clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Back Bay Beats
Back Bay Beats
Sarah Storrer for Eater

70+ Restaurants Opened Around Boston in Winter 2017

Want to check out all the newest Boston-area restaurants? Here's what opened from December 21, 2016 to March 19, 2017.

View as Map
Back Bay Beats
| Sarah Storrer for Eater

Want to check out all the newest Boston-area restaurants? This map chronicles everything that opened (or reopened) in and around Boston between December 21, 2016 and March 19, 2017.

Over the course of the season, there were more than 70 openings around Boston proper, Cambridge (particularly Central Square), Somerville, and beyond. Quincy, in particular, was busy with three winter openings right in Quincy Center (Fuji at West of Center, Pho Pasteur, and Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar). Melrose also saw a couple openings in the winter — T'ahpas 529 and My Diner (which relocated from South Boston) — as did Maynard (Brook Kitchen & Tap and Battle Road Brew House).

Within Boston, the openings were scattered around geographically — one each in Fort Point, Allston, the Leather District, Chinatown, the South End, Jamaica Plain, and Charlestown; a couple in Dorchester; three each in South Boston and around Kenmore/Fenway; four each downtown and in the Seaport District; and six in Back Bay.

This new crop of openings represents numerous cuisines, including Italian, Vietnamese, French, Spanish, Cape Verdean, Hawaiian (so much poke), and more. Many of the new restaurants are fast-casual establishments, including Saloniki, Manoa Poke Shop, Oat Shop, Aceituna Grill, Chilacates, Tikkaway Grill, and By Chloe.

It was a popular season for expansions of existing local restaurant groups, either with new concepts or new locations of an existing concept. The Highland Kitchen team took over and reopened the shuttered East Coast Grill; Alba added a neighbor and sibling called Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar; Saloniki hopped across the river from Boston to Cambridge with a second location; the owner of Nijiya and Hoshi-ya opened New Sushi, Inc.; Aceituna Grill expanded from Kendall to the Seaport; Al's Cafe expanded from downtown Boston to Cambridge's Technology Square; Loui Loui expanded from Stoneham (and Fort Lee, NJ) to Allston; the Yoki team in Medford opened a fast-casual version, Yoki Express, in the Seaport District; three new B.Good locations opened in former Boloco spaces; Molly Moo's Ice Cream & Cafe now has a coffee shop sibling, Molly's Farmhouse Coffee; Stone L'Oven Pizza Co. opened a third location; Somerville's Painted Burro spawned a little sibling in Brookline, Burro Bar; the Roxy's Grilled Cheese and Area Four teams collaborated to create Roxy's Central / A4cade; the Catalyst Restaurant team opened Catalyst Cafe nearby; Golden Garden expanded from Belmont to Malden; Chilacates expanded from one part of Jamaica Plain to another; the Bambolina team opened Kokeshi; the team behind Vejigantes, Merengue, and Doña Habana opened La Fábrica Central; Jason Santos (Back Bay Harry's, Abby Lane) opened Buttermilk & Bourbon; Amelia's Trattoria got a new sibling, Sulmona; and there were two Vietnamese restaurant expansions between Quincy and Boston — Pho Countryside expanded from Quincy to Kenmore Square, and Pho Pasteur expanded from Chinatown to Quincy.

Meanwhile, 11 out-of-state chains expanded to the Boston area this season: Austin's Verts Mediterranean Grill, which opened its second Boston location, this one in Back Bay; Philadelphia's City Tap House, now open in Fort Point; Philly Pretzel Company, with its first Massachusetts location now open in Revere; By Chloe, now open in the Seaport District; Tilted Kilt, a "breastaurant" that invaded Fenway; Caffe Nero, a European coffee chain that has been opening up a ton of Boston-area locations, most recently in Brookline's Washington Square; Florida-based Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, which now has five Massachusetts locations; Ruth's Chris Steak House, now open in Waltham; New York City's Juicy Spot Cafe, now open in Boston's Chinatown; The Simple Greek, a fast-casual Mediterranean chain that originally started outside of Pittsburgh; and Biryani Pot, a Hyderabadi chain based in Texas that now has a Framingham location.

Connecticut's Love Art Sushi, Connecticut's Tikkaway Grill, and New Hampshire's Fat Biscuit both expanded here as well, but the Boston-area openings are only the second locations for each company.

A few restaurants popped up from first-time owners, too, including Manoa Poke Shop, Pagu, Publico Street Bistro & Garden, and Bistro Duet.

Something missing? Hit up the Eater Boston tipline. This map was originally published January 12, 2017 and updated throughout winter 2017; the date of most recent update appears above. Note that restaurants are listed in alphabetical order, not ranked.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Aceituna Grill

Copy Link

After more than a decade serving up Mediterranean food in Cambridge's Kendall Square, Aceituna Grill has expanded across the river to the Seaport District, bringing fast-casual pita roll-ups, tabbouleh, and more to the busy lunch crowds. Check out the menu.

