Eater Guides

The Spring 2018 Restaurant Opening Guide: Boston Proper

Boston cream pie banana pudding, champagne from a vending machine, steak at a table designed for Instagrammers, and more

by Rachel Leah Blumenthal@blumie Updated May 7, 2018, 5:01pm EDT

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Boston cream pie banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery

Part of The Massachusetts Restaurant Opening Guide, Spring 2018

From Tiki drinks to tacos to a bar that may host toga parties, winter 2017-2018 was an eventful one in the Boston restaurant opening scene. Now we’ve made it to spring, which promises a lot more new food. Check out some regional highlights here, or keep reading for the full rundown, by neighborhood, of what might come to Boston proper this season. Downtown Boston and Jamaica Plain may be the neighborhoods to watch for spring 2018; each has quite a few openings on the horizon, from juice bars to a New York bakery made famous by Sex and the City to a restaurant with a robotic kitchen and acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud as an advisor.

Note that restaurant opening timelines are moving targets, so don’t get too attached to trying a new spot on a specific date; even restaurants initially listed here as spring openings may get pushed to summer or beyond. We’ll be updating this guide frequently throughout the season as updated information comes in, so send any intel our way.

This guide was originally published on April 2, 2018; the date of the most recent update appears above.

Note: The clickable neighborhood table of contents below may not display properly (or at all) on certain mobile platforms. For best results, view on a tablet or desktop.

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A sneak peek at later openings: Summer 2018 | Fall 2018 | 2019 | Unknown

Allston

Kimchipapi Kitchen

81 Harvard Ave., Allston, Boston

This address is coming full circle: While it was most recently home to a Chicken & Rice Guys location, it was once a shoe store owned by Joon Son, aka Kimchipapi. Now he’s opening an eponymous restaurant there, where he’ll serve Korean and Japanese food with risque dish names, from “glory bowls” to “tossed salad.”
Projected opening: May 2018

Kung Fu Tea [NOW OPEN]

Super 88, 1 Brighton Ave., Allston, Boston

International bubble tea chain Kung Fu Tea has opened its seventh Massachusetts location (and second in Allston) inside of the Super 88 food court.
Opened: Early April 2018

Pot Bar [NOW OPEN]

70 Brighton Ave., Allston, Boston

Allston’s newest hot pot spot — no, it’s not a marijuana-oriented business, despite what the name sounds like — features individual hot pot portions, perfect for those who aren’t into sharing.
Opened: Late March 2018

Rabottini’s Pizza (Long-term pop-up)

182 Western Ave., Barry’s Corner, Allston, Boston

Rabottini’s has spent nearly two years popping up on Fridays at Bagelsaurus in Cambridge, serving Sicilian-style pizza. Next up, it’s getting an “extended stay” in Allston, where it’ll operate five nights a week, serving pizza, small plates, and salad. It’s slated to open very soon and remain open into the fall.
Projected opening: Early spring 2018

Back Bay

Bartleby’s Seitan Stand (Truck) [NOW OPEN]

Mobile; Back Bay and Downtown Boston locations to start

This vegan food truck focuses on seitan — in sandwiches, in nuggets, etc. Its debut schedule includes two days a week in the Back Bay area and one downtown; consult its website for up-to-date location information.
Opened: April 2, 2018

Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood [NOW OPEN]

304 Stuart St., Back Bay, Boston

A Back Bay seafood duo has become a trio: Fancy Mooncusser Fish House and its downstairs more casual sibling Moon Bar now have an even more casual sibling on the Moon Bar level — a takeaway window open for lunch on weekdays with roast beef sandwiches, lobster rolls, and more. (Diners can eat inside the Moon Bar space if they wish.)
Opened: May 7, 2018

I-CE-NY

217 Newbury St., Back Bay, Boston

More Thai-style rolled ice cream. This company has around 250 locations in Asia, under the name I-TIM-PAD, but it’s also getting a foothold in the United States, starting with New York (hence the US name, I-CE-NY) and a few other states. At one point, it appeared that there could also be an Allston location in the works, but for now, I-CE-NY is only coming to Newbury Street.
Projected opening: Imminent. As of the last week of March, I-CE-NY was awaiting final fire and health inspections.

Minigrow [NOW OPEN]

565 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston

This is one of two Boston locations of a pared-down sibling to Philly-based stir-fry chain Honeygrow, which now has two Boston locations of its own. The other Minigrow, which also opened this spring, is located downtown. The fast-casual chain serves customizable grain/green bowls.
Opened: May 1, 2018

Orá Trattorizza

655 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston

Located next to the Charlesmark Hotel, this will be a two-floor trattoria and pizzeria from the owner of Piattini Wine Cafe on Newbury Street.
Projected opening: Originally slated for spring 2017, Orá has faced some delays but is apparently slated for a spring 2018 opening now and was hiring for all positions as of early May.

