz

A French and Moroccan restaurant is back, having replacing the Spanish tapas bar that had replaced it last year.

Eater Boston confirms what we had heard a few weeks ago, that Tangierino is open once again in Charlestown, taking over its former space--and where Madera 83 had been since last October. The post mentions that owner Samad Naamad actually decided earlier this year to bring the upscale eatery back to its Main Street location, telling Eater that "It's back and it's better." (A hookah lounge is located in the basement of the space as well.)

Matthew Leddy, who had previously worked at Townsman in downtown Boston, had been in charge of the reconcepting of the space into Madera 83 last year; he is now working with Bar Harbor Catering Company in Maine.

The address for Tangierino (and the former Madera 83) is 83 Main Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website can be found at http://tangierino.com/

[Earlier Article]
Madera 83 Tapas Bar and Kitchen to Replace Tangierino in Charlestown

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Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge in Quincy Closing; Building to Be Torn Down

by Marc Hurwitz

A Chinese restaurant and a lounge that are under the same ownership and reside in the same building are getting ready to close, as they are losing their home.

According to an article in the Patriot Ledger, Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge in Quincy are planning to shut down for good on October 31, as the Cottage Avenue building in which they reside has been taken by eminent domain by the city and will be demolished this winter. The post says that both spots--which are owned by JP Fuji Group--have accepted a settlement and do not plan to reopen elsewhere at this point in time. It is not yet known what might replace the building housing Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge, but it appears that the taking down of the building is connected to the ongoing redevelopment of Quincy Center.

Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge first opened in early 2010, with the former being a Chinese eatery featuring a mix of Chinese-American and authentic Chinese fare and the latter being a sleek bar with cocktails, tapas, trivia, and DJ nights.

The address for Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge is 39 Cottage Avenue, Quincy MA, 02169. The website for JP Fuji Group can be found at http://www.jpfujigroup.com/

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]

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Madera 83 Tapas Bar and Kitchen to Replace Tangierino in Charlestown

It looks like an upscale French and Moroccan restaurant is going to become home to a new Spanish tapas bar.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, a restaurant tentatively called Bazaar 83 is getting ready to open and is now hiring line and prep cooks, while a message from Matthew Leddy--who is heading up the kitchen--indicates that it is a reconcepting of Tangierino on Main Street, with the ownership remaining the same. Leddy tells us that the space is currently being remodeled and that the dining spot could be opening by the end of the month, with small plates offered and an extensive wine list being available. (Leddy had previously worked at Townsman in downtown Boston.)

Tangierino first opened its doors approximately 15 years ago.

The address for this new restaurant (and the former Tangierino) is 83 Main Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129.

[September 14 update: A new job post from bostonchefs.com indicates that the name of the restaurant will actually be Madera 83 Tapas Bar and Kitchen.]

[October 7 update: A message from Matthew Leddy indicates that Madera 83 Tapas Bar and Kitchen hopes to open sometime next week.]

[October 12 update: An update from Eater Boston states that Madera 83 Tapas Bar and Kitchen is now open.]

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Pareja to Take Over Wink and Nod Space in Boston's South End; Kaki Lima Wraps Up September 9

A new Spanish, Portuguese, and Basque tapas spot is moving into a temporary home in Boston's South End, taking over the space where an Indonesian eatery had been for the past several months.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Pareja is opening within the Wink & Nod space on Appleton Street, replacing Kaki Lima, which will be saying farewell on September 9. The new tapas place is run by Aaron Lhamon (AKA Bistro, Sel de la Terre, Troquet on South) and his business partner is sous chef Adam Rockhol (Cultivar, Grafton Street, Harvest), while Michael Boughton, who is beverage director for Boston Nightlife Ventures (Wink's parent company), will feature Spanish and Western Mediterranean wines along with cocktails that complement the small, medium, and large plates offered at Pareja.

Kaki Lima is one of several spots that has popped up at Wink & Nod, with a few others being Pelekasis, Gita, Akinto, and Little Owl Tavern. Its address is 3 Appleton Street, Boston, MA, 02116, while its website can be found at http://winkandnod.com/

[September 3 update: A Facebook post from Aaron Lhamon indicates that Pareja will open on September 11.]

[Earlier Article]
Kaki Lima to Take Over Wink and Nod Space in Boston's South End

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En Boca in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed

A short-lived restaurant in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge that featured shareable plates has shut down.

Eater Boston is reporting that En Boca on Holyoke Street unexpectedly closed for good this past weekend, with a message telling diners who had made reservations via OpenTable that "The restaurant is saddened to notify their guests that today was their last day of operation. They have had to close permanently very suddenly and will not be able to honor your upcoming reservation." At this point in time, it is not known why the restaurant shuttered, nor is it known what might happen to the space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

En Boca opened its doors last fall, featuring Mediterranean small plates along with beer, wine, and cocktails. The people behind the dining spot also run The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square and The Kinsale by City Hall Plaza in Boston. (Sandrine's Bistro had previously been in the space where En Boca had been.)

