Almost every upcoming summer opening in Boston proper is a new location of an existing brand. We'll see or have already seen the opening of two more Sweetgreens, two more Blaze Pizzas, and two more Clovers this season, as well as the first Massachusetts arrivals of out-of-town brands Dig Inn and Lady M. Beard Papa's has a new location, as do Mother Juice, Santouka Ramen, La Casa de Pedro, Sorelle Bakery & Cafe, Pressed, and Emma's Pizza. (Beard Papa's and Santouka have already opened; the rest are still on deck.) A new Wahlburgers opened at Logan Airport, and Downeast Cider House is expanding from Charlestown to East Boston.
Other groups are expanding with new concepts — the Trade team opened Porto; the team behind Brine and Ceia in Newburyport will open Oak + Rowan.
But also keep an eye out for a few brand new concepts, like Haley.Henry, Il Molo, Lucy's American Tavern, and Dorchester Brewing Company (which opened in mid-July).
Are we missing a summer Boston proper restaurant opening? Let us know; we'll be updating this guide frequently throughout the season. Want to see what's opening outside of Boston proper? Head right this way.
Originally published on June 21, 2016. Date of most recent update appears above.
Table Of Contents (all h2's added automatically)
Allston
Beard Papa's — NOW OPEN
This Japan-based bakery chain already had a local outpost in Chinatown, and it expanded to Allston this summer. It's the first store to open following a rebranding of the chain, so the interior looks different from existing shops. The specialty is cream puffs and other cream-filled pastries in a variety of flavors.
Address: 145 Brighton Ave.
Opening Date: Early July 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Rendering/Provided
Dumpling Kingdom — NOW OPEN
It's a dumpling trio: Dumpling Cafe (Chinatown) and Dumpling Palace (Cambridge) have a new sibling in Allston. In addition to a variety of dumplings, Dumpling Kingdom serves a wide-ranging selection of Chinese food.
Address: 137 Harvard Ave.
Opening Date: Mid-July 2016
Online: No web presence yet
Image credit: Provided
Iron Kitchen — NOW OPEN
This Asian fusion restaurant swiftly replaced Wabora Prime, which had only been open for about six months. Iron Kitchen serves dishes like beef, chicken, or pork with black pepper or teriyaki sauce; unagi rice; milk tea; and more.
Address: 164 Brighton Ave.
Opening Date: Late June 2016
Online: No web presence yet
Image credit: Google Maps
Back Bay
Dig Inn — NOW OPEN
A "farm-to-counter" chain based in New York, Dig Inn highlights local and seasonable ingredients in dishes called "marketplates," green- or grain-based combinations with various proteins and vegetables. This location is its largest yet and the first to serve breakfast items, such as parfaits, quinoa waffles, and frittatas. The restaurant has communal tables, an open kitchen, and seasonal outdoor seating. Dig Inn's Boston location serves Counter Culture coffee and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Featured Coverage
Meet Your Adorable New Back Bay Lunch Spot [Gallery]
Address: 557 Boylston St.
Opening Date: July 13, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: A location of Dig Inn/Facebook
Lady M Cake Boutique — NOW OPEN
With locations in Asia, Canada, and the United States, Lady M has built up a following for its baked goods, especially its signature crepe cakes. There are also cheesecakes, fruit tarts, and other sweets. Prior to the Boston opening, the company popped up at Chatime in Chinatown, where customers could order cakes. The Boston space is currently takeout only; there is no seating. Cakes are available whole and by the slice.
Address: 304 Newbury St.
Opening Date: June 24, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: A Lady M location/Official Site
Mother Juice
A business that began as a juice truck has expanded into a Kendall Square brick-and-mortar and a stand at Boston Public Market. Up next, a Newbury Street shop with an expanded menu of juice, smoothies, quinoa bowls, and lots more.
Address: 291 Newbury St.