Boston University

Life Alive

888 Commonwealth Ave., Boston University, Boston

The fourth location for this local vegetarian restaurant — which is also in Cambridge, Salem, and Lowell — will be in the former Panera space by BU.
Projected opening: Late spring 2018

Brighton

landwer cafe farmer’s breakfast — Farmer’s breakfast at Cafe Landwer

Cafe Landwer

375 Chestnut Hill Ave., Cleveland Circle, Brighton, Boston

This will be the second United States location for the Israeli cafe chain, which serves shakshuka, pizza, Mediterranean foods, and more. It’ll be part of the Circle development on the site of the former Circle Cinema. (Landwer opened in Boston’s Audubon Circle area of the Fenway neighborhood in January 2018. There’s also a recently opened Toronto, Canada location.)
Projected opening: Mid-June 2018

Caffe Nero [NOW OPEN]

298 Washington St., Brighton Center, Boston

Yet another location of the London-based cafe chain that is quickly spreading around the Boston area. (It’s also slated to expand to the Symphony area soon.)
Opened: April 2, 2018

Pavement Coffeehouse

415 Western Ave., Brighton

This growing local cafe chain has a Brighton location in the works (and a Harvard Square one at the forthcoming Smith Campus Center, too) — but not just a cafe. It’ll also be a roasting facility and commissary, allowing it to roast its own coffee for the first time. The cafe, which will be on the small side, will serve bagels and breakfast but not the chain’s usual lunch sandwiches.
Projected opening: Early May 2018

Charlestown

The Pork & Mindy at the Bacon Truck Cafe

The Bacon Truck [NOW OPEN]

50 Terminal St., Charlestown, Boston

Boston’s bacon-themed food truck has put down roots with a Charlestown commissary and cafe, serving a bacon-centric breakfast and lunch menu as well as coffee. There’s seating for about 20 inside the casual spot, plus a seasonal patio.
Opened: April 14, 2018

Charlestown Tea & Treats [NOW OPEN]

1 Monument Ave., Charlestown, MA

This new tea shop — located in the former Evy Tea space — serves “flavorful teas from around the world and scrumptious treats that will surely make your grandmother smile,” as well as Levend bagels and more.
Opened: April 25, 2018

Dorchester

Wahlburgers (Truck) [NOW OPEN]

South Bay Center, Dorchester

Eventually, the Wahlberg clan will open a brick-and-mortar location of their ever-expanding burger chain at South Bay Center, but for now, they’ve got a food truck there. When not rented out for private events, it’s stationed at South Bay on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Opened: April 19, 2018

Downtown Boston

“Noodle It Over Shrimp” bowl at Legal Fish Bowl

The Ghost Walks [NOW OPEN]

57 Stuart St., Downtown Boston

A sibling to Committee, Cafeteria, and Bijou has opened up below Bijou, serving theatrical cocktails (such as one disguised as a bag of popcorn), champagne from a vending machine, and “elevated bar snacks.”
Opened: April 25, 2018

Legal Fish Bowl

Quincy Market, 4 S. Market St., Downtown Boston

This poke-inspired, fast-casual Legal Sea Foods offshoot began inside of the Kendall Square Legal Sea Foods, and next it’s headed for the Quincy Market building at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The stall will serve six noodle- or rice-based bowls (five of which feature seafood, one with chicken), as well as a customizable option, plus bowls of clam chowder.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Magnolia Bakery [NOW OPEN]

2-4 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Downtown Boston

New York’s famous Magnolia Bakery, a hallmark of the cupcake boom of the early 2000s, has been promising a Boston location for years, and now it’s finally here, located at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. This location serves the same menu as the flagship on New York City’s Bleecker Street, plus some Boston specialties, like a Boston cream pie banana pudding. There’s a small, adorable seating section specifically for Magnolia customers.
Opened: March 29, 2018

Minigrow [NOW OPEN]

125 Summer St., Downtown Boston

This is one of two Boston locations of a pared-down sibling to Philly-based stir-fry chain Honeygrow, which now has two Boston locations of its own. The other Minigrow, which also opened this spring, is in Back Bay, and both serve a fast-casual menu of customizable grain/green bowls.
Opened: April 27, 2018

Rebel’s Guild [NOW OPEN]

Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart St., Downtown Boston

The five-year-old Emerald Lounge closed in December 2017, and it has now been replaced by a restaurant that the hotel said at the time “will be the next phase of the property’s recent multi-million dollar transformation and will be an iconic destination inspired by the city of Boston’s rich history and innovative spirit.” More recent marketing language promises a “playful conspiracy of witty pub fare and rebellious spirits.” In English: It serves classic New England fare made with local ingredients by executive chef Sean Dutson, who previously worked at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport before landing at the Revere in late 2016. (Also, there’s a cannon in the middle of the restaurant.)
Opened: April 18, 2018

Tous Les Jours

24 Tremont St., Downtown Boston

The downtown Boston location of this French-Asian bakery chain has been closed since late 2017 for renovations.
Projected reopening: Spring 2018

Downtown Crossing

Boston Chops

52 Temple Pl., Downtown Crossing, Boston

Like its big sibling in the South End, the second Boston Chops steakhouse will be in the former home of a bank, although more recently, the Temple Street space was home to a restaurant called Mantra. Expect a private dining room in the old bank vault and a table lit specifically for Instagrammers.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Democracy Brewing

35 Temple Pl., Downtown Crossing, Boston

A worker-owned brewpub opening in the historic Windsor Button space. It’ll have a tasting room and event space, as well as a full kitchen, and the team plans to distribute to bars and restaurants. 32-ounce crowlers will be available for purchase on location, too.
Projected opening: June 2018

Spyce [NOW OPEN]

241 Washington St., Downtown Crossing, Boston

A restaurant with a robotic kitchen — designed by a group of MIT grads — that churns out customizable bowls. Acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud is an advisor on the project. Those who don’t like talking to people will be pleased to find that the ordering process is computerized.
Opened: May 3, 2018