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Harvard Square was: En Boca, 8 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[June 9 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that En Boca closed because of "construction woes" in the area, and that partner Bill Goodwin says "We'd love to open another En Boca, but not until this is resolved."]

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Sfizi in Boston's North End Being Replaced by Aqua Pazza

An Italian and Mediterranean restaurant that features small plates has closed for renovations, and it will have a new concept when it opens back up again.

According to a source, Sfizi on Richmond Street is locked up and papered over, with a sign out front saying "we are closed for renovations," while the note also refers customers to other dining spots from Frank DePasquale and DePasquale Ventures--Bricco, Mare Oyster Bar, Trattoria Il Panino, and Quattro. Another source tells us that the place is indeed closed and that it will be reconcepted when it reopens in the spring. No other details have been given on the new concept coming to the space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Sfizi first opened in October of 2015, taking over the space where Mare had been before moving to the corner of Hanover Street and Mechanic Street.

The address for Sfizi (and the upcoming new concept) is 135 Richmond Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[January 17 update: According to a Facebook page, the new dining spot going into the Sfizi space will be called Aqua Pazza, with the page saying it will be an "Italian kitchen and oyster bar." The Tables section of The Boston Globe indicates that the place will focus on seafood, and that it hopes to open within the next couple of months.]

[April 28 update: According to a press release, Aqua Pazza will open on Thursday, May 4.]

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BarLola in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed; Buttermilk & Bourbon to Replace It

Several weeks ago, we reported that a Southern-style restaurant with a well-known local chef and restaurateur behind it was coming to Boston's Back Bay. Now we have learned where it will be located--and which dining spot it is replacing.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that BarLola on Commonwealth Avenue has closed, with this being the space that will become home to Jason Santos' Buttermilk & Bourbon. BarLola, which opened in 2005, focused on tapas items such as a mixed olive salad, smoked salmon, manchego cheese and serrano ham with toast, cheese and vegetable puffs, fried calamari, chicken skewers, and bacon-wrapped dates, along with a drink list that included wine, sangria, martinis, and more.

Buttermilk & Bourbon hopes to open in mid-November, bringing to the neighborhood a place that has "the energy of Toro and the food of Hungry Mother" and features such food items as boiled peanut hummus, oyster chowder, house-fried chicken, and barbecue shrimp.

The address for the now-closed BarLola (and upcoming Buttermilk & Bourbon) is 160 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02116.

[December 4 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe mentions that Buttermilk and Bourbon is now looking to open sometime in January.]

[Earlier Article]
Jason Santos to Open Buttermilk and Bourbon in Boston's Back Bay

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Trident Galley and Raw Bar to Open at the Hingham Shipyard

A new restaurant is on its way to the South Shore, and it will be opening at a waterside development that includes several other dining spots.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Trident Galley & Raw Bar plans to open in the former Union Fish space at the Hingham Shipyard, with Eater Boston stating (via the Hingham Patch) that owner John Brian Houlihan is also behind Bia Bistro in Cohasset and The Tinker's Son in Norwell and co-owns The Galley Kitchen & Bar in Scituate as well. It looks like the new place will be an upscale restaurant with small shareable plates, a raw bar, wine, and craft cocktails.

The Hingham Shipyard is also home to such restaurants and bars as Wahlburgers, Hingham Beer Works, and Alma Nove,

The address for this new dining spot in Hingham is 23 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA, 02043.

[January 15, 2017 update: Trident Galley and Raw Bar is now open.]

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T'ahpas 529 to Open in Melrose

A new tapas restaurant, bar, and lounge is coming to the northern suburbs of Boston, and it will be moving into an historic building that another dining spot had been looking at before those plans fell through.

Eater Boston is reporting that T'ahpas 529 is planning to open in the Corinthian Hall building in Melrose, which is by the corner of Franklin Street and Greenwood Street a short distance south of the Wakefield border. As its name indicates, the eatery will offer small plates, with influences coming from Mediterranean foods (including Spanish fare) and it will also have larger meals as well, while drinks will include an array of Spanish and South American wines as well as some local beers. The executive chef at the 70-80 seat T'ahpas 529 will be Erik Powers, who comes from Grill 23 and Post 390, while the owners are Lorenzo and Emily Tenreiro, who run two other Melrose spots--Coffee Tea and Me and La Qchara.

Absolutely Fabulous had been looking to open in the Corinthian Hall building after it lost its home on Main Street last year, but the people behind it decided to look elsewhere because they said "the build out in that location is just too overwhelming." (It is not known where Absolutely Fabulous will end up moving to at this point.)

