Hold Your Breath for These January & February Openings

There was a seemingly endless parade of new restaurants openings in late 2013, and early 2014 looks like it'll continue in the same way. From Neapolitan pizza in Fort Point to a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the South End, here are the most exciting winter openings that are currently slated for January and February. Keep checking back; this guide will be updated as new information rolls in.

Alden & Harlow — Russell House Tavern alum Michael Scelfo has been sharing endless Instagram food porn from his "test kitchen" at home. The opening of his restaurant, Alden & Harlow, located in the former Casablanca space in Harvard Square, could be imminent: yesterday's post included the caption "Last round of recipe testing!" Also involved: Jen Fields as GM (formerly GM of Toro for five years) and Seth Freidus as bar manager (formerly an Eastern Standard bartender).

Bastille Kitchen — This 11,000-square-foot "Parisian bistro" is aiming for a mid-to-late February opening in Fort Point. While many ingredients will be sourced locally, there will be plenty of French cheese. Involved in the project: Mistral co-owner Seth Greenberg, Cafeteria owner Cameron Grob, and Ritz-Carlton executive sous chef Adam Kube.

Bostonia Public House — This "cheeky and sophisticated" restaurant is set to open in the former Kitty O'Shea's space in February. It promises to be "a new casually upscale dining and social space."

Glenville Stops — With the goal of being the "highest-end restaurant" to ever grace Allston's presence, Glenville Stops has involved a massive renovation of a Glenville Ave. retail strip that had fallen on hard times. Owner Michael Chapman did much of the building himself and even has some broken bones to show for it. Former TRADE sous chef Juan Pedrosa will be in charge of the food, a mix of small and large plates. The ambiance is meant to be classier and quieter than other dining options in the neighborhood.

The Merchant — This 200-seat "American brasserie" could open in Downtown Crossing in February, according to a post on Facebook, but the restaurant is keeping quiet on a more specific date. Expect "craft cocktails," a raw bar, and a "creative" wine list. People involved: Shane Smyth as co-owner (also co-owner of Sycamore), Matt Foley as executive chef (previously sous chef at Craigie on Main), and Foley's fellow Craigie alum Tim McQuinn as sous chef.

Pastoral — This "ARTisanal pizza" restaurant in Fort Point has been in the works for awhile now, but the latest estimate is that it will open in mid-February. Chef/owner Todd Winer (formerly of the Met Restaurant Group) has received certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana as an official Pizzaiolo; Posto is the only other restaurant in Massachusetts that holds this certification of authentic Neapolitan pizza-making. (UPDATE: A commenter below points out that Volturno, a restaurant in Worcester, is also certified.) Winer will be making pastas, cheeses, and sauces in house, and all will be available for sale. George Lewis, owner of the defunct Foundation Lounge, co-owns Pastoral.

Roxy's Grilled Cheese — In another soon-to-be-a-success story of a popular food truck opening up a brick-and-mortar location, owner James DiSabatino tells Eater he'll be opening up in Allston in February, likely the early part of the month. "Our concept is also expanding a bit," he says. "It's going to be grilled cheese and other awesome things. We actually chose Allston because we felt it's a great neighborhood to experiment and get out of our comfort zone, and we're going to do that." Roxy's is in good company; neighbors include Deep Ellum, Lone Star Taco Bar, Root, and FoMu.

Savvor Restaurant & Lounge — This Leather District spot is taking over the District Restaurant and Lounge space this month, "geared to customers in their early 30s to mid 50s seeking Southern food and small plates in a lounge atmosphere." Facebook posts also indicated Caribbean cocktails and cuisine. Owner Francois Firmin also owned Blue Wave in Fort Point (where Tavern Road is now located), and UpStairs on the Square alum Carey Dobies will helm the kitchen.

Tavern in the Square — This mini local chain of taverns in and out of squares expands with a small version smack dab in the middle of South Station. It's set to open in late January, and it will feature 40 seats, 32 beers on tap, and an abbreviated version of the menu at its bigger siblings.

Wink & Nod — Formerly called Blind Tiger, this "craft cocktail speakeasy" will open in mid-February in the former Noche space in the South End. Boston Nightlife Ventures is behind the project; they also own Forum, Griddler's Burgers and Dogs, and more.

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