From crab nachos in Central Square to bao in Harvard, crepe cakes in Back Bay to tinned fish in Downtown Crossing, we're tracking summer restaurant openings in Boston proper and beyond. We'll be updating this page frequently all summer long; check back for newly added restaurants, an expanded geographic radius, updated opening timelines, photo galleries, and more. Note that some regions with a large number of openings (Boston proper, Cambridge, Somerville) continue on to their own pages, so be sure to click "read more" for all the details.
Do you know of another upcoming opening somewhere in Massachusetts that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Want to go back in time and find out what opened last season? Head right this way.
Originally published on July 1, 2016. Date of the most recent update appears above.
Table Of Contents (all h2's added automatically)
Boston Proper
Almost every summer opening in Boston proper is a new location of an existing brand. We've seen or will soon see 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. (Santouka and Beard Papa's new locations have 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 just 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. (The latter opened in mid-July, and the others are still to come.) READ MORE >>>
Image credit: A menu test at Haley.Henry/Instagram
Arlington
Otto Pizza took over the former Comella's space at 202 Massachusetts Ave. in East Arlington; it opened on July 14, 2016. Looking further ahead, Flora, which closed this summer, will be replaced by a French restaurant called Financier around September 2016. And Evelyn & Angel's — a candy shop previously located near Porter Square —is moving to Arlington, but the current opening timeline is unknown. Know of another Arlington summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Pizza at Otto/Twitter
Brookline
Vermont export Worthy Kitchen could land in Brookline Village (202 Washington St.) in late summer or early fall 2016. Looking beyond summer, construction is underway at the new Union Square Donuts location (the former Wulf's Fish Market at 409 Harvard St.), and the team is aiming for an early fall opening. Plus, Wellesley restaurant Jin's Fine Asian Cuisine and Sushi is expanding to the former Mr. Sushi space in Coolidge Corner (329 Harvard St.), opening timeline unknown, and the shuttered Ribelle space (1665 Beacon St.) will eventually become The Burro Bar, little sibling to Somerville's The Painted Burro. Also, Somerville's shared culinary workspace Foundation Kitchen will open a new space at 6 Station St. in Brookline. If it's anything like the second Somerville space, it may have a variety of restaurant pop-up events, demonstrations, and more. And Magnolia Smokehouse is replacing Village Smokehouse at 6 Harvard Sq., timeline unknown. Know of another Brookline summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: "The Twenty Mile" burger at Worthy Kitchen in Woodstock, VT/Facebook
Cambridge
Get excited: Cambridge is full of really interesting restaurant openings this season. There's so much opening soon or already opened, from Ken Oringer's and Jamie Bissonnette's first restaurant on this side of the river (Little Donkey) to the much-anticipated Smoke Shop from Andy Husbands and Mamaleh's from the State Park crew. Michael Scelfo will be cooking up seafood and pizza at Waypoint soon, and of course there's the upcoming rebirth of East Coast Grill, helmed by Highland Kitchen owners Mark Romano and Marci Joy. Meanwhile, original East Coast Grill owner Chris Schlesinger is opening The Automatic with B-Side Lounge alum Dave Cagle. We're also likely to see the reopening of The Blue Room, Belly, and Beantowne Coffee House this season; they've been rebuilding ever since they were damaged in an August 2015 fire. READ MORE >>>
Image credit: Ribs at The Smoke Shop/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Chelsea
Slated for a mid-August opening, Chelsea Station is coming to the old Chelsea fire station on Everett Avenue with American bistro cuisine and 120 seats. It's owned by Mark Nadow (a Mystic Brewery investor) and Michael Sheridan (Wink & Nod alum). Also on deck for Chelsea, timeline unknown, is a brick-and-mortar location at 300 Eastern Ave. for Peabody-based catering company Big Pig BBQ. Know of another Chelsea summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Big Pig brisket/Facebook
Easton
One of Southeast Massachusetts' most beloved bar pizza purveyors has added a fourth location. Nearly 70-year-old Cape Cod Cafe opened a new location in Easton (690 Depot St. in the Shaw's Plaza) on June 30, 2016. The other locations are in Brockton, Raynham, and Bridgewater. Know of another Easton summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Bar pizzas at Cape Cod Cafe/Facebook