Fenway

Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

1124 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston

The Canadian pizza-focused sports bar chain named for Boston is expanding to Boston; there are two forthcoming locations, one unannounced and one right by Berklee (and not far from Fenway).
Projected opening: June 2018 (the mystery location is slated for 2020)

Energize

265 Massachusetts Ave., Symphony/Fenway, Boston

This Brighton-based juice bar is adding a second location near Symphony Hall.
Projected opening: Early May 2018

Fenway Johnnie’s

96 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston

West End Johnnie’s, a sports bar near TD Garden, is expanding in Boston with a Fenway counterpart that will open in the former Tilted Kilt space. The new location will have a slightly different menu than its West End sibling, but expect burgers, steak, and other bar fare.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Fool’s Errand

1381 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston

Tiffani Faison is adding to her Boylston Street restaurant duo — Sweet Cheeks and Tiger Mama — with Fool’s Errand, a small space next to Sweet Cheeks that was originally announced back in late 2016. Per a spring 2018 job posting, it will be “an intimate American style tapas bar with a focus on wine and fortified spirits.” The restaurant’s Instagram account doesn’t have any posts yet, but its main image shows neon signage with the words “adult snack bar” under the restaurant name.
Projected opening: Late spring 2018

Two Saints Tavern and Dos Diablos [NOW OPEN]

52 Gainsborough St., Symphony/Fenway, Boston

These adjacent sibling spots in the former Our House East space are a beer hall and taqueria respectively. Brian O’Donnell and the Dropkick Murphys’ Ken Casey are behind them (as well as Yellow Door Taqueria, Lower Mills Tavern, Lion’s Tail, and McGreevy’s).
Opened: May 21, 2018

The Westland

10 Westland Ave., Symphony/Fenway, Boston

From the group behind Hopewell Kitchen & Bar, the Avenue, and more comes a “classic American tavern” in the long-vacant Symphony 8 space.
Projected opening: June 5, 2018

Hyde Park

Coffee Break Cafe

680 Truman Pkwy., Hyde Park, Boston

This small local coffee chain already has locations in Milton and Quincy; Hyde Park’s next. The cafe serves a range of flavored coffees (rainforest crunch, salted caramel, chocolate banana, and more), frozen cocoa and other frozen drinks, baked goods, and more.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Jamaica Plain

Achilito’s Taqueria

38 Hyde Park Ave., Jamaica Plain, Boston

Describing itself as “fresh and spicy,” this taqueria will open within new construction by the Forest Hills MBTA stop, serving “spicy salsas,” wood-fired dishes, and more. (Breakfast and juices, too.)
Projected opening: May 2018

Bar Orange

3698 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

Bob O’Guin, who is behind Common Ground in Allston and Arlington, will open Bar Orange in the former Tonic space in Forest Hills — more recently the home of the short-lived Grass Fed expansion. Despite the name, it’ll be more restaurant than bar, featuring local ingredients and local microbrews.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Evergreen Eatery

154 Green St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

From the owners of JP Seafood Cafe comes a farm-to-table restaurant serving classic American diner food with some Latin, Caribbean, and Asian influences. There’ll be an express coffee and juice bar for customers in a hurry.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Evy Tea Bar

253 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

After a lengthy closure for renovations, Evy Tea Bar will reopen this spring with more seating, more draft lines, and more pastries.
Projected opening: May 2018

Juicygreens

57 South St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

This Jamaica Plain juice bar, located in the former Harvest Co-op space on South Street, will also serve toasts, salads, acai bowls, and more, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available.
Projected opening: May 2018

Little Dipper

669 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

Centre Street Cafe owners David Doyle and Mari Perez-Alers (who are also behind Casa Verde and Tres Gatos) have teamed up with Robyn McGrath and her wife Leila Asher to transform Centre Street Cafe into a space-themed all-day diner, serving dishes such as a fried chicken sandwich with dill-chive ranch dressing, blackened redfish with braised collard greens, and perhaps a fried shrimp po’ boy, as well as Centre Street’s house-made pasta (a favorite of Doyle’s young son). Centre Street will close at some point in May for the necessary renovations.
Projected opening: May/June 2018

Pikalo

3160 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

This Dominican empanada and sandwich spot already has one JP location (as well as one in Lawrence), but it’s expanding to JP’s Egleston Square.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Santia’s Bakery

3381 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

The forthcoming bakery’s online presence is full of decorative cakes. It’s connected to similarly named bakeries in the Bronx and in the Dominican Republic.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Wild Pops [NOW OPEN]

3212 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, Boston

Wild Pops’ popsicles can be found at various events and locations around town, but now its previously seasonal storefront has reopened too — and it will stay open year-round.
Opened: May 2, 2018

Mission Hill

Loaded tacos line a foil takeout tray — Chilacates tacos

Chilacates

The Tremont, 1480 Tremont St., Mission Hill, Boston

This acclaimed Jamaica Plain taqueria duo will open a third location, this time in Mission Hill. (It’s also expanding to Chestnut Hill in 2018. Plus, Chilacates owner Socrates Abreu is taking ownership of Grass Fed on Centre Street but doesn’t plan to make changes to the burger-and-boozy-shake joint.)
Projected opening: Early 2018

North End

Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli at Lovejoy Wharf

Alcove

131 Beverly St., North End/West End, Boston

Longtime Boston restaurant industry vet Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli (Island Creek Oyster Bar and more) is opening his own place within the Lovejoy Wharf condo building near TD Garden, right near the border of the North and West ends.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Tre Monte