Opening Date: July 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Kendall Square location/Katie Chudy for Eater
Porto — NOW OPEN
A high-end Mediterranean restaurant from the Trade team (Jody Adams, Eric Papachristos, Sean Griffing). Look for dishes like seafood stew, fried smelts, a lobster roll, and more. There's also a patio with a full bar. Jon Sanchez, an alum of Ames Street Deli and Study, is onboard as chef de cuisine, and Trade's Elissa Rae is general manager and overseeing the wine list.
Featured Coverage
Porto Will Be a Mediterranean Seafood Oasis in Back Bay [Gallery and Interview]
Address: 780 Boylston St.
Opening Date: July 11, 2016
Online: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: From left: Papachristos, Adams, Griffing/Provided
Santouka Ramen — NOW OPEN
About a year after opening its first Massachusetts location in Harvard Square, Japan-based Santouka announced an expansion to Back Bay. The space used to be home to Mentei. With seating for 16, it's smaller than the Harvard location, and as such, diners won't find a lot of non-ramen appetizers and entrees. The ramen offerings, however, will be more varied at the Back Bay location than at the larger Cambridge spot. A Seaport District location might be in the works next.
Featured Coverage
A Ramen 'Mothership' Touches Down in Back Bay This Month [Interview]
Address: 66 Hereford St.
Opening Date: June 26, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Image credit: Rendering of Back Bay storefront/Provided
Chinatown
Bao Bao Bakery — NOW OPEN
Shuttered for a couple of years, Bao Bao Bakery has moved across the street and reopened, courtesy of the Double Chin team. The shop sells barbecue pork turnovers, scallion buns, and lots more.
Address: 84 Harrison Ave.
Opening Date: July 16, 2016
Online: Facebook / Instagram
Image credit: Instagram
Dorchester
Dorchester Brewing Company
What was once the M.A. Peacard Co. sheet metal building will soon be a giant brewing space (25,000 square feet) with a "pretty sweet tasting room," complete with cornhole, backgammon, and other games. Co-founded by Todd Charbonneau, Matt Molloy, Travis Lee, and Holly Irgens, Dorchester Brewing Company will provide a collaborative environment for contract brewers.
Address: 1250 Massachusetts Ave.
Opening Date: July 21, 2016. Brewing began in late June.
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Facebook
Lucy's American Tavern
Coming soon to a former Hollywood Video space in Adams Village, Lucy's American Tavern — named for Lucy Stone, a Dorchester resident, suffragette, abolitionist, and the first Massachusetts woman to earn a college degree — will serve a gastropub-style menu at an "affordable" price point. Expect small snacks like pickled vegetables and mini corn dogs; starters like smoked wings and Mexican-style street nachos; burgers and sandwiches; and lots more. It will serve lunch and dinner to start, with brunch launching at a later date.
Featured Coverage
Lucy's American Tavern Will Bring American Comfort Food to Dorchester [Interview]
Address: 11 Granite Ave.
Opening Date: Summer 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Instagram
Image credit: Rendering/Facebook
Unchained Pizza
A February 2015 roof collapse in the building housing Unchained Pizza in Quincy shuttered the pizzeria, but the plaza is being rebuilt, and the restaurant could open by the end of 2016. Meanwhile, a new location is set to open this summer in Dorchester. Unchained offers a variety of pizza options, including gluten-free, as well as calzones, subs, wraps, and more.
Address: 960 William T. Morrissey Blvd. (The Marketplace on Morrissey)
Opening Date: Mid-July 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Image credit: Facebook
Downtown Boston
Blaze Pizza
This fast-casual, Chipotle-style pizza chain — in which basketball player LeBron James is an investor — touched down in Cambridge in spring 2016, and now two Boston proper locations are on deck for the summer. This one will be located at CityPlace in the Theatre Distrct.
Address: 1282 Boylston St.
