Not Your Average Joe's in Waltham; Ciao! Pizza & Pasta in Chelsea

1) WALTHAM — Not Your Average Joe's opened its 16th Massachusetts location in Waltham at the end of August. The contemporary American chain was founded in Dartmouth in 1994 and now includes 25 outposts in its home state, Rhode Island, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The 6,500-square foot restaurant in Waltham seats about 200, with another 50 accommodated outside around a fire pit. The bar area is expanded at the newest NYAJ, too. Seasonally-inspired fare includes dishes like mango shrimp summer rolls, rosemary skewered scallops, and NY strip steak with horseradish butter. The restaurant has 21 wines by the bottle and glass, 20 beers on draft, and cocktails. Status: Certified open. 56 Market Place Drive, Waltham. (781) 966-5637.

2) CHELSEA — Ciao! Pizza and Pasta has greeted Chelsea. The new, wood-fired endeavor from two former Mistral employees and Chelsea residents, Edson Coimbra and Marvin Posada, softly opened over the weekend and debuted officially on Monday, Sept. 14. Ciao offers fresh pasta, pizza, salads, and panini. According to some Facebook posts from early visitors, a ricotta pie with homemade soft cheese, Parmesan Reggiano, garden tomatoes, cherry peppers, and arugula is on the menu, as well as a chocolate-drizzled Nutella pizza with strawberries and bananas. Status: Certified open. 59 Williams St., Chelsea. (617) 286-9346.