76 Salem St., North End

Woburn Italian restaurant Tre Monte (with two sibling spots under the moniker Tre Monte Pizzeria in Tyngsborough and Lowell) will expand to Boston’s North End, taking over the former Limoncello 2 space. It’ll serve pasta and lots more, not to mention plenty of wine.
Projected opening: May 2018

Roslindale

Distraction Brewing Company

2 Belgrade Ave., Roslindale, Boston

A new brewery will take over the corner space that was once home to an Emack & Bolio’s ice cream shop.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Shaking Seafood

19 Poplar St., Roslindale, Boston

Another Vietnamese-Cajun seafood boil restaurant, which are growing in popularity in Boston. This one will have a variety of seafood (crab, lobster, shrimp, and more) and sauces from which to choose, as well as appetizers such as fried oysters and fried calamari. The restaurant will seat around 90 and may have live music.
Projected opening: May 2018

Roxbury

119

2302 Washington St., Bolling Building, Roxbury, Boston

Taking the place of Dudley Dough, this Dudley Square restaurant will serve pizza, soups, salads, and more, and it’ll have a full liquor license. Dudley Square manager Luther Pinckney is reportedly staying on to manage the new spot.
Projected opening: Early 2018

Backlash Beer Co.

152 Hampden St., Roxbury, Boston

This longtime contract brewer is in the process of opening up its own brewery and taproom. Retail sales began in September 2017, but there’s more permitting and construction that has to happen before the taproom debuts.
Projected opening: Mid-May 2018

Fasika Cafe [NOW OPEN]

51 Roxbury St., Roxbury, Boston

Befekadu Defar, owner of a longtime Ethiopian restaurant called Fasika in Somerville, has opened a Roxbury cafe that is “essentially a fast-casual extension of its sister restaurant,” serving egg dishes, salads, sandwiches, and more, along with American and Ethiopian coffees and teas. Defar eventually wants to get a beer and wine license.
Opened: Mid-March 2018

Soleil

Bolling Building, 2200 Washington St., Roxbury, Boston

One of several new restaurants in the works for Dudley Square, this one is replacing the Tasty Burger location that shuttered in early 2018. Soleil will serve sandwiches, salads, and food “with a Southern flavor.” Owner Cheryl Straughter was behind a Grove Hall restaurant called Keith’s Place in the 1990s, and this forthcoming restaurant is named for her granddaughter, whose middle name is Soleil, while also using the French word’s meaning (sun) as a metaphor for Dudley Square. “People don’t see it as a warm, bright, vibrant place to open a business,” Straughter told Eater. “Our goal is to crush that notion.” Projected opening: Late May 2018

Seaport District

Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe

101 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston

Harvard Square’s longtime specialty food shop and deli is expanding across the river to the Seaport, with everything from fancy salts to coffee and tea, as well as wine, beer, and some spirits. In addition to offering a wide-ranging retail selection, Cardullo’s Seaport location will serve breakfast and lunch sandwiches, as well as lunchtime cheese, charcuterie, and salads.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

D's Keys Dueling Pianos and Singalong Bar

391 D St., Seaport District, Boston

A dueling piano bar from dueling piano bar veterans. It’ll be located within the Element Hotel and will have seating for about 300. Songs will be performed by a couple pianists, plus accompanying bass, drum, and guitar players, and the song list will be based on audience requests. There will be some food available (primarily hot dogs), but the focus is on booze and music.
Projected opening: June 2018

South Boston

Backyard Betty’s

172-174 W. Broadway, South Boston

A forthcoming Southie restaurant that is related to Publico. It’ll serve “American classics and backyard cookout cuisine,” and the main attraction will be a wood-burning rotisserie smoker. There will also be “tableside wing service” and a cocktail that mixes rainbow sherbet with vodka.
Projected opening: May 2018

South End

Bar Lyon

1750 Washington St., South End, Boston

The newest restaurant from the Columbus Hospitality Group (Mistral, Mooo...., Ostra, etc.) will feature Lyonnaise cuisine, from duck confit to saucisson, complemented by an all-French wine list. The restaurant, located a block from Toro in the South End, will seat around 60, making it fairly small compared to the rest of the group’s venues.
Projected opening: Spring 2018

Burro Bar

1357 Washington St., South End, Boston

The latest from the Alpine Restaurant Group (Painted Burro, Posto, and more) is a second Burro Bar location, which took over the La Motta’s space. There’s another Burro Bar in Brookline’s Washington Square. The South End one has over 100 tequilas and “splashes of influence from Baja and Oaxaca to Veracruz and Yucatan.”
Opened: May 2, 2018

Whaling in Oklahoma

645-647 Tremont St., South End, Boston

This is a new Japanese project from Ribelle’s Tim Maslow, in partnership with Boston restaurateur extraordinaire Brian Lesser. The name is tentative. It’s taking over the former spaces of Tremont 647 and Sister Sorel, which closed on April 1.
Projected opening: June 2018

West Roxbury

Cauliflower soup, Johnny’s Takeaway. — Cauliflower soup from Johnny’s Takeaway

Johnny’s Takeaway [NOW OPEN]

168 Spring St., West Roxbury, Boston

This takeout spot features heat-and-eat meals made from local, seasonal ingredients by chef Johnny Burke, who has worked at Barbara Lynch’s Butcher Shop, as well as the now-defunct Belly Wine Bar and T.W. Food. Johnny’s Takeaway is located in the former BakerBaker space.
Opened: April 2, 2018

The Squealing Pig

1885 Centre St., West Roxbury, Boston

Eat with Jack O’Neill is rebranding into the Squealing Pig to match its siblings in Boston’s Mission Hill and Provincetown.
Projected opening: Early May 2018

A Sneak Peek Beyond Spring 2018

As noted above, opening timelines can change drastically, but here’s what we know so far about openings currently slated for summer and fall 2018, as well as a few planned 2019ers and some mysterious openings that could happen any day now — or three years from now. As always, hit up the tipline with any intel on upcoming openings; this list will be updated frequently.