Al's Cafe

Copy Link

Open only on weekdays and only for lunch, Al's Cafe is serving up hot and cold subs, salads, and soups in Technology Square. (Try a bag lunch — a small sandwich, chips, and a soda — for $9, or swap in a soup for the chips for an extra dollar.) There are two locations in downtown Boston as well.Check out the menu.

Al's on South Street/Facebook

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

Copy Link

This Florida-based pizza chain counts NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino among its partners. This is one of five Massachusetts locations, joining older ones in Littleton, Reading, Northborough, and Westwood. As the name suggests, the specialty is coal-fired pizza, cooked at 800 degrees and featuring a charred, crispy crust.Check out the menu.

Facebook

B.Good (Natick)

Copy Link

Now approaching 60 locations, the local fast-casual burger-and-grain-bowl chain has taken over a former Boloco location in Natick, one of several Boloco-to-B.Good switches.Check out the menu.

B.Good (Northeastern)

Copy Link

And another Boloco-to-B.Good switch happened this season, too.Check out the menu.

A B.Good location/Facebook

B.Good (Wellesley)

Copy Link

Yep, yet another Boloco-to-B.Good switch.Check out the menu.

Back Bay Beats (B3)

Copy Link

Located inside a new Berklee building, this restaurant features live music nightly. The menu is Southern-inspired but with some other influences from near and far, courtesy of Hungry Mother alum Nicolas Swogger.Check out the menu.

Sarah Storrer for Eater

Battle Road Brew House

Copy Link

While the Battle Road brewery has been in existence for about five years, its brew pub — which itself has been in the works for a couple of years — has arrived. The 12,000-square-foot space fits 250 people and includes a full restaurant, a tap room, and private tasting rooms, as well as patio seating.Check out the menu.

Facebook

Biryani Pot

Copy Link

Hyderabadi cuisine, including biryani and more, from a small Texas-based chain.Check out the menu.

Bistro Duet

Copy Link

The longtime Flora space — once the Arlington Five Cent Savings Bank — is now home to Bistro Duet, a modern French restaurant. Owners Cyrille Couet and Wayne Duprey worked together at the InterContinental Hotel Boston. At Bistro Duet, they're serving bouillabaisse, lobster ravioli, coq au vin, and more.Check out the menu.

Brick & Ash

Copy Link

This new sibling to The Poynt in Newburyport and The Cottage in Wellesley and Chestnut Hill (plus La Jolla, California) serves comfort food and barbecue. The space features pool tables, dual bars, darts, and more.Check out the menu.

Burro Bar

Copy Link

Somerville's Painted Burro now has a little sibling in the former Ribelle space in Brookline's Washington Square. On the menu: lots of tacos, lots of tequila, and more.Check out the menu.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Buttermilk & Bourbon

Copy Link

Jason Santos' new project, located in the former BarLola space, is inspired by New Orleans and features a colorful, moody ambiance. Checks arrive stabbed into voodoo dolls, and the menu includes beignets, raw bar items, fried chicken, and more.Check out the menu.

Maria DeNapoli for Buttermilk & Bourbon

By Chloe

Copy Link

This 100% vegan chain comes from New York City and will expand to Boston's Fenway area later in the year, but for now, the Seaport District location (which opened in late February 2017) is Massachusetts' only By Chloe, serving up vegan versions of burgers, lobster rolls, ice cream, and a whole lot more.Check out the menu.

Sarah Storrer for Eater

Caffe Nero

Copy Link

The ever-expanding European cafe chain now has a Washington Square location, its 11th in Massachusetts.

Twitter

Catalyst Cafe

Copy Link

From the team behind Catalyst Restaurant, also in Kendall Square, comes Catalyst Cafe, a weekday spot for breakfast bowls, sandwiches, smoothies, and more.Check out the menu.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Chilacates

Copy Link

Popular, tiny JP taco shop Chilacates now has a bigger sibling elsewhere in JP (located in the short-lived Pink Samurai space). Burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more.Check out the menu.

Churrascaria Vulcão

Copy Link

This new 46-seat Fields Corner spot serves a blend of Cape Verdean and Portuguese cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner daily.Check out the menu.

City Tap House

Copy Link

This Philadelphia-based restaurant focuses on craft beers and comfort food. It debuted on the edge of Boston's Fort Point and Seaport District on New Year's Eve with a beer list 100-strong and a menu full of wood-fired pizzas, chicken and waffles, and lots more. There are also two locations in Philly, one in DC, and one in West Palm Beach, Florida.Check out the menu.

Provided

Coco Leaf

Copy Link

This cafe specializes in Vietnamese desserts, particularly chè, a dessert "soup" with ingredients such as coconut milk, jack fruit, tapioca, and pandan jelly. Also on the menu: sweet and savory crepes, bubble tea, and more. Chef/co-owner Pete Om is an alum of O Ya and Spain's acclaimed El Celler de Can Roca. Check out the menu.

Facebook

CraftRoots Brewing

Copy Link

Milford's first brewery, CraftRoots, now has a taproom. Co-owner Maureen Fabry has worked at Brew Moon, John Harvard's, Boston Beer Works, and Berkshire Brewing Company.Check out the beer list.

