Sign up for The Dish
Stay up to date on the latest food and drink news from Boston.com.
5 best new restaurant openings and dining updates in Boston (Jan. 8, 2026)
Stay up to date on the best new restaurants, recent openings, and the biggest dining updates across Greater Boston's food scene.
The new year is already off to a great start when it comes to restaurant openings and fresh updates in Greater Boston’s dining scene. In the months ahead, we have major restaurant openings from Michelin chefs and famous New York restaurateurs, as well as a swell of diverse and delicious smaller restaurants joining our neighborhoods.
Each week, Boston.com will highlight the restaurant openings worth knowing about across the region. Some spots will already be open, while others are set to debut in 2026. At least one featured restaurant will always be a bonus item — either a pop-up, a collaboration, or event at area restaurants.
Advertisement:
Want more on the latest food and drink news? Sign up for The Dish, Boston.com’s newsletter featuring the latest food and drink news, chef Q&As, deep dives on industry issues, expert tips on where to eat and drink, and more.
What’s new in Greater Boston restaurant openings this week
Common Craft
The Burlington concept known for bringing craft beverage brands and a scratch kitchen under one roof is expanding to South Boston with a different approach. Instead of four individual beverage brands bringing their products to the space, Common Craft in Southie will house a main dining room with two bars: a separate bar for craft cocktails called the Stillroom, and a space that highlights makers and producers (for example, knife makers, fishermen, and other specialties) called the Current. The owners haven’t shared any menus yet, but Common Craft will be open for dinner and weekend brunch.
Advertisement:
Opening date: Late February
235 Old Colony Ave., South Boston
Mesob
SoWa just gained a new restaurant serving Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, in addition to its full bar. Split combination plates that feature injera flatbread topped with Kitfo beef and lentil stew, or order your own classic Ethiopian dishes like the spicy Doro Wat or sautéed Tibs.
Open now (December 2025)
1746 Washington St., South End
Si Cara
Some of Cambridge’s best pizza (from chef Michael Lombardi) is now available in Southie at Si Cara’s second Greater Boston pizzeria. The pizza served here is “canotto-style,” a modern take on Neapolitan pizza known for its inflated crust, and you’ll find classic pies like a Margherita and specialty ‘zas like their shrimp scampi pizza.
Open now (January 2026)
400 W. Broadway, South Boston
Wildgrain Bakehouse
What started as a Somerville-based bread subscription box service is growing into a public storefront, where guests can purchase Wildgrain’s croissants, bagels, and pastries, without committing to the subscription service. Another offer to non-subscribers: You can grab one frozen bake-at-home bread, typically only available to subscribers.
Opening date: Early 2026
29R Properzi Way, Somerville
Bonus: Backbar new ownership
The co-founder of Somerville’s quirky, nerdy hot spot and cocktail bar has handed the baton over to new owners, who happen to be the team behind neighboring business Field & Vine. New ownership promises the vibe won’t change, according to a Boston Magazine article.
Advertisement:
Change date: December 2025
7 Sanborn Court, Somerville
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com