Summer 2018

Meatballs sit in a glossy hot dog-style roll on a metal tray that’s covered with a white placemat with a lot of text on it in a modern font. There’s plasticware on the tray, which sits on a white table. — Pesto “meatball” sub at By Chloe

A&B Burgers (The Beverly, 101 Beverly St., West End, Boston): The North Shore’s A&B Burgers — which first opened in Salem before moving to its current Beverly location — will expand to Boston proper soon, coincidentally in a building called the Beverly. While the full-service restaurant does feature burgers, there’s a lot of other food on the menu as well. And milkshakes. Projected opening: September 2018
By Chloe (399 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston): This New York-based, fast-casual chain is entirely vegan. There are two Boston locations already (Fenway and Seaport). The forthcoming Back Bay location, which will include a seasonal patio, will be steps from the Public Garden. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Carrot Flower (703 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston): This smoothie and salad bar will also serve juices, soups, nut milks, and more. Projected opening: July 2018
Cava (667 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston): This rapidly expanding DC-based fast-casual Mediterranean chain opened in Fenway in January 2018 and Dedham in March 2018, and it’s also coming to Hingham in summer 2018 and Cambridge’s Kendall Square in fall 2018. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Chickadee (Innovation and Design Building, 17-25 Drydock Ave., Seaport District, Boston): This waterfront project, named for the state bird, will emphasize New England ingredients. Ted Kilpatrick and John DaSilva are behind it, both alums of No. 9 Park. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston): The upscale steakhouse chain, which has a Boston location in the Seaport District, will expand to the Pru’s ground floor with a massive 17,000-square-foot location that will seat 450. There will be a seasonal patio as well. Projected opening: Second half of 2018 (so maybe summer, maybe not)
Fuku (One Seaport, 43 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston): David Chang’s NYC-based casual chicken joint — sibling to Momofuku, Milk Bar, and more — is expanding to Boston’s Seaport District with spicy fried chicken sandwiches, slushies, and other items. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Intelligentsia (225 Franklin St., Downtown Boston): The Chicago-based coffee roaster will open its second Boston-area “coffeebar” — the first in Boston proper — on the ground floor of the State Street Bank building. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Kamakura (150 State St., Downtown Boston): Contemporary kaiseki cuisine — high-end, multi-course Japanese meals featuring seasonal ingredients — from Youji Iwakura (Snappy Ramen, Uni, Basho). Projected opening: Summer 2018
Love Art Udon (1024 Commonwealth Ave., Packard’s Corner, Boston): This Love Art Sushi sibling will focus on udon and tempura, with a customizable bowl format. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Mercado Taco Bar (22 Merchants Row, Downtown Boston): Taking over the former Bertucci’s space near Faneuil Hall, this restaurant will serve tacos and more, drawing inspiration from beachside taco shacks in Mexico as well as New York City and Los Angeles street food. Ruben Leon and Manuel Rubio are behind it — respectively the founder and the marketing director for the Plaza Azteca restaurant chain (but Mercado Taco Bar will be run independently of the chain). Projected opening: Late summer 2018
Mighty Love Food (155 Milk St., Downtown Boston): This restaurant intends to focus on vegetables — particularly New England produce — although there will be some meat on the menu as an optional add-on to bowls and salads. Most items will be steamed, baked, or slow-roasted. Projected opening: Mid-summer 2018
Nathálie (186 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston): The team behind Haley.Henry — an intimate, popular wine bar downtown — will open a Fenway wine bar on the first floor of the Pierce building, emphasizing female wine producers and old world varieties. There will be a small seasonal patio. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Serafina (237 Newbury St., Back Bay, Boston): The New York-based Italian chain expanded to Boston’s Financial District in 2015, and it’ll open on Newbury Street next, in the former Scoozi space. Projected opening: Summer 2018
Tender Greens (Copley Place, 100 Huntington Ave., Back Bay, Boston): This casual California chain first opened over a decade ago, expanding around the state, but it recently starting expanding eastward thanks to an investment by Shake Shack head honcho Danny Meyer. It opened in Chestnut Hill in April, and it’ll head to Boston’s Copley Place this summer, serving salads and more — sort of a mix of Sweetgreen and Dig Inn, per Eater NY. Projected opening: August 2018
Unnamed Liquid Art House replacement (100 Arlington St., Back Bay, Boston): Liquid Art House will transform into a new concept after renovations, possibly with a new name. (It closed in mid-November 2017.) A future West End location might be in the works as well. Projected openings: The original location will reopen around the end of June 2018, per late March Instagram posts documenting the renovations

Fall 2018

Brato Brewhouse food photo — A spread of potential food at Brato Brewhouse

In this section, we’re including restaurants that have announced plans to open specifically this fall as well as restaurants that have more vaguely given an estimate of 2018 or “by the end of 2018,” since those are most likely to be fall openings.