East Coast Grill

Copy Link

After thirty years serving up seafood, barbecue, and ultra-spicy feasts in Cambridge's Inman Square, East Coast Grill (no longer under its original ownership) shuttered in early January 2016. But in early January 2017, it returned, now under the ownership of the Highland Kitchen team. The new East Coast Grill's name and vibe have stayed the same, and there are some familiar dishes on the menu, but it's got a fresh coat of paint, some new energy, and other fun surprises.Check out the menu.

Fat Biscuit Southern Table + Taps

Copy Link

This Southern-inspired restaurant out of North Conway, New Hampshire expanded to Lynnfield this season, serving up, among other things, hearty sandwiches on fat biscuits.Check out the menu.

Inside the New Hampshire location/Facebook

Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille

Copy Link

The Nix's Mate space inside the Hilton hotel is now home to Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille, serving up lobster ceviche and other raw bar options; seafood entrees; pizzas; and more.

Finesse Pastries @ Boston Public Market

Copy Link

Founded in Manchester, NH, this purveyor of macarons (and more) now has a permanent stall at the Boston Public Market (after popping up there for several months). In addition to macarons, Finesse makes cream puffs, eclairs, and other treats.

Check out the macaron flavor list.

Frenchie Wine Bistro

Copy Link

This cozy Parisian-inspired wine bar features cheese and charcuterie; snacks such as escargot toast, onion soup, and drumstick coq au vin; and larger entrees, such as a salt-crusted branzino for two.Check out the menu.

Facebook

Fuji at West of Chestnut

Copy Link

The J.P. Fuji Group, which has a number of Japanese fusion restaurants with variations of the Fuji name, as well as several other venues, has added another Fuji to its roster, this one at the new West of Chestnut development in Quincy Center. This location features a 12-seat private dining room for guests who want to order the omakase, the chef's tasting menu.

Check out the menu.

Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe

Copy Link

One of the only places to get Xi'an-style hand-pulled noodles around here, Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe added a third location this winter, this one in Westford. (Gene's is also open in Woburn and Boston proper. The original location, now closed, was in Chelmsford. The Boston location is on the Eater 38.)Check out the menu.

Golden Garden

Copy Link

This Chinese restaurant also has a location in Belmont. On the menu: Sichuan dishes, a variety of dumplings, noodle soups, and more.Check out the menu.

Fast-casual Greek food hits Newbury Street with the opening of Gre.Co, which serves up a variety of loukoumades (Greek-style doughnut holes), gyros, and more.Check out the menu.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Honey Honey Dessert Cafe

Copy Link

Located near the Malden Center MBTA stop, Honey Honey serves a variety of coffee and tea beverages, smoothies, ice cream, sandwiches, pastries, and more, along with a few savory items, such as chicken wings, dumplings, and wonton soup.Check out the menu.

Juicy Spot

Copy Link

This Thai-style rolled ice cream cafe has a couple older siblings in New York.Check out the menu.

Kokeshi

Copy Link

The team behind acclaimed "neo-Neapolitan" pizza restaurant Bambolina has opened a new spot a short walk away featuring their take on Asian street food, which includes dishes such as fried chicken ramen, octopus hot dogs, and more. Check out the menu.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

La Fábrica Central

Copy Link

Located in the former Moksa/Naga spaces, La Fábrica Central serves a menu that touches on Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Jamaica. Plus, there's live Latin jazz. The owners are also behind Vejigantes, Merengue, and Doña Habana.

Imagix Studio for La Fabrica

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar

Copy Link

After a few months of structural renovations, Lolita is back with its same sexy vibe and some new food and drink items, including a 10-piece Mexican fried chicken dinner, tequila shots poured tableside, and non-alcoholic agua frescas...which can be made alcoholic.Check out the menu.

Provided

Loui Loui

Copy Link

With one location in Stoneham, MA and another in Fort Lee, NJ, Loui Loui has expanded to Allston with Cajun-style seafood, boiled in a bag.Check out the menu.

Facebook

Love Art Sushi

Copy Link

This is the second location for Love Art Sushi; the first is located by the University of Connecticut. The restaurant serves poke-style bowls as well as "makirittos" — seafood snack wraps.

East Boston has a new restaurant for Italian and Latin American cuisine. Luna's is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with its coffee bar opening at 7 a.m. for coffee, sweets, and more.Check out the menu.

Manoa Poke Shop

Copy Link

A classic Hawaiian raw fish dish called poke has been spreading rapidly around the country in the past year or so, and Boston's no exception. One of the first fast-casual poke shops in town, Manoa, is now open on the Somerville side of the Porter Square area, serving up rice-and-seafood bowls, fried chicken, and more. Check out the menu.

Dana Hatic for Eater

Molly's Farmhouse Coffee

Copy Link

This Southie coffee shop is sibling to a Southie ice cream shop, Molly Moo's Ice Cream & Cafe. Molly's Farmhouse Coffee serves a variety of coffees, as well as breakfast sandwiches and other snacks.