Essex
L'Espalier's Frank McClelland opened Riversbend at the Essex Marina in July 2016. The restaurant features "family-focused, farm-to-fork, wood-fired cooking," according to the website, and there were hints of pizza during the early planning stages. Know of another Essex summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Menu testing from last year/Facebook
Everett
Owned by husband-and-wife duo Jared and Liz Kiraly, Bone Up Brewing Company will debut its taproom this summer at 38 Norman St. Their beers "celebrate American styles while taking inspiration from old-school Belgian techniques," and some distribution has already begun. Know of another Everett summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: A Bone Up Brewing beer/Facebook
Framingham
Worcester's popular Volturno Pizza has had a location in the works near Framingham State for quite some time. Recent reports indicate that it's now headed for an August or September 2016 opening at 1 Edgell Rd. Plus, Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company is planning a mid-August opening in the former Jack's Abby space at 81 Morton St. Know of another Framingham summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Pizza at Volturno/Facebook
Hingham
John Brian Houlihan, co-owner of The Galley Kitchen & Bar in Scituate, is opening a similar restaurant called The Trident Galley & Raw bar in late August at the Hingham Shipyard (23 Shipyard Dr.) Houlihan also owns The Tinker’s Son in Norwell and Bia Bistro in Cohasset. Know of another Hingham summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Street corn at The Galley in Scituate/Facebook
Hyannis
Plymouth-based KKatie's Burger Bar is expanding to Hyannis — its third location — in July 2016, followed by a Quincy location later in the year. Know of another Hyannis summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: A burger from KKatie's Burger Bar/Facebook
Malden
Idle Hands Craft Ales, originally located in Everett, had to find a new home once casino construction gobbled up its space. The brewing company's new (larger) location celebrated a grand opening at 89 Commercial St. on July 7, 2016. There's seating for 60 — and yes, there are actual bathrooms. Know of another Malden summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Check Raise stout at Idle Hands/Facebook
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Former West Bridge chef/owner Matthew Gaudet is opening Superfine this summer at 25 Union St. — easily accessible from the commuter rail and Singing Beach. The family-friendly restaurant will be "festive, fun, and low-key," Gaudet previously told Eater, featuring "satisfyingly delicious familiar foods" like pizza and ribs. His focus is on sourcing great local ingredients. The pizza dough will be made with the West Bridge sourdough starter, and there will be other familiar items for West Bridge fans as well, including the ribs and the burger. Keep an eye out for events and workshops in the space as well. Know of another Manchester-by-the-Sea summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Menu testing for Superfine (pizza, steak, and more)/Instagram
Martha's Vineyard
The Covington opened in late June 2016 at 52 Main St., courtesy of Beetlebung Farm's Chris Fischer, along with restaurateurs Patrick and Ted Courtney. The Courtneys also own The Port Hunter across the street. The Covington's ingredients are sourced from Fischer's farm and other local spots. Know of another Martha's Vineyard summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: A dish at The Covington/Official Site
Maynard
The Whole House Group (29 Sudbury, Flank) will open Battle Road Brewing Company at the Mill & Main development this summer. (Brewing is expected to begin in July, with the opening following as soon as there's enough beer ready.) Expect pizza, wings, nachos, burgers, and more — and a lot of the food items will be made with beer. Know of another Maynard summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Midnight Rider Colonial Porter from Battle Road/Facebook
Medfield
Zebra's Bistro & Wine Bar closed in July 2016 to be revamped into a new, renovated concept from the same owner. The restaurant is called Nosh & Grog Provisions, and it opened in late July. It's intended to be a fun, more casual spot than Zebra's with dishes like fried chicken with ancient spices and fried cornbread; chicken skins with cucumber ranch tzatziki and Sriracha; and carnival-style fried dough. Know of another Medfield summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Goat cheese arancini at Zebra's, before the transformation/Facebook