American Provisions (1961-1981 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, Boston): In the works for over a year, this expansion of Southie’s cheese, charcuterie, and specialty foods shop got delayed by a fire, but it’s still coming. Projected opening: Fall 2018
Blue Bottle (800 Boylston St., Back Bay; 100 Federal St., Downtown Boston): This Californian coffee chain opened a location in Harvard Square in winter 2017-2018, and two more will open in Boston proper this year. Projected opening: 2018
Bon Me (415-435 Brookline Ave., Longwood Medical Area, Boston): This growing local group of food trucks and restaurants — which features Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches, noodle bowls, and more — is expanding again. Projected opening: 2018
Brato Brewhouse & Kitchen (190 North Beacon St., Brighton, Boston): The forthcoming brewpub from Cambridge Brewing Company alums will be located not too far from the new Boston Landing development. Projected opening: Sometime in 2018; meanwhile, Brato is hosting a number of pop-up events
Bruno’s Brewery (24 Ericsson Street, Dorchester): A brewery from the brothers behind Boston Winery (Ralph and Vito Bruno), next to the winery. Projected opening: Fall 2018
Little Sheep Hot Pot (693 Washington St., Chinatown, Boston): A Mongolian hot pot restaurant affiliated with the similarly named Happy Lamb Hot Pot that has a Cambridge location. Projected opening: 2018
Night Shift Brewing (Lovejoy Wharf, North End/West End, Boston): The popular Everett brewery has a massive Boston proper expansion in the works that will include a taproom, a cafe, retail space, and production space. Expect food, coffee, and plenty of beer, including brews made exclusively at and for this location. Projected opening: October/November 2018
Santeria (10 Post Office Sq., Financial District, Boston): A Cuban restaurant, cigar bar, and members-only club from the team behind Yvonne’s, Ruka, and Lolita. Projected opening: By the end of 2018
Shore Leave (345 Harrison Ave., South End, Boston): The Bar Mezzana team is behind this forthcoming Tiki bar. Projected opening: Late 2018
Tatte Bakery & Cafe (360 Huntington Ave., Northeastern campus, Boston; Pier 4 development, Seaport District, Boston): Tatte’s ninth and 10th locations could open before the end of the year as the local cafe chain continues to expand. Next up: locations on Northeastern’s campus and at the forthcoming Pier 4 development in the Seaport District. Projected openings: September 2018 (Northeastern) and by the end of 2018 (Seaport)
Trillium Brewing Company (47 Farnsworth St., Fort Point, Boston): The popular brewery is moving its original location to a bigger space in the neighborhood, into a new development on Thompson Place that will include Bartaco, as noted above. The two-story Trillium space will include a brewpub with a full kitchen, bars on each floor, a retail section, room for private events, and two patios, one of which will be on the roof. Projected opening: Fall 2018
Wahlburgers (101 Allstate Rd., Dorchester, Boston): The Wahlbergs are finally coming home to Dorchester, bringing their ever-expanding burger chain to their hometown. It’ll be at the new South Bay Town Center development, along with several other restaurants. Projected opening: Fall 2018

2019

6 West Broadway hotel restaurant and rooftop bar (6 West Broadway, South Boston): Part of Meyer Jabara Hotels, this forthcoming South Boston hotel will have a restaurant as well as a rooftop bar. Projected opening: Early 2019
Sam Adams (60 State St., Downtown Boston): After the fall 2017 debut of a taproom at its longtime JP location, Sam Adams is now in final negotiations to expand to downtown Boston, taking over the former Hillstone space by Faneuil Hall. Projected opening: Second half of 2019
Time Out Market (401 Park Dr., Fenway): The Landmark Center is being converted into a new development, 401 Park Drive, which will be home to a food hall with roots in Lisbon. (A Miami location will open in 2018.) Time Out Market is owned by the same company behind Time Out media entities. Vendors have not yet been announced, but they’ll reportedly be local. Projected opening: 2019
Zuma (1 Dalton St., Back Bay, Boston): A London-based upscale Japanese restaurant that draws inspiration from izakayas and serves sushi, robata grill dishes, and more. It’ll be located in the One Dalton building. Projected opening: March 2019
Unnamed Kristin Canty project (In a new development at the former Anthony’s Pier 4 space, 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Seaport District, Boston): A farm-to-table project from the team behind Woods Hill Table in Concord. It could include a seasonal patio and may be open for lunch and dinner. Projected opening: 2019

