The Fig City News restaurant directory has grown from 147 entries in May 2023 to 159 today — a net gain of 12 restaurants. That gain is the result of at least five closures and roughly 18 new additions over the past two and a half years.
Closures and their replacements
The Dooliner Irish Pub and Restaurant opened at 473 West Street in Nonantum in March 2024 in the former Cafe Martin space. Founder Seamus Queally, who hails from Doolin in County Clare, Ireland, brings traditional Irish pub fare to the village. Cafe Martin closed at the end of 2023 after 43 years. Cafe Martin Owner Nick Nichols cited “the ever-increasing cost of doing business.”
Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory is in soft opening in Newton Centre replacing Jake’s Falafel Corner. Formosa participated in the Newton Centre Holiday Shop & Stroll in early December as part of its soft launch at 740A Beacon Street, as building permits are pending closure. Retiring City Councilor Rick Lipof was at the store for takeout on Friday afternoon and resolved to look into the delays for owner Kristina Pan.
Scafidi Bros. Market & Deli launched in April at 1134 Beacon Street in Newton Highlands in the space occupied by Avenue Deli. Brothers Ted and Andy Scafidi named sandwiches after family members, including “The Bernie” for their 83-year-old uncle. The family includes 46 grandchildren.
Luna’s Cakes + Coffee opened in October at 1269 Centre Street in Newton Centre in the space previously occupied by Starbucks. Sisters Valentina and Valeria Restrepo, Colombian-American Newton residents, named the bakery after their childhood dog. Everything is made from scratch.
Closures not yet replaced
The most recent closure was Lavender Café in West Newton, which opened in May in the former L’Aroma space at 15 Spencer Street and closed August 31 after less than four months. Co-owners Naisbel Azarak and Haylee Kulig said in a statement: “After exhausting all resources and possibilities, and understanding that the risk of staying open was higher than the potential benefits, we had to make the hardest decision ever for us.”
Moldova Restaurant in Nonantum served its final meal on December 29, 2024 after nine years. Owner Tamara Kats cited rising costs: “Business conditions in 2024 have made it unfeasible to continue operating.” In a 2023 Fig City News article on outdoor dining, then-general manager Artur Andronic had described how the patio “gave a sense of hope” during the pandemic.
Bocca Bella Cafe in Auburndale closed in November 2024 after 14 years. Owner Anthony Vega said in a GoFundMe post that they were unable to secure a long-term lease from the landlord.
New additions
Fast-casual options CAVA at 220 Boylston Street, Lab 13 Handroll at 210 Boylston Street, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream have opened in 2024-2025 in the Chestnut Hill retail area along Route 9.
Nonantum Press Room and a Popeyes have opened in the Nonantum.
Milestone anniversaries
Blue Ribbon Barbecue in West Newton marked its 30th anniversary this year. The restaurant still uses its original J&R smoker from Mesquite, Texas.
Thistle & Leek in Newton Centre, celebrated its fifth anniversary in May, received Michelin Guide recognition in November, one of only 26 Greater Boston restaurants honored in the guide’s inaugural Boston edition. Chef-owners Kate and Trevor Smith opened the Union Street gastropub during the pandemic in 2020. In that 2023 outdoor dining article, the Smiths noted that al fresco dining “very literally allowed us to stay open” during Covid.
What’s next…
Amarin of Thailand, the Thai restaurant that operated in Wellesley for 36 years before closing in July 2025, is preparing to reopen at 313 Walnut Street in Newtonville in early 2026.
Wonder, a tech-driven food hall concept, is planned for 170 Needham Street in early 2026.
Fig City News interactive restaurant directory
The Fig City News searchable restaurant directory is available through the Fig City News app, which includes a “spin the wheel” feature for the indecisive diner. The directory is also accessible on the Fig City News website under “Look for” at the Where to eat page.