Medford
After announcing Massachusetts expansion plans way back in 2008, Texas-based wing chain Wingstop has finally touched down in the area; it opened on July 27, 2016 at 678 Fellsway in Medford and will arrive in East Boston in fall 2016. Wings come in regular and boneless varieties, and there are also chicken tenders, all of which can be served in 11 different flavors, from teriyaki to atomic. Know of another Medford summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Wings at Wingstop/Facebook
Melrose
When T'ahpas 529 opens late this summer at 529 Franklin St., it will serve Spanish tapas and other small and large entrees with a wider Mediterranean influence, from traditional paella to whole fried fish. The team includes executive chef Erik Powers, previously sous chef at Post 390 and Grill 23, and owners Lorenzo and Emily Tenreiro, who also own La Qchara and Coffee Tea and Me. Know of another Melrose summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: T'ahpas 529 food/Facebook
Natick
A "cheese wheelin' and sandwich dealin'" quick-service grilled cheese spot called Cheesy Street Grill opened in June at two service plazas on the Mass. Pike, one in Natick (eastbound) and one in Westborough (westbound). The company also has a grilled cheese truck in Connecticut by the same name. Also on the menu: taco salads, mac and cheese, and cupcakes. Know of another Natick summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Grilled cheese with a mac and cheese topping at Cheesy Street Grill/Facebook
Needham
Mandarin Oriental and Liquid Art House alum Rachel Klein is opening her own place late this summer, probably in September. While RFK Kitchen will seat around 100, the main feature will be 20 counter seats looking into an open kitchen. "When I cook for my friends and my family, they always sit at my counter; it's how we eat," Klein previously told Eater. "I want to create this interactive place for ideas and communication. People don't really eat at the dining room table anymore like they used to, sharing their day or their ideas. Now everybody goes out to eat all the time." The restaurant, located at 948 Great Plain Ave., will serve lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Know of another Needham summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Arctic char, a potential dish at RFK Kitchen/Facebook
Newton
The Savage Wiener has launched a pop-up within Sandwich Works (827 Beacon St.), offering up hot dogs and muffin tops. It will stay there indefinitely but may eventually get a standalone space somewhere. Plus, Central is open nearby (761 Beacon St.) with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Know of another Newton summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Hot dogs from The Savage Wiener/Facebook
North Attleborough
Aerosmith memorabilia, crazy dragon signage, and caffeine — all in one place. Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer and business partners Ron Mann and Frank Cimler are behind Rockin' & Roastin' Cafe (as well as the Rockin' & Roastin' coffee brand), which opened at 551B S. Washington St. on July 1, 2016. Know of another North Attleborough summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: A Rockin' & Roastin' mug/Facebook
Northborough
Tío Juan’s Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, aka Margaritas, will open at 10006 Shops Way (at Northborough Crossing) on August 16, 2016. It's the eighth Massachusetts location for the chain, which has been around for over three decades. This location will be the first to open with a new design scheme that features a large bar and artwork sourced from Mexico. Know of another Northborough summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: A margarita at Margaritas/Provided
Plymouth
Plymouth's Café Roo opened a second location this summer; the original is in Cordage Park, and the new one is in The Pinehills. The cafes serve breakfast and lunch, offering up breakfast sandwiches, stuffed French toast, smoothies, and more. Know of another Plymouth summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Cinnamon buns at Café Roo/Facebook
Rockport
Feather & Wedge will open this summer at 5 Main St., taking over the former spaces of a gallery and retail shop. The restaurant will seat 50 and feature foods made from ingredients sourced from around the area. Know of another Rockport summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: A Feather & Wedge tasting/Instagram
Salem