Unknown

bartaco — Green-wrapped tacos at Bartaco

Akinto (1 Appleton St., South End, Boston): Once a residency at Wink & Nod, this Southeast Asian restaurant will eventually open in the former Merrill & Co. space next to Wink & Nod. It’s been in the works for quite some time. Parent company Boston Nightlife Ventures closed another restaurant, Tap Trailhouse, in March 2018, in part to focus on the upcoming Akinto opening. Projected opening: Unknown
Asian Noodle Soup (779 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston): Replacing Kamado Super Fusion and serving Asian noodle soups. Projected opening: Unknown
Bartaco (25 Thompson Pl., Fort Point, Boston): This East Coast chain is Barcelona Wine Bar’s more casual counterpart and serves tacos, rice bowls, poke, and more, along with a tequila-heavy booze selection. It’ll be near the forthcoming Trillium location, which is moving from its original Fort Point space. It may have two patios (front and side). Projected opening: Unknown
The Beat (Former Boston Globe printing plant, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester): The old Globe plant could become an office park with a food hall and other dining options. The developers are looking to attract a brewpub or restaurant, as well as food trucks that could “dock” outside, and the main atrium — once the three-story press room — could be a food hall. Projected opening: Unknown
Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar (Unknown location): This Canadian sports bar chain is slated to arrive in its namesake city in June 2018 in Fenway, but there’s also an unknown location that’ll come much later. Projected opening: 2020
The Bowery (2261 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, Boston): This project from Julian Bolger (Lucy’s American Tavern, Punk & Poet, more) is slated to replace Ester, which closed in February 2018. Projected opening: Unknown
Caffe Nero (114 New Edgerly Rd., Symphony/Fenway, Boston; Center Plaza, Downtown Boston): Yet another couple locations of the London-based cafe chain that is quickly spreading around the Boston. (It also opened in Brighton Center in spring 2018.) Projected openings: Unknown
Casarecce (283 Hanover St., North End, Boston): The owners of an Italian restaurant in the North End, Pellino’s Ristorante, are opening something new in the former Pinkberry space nearby. Projected opening: Unknown
Checkers & Rally’s (Unknown locations): The company behind two branded drive-thru chains, Checkers and Rally’s, plans to bring its Massachusetts presence from zero to 50 quickly. Stay tuned for Monsterella Stix, shakes, burgers, and more at “upwards of 50” locations in the Boston area soon. Projected opening: Unknown
Chowstirs (524 A St., Fort Point, Boston?): When Ming Tsai announced that he would close Blue Ginger in Wellesley, he also mentioned a forthcoming fast-casual restaurant, Chowstirs, that could open downtown eventually, featuring customizable stir-fry dishes. A blank Facebook page lists a Fort Point address. (In the meantime, out-of-town stir-fry chain Honeygrow and its little sibling Minigrow are gaining ground in Boston.) Projected opening: Unknown
Delicias 100% Express (660A Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston): The fast-casual sibling of 100% Delicias, a Dominican restaurant in Roslindale. The Jamaica Plain spot will focus on cativias, which are similar to empanadas but made with cassava flour, as well as ceviche, mofongo, and more. There will be some vegan and vegetarian options, too. Projected opening: Unknown, but it had originally been aiming for mid-January 2018
Dôa (Unknown location): Restaurateur Arjun Waney, who has venues in Miami, London, and beyond, plans to open a casual “LatAsian” restaurant in Boston, serving nikkei- and chifa-inspired dishes (Japanese-Peruvian and Chinese-Peruvian, respectively) in a “true neighborhood setting.” A Miami location that opened in 2016 stays open until 5 a.m. and has a DJ booth, maki counter, and substantial patio. Projected opening: Unknown
Dos Toros Taqueria (Unknown location): New York-based, Northern California-inspired taqueria chain Dos Toros has lots of expansion planned — and Boston’s on its list. Projected opening: Unknown
Eddie V’s (800 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston): This national seafood chain is taking over the former P.F. Chang’s space at the Prudential Center. Projected opening: Unknown
Feng Shui (1924 Beacon St., Cleveland Circle, Brighton, Boston): Sushi, hibachi, and Chinese food from a restaurant group with locations in Chelmsford, Waltham, Cohasset, and Tyngsborough. (It’ll open in Burlington eventually as well.) Projected opening: Unknown
The Fourth Wall (228 Tremont St., Theater District, Downtown Boston): Reportedly replacing Intermission Tavern, which has been open since 2005 in the former Charlie Flynn’s space. Shares connections with Union Street Restaurant and Bar in Newton. Projected opening: Unknown
Gyu-Kaku (101 Allstate Rd., Dorchester, Boston): An international Japanese barbecue chain with hundreds of locations (including one in Brookline and one in Cambridge) will expand to Dorchester’s under-development South Bay Town Center. Projected opening: Unknown
The Halal Guys (Multiple locations): The New York City chain debuted in Boston’s Theatre District in late summer 2017. Coming up next: locations in the Financial District, West End, Back Bay, and Downtown Crossing (as well as Cambridge’s Porter Square). Exact addresses and opening timelines haven’t been announced yet. Projected openings: Unknown
Isshindo (1 Brighton Ave., Allston, Boston): This ramen restaurant — tagline: “ramen with a soul” — will replace the recently shuttered Pikaichi Ramen (which is relocating to Medford) at Super 88. Projected opening: Unknown
J.P. Licks (101 Allstate Rd., Dorchester, Boston; 397 W. Broadway, South Boston): The Jamaica Plain-based ice cream chain will open a new location at the under-development South Bay Town Center in Dorchester and in the space of a former beauty salon in Southie. Projected openings: Unknown, but hiring for the South Bay location as of March 2018, so that one will probably be sooner rather than later