Opening Date: Mid-September 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Blaze in Cambridge, MA/Facebook
Clover — NOW OPEN
Clover will continue to expand with two Boston proper locations this summer. This one, an 88-seat space in the Financial District, is located inside Boston's first high-rise building, once a shoe factory. It serves as the flagship Boston location and has some special features that other Clovers don't have, like a pop-up space inside (a raised area that has its own door and overlooks the restaurant). This location hosts CSA pick-ups four days a week from a number of farms.
Address: 160 Federal St.
Opening Date: July 1, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: CloverFIN under construction/Official Site
Levend Bagelry at the Boston Public Market — NOW OPEN
A familiar local brand that has been popping up at farmers markets around the area now has a stall at the Public Market. Owner Alex Jong serves sourdough bagels plain, in sandwich form, and as pizza bagels. One Levend bagel variety is called The Birdfeeder, a whole wheat sourdough bagel with hemp, flax, sunflower seeds, and oats.
Address: 100 Hanover St.
Opening Date: July 8, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Image credit: Facebook
Top Catch at Joe's Waterfront — NOW OPEN
Joe's American Bar & Grill has added a new seafood-focused concept on the second floor of its waterfront space. Open daily and with space for private events, Top Catch has raw bar options, chowder and bisque, fish & chips, and more.
Address: 100 Atlantic Ave.
Opening Date: June 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Instagram
Image credit: Facebook
Downtown Crossing
Haley.Henry
A "small, neighborhood wine bar" from Sportello alum Haley Fortier, Haley.Henry will feature imported tinned fish, "ceviche-style small plates," charcuterie, and cheese.
Address: 45 Province St.
Opening Date: Mid-July 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter Instagram
Image credit: Facebook
Luke's Lobster
This New York-based, Maine-inspired fast-casual chain will open its second Boston location this summer; the first is in Back Bay. This new one will be located in the former Cakeology space, where it'll serve up lobster rolls, chowder, grilled cheese, and more.
Address: 290 Washington St.
Opening Date: Summer 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Luke's Lobster in Back Bay/Katie Chudy for Eater
Sweetgreen
The DC-based, fast-casual salad chain keeps expanding its leafy green imprint on the Boston area. This summer, it'll open in Downtown Crossing and Fenway, followed by South End and Harvard Square in the fall.
Address: 87 Summer St.
Opening Date: Summer 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Sweetgreen in Chestnut Hill/Chris Coe for Eater
East Boston
Downeast Cider House
Downeast is expanding from Charlestown to East Boston's Boston Harbor Shipyard, ultimately expanding production by as much as a factor of ten. Once the new Eastie facility is up and running, the Charlestown one will be used for events, tours, and small-batch production, such as a barrel-aging program.
Address: 256 Marginal St.
Opening Date: September 1, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Downeast's new facility, under construction/Facebook
Wahlburgers — NOW OPEN
Owned by the notorious Wahlberg family, Wahlburgers has quickly grown from a single Hingham restaurant to a worldwide chain, with the first Boston proper location sprouting up near Fenway in fall 2015. The next local outpost to open — within many more on the way — was at Logan Airport early this summer.
Address: 1 Harborside Dr.
Opening Date: Late June 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Wahlburgers' original Hingham location/Facebook
Fenway
Blaze Pizza
This fast-casual, Chipotle-style pizza chain — in which basketball player LeBron James is an investor — touched down in Cambridge in spring 2016, and now two Boston proper locations are on deck for the summer. This one will be located in The Viridian, an apartment building near Fenway Park.
Address: 1282 Boylston St.
Opening Date: Mid-August 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: A Blaze location in Bakersfield, CA/Facebook
FoMu — NOW OPEN
Specializing in dairy-free, coconut milk-based ice cream, this growing local company is popping up next to the Regal Cinemas at Landmark Center from early July through at least September 30. The tiny takeout kiosk features "simple scoops of some of the most popular flavors." There are full locations in Allston, Jamaica Plain, and the South End, and there's another temporary pop-up like this one located in Inman Square through the end of July.
