Toscanini’s Unveils New Location as Original Temporarily Closes Due to Construction

Toscanini’s, the famed Cambridge ice cream shop known for its long lines and fun, extensive flavor list, has temporarily closed its Central Square location (899 Main St.) due to construction, but fret not: A second location is now up and running at 159 First St. in East Cambridge, near Boca Grande, the Similans, and the Helmand.

The ice cream shop confirmed its opening on Twitter yesterday evening. Toscanini’s temporarily relocated its big communal table from the original location to use in the new shop, as Boston Magazine reported, and there are 32 flavors of ice cream available daily, in addition to baked goods and coffee.

The temporary closure of the original Toscanini’s coincides with a construction project that will convert the building into a boutique hotel. This project also prompted the temporary closure of Patty Chen’s Dumpling Room, which is slated to reopen — with some extra space, including a bar — post-construction. Another restaurant tenant, Cinderella’s, also operated in the same building, but closed permanently as construction began.

“Toscanini’s will happily remain at 899 Main St. for many years,” owner Gus Rancatore previously told Eater in an email. Following construction at the site, Toscanini’s will reopen in what will be the lobby of the hotel. The ice cream shop’s production space, however, will permanently remain at the new First Street location, along with the additional retail space.

In other Camberville ice cream news, Gracie’s Ice Cream (22 Union Sq., Somerville) has reopened after a winter break, debuting a few new menu items. There are now egg creams available for $3.50 (chocolate, strawberry, and coffee to start), beefing up the beverage selection, which also includes coffee, tea, hot chocolate, root beer floats, and frappes.

Plus, a multi-flavor tasting, dubbed “Around the World,” is now available; choose up to six flavors, and they’ll come together in a bowl for $9.50 (or $10 with hot fudge).

And finally: cereal. Gracie’s has always included cereal in a number of ice cream flavors, but now it’s available on its own, by the bowl. “I was never really allowed to have sugar cereals growing up until my brother went away to college,” said co-owner Aaron Cohen, “so this is very exciting for me! I think it’s a good option for people who randomly crave a bowl of Fruity Pebbles but would never keep a bowl in their house. Or, I guess anyone who wants an afternoon snack, or breakfast for dinner.” Cereal is $3 per bowl; add marshmallows for $0.50.

• Toscanini’s Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• Construction Alters Operations for a Trio of Businesses in Central Square [EBOS]
• Toscanini’s Ice Cream Is Opening a Second Cambridge Location [BM]
• Gracie’s Ice Cream Coverage on Eater [EBOS]