Fiorella’s Trattoria
Fiorella’s Trattoria is expanding into the former Papa Wheelies bike shop next door, adding 47 seats to bring indoor capacity to nearly 90. The expansion was approved by Wellesley Select Board on December 16.
Up & Atom Coffee Co.
Coffee shop planning to open in Downtown Crossing, taking over ground-floor space inside the Genesis lab and office building. Will serve as amenity for building while welcoming public. Features coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, and breakfast options.
Sorella
Tuscan Brands opening Sorella restaurant featuring elevated versions of their beloved dishes including signature Bolognese, lobster pizza, and scratch-made pastas. Design emphasizes softer, feminine aesthetic with expanded bar and flexible private dining spaces.
Common Craft
Multi-concept food hall and speakeasy expanding from Burlington Mall to South Boston. Features scratch kitchen, taprooms, and cocktail bar with globally inspired pub fare and craft beverages.
Urban Hearth
Michelin-recommended Urban Hearth is moving to a bigger location in Inman Square, more than triple the size of current 24-seat location. Will feature chef’s counter, dedicated bar, and about 30 seats in dining room. Owner is James Beard Foundation Award finalist.
Caspian Persian Cuisine
New Persian restaurant from experienced restaurateurs Moe Tehrani and chef Hadi Eghbali, replacing former Shiraz Persian Restaurant. Will feature authentic Persian dishes including kebabs, soups, stews, and various meat dishes with vegetarian options. Over 60 indoor seats plus outdoor patio.
Novo Lantern
Asian fusion restaurant concept by husband-and-wife team So Lim Ting and Yingqi Su, replacing Nan Xiang Express. Menu features creative cross-cultural dishes like Sichuan tuna tartare, kale dumplings, and dandan gnocchi. Sit-down restaurant with under 50 seats, soup dumpling station, minor renovations underway.
Centre Squeeze
Grab-and-go spot focused on fresh juices, smoothies, superfruit bowls, coffee and espresso including Greek Freddo Espresso. Owner is a Cambridge School of Culinary Arts graduate. Plans to operate 7am-7pm daily.
Lone Star Taco Bar
Lone Star Taco Bar will join Eastern Edge Food Hall in Kendall Square. Known for modern Tex-Mex street food including tacos, tortas, tostadas, and small plates. Owned by Aaron Sanders and Max Toste who also operate locations in Allston and Cambridge.
Pho Town
Vietnamese restaurant brand planning third location in former Burrito Loco space. Connection to existing Pho Town locations in Medford and Brockton unclear.