Address: 201 Brookline Ave.
Opening Date: July 6, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: FoMu in the South End/Facebook
Sweetgreen — NOW OPEN
The DC-based, fast-casual salad chain keeps expanding its leafy green imprint on the Boston area. This summer, it'll open in Downtown Crossing and Fenway, followed by South End and Harvard Square in the fall.
Address: 132 Brookline Ave.
Opening Date: July 2, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Sweetgreen in Fort Point/Katie Chudy for Eater
Fort Point
Oak + Rowan
Nancy Batista-Caswell, who owns Brine and Ceia in Newburyport, is opening her first Boston restaurant this summer: Oak + Rowan. Expect an "array of crudos," a caviar program, table-side liquor carts, and more. Brine's Justin Shoults is executive chef, and Brian Mercury is coming across the river from Harvest to be executive pastry chef.
Address: 319 A St.
Opening Date: Summer 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: 319 A St./Instagram
Longwood Medical Area
Clover
Clover will continue to expand with two Boston proper locations this summer. This one will have a 20-seat seasonal patio.
Address: 360 Longwood Ave.
Opening Date: July 21, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Screenshot from a CloverLMA construction video/YouTube
North End
Il Molo — NOW OPEN
Il Molo, "the dock" in Italian, opened in the former Davide space this summer. Donato Fratarolli (Lucia Ristorante) and his son Donato Jr. are behind the "serious seafood" spot, with Pino Maffeo (Sage, Lucia Winchester) as culinary director. The restaurant's Facebook page promises "New England-focused seafood with Italian/Mediterranean influences."
Address: 326 Commercial St.
Opening Date: Late July 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Image credit: Facebook
Seaport District
La Casa de Pedro
This classic Watertown spot offers big, meaty portions of Latin American food, many mojitos, and live music. Now, it's expanding to the Seaport, opening in the Waterside Place apartment building. The new location will span 10,000 feet and serve lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. There will also be live music at the second La Casa de Pedro.
Address: 505 Congress St.
Opening Date: September 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: La Casa de Pedro in Watertown/Official Site
Sorelle Bakery & Cafe
Sorelle first opened in Charlestown in 1989 before adding a new Charlestown location in 2003 and another in Boston's Atlantic Wharf in 2011. Next up, Boston's Seaport District. Opening this summer, the new location of the bakery & cafe group will serve a full range of coffee, tea, and other beverages, as well as breakfast and lunch options, including pastries, quiche, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Address: 100 Northern Ave.
Opening Date: Summer 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Image credit: Rendering of the new location/Facebook
South Boston
GrandTen Bar — NOW OPEN
GrandTen Distilling has opened a "still-to-glass" cocktail bar within its Southie distillery, where every drink contains items produced there. The lineup includes a mix of cocktails inspired by classics as well as original recipes. Bar manager Steve Schnelwar is an alum of Tavern Road and 80 Thoreau. The bar has small snacks, and food trucks are onsite on weekends and for special events. Moving forward, stay tuned for more additions to the space, including games, expanded seating, movie and trivia nights, and more.
Address: 383 Dorchester Ave.
Opening Date: July 8, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: GrandTen Distilling, before renovations/Facebook
South End
Aquitaine — NOW OPEN
After almost two decades, Aquitaine's South End location closed in late February for a few months of major renovations. This summer, it reopened with a refreshed look and menu.
Address: 569 Tremont St.
Reopening Date: July 13, 2016
Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Image credit: Aquitaine, post-renovation/Official Site
Emma's Pizza
Emma's Pizza in Cambridge, known for its ultra-thin-crust pizzas, is getting a new sibling in the former Mangia space in Boston's South End. The new location will serve slices and whole pizzas, and the focus will be on takeout and delivery, although there will be some counter seating and a seasonal patio. Emma's has been around since 1962 in various locations and under different owners, but the current Cambridge location (40 Hampshire St. in Kendall