The address for T'ahpas 529 will be 529 Franklin Street, Melrose, MA, 02176.

[January 3, 2017 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that T'ahpas has its grand opening on Thursday, January 5 and Friday, January 6. (Thanks to The Passionate Foodie for bringing this to our attention.)]

[Earlier Article]
Absolutely Fabulous in Melrose Is Moving

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Roza Lyons to Open in Former Urban Art Bar Space in South Boston

A new restaurant is looking to open in South Boston, and it would be taking over the space where a paint bar had been.

Universal Hub is reporting that Roza Lyons is planning on opening within the former Urban Art Bar site on East Broadway, changing over the art studio space so that it is set up more like a traditional dining spot. The post mentions that the new restaurant would focus on tapas/small plates and that it would be open until 1:00 AM, though little else is known about the place at this point in time.

Urban Art Bar closed in June after being in business for approximately three years.

The address for this spot in South Boston is: Roza Lyons, 709 E Broadway, Boston, MA, 02127.

[March 28, 2016 update: The Improper Bostonian mentions that Roza Lyons is planning to open in April and that it will offer salads, panini and wraps, small plates, and beers mostly from local breweries along with wine.]

[May 24, 2016 update: Eater Boston says that Roza Lyons opens tomorrow (Wednesday, May 24).]

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Las Ventas in Boston's South End Closes; Will Become Private Space for Estragon

A food shop and deli in the South End of Boston has closed, and its space will be used by a restaurant next door that is run by the same family.

Eater Boston is reporting (via BosGuy) that Las Ventas on Harrison Avenue shut down at the beginning of the month, with the plan being for Estragon Tapas Bar to take over the space and use it for functions and private dining along with additional space for the restaurant. A note on the shop's website states that it has indeed closed and that "We appreciate your loyal patronage over the last seven years, and apologize for any inconvenience."

Two brothers--Luis and Julio de Haro--opened both Estragon and Las Ventas in 2008.

The address for this now-closed shop and deli in the South End was: Las Ventas, 700 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.

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Sfizi Is Opening in Boston's North End in October

[Ed note: This article was updated on September 25 to reflect confirmation of its name.]

A few months ago, we reported that a popular North End restaurant was vacating its space to move to a new spot in the neighborhood, and its old space would become a tapas bar. The restaurant has since opened in its new home, and now we have learned that the tapas spot will be opening next month.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, the eatery--which is tentatively called Sfizi--will be opening on Richmond Street in mid-October, taking over the space where Mare had been before moving to the corner of Hanover Street and Mechanic Street over the summer.  It appears that the new dining and drinking spot will be an Italian/Mediterranean-style tapas bar with an array of small plates and wine options, though no specific details have come out as of yet.

Frank DePasquale of DePasquale Ventures, who is behind Sfizi, also runs such places as Bricco, Gelateria, Il Panino, Mare, and Quattro.

[September 25 update: A Facebook post from Frank DePasquale confirms that the name of the place is indeed Sfizi.]

[October 7 update: A press release indicates that Sfizi opens on October 16.]

The address for this upcoming tapas bar in the North End is 135 Richmond Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[Earlier Articles]
Mare Oyster Crudo and Seafood Bar Is Opening in Boston's North End
Shake-Up Coming to North End Restaurant Scene; Pompei, Mare, Il Panino Involved

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Tornado Restaurant and Lounge in Malden Has Closed

A dining and drinking spot north of Boston has closed its doors after being in business for just over a year.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the restaurant's website), Tornado Restaurant and Lounge in Malden is now shuttered, with a note on the site simply saying "Closed: Thank you everyone for all your support." The Florence Street eatery focused on Asian-inspired tapas, including such items as tomato-lemongrass soup, pork buns, fish tacos, oysters Rockefeller, seared avocados, and pan-seared duck breast. It first opened in November of 2013 in the space where Guadalajara Mexican Grill and Bar had once been.

The address for this now-closed dining spot in Malden was: Tornado Restaurant and Lounge, 2 Florence Street, Malden, MA, 02146.

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404 Tapas Lounge Opens in Brookline

A brand new tapas spot has very quietly opened in Brookline.

A Twitter post sent this morning indicates that 404 Tapas Lounge is now open on Harvard Street between the Allston line and Coolidge Corner, with the address indicating that it has taken over the space where Khayyam had been. The restaurant's Facebook page says that New American and French-influenced tapas is offered along with full meals, with the menu on the website showing such items as lamb sausage, grilled shrimp flatbread, crispy artichokes, garlic saffron mussels, paella, and steak frites.

The chef/owner of 404 Tapas Lounge is Rachid Kourda, who has worked at several restaurants in Boston, New York, and California, including Harvard Gardens in Beacon Hill.

The address for this new tapas spot in Brookline is: 404 Tapas Lounge, 404 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at http://404bar.com/

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