A modern Italian restaurant called Trattoria Orsini opened on July 20, 2016 in the former Grapevine space (26 Congress St.) with 90 seats inside and 90 on a seasonal patio. Notch Brewing Co., which had been contract-brewing out of different facilities for over five years, also opened in mid-July at 283 Derby St. in downtown Salem. It includes a 1,000-square-foot European-style beer garden. Looking forward, keep an eye out for a Worcester coffee shop called Brew on the Grid; the owner is eyeing massive expansion plans over the next few years, and Salem is on the radar. Know of another Salem summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Infinite Jest from Notch Brewing/Facebook
Sandwich
A new seafood-focused restaurant and market called Fishermen’s View is set to open in July at 20 Freezer Rd., owned by brothers Bob and Denny Colbert, who have been fishing out of the Sandwich Marina for decades. The "boat-to-table" restaurant will feature marina and canal views. Know of another Sandwich summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Jonah crab at Fishermen's View/Instagram
Somerville
It may turn out to be a quiet opening season in Somerville, but we've got a few things on deck, including tiny Italian restaurant Fat Hen inside of La Brasa's former market space. Plus, Veggie Crust, a pizza and ice cream shop with vegan and vegetarian options, will open in the former A4 Pizza space. (Veggie Crust's sibling, Dosa N Curry, is right next door.) And a Teele Square location of Coolidge Corner board game cafe Knight Moves is open as of early July 2016. READ MORE >>>
Image credit: Garden veggie pizza at Veggie Crust/Facebook
Waltham
A year-old Italian restaurant in Waltham, Brelundi, added a second location nearby in late July 2016. The new Brelundi is located inside the historic Watch Factory on the Charles River (185 Crescent St.) and serves the same menu as the original location (pizza, panini, pasta, etc.), plus beer and wine. Know of another Waltham summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Pizza at Brelundi/Facebook
Wayland
Open since 1930, Coach Grill was forced to temporarily shutter in mid-April 2016 due to a small fire. It reopened in early July with a restored kitchen; the dining room was unaffected by the fire. It's part of the Tavistock Restaurant Collection, which also owns Abe & Louie's, Atlantic Fish Co., Joe's American Bar & Grill, and more. Know of another Wayland summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Chocolate cake at Coach Grill/Facebook
Wellesley
London-based coffee shop chain Caffe Nero will open a new location at the Wellesley Hills station in late August or early September 2016. Looking beyond summer, two Boston juice bars are expanding to Wellesley — Cocobeet (57 Central St. in Wellesley Square) and Thirst Juice Co. (53 Grove St.) Know of another Wellesley summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Iced tea at Caffe Nero/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Westborough
A "cheese wheelin' and sandwich dealin'" quick-service grilled cheese spot called Cheesy Street Grill opened in June at two service plazas on the Mass. Pike, one in Natick (eastbound) and one in Westborough (westbound). The company also has a grilled cheese truck in Connecticut by the same name. Also on the menu: taco salads, mac and cheese, and cupcakes. Know of another Westborough summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Beef short rib grilled cheese at Cheesy Street Grill/Facebook
Winthrop
Bambara alum Jay Silva purchased JW's Winthrop (10 Putnam St.) and took the helm at the beginning of July 2016. Over the next few months, he'll be transforming it into "two restaurants for the price of one," with part of the space as a casual, takeout-oriented pizzeria and the other part as a full-service, seafood-oriented restaurant. Know of another Winthrop summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Image credit: Steak at JW's Winthrop/Official Site
Worcester
Brew on the Grid — a coffee shop from former Starbucks director of operations Frank Pearce, who was the first to bring Starbucks to the Worcester area — opened at 56 Franklin St. in late July 2016. Pearce hopes to open 35 Brew locations in the next five years, with cities like Salem and Lynn as potential expansion targets. Plus, Dacosta's Pizza Bakery is slated to open in August at 40 Millbrook St. with Neapolitan pizzas and the restaurant's "version of the sandwich" called the panuozzo, "a cross between a calzone and a pita." Know of another Worcester summer opening that should be on our radar? Let us know.
Photo: Boston skyline/Marcio Jose Bastos Silva on Shutterstock