Kelly’s Roast Beef (Logan Airport, 1 Harborside Dr., East Boston): The decades-old regional roast beef chain — which currently has locations in Revere, Medford, Danvers, and Saugus — may open a location at the airport. Projected opening: Unknown
La Colombe (250 West Newton St., Back Bay, Boston): The Philadelphia-based coffee roaster and cafe chain already has two Boston locations (in the Leather District and the Seaport District), and a Back Bay one is coming up next. Projected opening: Unknown
La Dolda (Unknown address): Formerly an Austin pasta shop, La Dolda is coming up to Boston. It’ll begin as a wholesale business, but the owner plans to open a retail shop and hopefully a small pasta bar at some point in the future. Projected opening: Unknown timeline for the shop and pasta bar, but the wholesale business could start in winter 2017-2018, with owner Matteo Gallizio calling summer 2018 the “worst-case scenario”
Mallorca (610 Tremont St., South End, Boston): A Puerto Rican bakery in the former space of a drug store that was around for decades. Projected opening: Unknown
Midici (101 Allstate Rd., Dorchester, Boston): This Neapolitan pizza chain has one local location in Somerville and will eventually expand to Dorchester as well, part of the under-development South Bay Town Center. Projected opening: Unknown
New Yorker Fried Chicken (1251 River St., Hyde Park, Boston): A slightly renamed chicken takeout spot, under new ownership. The old ownership had a bit of a fraud scandal. Projected opening: Unknown
Pig ‘N Whistle Diner (226 N. Beacon St., Brighton, Boston): A diner that has been closed for 15 years might get resurrected without too many changes. Projected opening: Unknown
Pink Taco (Unknown location in the Seaport District or Fort Point): Founded in Vegas but headquartered in Los Angeles, the Pink Taco has a few expansions in the works, and Boston is on the list. The name has caused some raised eyebrows in other cities. Projected opening: Unknown
The Quiet Few (331 Sumner St., East Boston): A casual restaurant and bar slated for the space briefly occupied by East Boston Kitchen in 2014 (and vacant since then). Projected opening: Unknown
New City Microcreamery (Unknown location, Boston area): This popular ice cream shop way out in Hudson — which features ice cream made with liquid nitrogen — has its eyes on expansion closer to Boston and may pop up around the area in summer 2018 while scouting locations. Projected opening: Unknown
Rhythm ‘n Wraps (1096 Commonwealth Ave., Packard’s Corner, Boston): A brick-and-mortar space for a food truck that serves vegetarian wraps and curries. Projected opening: Unknown
Second Cup Coffee Company (97 Causeway St., West End, Boston): This Canadian cafe chain has plans to open right near TD Garden. Projected opening: Unknown
The Sip & Spoke Bike Kitchen (611 Columbia Rd., Uphams Corner, Dorchester, Boston): Repair your bike; drink coffee. Projected opening: Unknown
Sons of Boston (19 Union St., Downtown Boston): This is reportedly the name of the place that will take over the Tap Trailhouse space. The Tap Trailhouse, formerly the Tap, closed in March 2018. Projected opening: Unknown
Southern Kin (Unknown location): Boston Nightlife Ventures (Wink & Nod, the forthcoming Akinto, and more) is opening a second location of its Somerville restaurant, Southern Kin. Projected opening: Unknown
Tawakal Halal Cuisine (Unknown location, possibly in East Boston): As of late 2017, Yahya Noor was seeking a lease in either East Boston or Chelsea to revive his shuttered Somali restaurant, which used to be located above the Victory Pub, which is now Renegade’s Pub, in Orient Heights. Projected opening: Unknown
Xi’an Famous Foods (Location unknown): The popular New York City-based restaurant group known for its Xi’an-style hand-pulled noodles has been talking about Boston expansion since 2012. As of November 2017, a Boston-area lease is almost finalized. Projected opening: Unknown
Wen’s Yunnan Noodle & Ramen (145 Tremont St., Downtown Boston): A Newbury Street restaurant that specializes in Chinese “crossing-the-bridge” noodles will expand to a location steps from the Common. Projected opening: Unknown
Unnamed Amici replacement (111 N. Washington St., North End, Boston): Nick Frattaroli of Ward 8, North Square Oyster, and Bodega Canal is opening “an Italian concept” in the former Amici space. Projected opening: Unknown
Unnamed Chris Parsons project (Location unknown): In partnership with Brian Lesser, Chris Parsons (formerly of Steel & Rye; more recently at Fat Hen) will open a restaurant at an upcoming Boston hotel. The duo also recently launched a boozy business called Speakeasy Imports. Projected opening: Unknown
Unnamed Tavistock Restaurant Collection project (88-91 Commercial Wharf East, Waterfront, Boston): The group behind Joe’s American, Atlantic Fish, and Abe & Louie’s has purchased a burned out space on Commercial Wharf, right by one location of Joe’s, but has not yet announced details regarding what they plan to open there. Projected opening: Unknown

The Spring 2018 Restaurant Opening Guide: Boston Proper

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Kung Fu Tea [NOW OPEN]

Pot Bar [NOW OPEN]

Rabottini’s Pizza (Long-term pop-up)

Bartleby’s Seitan Stand (Truck) [NOW OPEN]

Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood [NOW OPEN]

Minigrow [NOW OPEN]

Caffe Nero [NOW OPEN]

The Bacon Truck [NOW OPEN]

Charlestown Tea & Treats [NOW OPEN]

Wahlburgers (Truck) [NOW OPEN]

The Ghost Walks [NOW OPEN]

Magnolia Bakery [NOW OPEN]

Minigrow [NOW OPEN]

Rebel’s Guild [NOW OPEN]

Spyce [NOW OPEN]

Two Saints Tavern and Dos Diablos [NOW OPEN]

Wild Pops [NOW OPEN]

Fasika Cafe [NOW OPEN]

Johnny’s Takeaway [NOW OPEN]

The Squealing Pig

A Sneak Peek Beyond Spring 2018

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